“Kids sail free” is one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular promotions, and one of the most misunderstood. Families see the headline and imagine a totally free cruise for the kids, then get surprised by taxes, fees, and gratuities. Here are the Royal Caribbean kids sail free rules explained clearly, so you know exactly what you’ll pay and how to get the most value.
Promotion terms change and vary by sailing. Always confirm the current offer details before booking.
Find the Best Royal Caribbean Family Deal
As an authorized Royal Caribbean agency, we compare kids-sail-free offers with other promotions to find your lowest total price.
What Does “Kids Sail Free” Mean?
Royal Caribbean’s kids sail free offers typically make the cruise fare free for the third and fourth guests in a cabin, often children, on eligible sailings. The first two guests pay the regular fare.
Some versions apply to any third and fourth guest regardless of age; others are limited to kids under a certain age. Read the specific promotion carefully.
What’s Free, and What Isn’t
| Cost | Third/Fourth Guest Pays? |
|---|---|
| Base cruise fare | No (free under the offer) |
| Taxes, fees, and port expenses | Yes |
| Gratuities | Yes |
| Drink packages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining | Yes |
| Excursions | Yes |
Taxes and fees can add a few hundred dollars per person, depending on the itinerary. Still, waiving the base fare can save families a lot.
Key Rules to Know
1. Third and Fourth Guests Only
The offer applies to guests three and four in the same cabin. Guests one and two pay full fare.
2. Same Cabin Required
Kids must be in the same cabin as the paying guests. If you book a second cabin, kids in that cabin don’t automatically qualify.
3. Eligible Sailings and Cabin Categories
Not every sailing or cabin is included. Some promotions apply only to certain ships, dates, or categories.
4. Booking Windows
Kids sail free promotions usually run for a limited booking period, often during wave season or other sales events.
5. Combining Offers
Kids sail free may or may not combine with other discounts. Sometimes the promotion is structured as a percentage off guests one and two plus free kids. Sometimes it replaces other offers.
6. Cabin Capacity
You need a cabin that sleeps at least three or four. Many inside and oceanview cabins do. Family cabins and suites offer more space.
Is “Kids Sail Free” Always the Best Deal?
Not necessarily. Sometimes a different promotion, like a large percentage off all guests, saves more overall, especially if the “free” offer comes with higher base fares for guests one and two. Compare total cabin price across promotions. An advisor can run these comparisons quickly.
Example Savings
A family of four in a balcony cabin on a 7-night sailing:
- Guests 1 and 2: $1,500 each = $3,000
- Guests 3 and 4 (free fare): $0
- Taxes and fees for 4 guests: about $800
- Total: about $3,800
Without the offer, guests 3 and 4 might pay $600–$1,000+ each in fare. Illustrative figures only.
Remember Gratuities
Royal Caribbean charges daily gratuities for all guests, including kids. On a 7-night cruise, that’s roughly $18–$20+ per person per day. Budget accordingly, or prepay. See cruise gratuities explained.
Tips for Families
- Book early once the promotion launches, since family cabins sell quickly.
- Choose a refundable fare if you think a better promotion could appear.
- Watch for price drops before final payment.
- Consider Adventure Ocean (the kids’ club, included) to plan your kids’ days.
- Plan for Perfect Day at CocoCay and budget for Thrill Waterpark tickets if your kids want them.
Other Family Deals to Compare
- MSC kids sail free on select sailings
- Norwegian third and fourth guest discounts
- Carnival kids deals on select sailings
See 9 best Caribbean cruises for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids really sail free on Royal Caribbean?
Their base fare can be free under the promotion, but taxes, fees, and gratuities still apply.
What age counts as a kid for this promotion?
It depends on the specific offer. Some apply to any third and fourth guest; others have age limits.
Can I apply kids sail free to an existing booking?
Sometimes, if you’re before final payment and the sailing is eligible. Ask your advisor to check.
Does kids sail free apply to suites?
It depends on the offer. Some promotions include suites; others exclude certain categories.
Find the Best Family Deal
At The Cruise Headquarters, we compare kids sail free offers with other promotions to find the lowest total price for your family. Request a free family cruise quote today.
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