Complimentary sailing for children aboard these cruises.
Summer holidays are just around the corner, and for families looking to explore new destinations without breaking the bank, cruises are an excellent option. Several cruise providers offer free or discounted travel for children, making it a cost-effective way to travel for families. Here are some of the best cruise providers for families seeking to save money on summer holidays.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises stands out with its Kids Sail Free offer on most itineraries. The cruise line provides enhanced kids programming in partnership with LEGO and a baby care program from 6 months old. With a luxury experience at affordable rates, MSC Cruises is an excellent choice for families.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean runs a Kids Sail Free promotion in July 2025 on select sailings, offering $0 cruise fare for children 12 and under sharing a cabin with two paying guests (excluding peak summer dates). The cruise line features the Adventure Ocean® kids’ club for ages 6 months to 12 years with STEM labs, art studios, and babysitting. With ultra-spacious family cabins and various family-friendly onboard amenities like water parks and private island experiences, Royal Caribbean is a great choice for families.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is kids-friendly with Camp Ocean and teen clubs, plus family cabin options where kids eat free in specialty restaurants on embarkation night. The cruise line offers a private island featuring kids’ splash zones and activities, making it an ideal choice for families.
Costa Cruises
Costa Cruises allows children up to 18 years to travel for free when sharing a cabin with two adults on select itineraries (extra fees apply). The cruise line offers a variety of exciting destinations, making it an excellent choice for families looking to explore new places.
CroisiEurope Family Club Cruises (River Cruises)
For families looking for river cruises, CroisiEurope Family Club Cruises offers competitive free-child-travel offers on select summer itineraries in Europe. Children 16 and under travel free or at a 30% discount on select routes, and the cruise line offers multigenerational deals with free cruises for the third generation (up to age 16).
In summary, for ocean cruises targeting families saving money during summer, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean stand out due to comprehensive kids sail free programs and family-centric amenities. Carnival offers solid value with family perks like free kids' meals and kids’ clubs, while Costa Cruises and CroisiEurope provide competitive free-child-travel offers on select routes and cruises.
Be aware that some Kids Sail Free offers exclude peak summer holiday weeks, and additional taxes/fees still apply. Families should check specific sailing dates and promotions for the most savings. With these top cruise providers, families can enjoy a memorable holiday without the stress of high costs.
[1] MSC Cruises Kids Sail Free Offer [2] Royal Caribbean Kids Sail Free Promotion [3] Carnival Cruise Line Kids' Programs and Offers [4] Costa Cruises Kids Sail Free Offer [5] CroisiEurope Family Club Cruises Offers
- MSC Cruises, with its Kids Sail Free offer on most itineraries and partnership with LEGO, offers a luxury experience at affordable rates, making it an excellent choice for families seeking to explore new destinations during summer holidays without breaking the bank.
- Royal Caribbean runs a Kids Sail Free promotion in July 2025 on select sailings, providing a cost-effective way for families to travel, offering $0 cruise fare for children 12 and under sharing a cabin with two paying adults (excluding peak summer dates).
- Carnival Cruise Line, known for its kids-friendly Camp Ocean and teen clubs, along with family cabin options and free kids' meals in specialty restaurants, is an ideal option for families looking to create memorable home-and-garden memories with their children while traveling during summer holidays.
