Kids Clubs on Cruise Ships: Ages, Hours and Costs
Kids clubs are one of the best-value parts of a family cruise. On every major mainstream line, supervised programmes for children aged about 3 to 17 are included in the fare, run by trained youth staff, with activities from crafts and science to pool games and themed parties.
Kids club ages by cruise line
Every line below includes its main kids club in the fare. The differences that matter most to parents are the youngest age accepted and what happens with babies and toddlers.
| Line | Main club | Youngest age | Care for under-3s | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Adventure Ocean | 3 | Paid nursery on many ships | Royal Caribbean kids club |
| Carnival | Camp Ocean | 2 | None, but club starts at 2 | Carnival kids club |
| Norwegian | Splash Academy | 3 | Parent must stay (Guppies) | Norwegian kids club |
| Princess | Camp Discovery | 3 | None | Princess kids club |
| Celebrity | Camp at Sea | 3 | None | Celebrity kids club |
| Holland America | Club HAL | 3 | None | Holland America kids club |
| MSC | Mini Club | 3 | Paid Baby Care from 6 months; Baby Time with parent | MSC kids club |
| Disney | Oceaneer Club and Lab | 3 | Paid nursery on every ship | Disney kids club |
Carnival is the only line here whose main club takes 2-year-olds. Royal Caribbean and Disney run paid nurseries for babies from 6 months on many or all ships, and MSC offers paid Baby Care drop-off from 6 months on ships that run it, which makes them strong choices for families with very young children; the baby and toddler guide covers that age group. Princess, Celebrity and Holland America suit families with children of 3 and up. For every line's rules side by side, see cruise line policies compared.
How age bands work
Most lines split children into three younger bands, roughly 3–5, 6–8 and 9–11, each with its own space and schedule. Teens usually get a separate lounge, often split into about 12–14 and 15–17, with a lighter touch: drop-in rather than signed in and out.
On Glacier Bay sailings, National Park Service rangers who board for the day often run a Junior Ranger activity, which can be a highlight for school-age kids. Teens on Alaska trips have their own guide in Alaska cruises with teenagers.
Typical hours and what costs extra
Included hours vary by line and by sea or port day, but this is the usual pattern:
| Time | What usually happens | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Morning to lunch | Open sessions, crafts, games | Included |
| Lunch | Club closes or offers supervised meals on some ships | Included where offered |
| Afternoon | Activities, pool time, themed events | Included |
| Dinner to about 10pm | Evening session, often with kids' dinner on some ships | Included |
| About 10pm to late | Late-night group sessions on some lines | Paid, often around US$7–10 per child per hour |
Registering on embarkation day
- Pre-register children in the line's app or website if offered.
- Visit the club during the open house on boarding afternoon, so kids can see the space.
- Fill in medical, allergy and dietary details, and name who may collect each child.
- Collect any wristband, tracking device or phone access the line uses.
- Ask about the rules for port days, meals and swimming, and whether children can sign themselves out at older ages.
Before you book, check whether a kids sail free offer really saves money once taxes and gratuities are added, and see what the arcade costs in arcades and video games for teens.
Have a question about this? A licensed cruise expert can answer it for free — no booking required, no pressure.
Ask a cruise expert →Matching the club to your family
Programmes vary by line and even by ship within the same line. Before booking, check your exact ship's youngest age, opening hours, late-night options and port-day rules, especially if a full parents' evening out matters to you.
Want this priced up for your dates? Speak to a licensed cruise expert — same price as booking direct, plus perks like onboard credit and prepaid gratuities the websites don't show. No fee, no obligation, and you can book online if you'd rather.
Get a quote or book online →Frequently asked questions
Are kids clubs free on cruise ships?
Yes, the main daytime and evening programme is included in the fare on all the major mainstream lines. Extras that may cost money include late-night sessions after about 10pm, baby nurseries and some special activities.
What age can kids start using cruise ship kids clubs?
Age 3 on most lines, often with a toilet-training requirement, and 2 on Carnival. Children are then grouped into bands such as 3–5, 6–8 and 9–11, with separate teen clubs for roughly 12–14 and 15–17.
Can I leave my kids in the club while I go ashore?
It depends on the line and sometimes the port. Some lines allow it if you return before all-aboard, while others require a parent or guardian to stay on board. Ask at registration on embarkation day.
More questions you might have
- Cruise Ship Drone Photography RulesThe increasingly popular aerial shot, and why most lines restrict drone use aboard — what's actually allowed and where.
- Holland America Alcohol Policy: What You Can Bring On BoardWhat Holland America lets you carry aboard at embarkation — wine allowances, the corkage fee, the beer-and-spirits ban, and what happens to bottles bought in port.
- Princess Cruises Kids Club Ages and Hours: What Parents Need to KnowPrincess's youth program by age band — where under-3s fit, when teens split off, typical hours, and the paid evening option that buys parents a night out.
- Can You Work Remotely From a Cruise ShipWifi speed reality, the best onboard spots for a call, and whether combining a cruise with remote work genuinely makes sense.
- Alaska Gulf Crossing Seasickness: Is It Rough?Is the Gulf of Alaska rough? Honest expectations for the one open-water day on one-way itineraries, plus the cabin and timing choices that tame it.
- How Does Cruise Pricing Work? Why the Same Cabin Costs Three PricesDynamic pricing, fare classes, the double-occupancy trap and why booking timing matters — the mechanics behind every cruise fare.
Booking essentials: Is It Cheaper to Book a Cruise Through a Travel Agent · What Are Expedia Extras on a Cruise Booking · Onboard Credit Explained and How to Get More · Cruise Line Policies Compared: 8 Lines Side by Side (2026)