When it comes to cruises, the top deck pool is often a highlight for most passengers, being the ideal spot to soak up the sunshine and take in the ocean views. (Not to mention it’s often where you’ll also find water slides and splash zones for the kids!
However, there’s one little-known rule that almost every single cruise line has in place including the likes of Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises; and it can mean that some families won’t be able to use the pool.
If you’re travelling with children, it’s essential to examine the regulations for your cruise but most cruise operators demand that any youngster who wishes to enter the main pool must be toilet trained. Should they still be wearing nappies (including swimming nappies), they’ll face exclusion from the main pool.
The primary rationale is that should a little one experience a leaky nappy and relieve themselves in the water, health and safety protocols require the pool to be emptied, sanitised and subsequently refilled. This consumes considerable time, leaving the pool unusable for fellow passengers, reports the Mirror.
Not only will that prove irritating, but it also results in other ship areas becoming overcrowded as people migrate to alternative entertainment facilities whilst waiting.
MSC Cruises declares that “for hygienic reasons, babies in nappies are not allowed in the water”, whilst Royal Caribbean stipulates that “children in diapers, swim diapers, pull-ups, or who are not completely toilet trained are not allowed in the pools, and whirlpools, or H2O Zone”. For cruise lines departing from the USA, it’s a Public Health requirement that children who are potty trained can access the swimming pools and facilities such as spas and hot tubs aboard cruise ships.
The positive news is that babies and toddlers don’t have to miss out on all the excitement. Most cruise operators will still allow families to bring them into the pool vicinity provided they don’t enter the water – and numerous cruise ships feature designated splash zones for youngsters where they can play and have fun with their parents.
For instance, Disney Cruise Line states on its website that children who aren’t potty trained are “welcome to enjoy the water play areas on board each ship while wearing a swim diaper”. (Though it’s worth mentioning that swim nappies aren’t permitted in hot tubs, spas, or waterslides on their vessels).
Meanwhile some of the ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet feature a Baby Splash zone that are “only for use of children that are in diapers”.
Cruise operators stay silent about what occurs if someone decides to breach the regulation. Typically, lifeguards and crew members will monitor the situation and prevent you from entering the water with your baby – and if you’re a repeat violator, they could decide to prohibit you from the pool entirely.
Naturally, parents and older children can still utilise the main pool. If you’re travelling with a young one, it’s worth considering the ship’s kids’ club offerings, allowing you some personal time to enjoy the poolside loungers!