Most major cruise lines let babies under 2 sail free or at a deeply discounted rate — but 'free' is relative. You'll still pay port fees, taxes, and gratuities that can add $100–$300+ per sailing, and there are strict age minimums (usually 6 months) that can catch parents off guard.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
That word 'free' is doing a lot of heavy lifting in the cruise industry's marketing. Yes, your infant under 2 typically sails without paying the base cruise fare — but the fees, taxes, and gotchas that follow can still dent your wallet. Here's exactly what you're actually paying.
The Core Answer: What 'Free' Actually Means for Babies Under 2
Most major cruise lines classify children under 2 as sailing free or at a nominal charge when sharing a cabin with two full-fare paying adults. But 'free' almost always excludes:
- Government taxes and port fees — typically $50–$200 per sailing depending on itinerary
- Gratuities — some lines charge these even for infants ($14–$18/day on some lines = $98–$252 for a 7-night cruise)
- Travel insurance — strongly recommended for babies ($30–$80 for an infant rider)
- Shore excursions, specialty dining, onboard spending — babies don't eat at specialty restaurants, but you do
| Cruise Line | Baby Under 2 Base Fare | Port Taxes/Fees | Gratuities for Infant | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Free | ~$100–$200 | ~$14–$18/day | 6 months (12 mo. for select itineraries) |
| Carnival | Free | ~$80–$180 | Typically waived | 6 months (12 mo. for longer voyages) |
| Norwegian (NCL) | Free | ~$100–$200 | ~$20/day on some bookings | 6 months |
| Disney Cruise Line | Free (base fare) | ~$100–$250 | ~$13.50/day | 6 months |
| MSC Cruises | Free | ~$80–$160 | Varies | 6 months |
| Princess Cruises | Free | ~$100–$200 | ~$14–$16/day | 6 months |
| Celebrity Cruises | Free | ~$100–$200 | ~$16–$18/day | 6 months |
| Holland America | Free | ~$100–$200 | ~$14–$16/day | 12 months |
Figures reflect 2025–2026 pricing. Always confirm gratuity policy at booking — it changes.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
Key Factors That Drive the Real Cost of Cruising with an Infant
1. Minimum Age Rules Can Blow Up Your Trip This is the #1 surprise for first-time cruising parents. Most lines require infants to be at least 6 months old at the time of sailing. For transatlantic, Hawaii, and longer repositioning cruises, that minimum jumps to 12 months. Book before your baby is born and you may be in for an unpleasant call to customer service.
2. Cabin Occupancy Limits Babies may be 'free,' but they still count as an occupant in your cabin. Most standard cabins max out at 3–4 guests. If you're traveling with other kids or adults, you may get bumped into a larger (pricier) cabin category just to fit everyone legally.
3. You Will Buy Baby Supplies Onboard at Inflated Prices Cruise ships sell diapers, formula, and baby food — at resort markup pricing. A box of diapers that costs $25 at Target can run $40+ onboard. Pack more than you think you need.
4. Cribs Are Free — But the Space Isn't Most lines provide a pack-n-play style crib at no charge, but standard balcony cabins are already cramped. With a crib deployed, two adults, and a stroller, you'll be playing Tetris every night. A junior suite or family cabin becomes a practical consideration, not just a luxury one — and that upgrade can cost $300–$800 more for the week.
5. Shore Excursion Costs Don't Disappear Your baby doesn't pay for a shore excursion, but you do. Many excursions have minimum age restrictions anyway (typically 2–5 years old for active tours). Factor in that you may be limited to slower-paced, DIY port days.
6. Disney Is the Exception — Expect to Pay More Overall Disney Cruise Line is the most family-friendly and arguably the most worth it for parents of young children (Nursery for under-3s is a legitimate lifesaver), but their base fares are 30–50% higher than comparable Royal Caribbean or Carnival sailings. Baby sails 'free' — but you're spending more to be there in the first place.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
Practical Tips to Keep Infant Cruise Costs Under Control
Book a 3-night or 4-night short sailing first. A 3-night Bahamas cruise from Miami or Port Canaveral is the perfect test run with a baby. Lower total cost exposure, minimal port fees, and if it's a disaster — it ends fast. Royal Caribbean's short Bahamas sailings from $299/adult are a solid entry point.
Ask specifically whether gratuities are charged for infants at booking. This varies by line, by promotion, and even by booking agent. Get it in writing in your booking confirmation. Some lines quietly add it; others waive it automatically.
Time your sailing around your baby's exact age. If your baby turns 6 months old on July 3rd, don't book a cruise that departs July 1st. Cruise lines enforce age minimums strictly and will deny boarding. Build a buffer.
Pack a full bag of baby supplies in your carry-on. Embarkation day can take 2–4 hours before you can access your checked luggage. Have diapers, wipes, formula, and snacks accessible from the moment you arrive at the terminal.
Use the ship's nursery if available — but budget for it. Royal Caribbean's Royal Babies program and Disney's It's a Small World Nursery both charge for childcare. Expect $6–$9/hour for drop-off care. On a 7-night cruise with a few nights out, that's $50–$150 in babysitting costs. Worth every penny.
Consider a guarantee cabin if your baby genuinely will sleep anywhere. Guarantee cabins (where you don't pick your specific room) are the cheapest entry point. Since you're bringing a free infant anyway, the room assignment risk is lower — you just need the crib and a flat surface.
Best Cruise Lines for Babies Under 2 — Ranked by Value
| Rank | Line | Why It Works for Infants | Real Weekly Cost Range (2 Adults + Free Infant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Caribbean | Spacious ships, Royal Babies program, frequent short sailings | $600–$1,800 |
| 2 | Disney Cruise Line | Dedicated nursery, baby-proofed environment, magical but pricier | $1,800–$4,500 |
| 3 | Carnival | Budget-friendly, gratuities often waived for infants, easy domestic ports | $500–$1,400 |
| 4 | Norwegian | Flexible dining great for unpredictable baby schedules | $700–$2,000 |
| 5 | MSC Cruises | Very affordable base fares, babies genuinely free | $450–$1,200 |
Ranges reflect 7-night Caribbean sailings, interior to balcony cabin, 2025–2026 pricing. Excludes flights, travel insurance, and onboard spending.
The bottom line: yes, your baby under 2 cruises at essentially zero base fare on almost every major line — but between port taxes, potential gratuities, a possible cabin upgrade to fit everyone, supplies, and the occasional nursery session, budget $200–$500 in real infant-related costs on top of your regular cruise spend. It's still a great deal compared to buying a full fare seat on a plane or a separate hotel room. Just go in with eyes open.
Before you book, run your specific sailing through CruiseMutiny to see an honest, itemized breakdown of what that 'free' baby is actually going to cost you — port fees, gratuities, and all.