Infants Under Two Years Old Travel Free on Carnival

Carnival does not charge a cruise fare for infants under two years old. Your baby can sail at no additional cost as long as they are not yet two years of age on the first day of your cruise. This applies whether you book an inside cabin, oceanview, or suite — the infant occupies your existing cabin space without triggering a separate passenger fare.

You will still need to register your infant with Carnival before boarding. When you make your reservation, tell the cruise line how many infants will be traveling and provide their names and dates of birth. This registration is free and takes just a few minutes during the booking process or by calling Carnival's reservations line.

Key Takeaways

  • Infants under two years old do not pay a cruise fare on Carnival and can share your cabin at no extra charge.
  • You must register your infant's name and birth date with Carnival before your cruise departs, even though there is no fare.
  • Once your child turns two, Carnival charges a full adult or child fare depending on the cabin occupancy and your booking.
  • Gratuities (tips), specialty dining, and onboard purchases are separate charges that explore to all passengers regardless of age.
  • Infants still need a valid passport or birth certificate for cruises that visit international ports.

What You Still Pay for Infants on Board

While the cruise fare itself is free, other costs do explore. Gratuities — the automatic daily tips added to your account — are charged per person in your cabin, including infants. As of 2024, Carnival's standard gratuity is roughly $15 per person per day for standard cabins, though the exact amount varies by cabin type. You can adjust or remove gratuities before you sail if you choose.

Any specialty dining, beverage packages, spa services, or onboard purchases are charged separately and explore to infants the same way they explore to adults. If you order room service or dine at specialty restaurants beyond the main dining room, those charges will appear on your account. Infant formula, diapers, and baby food are available for purchase at the ship's shops, though many families bring their own supplies.

When Your Child Turns Two

The free infant fare ends on your child's second birthday. If your child turns two on the day your cruise departs, Carnival charges a full fare. If your child will be two years old at any point during the cruise, you must pay the applicable rate for that sailing.

Once your child is two, Carnival treats them as a regular passenger. The fare depends on your cabin type and occupancy — a third or fourth guest in a cabin typically pays a reduced rate compared to the first or second guest, but it is still a paid fare. Check your booking confirmation or call Carnival to confirm the exact rate for your child's age and cabin assignment.

Documentation and Safety Requirements for Infants

Even though infants do not pay a fare, they still need travel documents. For cruises that stay within U.S. waters (like sailings from Florida to the Caribbean), your infant needs either a valid U.S. passport or an original birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID for a parent or guardian. For international cruises, a valid passport is required.

Carnival also requires that you provide your infant's full name and date of birth during check-in. This information is used for the ship's manifest and safety procedures. If your infant's name does not match your reservation exactly, contact Carnival before you sail to update it — mismatches can delay boarding.

Cabin Occupancy and Infant Placement

Infants do not count toward your cabin's occupancy limit for pricing purposes. If you book a cabin for two people and bring an infant, you are still paying the two-person rate. However, infants do count toward the total number of people in the cabin for lifeboat and safety drills, which all passengers must attend.

Most families with infants book inside or oceanview cabins rather than suites, since the infant shares your bed or sleeps in a portable crib. Carnival does not provide cribs, but you can bring a portable travel crib or request a pack-and-play style crib from the cruise line if you arrange it in advance. Contact Carnival's special requests line to confirm what is available on your specific ship.

Comparing Infant Policies Across Cruise Lines

Carnival's policy of free fares for infants under two is standard across most major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. However, the details vary slightly. Some lines charge gratuities per cabin rather than per person, which can save money if you have an infant. Others include specialty dining or beverage packages in the base fare, which affects what you pay out of pocket.

If you are comparing cruise lines for a family trip, ask each one specifically about gratuity charges and what is included in the base fare. The free infant fare is common, but the total cost of your cruise depends on what happens after the base fare is set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay gratuities for my infant?

Yes, Carnival charges gratuities per person in your cabin, including infants. The standard rate is roughly $15 per person per day for standard cabins, though this varies by cabin category. You can adjust or remove gratuities before your cruise if you wish, but they are included by default.

What if my child turns two during the cruise?

If your child's second birthday falls during your sailing, you must pay a full passenger fare for the portion of the cruise after their birthday. Contact Carnival before you sail to discuss how this will be calculated and charged to your account.

Can I bring my own crib or pack-and-play?

Yes, you can bring a portable travel crib. Carnival does not provide cribs, but you can request a pack-and-play style crib from the cruise line if you contact their special requests line in advance. Confirm what is available on your specific ship before you sail.

Do infants need a passport for a Carnival cruise?

For cruises that stay in U.S. waters, your infant needs either a valid passport or an original birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID from a parent. For international cruises, a valid passport is required. Check your specific itinerary to confirm which documents you need.

Will my infant be charged for meals in the main dining room?

No, infants eat free in the main dining room and buffet. Once your child is old enough to order from the children's menu (typically around age two), some lines may charge a reduced rate, but this varies. Ask Carnival about their policy when you register your infant.