Family vacations at sea are becoming more popular than ever. Cruising offers a unique way for parents to unwind while children enjoy supervised fun and adventure. Among all major cruise lines, Princess Cruises stands out for its elegant atmosphere, top-notch service, and well-balanced entertainment for guests of all ages.
However, a common question among parents planning their trip is: “Does Princess Cruises charge for children?”
The short answer is yes, Princess Cruises does charge for children, but the full explanation is a bit more nuanced. Pricing depends on factors like the child’s age, the cabin type, itinerary, sailing season, and available promotions. This detailed guide will break down exactly how child fares work, what families can expect to pay, and how to make the most of a Princess Cruises vacation with kids in 2025.
Unlike some resort chains or a few cruise lines that occasionally allow “kids sail free” promotions, Princess Cruises operates on a per-person pricing model. This means every guest in a cabin — regardless of age — is considered a paying passenger.
However, the rate for children is usually lower than the full adult fare, especially when they are the third or fourth passenger in the same stateroom. For example, if two adults book a cabin, any additional guests (including children) typically pay a reduced third or fourth passenger rate.
The actual discount percentage can vary, but it’s often between 25% and 75% off the standard fare, depending on demand and the specific cruise itinerary.
It’s also important to note that infants and toddlers are not free — even babies under two years old are charged a fare, although at a lower rate. Princess Cruises requires every passenger, regardless of age, to be listed on the ship’s manifest and occupy a berth (bed).
When booking a cruise with Princess, you might not find a specific “child fare” listed as such. Instead, pricing is structured around the number of occupants in a stateroom:
First and Second Guests: Always pay the full fare.
Third and Fourth Guests: Receive a discounted rate, which applies to children and sometimes additional adults.
This approach means families can often save money by sharing a stateroom instead of booking separate rooms. It’s a practical option for parents traveling with younger kids, as most standard cabins can accommodate up to four people.
Princess Cruises welcomes babies aged six months and older (or 12 months for longer voyages such as transoceanic or remote itineraries). Infants under six months are not permitted on board for safety reasons.
While many parents assume that babies might sail free or at a nominal charge, that’s not the case. Infants must pay a third or fourth guest fare, similar to older children, though it’s typically lower.
In addition, parents traveling with babies should account for extra expenses like:
Diapers, wipes, and formula (not sold onboard)
Crib or Pack 'n Play (available on request, but limited)
Bottle warmers or sterilizers (not provided by the cruise line)
Therefore, even though babies are charged, the convenience and family-friendly environment often justify the cost for many parents.
Princess Cruises rarely offers “kids sail free” deals. This type of promotion is more common among family-oriented cruise lines like MSC Cruises or Norwegian.
However, Princess occasionally runs special promotions that indirectly reduce the total cost of family travel. These include:
Reduced third and fourth passenger fares
Free or discounted onboard credit for families
Early booking discounts for select sailings
Loyalty offers for returning guests or members of the Princess Captain’s Circle program
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, watching for seasonal sales — especially in January (“Wave Season”) or during summer promotions — can lead to significant savings.
Even though the fare covers the basics like meals, accommodations, and most entertainment, parents should budget for additional costs related to children. These include:
Shore Excursions: Optional but highly recommended for families. Excursions have separate charges, though kids’ prices are sometimes discounted.
Specialty Dining: Meals in specialty restaurants (like Crown Grill or Sabatini’s) incur an extra charge, though children often pay a reduced fee or can order from the kids’ menu.
Beverage Packages: Kids’ drink packages (soda or juice) are optional add-ons. As of 2025, the “Coffee & Soda” package or “Zero-Alcohol Package” is available at a daily rate.
Wi-Fi Packages: Not included for all fares unless booked with the Princess Plus or Princess Premier plans.
Babysitting Services: Princess Cruises does not provide in-cabin babysitting, but they offer group childcare in youth centers during the evenings for a small hourly fee.
Families traveling with children should pay attention to cabin configurations and occupancy limits. Standard cabins on Princess ships typically accommodate two to four passengers, depending on the category.
For families of three or four, the third and fourth berths are often fold-down bunk beds or pull-out sofas. If you have a larger family, booking connecting staterooms or family suites (available on select ships) might be more comfortable.
Here’s what families can expect:
Interior cabins: Most affordable option; compact but practical for short trips.
Balcony cabins: Great for families who want fresh air and private outdoor space.
Mini-suites or suites: Larger living areas, better for families needing extra space or privacy.
Some families also choose to book adjacent cabins — one for parents, one for kids — but this usually means paying full fare for both rooms.
Princess Cruises sets specific minimum age requirements for infants and children:
Infants (6–12 months): Allowed on shorter itineraries (less than 12 days).
Infants (12+ months): Allowed on all itineraries, including transoceanic or exotic voyages.
Children under 16: Must share a stateroom with an adult aged 21 or older.
Teens aged 16–17: Can occupy a separate stateroom if adjacent to their parents’ cabin.
These policies ensure safety and compliance with maritime regulations.
