Royal Caribbean has recently made a significant change that may disappoint some of its loyal customers, particularly families. The cruise line has altered the terms of one of its most beloved promotions, the “Kids Sail Free” offer, a move that may not sit well with everyone. While cruising is already a popular vacation choice for families, this change could influence booking decisions. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the “Kids Sail Free” promotion is, how it has changed, and what it means for those looking to score a great cruise deal.
Understanding Cruise Deals and Pricing
Cruise promotions can be confusing, as cruise prices often fluctuate. Unlike flights or hotel rooms, cruise fares don’t have a set price, which makes it hard to determine when you’re getting a good deal. This fluctuating pricing model is further complicated by various promotions and discounts. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean often market their promotions with big percentage discounts. However, these discounts can be misleading because the “regular” price is a moving target.
For example, if a movie theater regularly charges $12 per ticket but offers a $6 matinee, it’s easy to understand that you’re getting 50% off. But with cruises, a 50% discount on an undefined price is harder to evaluate. This makes it challenging for travelers to judge whether they are genuinely getting a bargain.
However, some cruise deals are easier to assess. When Royal Caribbean offers perks such as free specialty dining, complimentary internet, or an included beverage package, it’s more transparent what customers are saving. Even if the cruise fare is raised slightly to include these extras, savvy travelers can usually calculate whether they’re getting good value.
The ‘Kids Sail Free’ Promotion
One of Royal Caribbean’s most popular offers is the “Kids Sail Free” promotion. This deal has historically allowed children under the age of 12 to sail for free when sharing a cabin with two paying adults. Families have long appreciated this deal, as it significantly reduces the cost of a family vacation, making Royal Caribbean cruises more accessible for larger groups.
But recently, Royal Caribbean has made a major change to this promotion, adding a restriction that has left some customers unhappy.
Royal Caribbean’s Change to ‘Kids Sail Free’
In the past, the “Kids Sail Free” promotion was relatively straightforward:
- The sailing had to be 3 nights or longer.
- The booking couldn’t coincide with a blackout date, which typically included major holidays and school breaks.
- Kids under 12 could sail for free as long as the cabin included two paying adults.
This promotion was flexible enough that families could book even relatively last-minute vacations. But now, Royal Caribbean has introduced a new rule: the booking must be made at least 30 days before the sail date.
This new requirement eliminates the option for families to take advantage of the “Kids Sail Free” offer on spontaneous or last-minute cruises. Previously, families could snag a cabin just days before departure and still benefit from this deal. Now, however, they must plan at least a month in advance to qualify.
How This Affects Families Seeking Cruise Deals
For families accustomed to booking last-minute cruise deals, this change is a significant drawback. Waiting until the final weeks before a departure date was often a strategy to find the best cruise deal, especially for those who were flexible with dates. However, Royal Caribbean’s move to require bookings at least 30 days in advance is clearly aimed at reducing last-minute discounting.
By limiting access to the “Kids Sail Free” promotion on last-minute bookings, Royal Caribbean can discourage customers from waiting to book, pushing them to commit earlier. This aligns with the company’s broader strategy of moving away from offering last-minute cruise deals, a practice it has been phasing out over the last few years.
Why Royal Caribbean is Making These Changes
The reasoning behind this change is rooted in economics. Cruise lines prefer to sail with as many passengers as possible, as more people onboard typically means more onboard spending, which includes everything from drinks to shore excursions to specialty dining. Even when children sail for free, they (and their families) often spend money on food, activities, and souvenirs.
However, last-minute bookings, while great for consumers seeking a deal, are less beneficial for the cruise line’s revenue structure. Royal Caribbean has been moving toward offering fewer last-minute discounts in an effort to train customers to book early rather than waiting for a price drop.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean has made cabins available to its casino program for closer-in sailings. This is a strategy where the cruise line offers free or discounted cabins to frequent gamblers. Offering these cabins to casino patrons helps fill ships without significantly impacting full-fare paying customers, who might feel slighted if they see last-minute deals available at lower prices.
How Cruises Reach Over 100% Occupancy
To better understand the economics of cruising, it’s important to note how cruise lines calculate occupancy. Most cabins are priced based on double occupancy. If a cabin is booked by just one person, the guest will usually pay a “solo supplement,” which is essentially the price of the second person’s fare, minus taxes and port fees.
But many cabins are designed to hold three or four passengers. When a family books a cabin for more than two people, such as with the “Kids Sail Free” promotion, the ship’s total occupancy can exceed 100%. In essence, a ship is considered “full” when every cabin has two guests. Adding additional passengers into rooms, such as children sailing for free, pushes the ship’s occupancy above that level.
Should You Still Book With ‘Kids Sail Free’?
Despite the new 30-day booking rule, the “Kids Sail Free” promotion still represents one of the best cruise deals for families. It can significantly reduce the cost of a vacation, making it an attractive option for parents with young children. However, families will now need to plan their vacations further in advance to take advantage of this offer.
For those who enjoy the flexibility of booking last-minute, this change may be a disappointment. But for planners, this update won’t make much of a difference. The promotion still provides excellent value for families looking to enjoy the high seas without breaking the bank.
Thoughts:
Royal Caribbean’s decision to modify the “Kids Sail Free” promotion is a strategic move aimed at encouraging early bookings and limiting last-minute discounts. While this change may frustrate some travelers, especially those looking for spontaneous cruise deals, the offer remains a great way for families to save on their vacations. With proper planning, the “Kids Sail Free” promotion continues to be an excellent opportunity for families to explore the world aboard one of Royal Caribbean’s stunning ships.
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