Planning a family holiday at sea is exciting, but it also raises many questions—especially about cost. One of the most common questions parents ask is: Does P&O Cruises charge for children?
The short answer is yes, children are usually charged a fare, but there are many important details that affect how much you actually pay. Sometimes children can sail at a reduced price, and in certain promotions, their fare may even be free (excluding taxes and port charges).
Understanding how cruise pricing works for children helps families budget accurately and avoid surprises later. In this detailed guide, we will explore everything you need to know about children’s pricing on P&O Cruises, including:
Whether children pay full fare
What ages count as “children”
What costs are included and excluded
Kids’ clubs and entertainment
Cabin rules for families
Extra onboard expenses
Ways to save money
By the end of this article, you will have a clear picture of what it really costs to take children on a P&O cruise.
Cruise pricing is different from hotel pricing. On most cruise lines, including P&O Cruises, fares are based on per person occupancy rather than by age alone.
That means:
Every passenger in a cabin usually pays something
Children are not automatically free
The price depends on the deal available at the time of booking
Cruise fares typically include:
Accommodation
Main dining meals
Most onboard entertainment
Kids’ clubs and activities
However, they usually do not include:
Taxes and port charges
Flights (unless part of a package)
Shore excursions
Specialty dining
Drinks packages
Spa treatments
So while children may qualify for discounted fares, families still need to consider these additional costs.
In most cases, children do not pay the same full fare as adults, but they are not always free either.
P&O Cruises often runs promotions where:
The first two passengers in a cabin pay full fare (usually adults)
Third and fourth passengers (often children) pay a reduced fare
This reduced fare can range from:
A small discounted amount
To very low promotional prices
To “kids sail free” offers (excluding taxes and fees)
The actual amount depends on:
The sailing date
Demand for that cruise
Cabin category
Current promotions
For example, during school holidays or peak summer seasons, children may still cost a significant amount because demand is high. During off-peak seasons, their fare may be much lower.
P&O Cruises defines children by age categories for pricing and activities:
Infants: Under 2 years
Children: Usually 2–17 years
Adults: 18 years and above
Infants still need a ticket and must be booked as passengers, even if their fare is low. Safety regulations require every person onboard to be registered.
Children under 18:
Can travel with parents or guardians
Cannot book a cabin alone
Must follow supervision rules in certain areas of the ship
Age also affects which kids’ club or youth program they can join onboard.
Yes, P&O Cruises occasionally runs “kids sail free” or “low fare for kids” promotions.
These offers usually mean:
Children do not pay the cruise fare
Parents still pay taxes, port fees, and sometimes gratuities for children
Important conditions often apply:
A minimum of two full-fare adults in the same cabin
Limited availability
Only valid on selected sailings
Applies only to third or fourth passenger in a cabin
These promotions are popular and sell out quickly, especially for school holiday cruises.
Even when children have a discounted or free cruise fare, families must still pay:
Port charges
Government taxes
Terminal fees
These costs vary by itinerary and destination. For example:
European cruises may have higher port fees
Caribbean cruises may have different tax structures
These charges can range from a modest amount to several hundred pounds per child depending on the route.
Families usually book:
Inside cabins
Oceanview cabins
Balcony cabins
Family cabins
P&O Cruises allows children to share a cabin with adults, but there are limits on:
Maximum occupancy per cabin
Minimum age requirements
Some cabins are specially designed for families with:
Sofa beds or Pullman beds
Extra storage
More floor space
Children cannot usually occupy a cabin alone unless they are over 18. Teenagers may share with siblings but must still be linked to an adult booking.
One of the best parts of cruising with children is the included entertainment. P&O Cruises offers structured kids’ programs divided by age group.
These programs generally include:
Arts and crafts
Sports games
Dance parties
Movie nights
Treasure hunts
Educational activities
The good news is that kids’ clubs are included in the cruise fare. Parents do not pay extra for standard sessions.
