Celebrity Cruises welcomes children, but the experience depends on your child's age and what you're willing to pay for
Celebrity Cruises operates ships with kids' clubs, family cabins, and children's programming, so families do travel on these ships. However, Celebrity is positioned as an upscale cruise line, which means fewer all-you-can-do activities than you'd find on Disney or Carnival, higher prices for add-ons like specialty dining and shore excursions, and a quieter atmosphere that some families find boring and others find refreshing. Children under 3 are not charged a cruise fare, but they cannot use the kids' clubs. Teens and older children pay full adult fares.
The best age range for a first Celebrity cruise with children is 5 and up, when kids can use the clubs and enjoy the ship's activities without needing constant supervision. Families with toddlers, very young children who need constant activity, or families on a tight budget may find other cruise lines a better fit.
Key Takeaways
- Celebrity operates kids' clubs for children ages 3 to 17, but these clubs have limited hours and close during port days, so you cannot assume childcare all day.
- The ship atmosphere is more formal than Disney or Carnival—dress codes explore to dinner, and there are fewer loud, all-ages activities, which works for some families and not others.
- Children under 3 sail free but cannot attend kids' clubs, and you must bring your own diapers, formula, and baby food because the ship does not stock these items.
- Specialty dining, shore excursions, and activities like mini golf or the spa cost extra on top of your cruise fare, and these add-ons can double your total cost.
- A week-long Celebrity cruise for a family of four typically costs $2,000 to $4,000 before add-ons, which is more than Carnival but less than Disney.
What the Kids' Clubs offer and when they're open
Celebrity's kids' clubs are called Shipmates (ages 3 to 11) and Teens (ages 12 to 17). Both clubs offer activities like arts and crafts, games, movie screenings, and themed parties. Shipmates typically runs from 9 a.m. to noon, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on sea days, with shorter hours or no programming on port days when the ship is docked. Teens have similar blocks but often stay open later in the evening. The clubs are free to join once your child is enrolled, but you must register them before boarding.
The clubs are not all-day childcare. If you want your child supervised during lunch or between activity blocks, you'll need to pick them up and feed them yourself, or pay for them to eat in the main dining room with you. Many parents use the morning and evening blocks to have adult time or attend shows, then keep their children with them during the afternoon. On port days, most families disembark together, so the clubs may not operate at all. Plan your schedule around these gaps rather than expecting continuous supervision.
Dining with children and food costs
The main dining room serves a set menu at assigned times (usually 5:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.), and children eat the same menu as adults, though the kitchen will modify dishes on request—plain pasta, grilled chicken, and vegetables are usually available. The buffet is open during the day and offers more casual options. Room service is free for basic items like sandwiches and fruit, but specialty items cost extra.
Specialty restaurants on the ship—steakhouses, Italian, sushi bars—charge $15 to $40 per person per meal on top of your cruise fare. If you want to eat as a family in these venues, the cost adds up quickly. Many families with young children stick to the main dining room and buffet to keep costs down. Alcohol is not included in your fare, and soft drinks cost $2 to $4 each, though you can bring your own bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages onboard.
Cabin types and space for families
Celebrity offers family cabins that sleep four to five people, with two beds plus a sofa bed or pullman bed. These cabins are more spacious than standard inside cabins but cost significantly more—sometimes 50 percent more than a standard cabin. Balcony cabins with sofa beds are also available and give you outdoor space, which many families find worth the extra cost when traveling with restless children.
Inside cabins (no window) are the cheapest option and work fine for families who plan to spend most of their time outside the cabin. Bathrooms on Celebrity ships are compact, and storage is limited, so pack light and use the cabin closet and under-bed space efficiently. Cribs are available for children under 3, but you must request one when you book. If you have a toddler, the extra space of a family cabin becomes more valuable because you'll spend more time in the cabin during nap times and bedtime routines.
Activities and entertainment that appeal to kids
Celebrity ships have pools, hot tubs, a fitness center, and a spa. The main pool area is family-friendly during the day, with a shallow kids' pool on some ships. There is usually a water slide or splash pad for younger children. Evening entertainment includes Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, and live music, and children can attend most of these—though some comedy shows are adults-only. Movies play throughout the day in the cinema, and some are family films.
