Cheap Cruises for Families
So much is included. Here is how to keep the extras in check.
Get Free Budget Cruise QuotesCheap cruises for families work because so much is included that would cost extra on land: kids’ clubs, pools and slides, shows and meals all come with the fare. The trick is to keep the family’s extras under control and to use the fare rules that favor children.
How Family Fares Work
- Third and fourth guests in a cabin usually pay less than the first two.
- Kids-sail-free offers on some lines, notably MSC, waive the cruise fare for children sharing with two adults; taxes and fees still apply.
- Taxes, port fees and gratuities are per person, so they grow with family size whatever the fare.
- Cabin capacity is limited; cabins for four or five sell first on popular weeks.
Our sister site Cruises for Children covers kids’ clubs by age and family cabins in depth.
Budget Lines for Families Compared
| Line | Why families pick it | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Many short sailings from drive-to ports; kids’ and teen clubs; waterslides | Per-person daily gratuities and drinks add up |
| MSC | Kids-sail-free offers; large modern ships | Check what the offer includes and its availability |
| Royal Caribbean (older ships) | Royal Caribbean activities and kids’ program at closer-to-budget fares | Newest ships cost more |
| Norwegian | Flexible dining with no set times | Compare bundles with a plain fare |
Keep extras in check by setting each child’s onboard card to a limit, buying drink packages only for those who will use them, and booking one paid excursion rather than one every day. Many families find a beach day organized on their own costs a fraction of a ship’s tour; check the port and its rules.
Family Budget Questions
Do kids really sail free?
On some offers, yes for the cruise fare itself. MSC’s kids-sail-free offer, for example, lets children under 18 sharing a cabin with two adults sail without a cruise fare, subject to availability. Taxes and port fees are still charged, and gratuities may be too.
What is the cheapest way to cruise as a family of four?
Usually one cabin for four on a budget line, on a shorter sailing outside peak school holidays, from a port you can drive to. Compare a quad cabin with two connecting cabins; sometimes the second option is not much more.
Family Budget Tips From Our Advisors
- Travel outside school holiday weeks if you can; fares and crowds both drop.
- Compare one cabin for four with two inside cabins across the hall.
- Pack a small kit of sunscreen, swim gear and snacks for port days.
- Let children choose one paid activity each for the whole cruise.
- Photograph the kids yourself; ship photo packages add up quickly.
When Family Cruises Cost the Least
Family fares are highest in school holidays because that is when families can travel. If your children are young enough to miss a few days of school, or your district has an unusual break, look at early December, late January, and the weeks after spring break. Fewer children aboard also means shorter lines at the waterslides.
Price a Cheap Family Cruise
Tell our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise how many are in your family and their ages; we will find the best cabin plan and fare.
Get Family Quotes