For Passengers With Kids

Children aboard cruise ships are a common sight these days. To serve this growing market, a number of cruise lines have expanded their facilities and programs aimed at children. Many offer reduced rates for younger cruisers.

Discounts

While there may be free passage for children on special off-peak sailings, typically most cruise lines charge children under age 12 third- and fourth-passenger rates or special children's fares when they are traveling with two adults in the same cabin. These rates tend to be about half---sometimes even less than half---of the lowest adult fare.

Activities and Supervision

Supervised programs for kids include arts and crafts, computer instruction, games and contests, movies, swimming-pool parties, scavenger hunts, ship tours, magic shows, snorkeling lessons, dance classes, and foreign language lessons. Find out in advance whether there are special programs for your child's age group, how many hours of supervised activities are scheduled each day, whether meals are included, and what the counselor-to-child ratio is (a 1 to 3 ratio is ideal).

Some ships provide day care and group baby-sitting for younger children at no extra charge, while most charge a nominal hourly rate. On many ships, private baby-sitting is by arrangement with crew members (at a negotiated price).

Infants

If you plan to bring an infant or toddler, be sure to ask about age requirements. Some cruise ships don't allow infants aboard, period; others require a minimum age, anywhere from 4 to 18 months. Find out exactly what the cruise line provides (some supply diapers, formula, and baby food free of charge), but plan to bring plenty of everything your baby needs with you. Be sure to request a high chair or crib in advance -- and make sure your cabin is big enough to accommodate it.
Meals

Ships with two dinner seatings routinely assign passengers with children to the earlier seating; some lines will not permit children to eat in the dining room on their own. If your kids are picky eaters, check ahead to see if special children's menus are offered; many lines offer them.

Kids' Facilities

Many lines now have supervised play areas for children and teenagers, at least during summer vacation and holiday periods. Facilities for children and teens should be separate. Some ships have playrooms for younger kids and "clubs" for teens, where no children or adults are allowed. These clubs may have a high-tech disco, nonalcoholic bar, video walls, a computer lab, and a game room. Most family-friendly cruise ships are designed to suit the needs of just about everyone, but some are better for teens than others. It pays to find out what's available before you book your cruise.

For more about kids and cruises see Cruises: Family Feud or Love Boat.