Cruise Ship Pool Etiquette

By -

Many cruise ships have at least one pool for passengers’ enjoyment, and many have more (Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas currently boasts the most – seven pools – in addition to an onboard waterpark). You can usually find a ship’s main pool on the Lido Deck, often flanked by hot tubs. Most cruise ship pools are relatively small and shallow, which means no diving. Lap swimming can be a challenge, too; to maintain a lap swimming routine while cruising, look for a ship with a dedicated lap pool.

Whatever the number of pools on your ship, some simple rules of etiquette apply to them all. Here’s a quick overview.

Poolside furniture cannot be reserved. Pools are usually surrounded by chaise lounges, as well as tables and chairs for poolside dining. Pool area furniture is for the use of all passengers and cannot be reserved. If you place your belongings on a chaise or table to “reserve” it for later, your things will probably be gone when you return. If a crew member moves them, they are likely to be by the towel stand; if not, you may have to search the pool area.

Don’t make a mess. Passengers are welcome to enjoy food and refreshments around the pool; in fact, the main pool is usually near the ship’s buffet (although passengers are often required to put something on over their swim attire before they enter the buffet). While you can enjoy lunch or a snack around the pool, don’t take food or beverages in the pool, and place your litter in a trash can.

Keep your eye on the kids. When sailing with children, keep a constant eye on them in the pool area (most cruise ships don’t have lifeguards). The pool deck can be slippery, so there’s no running. The pool can be crowded, so there’s no rough play. And, don’t take babies or toddlers in the pool unless they are toilet-trained; swim diapers are not allowed.

Finally, enjoy your pool time. You can take a dip, read a book, make new acquaintances, or just relax. There may be shuffleboard courts, ping-pong tables, and other games for you to play. And, watch the daily schedule for fun poolside events; it’s often the location for wacky contests, trivia matches, and dance parties.

To check out the pool situation on cruise ships that interest you, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel

 

Popular posts from this blog

Dining With the Kids

By -
One part of cruising that everyone looks forward to is onboard dining. But if you’re cruising with children, you may wonder how well the ship will meet their gastronomic needs. In short, don’t worry. Cruise ship chefs and servers know how to work with diners who might be a bit fussy, a little messy, and always hungry. One aspect of cruise ship dining that’s great for kids is the variety of dining spots and food available. Most ships have at least two dining options – a main dining room and a buffet – as well as themed or specialty dining venues (some ships have dozens of these). The main dining room offers sit-down, multicourse breakfasts, lunches and dinners for all ages. Some offer special children’s menus, but kids are welcome to order from the regular menu, too. If your child doesn’t find the menu appealing, get creative. Ask for a side dish as main plate; for a different preparation, such as chicken that’s fried instead of grilled; or for an unfamiliar sauce or despised vegeta...
Read more

Letter from Cruise Holidays

By -
At Cruise Holidays, the health and safety of our clients is always top of mind. As the coronavirus situation evolves, we want you to know that we are working hard to stay up-to-date on all the facts so that we can help address any of your travel concerns. We’re here to help you travel smarter. We are also in constant contact with our suppliers (i.e. airlines, hotels, tour operators and cruise lines) to understand their latest policies and terms to benefit all of our clients whose travel has been impacted. Here is some information that may be helpful. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) resources: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are monitoring the situation in real-time. Both organizations have issued guidance for preventing exposure to respiratory illnesses. Older adults or those with chronic medical conditions may want to seek the advice of a medical professional. Travel warnings and advisories: Both the U.S. State Department ...
Read more

Accommodations for Solo Cruisers

By -
If you’re interested in cruising on your own but not in sharing a cabin, good news: there is a growing number of cruise ship cabins designed for one. And, these single-occupancy cabins come at single-occupancy prices. If you cruise on your own in a cabin intended for two, you’ll probably have to pay what’s known as a “single supplement,” which can be as much as another cruise fare. So, you could pay up to double to have your own cabin, or you could consider sailing with a cruise line that provides solo accommodations, like these: Norwegian Cruise Line has been a leader in accommodating solo cruisers with cabins that are thoughtfully designed for one. You can find them on most of the line’s newer ships: the Epic , with 128 “studio” cabins, has the most. Most of the NCL studios are inside cabins, but some have windows to the corridor or virtual portholes that stream a view of the water. And when you sail in a studio cabin, you’ll have access to the Studio Complex and Lounge, a social s...
Read more