Having cruised with our boys since they were babies, we’ve learned first-hand just how magical a cruise holiday can be for families. Cruises offer something truly unique, the chance to explore exciting destinations while enjoying all the comforts and entertainment of a floating resort. For parents, especially those travelling with infants, they also provide the reassurance of convenience: everything you need is right there on board.
That said, planning a first cruise with a baby comes with plenty of questions. From dining and sleeping arrangements to childcare options and family-friendly activities, there’s a lot to think about before you set sail. One of the most common, and often confusing, questions we hear from new cruise parents is: Can babies go in the pool on a cruise? Read on to avoid making the mistakes so many parents have made.
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Can Babies Go in the Pool on a Cruise? See The Cruise Line Rules & Baby Splash Zone Guide For 2025/2026
The answer generally depends on the cruise line’s specific policies and regulations. Many cruise ships have designated areas for families, including pools that are suitable for all age groups, including infants. These pools often feature shallow areas or splash zones, allowing parents to safely introduce their babies to the water. Some cruise lines even provide special baby pools or splash pads designed for the youngest passengers.
Before taking your baby into the pool on a cruise ship, it’s essential to check the specific policies of the cruise line you’ll be travelling with. As not all cruise ships have baby splash pools, and babies CAN NOT go in the main pool on any cruise ship.
Babies Can’t Go In The Pools On All Cruise Ships
If you are planning to book a cruise to explore and enjoy sunny days on deck, then having baby pools is essential. Whilst most cruise lines do not allow babies in pools, some do provide baby splash areas. But baby and toddler-friendly splash areas are not available on all cruise ships. So do your homework before you book.
Maritime law states that babies who are not toilet-trained CAN NOT use cruise ship pools. As a result, the more family-friendly cruise lines have created splash areas, which are easier to keep clean, thus offering a great place for babies in swim nappies to play.
Babies must be at least 6 months old on the first day of the cruise vacation. For transatlantic, transpacific cruises, babies must be at least 12 months old as of the first day of the cruise.
Plan Your Trip
Check out these handy links to help you booking your next trip.
Which Cruise Ships Do Have Pools For Babies
Check out some of our favourite cruise ships and cruise lines that welcome babies and toddlers and offer baby splash zones on their ships.
1. MSC Ships That Offer Baby And Toddler Friendly Splash Zones?
- MSC Bellissima
- Virtuosa
- The MSC Preziosa
- MSC Meraviglia
- And MSC Seaside
2. Royal Caribbean Ships With Baby Splash Zones?
- Allure of the Seas.
- Anthem of the Seas.
- Freedom of the Seas.
- Independence of the Seas.
- Liberty of the Seas
- Oasis of the Seas
- Allure of the Seas
- Odyssey of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Icon of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Wonder of the Seas
- Utopia of the Seas
- Star of the Seas
Disney Cruise Line Ships That Have Baby and Toddler Splash Zones?
- Disney Adventure
- Disney Fantasy: Nemo’s Reef and AquaLab
- On the Disney Magic: Nephews’ Splash Zone
- Disney Dream: Nemo’s Reef
- Disney Wonder: Dory’s Reef
- Disney Wish
- On The Disney Treasure
NCL Ships With A Baby Splash Zone
- NCL Encore
- Norwegian Joy
- Norwegian Breakaway
- NCL Bliss
- Norwegain Aqua
- NCL Viva
P&O Ships Who Have Baby Splash Pools
- Azura – Children’s pools (Aft) and the Coral Pool
- Arvia
- Britannia -The Reef Adventure Zone and the Lido Pool
- Iona
- Oceana -Children’s Pirate paddling pool
- Ventura -Children’s pool (Aft) and the Beach comber Pool
So Yes, Babies Go on a Cruise Ship Swimming Pool But Not All Of Them
But these are splash pools, so shallower and safer areas designed to keep little ones cool and engaged. You need to find the right cruise line offering baby facilities on certain cruise ships. Please note there are still restrictions on all other pools on these ships. So getting the right ship is so important.
