Royal Caribbean's Kid Sale Free: Is it Really a Good Deal?

Royal Caribbean’s "Kids Sail Free" promotion seems like a dream for families—children cruising without paying for their fare. But is this deal as good as it sounds? Let's explore the details to unveil the real story behind this enticing offer.

Promo Basics

Royal Caribbean frequently offers "Kids Sail Free" on select sailings. Children aged 12 or younger, as third, fourth, or even fifth guests in a cabin on specific four-night or longer sailings, qualify for free cruise fare.

Blackout Dates

The catch? Blackout dates. Major school holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, Easter, and summer months, are often excluded from the offer.

Booking Dynamics

The first two passengers pay the regular fare, while the third or fourth (children aged 12 or younger) in the same room enjoy the free cruise fare. However, additional charges like port fees, taxes, and gratuities still apply.

Find an Eligible Kids Sail Free Cruise Here

Comparing Costs

Careful comparison is crucial. Ensure the cabin types match when calculating costs for different passenger counts. Suite bookings often demonstrate more significant savings due to fewer subcategories and higher per-person savings compared to lower cabins.

Sharing Space

Traveling with kids means sharing a cabin. While it's a cost-saving opportunity, it can come with challenges—early bedtimes and shared space might require some adjustments.

Alternatives and Considerations

Other cruise lines, like MSC and Norwegian, offer similar promos, each with its nuances. Evaluating offers based on cabin types, blackout dates, and overall savings is crucial. Sometimes, bypassing "Kids Sail Free" might be more beneficial based on your family's needs and cruise options.

Royal Caribbean's "Kids Sail Free" is undoubtedly a tempting deal, but it's essential to dive into the details, compare costs accurately, and consider the blackout dates before finalizing your booking. If you find a sailing that qualifies and your kids are able to sail with you, this can be a big money saver for your family on your next cruise.