Find Affordable Family Vacations With “Kids Sail Free” Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruises “Kids Sail Free” Deals
By Erica Moody | Published on August 13, 2025
Family vacations can get pricey, but Royal Caribbean “Kids Sail Free” cruises are an excellent solution. This promotion is one of the features the family-friendly cruise line is known for — but to take advantage of the offer, you have to know where to look. Read ahead for details on how and when to book, any taxes and fees involved, if your family qualifies and what’s included in children’s cruise deals.
What Is Included And Not Included In A “Kids Sail Free” Cruise Deal
The Royal Caribbean “Kids Sail Free” promotion essentially means that a base cruise fare for kids 12 or under is included if the child is staying in the same stateroom as two full-paying adults. It only applies to certain sail dates, and blackout dates apply.
What Kids Get For Free On A “Kids Sail Free” Cruise
So what exactly do kids get for free on a “Kids Sail Free” deal? For starters, they get a free bed, bunk bed or pull-out sofa in a four-person stateroom. The free cruise fare also includes complimentary access to most onboard dining options, so they have full rein to feast on all the pizza, chicken tenders, ice cream and soft drinks their hearts desire.
In addition to food and beverages, kids get free access to most of the ship’s fun activities like water parks, rock climbing walls and games at age-specific kids clubs. If the ship stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the fare even includes access to the private island.
Keep In Mind That Restrictions And Fees Apply
The stateroom must accommodate the entire party, which can limit cabin options on some ships. Taxes, port fees and gratuities still apply for every guest (yes, even for the “free” kids), so you’ll see those charges on your bill regardless of the promotion.
The deal is only valid on cruises of three nights or longer, and not all sailings are eligible: It specifically excludes peak holiday periods like spring break, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s week, as well as some summer sailings. Also, while kids can enjoy tons of included activities onboard, extras like specialty dining and shore excursions are not included.
Kid-Friendly Amenities On A Royal Caribbean Cruise
It’s not just the savings that make Royal Caribbean an appealing choice for families — it’s everything packed into the ships themselves. From its wide range of dining options to its dedicated kids’ clubs to its record-breaking aerial attractions, being on a Royal Caribbean ship is akin to entering a playground at sea, making it one of the best cruise lines for families.
Family-Friendly Ships For Affordable Family Vacations
Kids will never utter the dreaded words “I’m bored” on a Royal Caribbean ship. When planning family cruises, the hardest decision may be which Royal Caribbean journey to take. And while every Royal Caribbean ship boasts numerous family-friendly features, some are geared more towards an action-packed, adventurous getaway, while others are better suited to a relaxing retreat. But rest assured that any ship you select will bring the family closer together.
Have A Nonstop Family Adventure On These Thrilling Ships
Book one of the largest and newest Royal Caribbean ships for record-breaking thrills like the largest water park at sea (to be found on its newest ship, Star of the Seas, and its sister ship, predecessor Icon of the Seas). The park has six record-breaking slides, including Pressure Drop, the first open free-fall waterslide at sea. Both ships accommodate more than 5,600 guests each and also feature Adrenaline Peak, a towering 40‑foot rock-climbing wall with multiple routes for different skill levels — ideal for family fun!
The first Royal Caribbean ships to introduce neighborhood-style layouts, Wonder of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas, offer up variety at every turn. Marvel at the Ultimate Abyss (a dramatic 10-story dry slide), FlowRider surf simulators, dual rock climbing walls and a zip line soaring nine decks high. Oasis of the Seas adds even more adrenaline with The Perfect Storm, a trio of twisting waterslides.
Relax And Connect With Family On These Serene Ships
For families seeking a slower pace — without sacrificing fun — smaller ships like Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas offer a laid-back alternative to the action-packed megaships. These Radiance-class ships, featuring open layouts with floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive ocean views, are designed with a more intimate, calming atmosphere.
Pools and whirlpools remain a central gathering spot, and you’ll find mini-golf courses, sports courts and rock-climbing walls that provide just enough adventure to keep kids and teens entertained without overwhelming the itinerary. In the evenings, families gather for movie nights under the stars, Broadway-style musical theater productions, live music in the atrium and casual dining venues that cater to family tastes. Adventure Ocean youth programming gives kids a supervised space of their own while parents slip away to the spa or the cocktail lounge.
How To Find Children’s Cruises And Maximize Your Savings
Ready to find a “Kids Sail Free” deal and book your cost-saving getaway? Make the most of the promotion by knowing where to look, when to search and how to potentially save even more on your cruise travels.
How To Get Started Booking The Best “Kids Sail Free” Cruise For You
Start by heading online to royalcaribbean.com/cruise-deals and filter for the popular search item “Kids Sail Free” to ensure your search only shows eligible sailings. You’ll typically find these promotions a few times a year, often lasting through a month-long window. Sign up for Royal Caribbean email alerts and follow its social channels so you're among the first to learn of new deals and seasonal announcements.
Once a “Kids Sail Free” deal is live, booking early is key. Aim to book at least six months in advance, especially if you're eyeing a four-person stateroom or a specific family-friendly ship — these cabins fill up quickly.
Combine Offers For Additional Savings On Family Cruises
A “Kids Sail Free” promotion can be combined with other offers, most notably the BOGO60 (which gives you 60% off the second adult fare) and occasional “kicker” bonuses or onboard credit deals. For example, if BOGO60 is active, two adults sail at full fare and full minus 60%, while kids sail free.
Book Your Next Affordable Family Vacation Now
When you account for the money saved on hotels, transportation, entertainment and food, cruises can be an excellent value compared to a land-based vacation. The deal gets even better when you take advantage of promotions like “Kids Sail Free,” which applies to some of the most adventure-packed family voyages at sea.
Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today
Related Articles
Memory Making Western Caribbean Family Vacation Ideas
READ MORE
Discover The Best Caribbean Islands For Families
READ MORE
5 Reasons Why Cruises Are Great For Families
READ MORE
How To Make A Group Cruise Booking
READ MORE
