Cruise Ship Pools That Make A Real Splash

• Resort-Quality Amenities: Modern cruise pools have evolved to rival top land-based hotels with spectacular designs and luxury features.

• A Pool for Every Mood: From adrenaline-fueled water slides to serene adult-only escapes, find the perfect spot to suit your specific holiday style.

• The Ultimate Guide: Discover the best aquatic attractions across major cruise lines, including infinity pools, hydro-spas, and family splash parks.

A few hours spent relaxing poolside is holiday heaven for many people. If you’re part of this group, then you're in for a real treat!

Nowadays, when embarking on a cruise holiday, you can expect cruise ship pools to rival many of those found on land.

So, if you love to dip your toes in the water, check out these pools that are making a real splash onboard top cruise ships!

Best Indoor Pool

Head to Royal Caribbean’s Solarium for ultimate sun and serenity.

This exclusive, adult-only indoor pool retreat features blissful swimming pools, eye-catching whirlpools, as well as cascading lagoons on select ships- all cocooned under a crystal canopy with the most spectacular views out from the front of the vessel.  

As well as this, relax and rejuvenate in the dedicated lounge area, where you can take time to reset the body and mind. And what could be better? There is absolutely no extra costs to use the solarium while cruising on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Ships: Available on all Royal Caribbean ships

Best For Bubbles

A hot-tub experience can feel like a luxury in itself, but step into the oversized thalassotherapy pool on Holland America Line’s newest Pinnacle-class cruise ship, Rotterdam, and you’ll enjoy a whole new level of indulgence.

Immerse yourself in this hydro pool filled with mineral-rich ocean water heated to body temperature, allowing you to enjoy the aquatic benefits for longer than traditional hot tubs.

With body massage jets, a rain shower, and twinkling overhead lights, all set in elegantly comfortable surroundings, the therapeutic effects of this spa feature will soon work their magic.

While there, you can also soak up the benefits of the thermal suite's infrared sauna and steam room before kicking back in the heated ceramic loungers.

Ships: Holland America Line, Pinnacle Class (Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam)

Best For Slides

With water slides wilder and wackier than ever before, these fun-filled features are not just for the kids; adults love them too!

For a real adrenaline rush, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas boasts "Category 6," the largest waterpark ever built at sea.

It features six record-breaking slides, including the "Frightening Bolt" (the tallest drop slide at sea) and the "Pressure Drop" (the first open free-fall slide on a cruise).

If you're seeking a group experience, try the "Storm Surge," the first suspended family raft slide at sea. These slides are certainly not for the faint-hearted!

Alternatively, if you're seeking a more leisurely pace, there are also seven other swimming pools onboard, including the suspended infinity pool at The Hideaway.

Ships: Royal Caribbean, Icon of the Seas

Best For Kids

The bright and eccentric water parks at Carnival Waterworks provide hours of fun in the sun for younger children.

There will be guaranteed shrieks of excitement as they explore the straight, twisting and side-by-side slides, kiddie spray zones with water cannons and fountains, and the giant tipping bucket ready to rain down on you from above at any moment.

On the newer Excel-class ships like Carnival Jubilee, the fun is supersized with massive spiral slides and sprawling splash pads.

Do be sure to research each ship's individual aqua park before booking your cruise, as features vary by vessel.

Ships: Available on all Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships

Best For Partying

Virgin Voyages know how to host the coolest of pool parties.

With the Brilliant Lady transporting you to their exclusive Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas, the DJ-led epic tunes and irresistible cocktails will keep you dancing from dusk until dawn.

But it’s not just the resort pool parties that rock with Virgin Voyages; back on board, the fun continues at their premier nightclub, The Manor.

At this swanky two-storey space, watch ground-breaking shows to kick off the evening before witnessing the smooth transition into one of the hottest night spots at sea.

Ships: Available on all Virgin Voyages ships

Best For Views

Onboard the MSC Seascape, the sensational views from the aft infinity pool stretch seemingly out towards the horizon, while the turquoise of its waters merges harmoniously with the sea and sky.

Unlike older vessels where high glass walls block the view, this pool is designed to connect you directly with the ocean wake.

This quiet beauty offers sophistication and glamour, characteristic of MSC Cruises’ "Seaside EVO" class, providing the perfect remedy for relaxation.

Ships: MSC Cruises, Seaside EVO Class (Seashore, Seascape)

Best For Adults

If you’re seeking a haven to unwind and rejuvenate, The Sanctuary on the new Star Princess is the place to be.

This top-deck retreat is vastly expanded compared to older vessels, featuring the exclusive "Sanctuary Club" with private cabanas and a dedicated pool reserved for suite guests.

For a real treat, relax under the glass-enclosed "Dome" - a first-of-its-kind transformational space that acts as a pool deck by day and an entertainment venue by night.

As day turns to evening, enjoy drinks and acrobatics with a chilled-out ambience that defines the next generation of Princess cruising.

Ships: Princess Cruises, Sphere Class (Sun Princess, Star Princess)

With all of these and more, there's sure to be a pool to suit every mood of your cruise holiday; helping you to have fun, relax and make the best memories while onboard.