Are you looking to take your family on a cruise in 2024? There are lots of promotions to help make a cruise vacation more affordable.
A couple of the top cruise lines offer Kids Sail Free sales throughout the year, as well as other deals to help save you money.
While some cruise lines don’t offer specific discounts for kids, they have other promotions that can help stretch your budget even further, with third and fourth guests sailing free. Complimentary wi-fi and extra onboard credit are always welcome benefits for any cruiser, too.
To help you figure out what's best for your cruise vacation, we have broken down the best deals by cruise line and what makes them an excellent choice for your family.
MSC Cruises Kids Sail Free deals
One of the best advantages of sailing with MSC Cruises is their Kids Sail Free program, which runs all year long. Price can be a make-it-or-break-it factor for many families, and this promotion helps make cruising more affordable, regardless of when you cruise.
How does it work? Children under 18 travel for free as long as they are in the same cabin as their parents. Port taxes, registration costs, insurance, flights, and transfers are extra. Note that MSC Yacht Club staterooms are excluded from this program, though.
In addition, the European cruise line has several other promotions, such as free Wi-Fi, drinks, and up to $400 of onboard credit, all of which can make a family cruise even more affordable. The amount of onboard credit you end up receiving is dependent on when you book, as well as what stateroom category you book, as interior cabins tend to receive less than balconies.
Why choose MSC Cruises for a family cruise?
MSC Cruises is known for its signature European flair and sailings all over the world. However, some may be surprised to know that they are also a great option for a family cruise and have numerous sailings within North America.
Onboard kids will love all the activities, including waterparks, slides, plenty of sports, and complimentary kids' clubs. An F1 simulator, bowling, VR Maze, video games, and 4D Cinema are some of the cool things to do, although an extra fee applies to some activities.
Whether you have a picky toddler or a starving teenager, MSC has it covered with a wide range of buffets, main dining, and specialty options. Buffets have a dedicated Kids’ Corner with a variety of foods, including pasta, daily specials, healthy choices, Mediterranean dining, international cuisine, and desserts. There are even food selections for some of the youngest sailors between 6-12 months old. MSC caters to various diet requirements, including vegetarian and gluten-free, too.
Read more: Why MSC Cruises is a great option for a family cruise
Royal Caribbean Kids Sail Free deals
Royal Caribbean is well known for being a fantastic cruise line for families, offering numerous promotions throughout the year. While they do offer kids sail free deals throughout the year, there's no way of knowing when.
Unlike MSC Cruises, their kids sail free deal is a little bit different, as it only applies to kids 12 or younger, and they will still need to pay for taxes, port fees, and any extra onboard charges. There are some blackout dates, which unfortunately correspond to several school holiday breaks in the United States. Additionally, the children often must be the third and fourth passengers in a stateroom, meaning that it's unlikely that you'll be able to book two separate cabins and receive the discount.
Another option to get around those pesky blackout dates is to look for a general cruise fare discount. Throughout the year, they'll offer a certain percentage off the cruise fare, such as 30%. While it is not the same as getting a free fare for your children, it does help to reduce the total amount spent!
At the time of writing (December 2023), Royal Caribbean is offering a kids sail free deal for bookings made through January 2, 2024.
The block-out dates include all holiday sailings that depart between December 16, 2024 and January 5, 2024; December 20, 2024 through January 3, 2025; and December 18, 2025 – January 6, 2026. The kids sail free deal also excludes spring break sailings that depart on March 8, 2024 – March 22, 2024; March 7, 2025 – March 28, 2025; March 6, 2026 – April 9, 2026, Holy Week/Easter sailings departing March 22, 2024 – April 4, 2024; and April 12, 2025 – April 24, 2025, as well as summer sailings that depart on May 22, 2024 – August 30, 2024; and May 22, 2025 – August 29, 2025.
Specific Alaska sailings are excluded, too, such as the Radiance Alaska Cruise Tour sailings departing May 17, 2024 – September 13, 2024; May 16, 2025 – September 12, 2025.
Why choose Royal Caribbean for a family cruise?
