Tiny Tots that cost a lot.

I have to sympathise with parents when it comes to term times and prices increase. We all can see both sides of the argument for the hike in prices but what I can’t accept is the prices for tiny tots. Infant prices for example on Royal Caribbean are just ridiculous. Having worked for a high street tour operator and over the years seen how they only charge a small supplementary fee for the Infant. OK, have to sit on the parents lap on the flight but that is ok. But to charge a 3^rd person reduction the same as what an Adult would cost on a Cruise I think is a bit much.

How can an Infant at 9 months old or under 2 years possibly be priced at the same as a 3^rd Adult sharing a cabin? The Gratuities are also charged at the same rate if pre-paid. I had a customer put off booking a Cruise just because of this. Her Infant at 9 months old is not going to appreciate the service, food on board, the entertainment or even use the facilities. Probably still being breast fed or on baby bottle milk so how can that be fair?

The chances are the Infant is going to be in a travel cot in the room if not sharing the parents bed. I remember Thomson would charge just £35 for short haul holidays and just £99 for long haul, providing the room had cot space. I think Royal Caribbean really should look at this or speak up and justify why an Infant should be classed as 3^rd person reduction. Absolutely insane and I’m sure a lot of parents out there would agree with me. I’m sure they will say there are kids clubs etc on board but seriously at that age are many parents going to use kids clubs for Infants?

If parents wanted to use these facilities or any babysitting options then they could be charged accordingly on board for what they use but to charge as much as they do I strongly disagree with. Royal Caribbean have always been my favourite Cruise line however this is the one thing I think really lets them down as a Cruise line. Do you have Infants, What do you think about the prices being charged for the little ankle biters?