By Alexis Berger
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Cruise vacations are particularly alluring for families. Once you board, there are various activities and attractions for everyone to enjoy, including kids’ clubs, live entertainment and a wide variety of food options. Because everything is on the same ship, parents aren’t left to painstakingly plan every detail of the trip beforehand.
To sweeten the deal further, certain cruise lines seem to cater directly to families with kid-friendly programming and eye-catching promotions, like “kids sail free.”
But actually getting the best deal may not be as simple as clicking on an advertised rate. With taxes, gratuities and onboard spending to consider—not to mention that pesky fine print that seems to caveat the best-sounding deals—understanding how to get the lowest price is important.
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Also crucial for securing the best cruise vacation for your family is weighing the difference between low price and high value—and some cruise lines consistently offer strong value for families.
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Which Cruise Lines Tend to Be Cheapest for Families?
Some cruise lines are known for being notably budget-friendly for families, like Carnival and MSC. Certain midrange options, like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, and even premium brands, like Disney, often run promotions that make them a great value to families, even if the total cost isn’t the absolute cheapest cruise booking available.
For example, even if you aren’t getting the cheapest fare on the Internet, perks like included excursions, Wi-Fi packages and room upgrades may meaningfully lower your overall trip cost while also elevating your vacation experience. Deciding which cruise best suits your family and your wallet is a matter of personal choice. Ultimately, it’s best to have all of the information so you can make the most informed selection.
Why the Cheapest Cruise Fare Isn't Always the Cheapest Trip
Plenty of cruise lines have shockingly low fares, but before you celebrate winning the cruise lottery, make sure to consider the price of a specific itinerary for your whole party—and don’t forget to estimate those onboard extras. For instance, many base fares exclude taxes, port fees and gratuity, which can total to hundreds of dollars per person. Multiply those hundreds of dollars by the number of people in your family, and the bill adds up quickly.
Then, consider the money you may spend during your trip beyond your booking, especially if you don’t buy extras like a Wi-Fi package, drink package or excursions with your initial booking. Some cruises bundle a number of these benefits (in addition to things like room upgrades and onboard credits) as part of booking. In this case, those fares may not be the cheapest but may save you money on your overall trip.
“Looking at base fare alone can be tempting,” Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, told Newsweek. “[But] beyond the fares, see if there are any added perks that sweeten the pot—things you know you'll actually use, like Wi-Fi, onboard credit or even a cabin upgrade that gets you some more space at no extra charge. Those offers can really pay off in the long run, and help to save on the cost of your final bill."
Do ‘Kids Sail Free Promotions’ Actually Save Money?
Some cruise lines offer promotions where kids sail for free, which sounds like a great money-saver—and it certainly can be.
However, as is true with any promotion, it’s important to understand the fine print. For example, many brands specify that the promotion only applies to certain dates and certain trip lengths, and blackout dates apply. Some limit the promotion to bookings that also include two full-price adult passengers, while also specifying only third and fourth passengers in the room qualify, meaning only two kids per booking with two adults can be free. And nearly all exclude taxes, fees and gratuities, which can total to a meaningful expense.
"Kids sail free promotions can definitely save money, as the child's fare is discounted or waived under the promotion, but you still have to do your due diligence,” says McDaniel. “While these promotions can be a great way to save, it's worth taking a close look at the final price to make sure you're getting the best deal."
How Families Can Keep Cruise Costs Down
Ultimately, getting the best price for your family cruise isn’t necessarily as simple as finding the cheapest base fare.
You’ll want to compare total trip costs, including taxes, fees and gratuity; onboard extras like specialty dining and drinks; excursions; and any added value that might be worth a higher spend.
“When you're traveling as a family, finding a ship that suits your needs is so much more important than scoring just the cheapest deal,” says McDaniel. “You want to make sure there's enough for everyone to enjoy onboard—from food and activities to entertainment and cabin layout. So before even looking at fares, try to narrow down a few ships that you feel really good about.”
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