Trend Alert: Kids Cruise Free

Just in time for spring break, you’ll find cruise lines going after the family market big time. The major enticement? Kids cruise free!

Cruise Deals Where Kids Cruise for Free

Bring the kids along on a Royal Caribbean International cruise departing between May 1 and December 15, 2014, and they can share your cabin for free (as 3^rd and 4^th passengers). The Kids Sail Free offer applies to cruises booked by March 31, sailing in the Bahamas, Caribbean, Europe, and Australia, on most of the line’s ships (excluded is Quantum of the Seas, which debuts in November, and Grandeur of the Seas). Included are the fun-filled Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas where, in addition to extensive kids programming, older kids can enjoy such attractions as a zip line, FlowRider surf simulator, and rock-climbing wall; little ones will want to ride the merry-go-round; and the whole family can go ice-skating. If you don’t bring the kids, you can share your cabin with 3^rd and 4^th guests who still sail free — so bring some friends!

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Kids Sail Free deal for those cruising with kids age 17 and under applies to select sailings of all the line’s ships — including the brand-new Norwegian Getaway cruising from Miami and year-old sister ship Norwegian Breakaway cruising from New York. Both have extensive family-friendly attractions including an Aqua Park with five waterslides and a separate Nickelodeon-themed Kids’ Aqua Park. They also have the largest Splash Academy playrooms in the fleet. Norwegian Epic‘s Europe cruises are included, too. The deal applies to new reservations and can be combined with most of the line’s other sale offers – so you can also receive a free Ultimate Dining Package for specialty restaurants and a free Unlimited Beverage Package, too. (Book by March 31.)

Other cruise lines with Kids Cruise Free offers include MSC Cruises and Crystal Cruises.

Check with the cruise lines or your travel agent for complete details on these offers.