Royal Caribbean Vision Solarium
The cruisers guide on Cruise Ship Pools
Remember the typical Hollywood views of cruise ship life over the last few decades? It was always classic scenes of laughing passengers lounging around one poolside, enjoying cocktails at all hours of the day and children splashed about in the pool, playing simple games while their doting parents looked on. Times have changed and the practice of one large pool for an entire ship’s passengers has definitely gone the way of the dinosaur.
Current Trends in Poolside Fun
Having a single pool on the deck was fine when the cruise ships were smaller and carried less than a hundred passengers. Since the 90s, the popularity of cruise ships as a favored vacation medium has tripled the amount of passengers setting sail and as a result, the major cruise lines have had to upgrade the pool experience to accommodate all kinds of activities and the desires of their passengers.
Today, it is not unusual to see giant waterslides in the pool area, some as large as those you might find in a landlocked amusement park. Simply swimming in a regular pool seems to rank far lower than it used to be, especially when compared to enjoying amenities such as waterslides, fountains and surfing simulators. Adults can have their day in the sun as well, enjoying separate sun deck areas of their very own, with cabanas, healthy meals served poolside and even massages and whirlpools available for use.
Pool Options on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean Lines still holds true to the belief that passengers will want to only swim while visiting their pool areas. To that end, the Freedom and Oasis class ships make sure that there are separate pools for swimming and others reserved for water sports, such as volleyball and jousting competitions. Anyone taking advantage of their fitness centers can use any of their whirlpools for a nice, hot soak, a very relaxing experience. The Oasis and Allure class ships also offer a special zero entry pool for those who prefer to wade in gradually before reaching deeper water levels, perfect for young children or older vacationers.
Many of the Royal Caribbean ships also have a special area set aside for younger passengers, called the H2O Zone. Here you will find water cannons, colorful water sculptures, slides and the entry into the Flowrider, a surfing simulator that is just as popular with teens and adults as it is with kids. Adults have their own private sanctum, featuring a pool, swing chairs and hammocks and unique, cantilevered whirlpools that hang out over the rim of the ship, providing a unique perspective on ocean views. It also boasts a private café, with both healthy and fun options like pizza, frozen yogurt and fruit smoothies.
Carnival Cruise Lines
On the Magic class ships of the Carnival Cruise Lines you can find the classic pools of old, one on either end of the ship, larger than average, but with enough room for all to enjoy a pleasant ship while at sea. For the kids and teens, there are two areas of faster water park type amenities, including the Twister and Drainpipe waterslides for older children and teens and the Splash Zone for the little ones.
The Serenity Solarium area was designed with adults in mind, featuring hot tubs and plenty of room in which to lie in the sun or relax in the shade. Serenity also has a wonderful view of the Poolside Theater, located next to the larger aft pool. A jumbo sized LED screen broadcasts movies, concerts, sports and news on a near constant basis, and can also be used as a live feed from the Magic’s Seaside Theater, so that passengers can enjoy the nightly live entertainment without having to leave their seats outside.
Disney Cruise Lines
Disney provides passengers three distinct pool areas, located together in a huge area, with each one meant for a specific age group. Mickey’s Pool has a waterslide for young kids; Goofy’s Family Pool is the centermost and is great for swimming, games and musical entertainment poolside. Quiet Cove is designed for adults and although it is within walking distance from the others, it is a kid-free zone.
The Dream Class ships also feature the Aquaduck water coaster, where you ride a raft through a series of loops and curves in a transparent tube, at one point more than 13 feet out over the ocean before looping back again. Nemo’s Reef is provided for the entertainment of the very young.
One advantage Disney has over other lines is that passengers do not need to leave the pool areas to eat. There are plenty of options available near each pool, from Pluto’s Dog House and Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, to two bars in Quiet Cove, one for drinks and one with al fresco dining.
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