Does MSC Cruises Charge For Children: What MSC Cruises Guests Should Know for 2026
Here's the straight answer on pricing and discounts for children, based on MSC Cruises's current published policies.
Pricing for younger guests is separate from the minimum-age rule, which is: 6 months old on sailing day for most itineraries, and children under 2 sail free on many MSC fares.
Since pricing and discounts for children can vary by cabin category and sail date, an advisor at +1-800-406-8495 can confirm exactly what applies to your booking. Fare rules attached to a specific promotion sometimes differ from the cruise line's standard terms, so reading the fine print matters here. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MSC charge for children?
Yes, but usually at a reduced rate - most lines charge children sharing a cabin with two full-fare adults a lower third or fourth-guest rate rather than the full adult fare. Currency and payment processing can occasionally affect the final price shown, so it's worth double-checking before you finalize. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Is there an age cutoff for the reduced child rate?
Yes, reduced rates typically apply up to a certain age (often 12 or 17, depending on the line), after which older teens may be charged the standard adult rate. Comparing a quote against the cruise line's own current promotions is a useful sanity check before committing. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Do infants sail for free?
Some lines waive the cruise fare for infants under 6 months to 2 years old, charging only port fees and taxes - policies vary, so it's worth confirming for your specific sailing. Pricing trends shift often enough that what looked like a good deal last week isn't always the best one available today. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Does the child rate change based on cabin category?
The reduced rate percentage is usually consistent, but the actual dollar amount will be higher in pricier cabin categories since it's often calculated as a percentage of the adult fare. Fare rules attached to a specific promotion sometimes differ from the cruise line's standard terms, so reading the fine print matters here. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Are there family-specific promotions that make cruising with kids cheaper?
Yes, many lines run seasonal "kids sail free" or reduced-rate promotions, particularly during school holiday periods - worth asking about current offers. Pricing trends shift often enough that what looked like a good deal last week isn't always the best one available today. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Who can quote the child pricing for my MSC cruise?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can check current family pricing for your dates. For dates that aren't flexible, locking in a rate sooner tends to be the safer approach rather than waiting for a further drop. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Does the child fare depend on which cabin category is booked?
Often yes, third and fourth guest (typically the pricing tier used for children sharing a cabin with two adults) fares can vary by cabin category and specific sailing. This can vary by itinerary length and season, so it's worth asking specifically about your sailing rather than relying on a general rule. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Do infants under 2 sail free on MSC?
Many cruise lines do offer significantly reduced or complimentary fares for infants under 2 sharing a cabin with paying adults, though port fees and taxes usually still apply. For dates that aren't flexible, locking in a rate sooner tends to be the safer approach rather than waiting for a further drop. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Are meals for children included in the base fare the same as adults?
Yes, children generally have the same access to included main dining room and buffet meals as adults - it's specialty dining and add-ons that carry extra costs regardless of age. Currency and payment processing can occasionally affect the final price shown, so it's worth double-checking before you finalize. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Does the child pricing change during holiday sailings?
Base child fare structures usually stay consistent, though holiday sailings overall tend to be priced higher across all guest categories due to higher demand. Fare rules attached to a specific promotion sometimes differ from the cruise line's standard terms, so reading the fine print matters here. Worth keeping in mind either way.