Thinking about a cruise vacation with the kids or grandkids? Cruising with the whole family can be expensive when you add up all the cruise fares. Here are three cruise lines with promotions that allow kids to cruise for free during 2011.
Cruise for Free with Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line has introduced another "Kids Sail Free" promotion on most Mexican Riviera cruises from October 30 to December 18, 2011. Kids age 17 and under sail free when staying in the same stateroom (only category 4A to 6A) with two guests who pay full-fare. Unfortunately, suites within these categories are not included in this promotion and the number of available staterooms with four or more berths is limited.
Disney Wonder departs from San Pedro (Los Angeles) on seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises that include a stop in Puerto Vallarta, two days in Cabo San Lucas and three sea days. Port Adventures can be booked separately for each port of call, but are not included in the cost of the cruise. Popular family excursions in both Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta include dolphin encounters, zip-lining and snorkeling.
Kids Cruise for Free on MSC Cruises
Kids 11 and under sail for free on all of MSC Cruises' itineraries. This offer applies to kids cruising as a third or fourth occupant in the same stateroom with two adults paying Early Booking or Retail Rates. MSC Cruises operates 11 cruise ships in a handful of worldwide itineraries. Additionally, kids 17 and under can cruise for free during 2011 on select Europe, Caribbean and Canada/New England itineraries.
MSC Cruises offers a complimentary kids program on all of their vessels, dividing children into three different age groups. The newest MSC Cruises vessels have designated children's pools and outdoor play areas with the MSC Fantasia featuring a pool with a waterslide. Want to take the kids ashore? MSC Cruises offers a 30 percent discount on shore excursions for children under age 12.
Crystal Cruises Family Memories Program
For a luxury cruise experience, Crystal Cruises is running a special offer that is perfect for multi-generational family cruise travel or friends cruising together. Kids age 17 and under can stay in the third berth for free when a group of six full-fare guests book the "Crystal Family Memories Program". To qualify for this promotion, a minimum of three staterooms must be booked at the same time. Promotion also includes pre-paid gratuities and $100 per person shipboard credits.
Crystal Cruises is also still offering a special promotion for Alaska cruises departing in July and August 2011 onboard the Crystal Symphony. Marketed as a 2-for-1 fare, the discounted fares are equivalent to 50 percent of the brochure rates and are based on double occupancy.
Although it may seem like a great deal to get the kids' cruise fare for free, it's worthwhile to also compare the costs of the total vacation. Consider that the cost of a free cruise for kids means paying full fare for two adults. Another cruise line may have a lower overall cruise vacation when adding the first, second, and third berth together.
Sources
- Disney Cruise Line website
- MSC Cruises website
- Crystal Cruises website
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