A big advantage of cruising with Princess is that most onboard entertainment and dining are included, even for younger passengers. Parents won’t have to pay extra for basic fun and food.
Here’s what’s included for kids:
Complimentary meals in main dining rooms and buffet restaurants
24-hour room service (with limited menu)
Access to youth and teen clubs
Movies Under the Stars — a signature Princess experience
Pools, hot tubs, and sports courts
Family trivia, games, and craft sessions
The only costs parents might incur are for optional activities (like arcade games, spa treatments, or premium desserts).
Princess Cruises is known for its award-winning youth and teen programs, which provide structured activities for kids aged 3 to 17. These programs are included in the fare, offering parents valuable peace of mind.
1. The Treehouse (Ages 3–7)A forest-themed play area with arts and crafts, storytelling, movie time, and interactive games. Children must be potty-trained to participate.
2. The Lodge (Ages 8–12)This area is designed like a cozy mountain retreat, featuring sports tournaments, science experiments, and scavenger hunts.
3. The Beach House (Ages 13–17)A stylish lounge for teens with music, games, karaoke, and parties — all supervised by trained youth staff.
Each program runs throughout the day, allowing parents to enjoy adult-only areas while kids have fun in a safe environment.
While daytime programs are included in the fare, evening group babysitting is available for a nominal fee. Known as the “Late Night Group Kidsitting” service, it operates from around 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. for children aged 3–12.
The cost is typically USD 5 per hour per child, billed directly to your onboard account. This service is popular among parents who want to attend shows, enjoy a romantic dinner, or relax at the spa.
Princess Cruises understands that family dining can be both joyful and challenging. To accommodate all tastes and schedules, the line offers several flexible dining options:
Anytime Dining: Choose when and where to eat, ideal for families with small kids.
Traditional Dining: Set dining times for those who prefer routine.
Buffet (Horizon Court or World Fresh Marketplace): Kid-friendly variety available daily.
Casual Poolside Eats: Pizza, burgers, and ice cream served all day.
Many dishes cater specifically to children, with smaller portions, familiar ingredients, and allergen-friendly options.
If parents opt for specialty restaurants, Princess offers children’s menus and reduced prices to make family dining affordable even in premium venues.
Even though Princess Cruises charges for children, smart planning can help families save significantly. Here are practical tips to lower overall expenses:
Book early: Early bird pricing usually includes better discounts on third and fourth passengers.
Look for family packages: Occasionally, Princess offers “Princess Plus” bundles that include Wi-Fi, beverages, and gratuities — great value for families.
Travel during off-peak seasons: Fares are lower outside of school holidays.
Use loyalty benefits: Returning passengers may qualify for onboard credit or discounted rates.
Choose shorter itineraries: 3–7 day cruises are more budget-friendly and ideal for families with young kids.
Share one cabin: Maximizing occupancy can reduce the cost per person.
Limit extras: Skip unnecessary purchases like arcade tokens or premium desserts to stay on budget.
Parents comparing family cruise options often weigh the cost against child-friendly amenities. Here’s how Princess stacks up:
Cruise LineKids Sail FreeChild FaresBabysittingKids ClubStyle
Princess CruisesRareReduced 3rd/4th faresYes (Group sitting)YesElegant, family-welcoming
Royal CaribbeanOccasionallyDiscountedYesYesAdventure-focused
Carnival Cruise LineSometimesReducedYesYesFun and casual
Disney Cruise LineNoFull fareLimitedYesPremium family experience
MSC CruisesFrequentFree under certain agesYesYesEuropean family focus
Princess Cruises is often considered a refined but family-accommodating brand, offering a balance between adult sophistication and child-friendly facilities.
Let’s take a look at a sample cost breakdown for a family of four (two adults, two children) on a 7-night Caribbean cruise with Princess in 2025:
Base fare (2 adults): $1,200 per person = $2,400
Third & Fourth passenger rate (2 kids): $600 per child = $1,200
Taxes and fees: Approx. $150 per person = $600
Optional extras (packages, excursions, gratuities): $800–$1,000
Estimated total: $4,000–$4,200 for a week-long family cruise.
While that’s not cheap, it’s competitive compared to all-inclusive resorts when you consider lodging, meals, and entertainment are bundled together.
Absolutely — if you’re looking for a blend of relaxation, education, and family fun. While Princess Cruises may not market itself as heavily toward kids as Disney or Carnival, it offers a high-quality experience that appeals to multi-generational travelers.
Parents appreciate the balance between adult sophistication and family inclusivity. Kids love the programs, pools, and adventure activities. Grandparents enjoy the comfort, dining, and slower pace.
It’s a cruise line where the entire family can create lasting memories without sacrificing comfort or elegance.
To summarize — yes, Princess Cruises does charge for children, but often at a discounted rate as third or fourth passengers in the same stateroom. Babies, toddlers, and teens all count as paying guests, though the experience provided justifies the price.
From youth clubs and family-friendly dining to onboard entertainment and safety, Princess Cruises ensures that children have a memorable vacation at sea. For families seeking both relaxation and enrichment, it remains one of the best cruise options available in 2025.
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