Can you swim on a cruise?

By Cruise Booking Team

Updated on: April 11, 2023

All mainstream and luxury cruise ships feature at least one pool where passengers can swim or relax. Pools on cruise ships are often located on the uppermost deck, known as the Pool Deck or Lido Deck. ("Lido" refers to a popular beach resort in the nineteenth century.)

In general, there will be at least one pool flanked by one or more hot tubs, as well as showers and rows of lounge chairs for sunbathing. Pools are usually shallow and no more than 5 or 6 feet deep. Diving and leaping are not permitted; you may swim laps, but each lap will be brief, and the pools will most likely be packed during peak hours. A few cruise ships also include a secondary pool area at the back of the ship with views of the wake, and others have a swim-against-the-current pool for laps. Pool lifts will be available on almost all cruise ships for customers with mobility issues.

Things you may find with a pool

A few cruise ships also include a secondary pool area at the back of the ship with views of the wake, and others have a swim-against-the-current pool for laps. Pool lifts will be available on almost all cruise ships for customers with mobility issues. A stage for live bands or entertainment personnel to conduct games or line dancing, a section of deck for dancing, and at least one bar are common features in the main pool area. Roving bartenders will also circulate the deck, taking drink orders and delivering buckets of beer or fruity drinks to your reclining chair so you don't have to move.

Aside from simple slides, side-by-side racing slides, and innertube rides, many big ships contain one or more waterslides.

The main pool is frequently located in the center of the ship, with the informal buffet restaurant on one end and the spa or fitness center on the other – however, this is not always the case. A grilled food station, pizza, or other hot and quick cuisines, as well as an ice cream selling station or self-serve soft-serve ice cream dispensers, is commonly located adjacent to the pool.

The pool area would usually have some tables and chairs for alfresco eating or poolside activities, as well as ping-pong or foosball tables and skate courts.

Some ships will have above-pool big cinema screens that will broadcast concerts or sporting events during the day and movies at night.

It should be noted that most cruise ship pools do not have lifeguards. Only Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line employ lifeguards.

You are accountable for your personal safety as well as the protection of your family and traveling companions. Keep a tight check on youngsters when they are in the pool.