Royal Caribbean has some of the biggest ships in the world, making it the perfect option for families wanting a wide selection of amenities and affordability. Its Oasis and Icon Class ships, in particular, have tons of thrills onboard with high-energy activities such as rock climbing, zip-lining, ice skating, and plenty of sports. Waterparks and epic slides are part of the Royal experience, such as the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea at 216 feet, spanning 10 decks, as well as the Category 6 Water Park on Icon Class ships that include six record-breaking water slides at sea.
Younger kids can enjoy the complimentary kids' clubs, splash pads, or the fun-filled Boardwalk with a carousel. In the evening, they can watch movies, incredible diving shows at the aqua theatre, or renowned Broadway musicals and other live productions.
The main dining room and buffet provide tons of choices and are great at accommodating differing palettes and dietary needs. Popular venues include Park Café and their famous roast beef sandwich, or pizza at Sorrento's. Hot dogs and hamburgers by the pool are always a good choice. Afterward, you can get some self-service ice cream, which is definitely a teen favorite.
Read more: 10 Things Royal Caribbean does well
Holland America Kids Sail Free deals
Holland America Line may not immediately spring to mind for family cruising, but the cruise line does offer some significant savings with their current Kids Cruise Free sale. Their current promotion applies to kids 18 and under on select sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, and Mexico. Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional.
In addition, the cruise line is currently running a promotion of up to 40% off fares with a balcony upgrade.
Why choose Holland America for a family cruise?
Originally a Dutch company, Holland America Line is now part of the Carnival family and continues to grow with the launch of the MS Rotterdam in 2021.
Their fleet sails throughout the world from Antarctica to Asia, offering over 500 itineraries, ideal for families who want to travel to somewhere more exotic, rather than exploring the same islands in the Caribbean. Additionally, they are known for their immersive experiences for those families who wish to learn more about where they are visiting through food, culture, and excursions.
Holland America Line's youth activities program, Club HAL, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. Onboard they can join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games, and themed parties.
Holland America has dining options to suit everyone. Families can enjoy their world-class cuisine, but they also have kid-friendly dining at onboard restaurants; kids can enjoy mac and cheese, pizza, and more from our kids' menu or order half portions from the main menu to discover new dishes.
Norwegian Cruise Line Deals and promotions
Norwegian Cruise Line has a dizzying array of booking promotions to help families save on their cruise vacation. While not technically Kids Sail Free programs, they provide serious discounts for additional guests sailing in a cabin.
Currently, NCL is offering perks from their "Free at Sea" program, where you can opt to receive free guests, as well as additional benefits like free drink packages, Wi-Fi, and more.
Of course, you're still responsible for paying all gratuities, taxes, and fees.
Why choose Norwegian Cruise Line for a family cruise?
With its growing fleet and wide range of activities and amenities, Norwegian Cruise Line lends itself to easy-going, relaxed family vacations, with a nice blend of activities and entertainment.
Whether it's a race around a speedway, g-force slides, the ultimate ropes course, or engaging fun kids' clubs and sports, there is tons of fun to be had. Families can partake in classic game shows like the Price is Right, or try the Galaxy Pavilion, a high-tech games venue that looks like something from the future.
One great feature for families is Norwegian’s flexible dining philosophy, as you show up when you want. This appeals to many guests who don't want to be tied to dining schedules. Coupled with casual dress codes, this cruise line is made for relaxing.
Norwegian offers a bevy of dining options, too, including a buffet, main dining room, and plenty of specialty options from classic pub food to Japanese, Mexican, and lots of other options such as dinner theatre. Kids 12 and under eat free from the complimentary kids' menu at all specialty restaurants.
Carnival Cruise Line Deals and promotions
Carnival does not currently run child-specific discounts; however, they have a number of promotions throughout the year that make cruising more affordable for families. They also have some excellent value cruise fares.
At the time of writing, for instance, the cruise line was offering up to $50 in onboard credit, as well as free room upgrades and reduced deposits of only $50 per person. With cruises to The Bahamas starting at $279 per person, you're sure to find a great deal on a Carnival cruise for your family.
