When booking a cruise, a great money saver to look out for is a deal where kids go free. Cruise lines have started to realize how popular their charters are with families, so they are looking for ways to encourage them aboard. Cruise lines where kids can sail for free abound. These include Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Disney Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises.
Always check the small print when booking any of these deals, as there may still be flight fees, insurance, taxes, transfers, and other administration costs. They may not be offered on every liner either, so speak to an agent or check the website when you book to get the best price possible. Don’t worry if there are no free kid’s places available on your chosen cruise either, as there are other ways you can save on a family trip.
Other ways to save money on a family cruise
It’s not just the best deals for children sailing free that can help reduce the price of your family’s cruise; you can also look for liners with extra beds in the cabins. This means you may be able to share a space without spending money on another cabin or a larger room. To save money on transport, drive to the cruise port, especially if it’s a busy season and flights are more expensive.
When you arrive at your port stops, don’t book excursions with your cruise operator; instead, arrange your own activities to save money. If you do this, it’s important to keep track of the departure times of your cruise so you can return with plenty of time to spare and avoid missing your ship. When it comes to eating, avoid the specialty restaurants and visit the buffet, which is included in the price. This also means expensive food or drink specials won’t tempt your kids. If you find a cruise with plenty of exciting things going on, your kids should be thoroughly entertained throughout your sail anyway.
What to look for on a family cruise
When you’re going on the water, there are enough things to think about, such as how to pack perfectly for your cruise vacation without worrying about whether your kids will be entertained. That is why it is best to consider the activities included for children in advance to avoid paying extra fees later on. One of the best budget-friendly cruise lines that kids will love is P&O Cruises. This is because kid’s clubs for different ages and a night nursery service are all part of the package.
Some cruise liners also offer kid’s food buffets, playgrounds, pools with waterslides, golf courses, rock climbing, cinemas, family shows, and even surf simulators! Your cruise may have a family room or library stocked with children’s books, board games, and even arts and crafts. If you choose your cruise wisely, your children will leave with big smiles on their faces at no extra cost to your bank balance.