Beyond the kids' clubs, there are fewer structured activities for children than you'd find on Disney or Carnival. There are no character meet-and-greets, no elaborate themed days, and no nightly kids' parades. Teens may find the ship quieter and less exciting than other cruise lines. Families with children ages 8 and up often bring tablets or books for downtime, because the ship's activity schedule is geared more toward adults. Mini golf, laser tag, and ropes courses are available on some ships but cost extra ($15 to $30 per activity).
Shore excursions and port days with children
Celebrity offers shore excursions at each port—snorkeling, beach days, historical tours, and adventure activities. These are optional and cost extra, ranging from $50 to $300 per person depending on the activity. Many excursions have age minimums (for example, snorkeling may require age 8 or older, or a child must be able to swim). You can also explore ports on your own without booking an excursion, which is free but requires you to get back to the ship by the all-aboard time.
On port days, the kids' clubs typically do not operate, so you'll have your children with you all day. This is fine if you enjoy exploring as a family, but it means you won't have the break you might have had on a sea day. Plan port days around your children's nap schedules and energy levels, and build in time to return to the ship for lunch or rest if needed. If you want to take an excursion without your children, you'll need to arrange private childcare, which Celebrity does not offer.
Dress codes and what to pack
Celebrity enforces a dress code at dinner. On formal nights, men wear tuxedos or dark suits and women wear gowns or cocktail dresses. On smart casual nights, men wear collared shirts and slacks, and women wear dresses or pants with a top. Children are expected to follow the same dress code as adults, though the rules are enforced more loosely for young children. Many families find this frustrating because it limits what kids can wear and requires packing fancier clothes.
You can eat in the buffet or order room service on formal nights to avoid the dress code, but this costs extra or limits your options. Pack at least two or three nicer outfits for children if you plan to dine in the main dining room on formal nights. Bring comfortable walking shoes for port days, swimwear, sunscreen, and casual clothes for daytime activities. Diapers, formula, and baby food are not sold onboard, so bring a full supply for the length of your cruise. This is especially important for families with infants, as running short mid-cruise is not an option.
Cost comparison and whether Celebrity is right for your family
A Celebrity cruise for a family of four typically costs $2,000 to $4,000 for a week-long cruise in the Caribbean, depending on the cabin type and season. This is more expensive than Carnival or Royal Caribbean but less than Disney. Once onboard, you'll likely spend an additional $500 to $1,500 on specialty dining, excursions, drinks, and activities, depending on how much you add on.
Celebrity works best for families with children ages 5 and up who enjoy a quieter, more refined atmosphere and don't need constant entertainment. It's a good choice if you want to relax and have some adult time while your children are in the kids' clubs. It's less ideal for families with toddlers (who can't use the clubs), very young children who need constant activity, or families on a tight budget. If you're looking for an all-action, character-filled cruise experience, Disney is a better fit. If you want the lowest price and maximum activities, Carnival or Royal Caribbean may suit you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a baby under 3 on a Celebrity cruise?
Yes, babies under 3 sail free and do not need their own cabin. However, they cannot attend the kids' clubs, so you must supervise them at all times. You must bring your own diapers, formula, wipes, and baby food—the ship does not stock these items. Cribs are available if you request one when booking.
What happens if my child gets sick during the cruise?
The ship has a medical center staffed by a doctor and nurse. Medical visits and treatment cost extra and are billed to your onboard account. Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is recommended. If your child has a serious illness, the ship can divert to the nearest port for emergency care, which is expensive and disrupts the itinerary.
Do I have to attend formal dinners with my children?
No. You can eat in the buffet, order room service, or dine at a specialty restaurant on formal nights to avoid the dress code. However, specialty restaurants cost extra, and room service options are limited. Many families compromise by eating in the main dining room on smart casual nights and using alternatives on formal nights.
Are there activities for teenagers on Celebrity cruises?
Yes, the Teens club (ages 12 to 17) offers activities, and teenagers can also use the fitness center, spa, pools, and attend evening shows. However, Celebrity has fewer teen-specific activities than Disney or Royal Caribbean, so older teens may find the ship less exciting. Many bring friends or spend time in their cabin.
Can I leave my child in the kids' club while I go on a shore excursion?
No. The kids' clubs do not operate on port days when the ship is docked. You must take your child with you or arrange private childcare, which is not offered by Celebrity. This means you'll either explore ports as a family or skip the excursion.