Why choose Carnival Cruise Line for a family cruise?
Carnival is best known for providing fun with affordability. They have a large fleet, tons of different ship options, and fantastic prices. Carnival lives up to its reputation for fun with numerous activities, including its BOLT roller coaster and plenty of sports activities.
There are numerous onboard activities, such as live productions, game show fun with Family Feud Live, a comedy club, dine-in movies, and deck parties. Cruisers won't go hungry with lots of dining choices, either, such as the buffet and main dining room. Their newest ships, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, have 20+ dining options, something for everyone. They also have partnered with a number of high-profile celebrities to bring some unique venues.
Favorites include Big Chicken, from the legendary basketball player, Shaquille O’Neal, Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer. Guy Fieri has a couple of inclusive and specialty restaurants across the fleet, too. Kids and families also love 24-hour-a-day Pizza Delivery or enjoy the whimsical Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast.
Disney Cruise Line Deals and promotions
Disney Cruise Line is not well known for having sales on its cruise fares, which tend to be at a premium price. In addition to some random deals, Disney also offers some resident-specific promotions that include up to 35% off for Canadian and Florida residents on select itineraries on the Disney Dream, Wonder, and Fantasy.
In order to score a deal on a Disney cruise, flexibility is key, as discounts only apply to specific sailings. You can, for instance, save up to 20% on two 7-night Caribbean cruises onboard Disney Fantasy that depart on February 24, 2024 and March 2, 2024.
Read more: How much does a Disney Cruise cost? (2024)
Why choose Disney Cruise Line for a family cruise?
Disney Cruise Line is somewhat of an obvious pick for families. Whether you want to hang out with a princess, venture to a world far away, partake in a Marvel adventure, or be a pirate for a night, there's oodles of fun to be had. The cruise line has upped its game with the recent introduction of its newest ship, Disney Wish.
Onboard, even the littlest of guests will have plenty to do. Complimentary kids' clubs offer an immense variety of activities and give kids a chance to hang out and enjoy age-appropriate activities. Other fun activities include waterslides, character meet and greets, and live productions of Disney favorites like The Little Mermaid. Relax and watch Disney movies, including favorites such as Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and more.
They have a wide variety of dining options, including their rotational dining options, which allow guests to visit three different themed dining venues while onboard. Disney ships also feature a dinner theatre, quick service options, and buffets to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Another bonus while sailing with Disney is that soda is included in the price of the cruise fare.
Princess Cruises Deals and promotions
The cruise line made famous by the popular 1980s hit show, the Love Boat, is much more than a ship for couples and romance. However, Princess Cruises welcomes families wanting to explore their extensive international itineraries; they offer some exclusive programming. In particular, the complimentary kids club is well done.
For cruisers hoping to get away soon, Princess Cruises currently offers up to 40% off cruise fares. This applies to numerous destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska. Even better news, only a $100 deposit is required (per person) when booking. They are also offering a free 3rd and 4th guest. While not specifically "kids sail free," you can certainly take advantage of this with your children!
Why choose Princess Cruises for a family cruise?
They offer specialized programming through their partnership with Discovery, and Animal Planet, with many unique programs and excursions. They even bring local animals onboard with their Puppies in the Piazza on Alaska cruises and Parrots in the Piazza in the Caribbean. Other activities include exploring the skies in an indoor planetarium with real-time views of planets, stars, and galaxies.
Princess offers its guests a lot of flexibility while enjoying its superb cuisine. Dine My Way is about personalizing your cruise dining experience, allowing guests to make unique dining reservations each day.
They even have next-level food delivery, with OceanNow, its onboard technology that lets you order food and drinks for delivery wherever you are on the ship, making these easy for families.
Chantal McPhee
Chantal McPhee has a great passion for travel since first venturing to the Bahamas as a child with her grandparents. Today, she loves cruising with her husband and two daughters to new places and aspires one day to do a world cruise. Living on the east coast of Canada, she shares cruising tips and information with fellow Canucks seeking a reprieve from the great white north. She also teaches business studies at a university, with a focus on strategy