However, some services may cost extra:
Late-night babysitting
Special workshops
Private babysitting (if available)
Most daytime and evening group activities are free.
Main dining rooms and buffet meals are included for all passengers, including children.
Children can:
Order from kids’ menus
Eat at buffets
Join family dining times
Specialty restaurants, such as steakhouses or fine dining venues, usually charge an additional fee per person—including children. Some restaurants offer reduced prices for kids, but this varies.
Drinks are another cost to consider. Soft drinks, mocktails, and specialty beverages are not always included unless you buy a drinks package.
Children can attend:
Theatre shows
Movie screenings
Deck parties
Family game shows
These are generally included in the fare.
However, certain experiences may cost extra:
Arcade games
Virtual reality attractions
Paid workshops
Photography packages
Parents should budget for these optional extras if their children enjoy them.
Shore excursions are not included in the base cruise fare.
Children usually pay:
The same or slightly reduced price
Depending on the excursion
Some excursions are free for young children, but many charge per participant. Families can also explore ports independently to save money.
Travel insurance is not included in cruise fares. Children must have:
Their own insurance coverage
Medical protection
Cancellation protection
Insurance costs should be added to the total holiday budget.
Cruise lines charge for children because:
Every passenger uses resources
Food, water, safety equipment, and staff are required
Port authorities charge per passenger
Insurance and regulations apply to every person onboard
Even babies require:
Life jackets
Muster station registration
Emergency planning
So while discounts are common, completely free travel for children is not always possible.
For many families, cruises can be cost-effective because:
Accommodation and meals are included
Entertainment is included
Transport between destinations is included
When children receive discounted fares, the value becomes even better. Families can visit multiple destinations without paying for separate hotels or transport.
Here are practical ways to reduce the cost of cruising with children:
Family deals sell out fast. Booking early increases the chance of securing low child fares.
Prices are much lower in term time, though this may not be possible for all families.
Family cabins or inside cabins are usually cheaper than balcony cabins.
Stick to included dining options to avoid extra costs.
Walking tours and public transport can save money.
This helps avoid buying drinks onboard.
P&O Cruises has policies for children’s safety:
Age limits for pools and spas
Supervised kids’ areas
Medical facilities onboard
Parents are responsible for ensuring their children follow safety rules. Certain areas, such as adult-only pools or spas, are restricted.
Infants are allowed on most P&O Cruises ships but must meet minimum age requirements for certain itineraries.
Facilities for babies include:
Limited baby food options
High chairs in dining rooms
Family-friendly cabins
Parents should note that:
Nappies and baby formula are not always provided
Baby equipment may need to be brought from home
Costs for infants are usually lower but still include port fees and taxes.
While adults pay the full fare, children often benefit from:
Reduced base fare
Occasional free promotions
Lower dining costs in specialty venues
However, once taxes, excursions, and extras are added, the difference may not be as large as expected.
Hidden or unexpected costs may include:
Arcade games
Ice cream bars
Souvenirs
Photo packages
Babysitting services
Parents should set a spending limit or use onboard account controls to avoid overspending.
Yes, P&O Cruises does charge for children, but the amount varies widely depending on promotions, itinerary, and cabin type. Children usually pay a reduced fare and must still pay taxes and port fees. Kids’ clubs and standard entertainment are included, making cruises a family-friendly and often cost-effective holiday option.
With the right planning, families can enjoy a cruise without breaking the budget.
Cruising with children can be a wonderful way to travel together, offering fun, relaxation, and multiple destinations in one trip. While children are not always free on P&O Cruises, there are many opportunities to reduce their cost through promotions and careful planning.
By understanding:
Fare structure
Included services
Extra costs
Age policies
Parents can confidently plan a cruise that fits their budget and expectations.
A P&O cruise can be both affordable and memorable for families, especially when booked wisely and with full knowledge of how children’s pricing works.
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