Time to take a Stand on No Adult Ony Pools

[sparks1093]

Exactly. Where the other lines will put in specific tranquil areas, Carnival will cram in cabins. They even took lounge area away from one ship and put in cabins.

 

Each cruise line has a different business model. If having an adult only solarium or whatever were that important to me I obviously wouldn't be booking with CCL.

[pretzellover]

Why do people who don't use the pools comment? The change affects those who do use the pools. I love having a pool with minimal splashing. It has nothing to do with kids. Most of the time the adult pool had no splashing. If there were adults horsing around and splashing, that is fine. I would choose a different time to get in the pool. We have 13 cruises on Carnival and this new policy really affects how we spend our time on a cruise.

 

If Carnival had a better loyalty program that allowed us to book on Princess, maybe we could more easily move on from this.

 

 

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[richstowe]

Why do people who don't use the pools comment? The change affects those who do use the pools. I love having a pool with minimal splashing. It has nothing to do with kids. Most of the time the adult pool had no splashing. If there were adults horsing around and splashing, that is fine. I would choose a different time to get in the pool. We have 13 cruises on Carnival and this new policy really affects how we spend our time on a cruise.

 

If Carnival had a better loyalty program that allowed us to book on Princess, maybe we could more easily move on from this.

 

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Seriously ? These aren't pools . They are dipping holes where you exchange sweat , suntan lotion and God knows what else for a bit of cool-off before roasting your skin again . Most people don't use the pool at all except as the centerpiece for lounging . That small group that uses them does off-hours where there are few people around including so children are not an issue . Of course there is always that idiot who tries to actually swim when the "pool" is busy . Not a good idea .

[kgb46]

Seriously ? These aren't pools . They are dipping holes where you exchange sweat , suntan lotion and God knows what else for a bit of cool-off before roasting your skin again . Most people don't use the pool at all except as the centerpiece for lounging . That small group that uses them does off-hours where there are few people around including so children are not an issue . Of course there is always that idiot who tries to actually swim when the "pool" is busy . Not a good idea .

Apparently you don't use the pools and from the sounds of it would be horrified if you kids got into one. So lets keep it simple and let the frogs do their laps without having to bump into the tadpoles.

[Talex831]

Seriously ? These aren't pools . They are dipping holes where you exchange sweat , suntan lotion and God knows what else for a bit of cool-off before roasting your skin again . Most people don't use the pool at all except as the centerpiece for lounging . That small group that uses them does off-hours where there are few people around including so children are not an issue . Of course there is always that idiot who tries to actually swim when the "pool" is busy . Not a good idea .

 

 

 

I refer to them as human soup bowls!

 

 

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[carib1]

I vote to keep the adults only pool. On my cruise in 2015, I was in the Lido pool and a young child maybe 5 or 6 took off his face mask and threw it right as I was turning around, it hit me in the mouth and busted my lip open, parents were no where to be found!!

There are some children that are very well behaved, but I think they are in the minority. There are signs posted at the pool that state "No jumping or diving" so there should be no cannon balling into the pool at all. I have also had to call security on children that brought water guns to the pool and were squirting people with them, the parents were right there watching them do it! Needless to say they were quite upset that their water guns were taken away.

A lot of it boils down to the parents not taking responsibility for their kids behavior. This past January, there were a lot of unsupervised small children in the pool, most of them had life jackets on, but they were not on correctly. Just because they have a life jacket on, doesn't mean they are safe.

Here are Carnivals rules for the pool, per their website:

Pool Rules

• No lifeguards are on duty
  
• Use pool at your own risk
  
• Parental supervision is required for children under 13
  
• Use ladders to enter and exit the pool
  
• Watch your step on wet surfaces
  
• Showers are required prior to use and recommended after use
  

Pool Safety

We do not have lifeguards on duty at our pools. “The best safety measure for children in a pool is close parental supervision. This philosophy is in line with that of not only other cruise lines but also hotels, resorts and beaches around the globe. As such, we provide clear and conspicuous signage to alert guests that lifeguards are not on duty and parental supervision is required for children at our pools.”

To offer an additional layer of safety for our guests who choose to utilize them, swim life jackets for children of various sizes are available free of charge and are on display near the main midship pool.

The following is strictly prohibited:

• Children who are not toilet trained (and those in diapers or swim diapers) are not allowed in any of the water facilities onboard, as per United States Public Health Services. This includes the children’s wading pool on the Carnival Elation, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Victory. Toilet trained children should be taken on frequent bathroom breaks.
  
• Diving or jumping in the pool. All pools are too shallow for safe diving
  
• Glass containers
  
• Smoking and eating
  
• Horseplay – Act responsibly at all times
  

Using the Whirlpool

The whirlpools on the aft section of the ship are for ‘Adults-Only’ as well as those in ‘Serenity’. For all other whirlpools, children must be accompanied by an adult. Whirlpool hours vary and are listed in the daily Fun Times newsletter.

Whirlpool Rules

• No lifeguards on duty
  
• Use the whirlpool at your own risk
  
• Use ladders to enter and exit the whirlpool
  
• Watch your step on wet surfaces
  
• Water temperature varies; check before entering whirlpool
  
• Showers are required prior to use
  
• Use of the whirlpool should not exceed 15 minutes
  
• Leave the whirlpool immediately if you experience any adverse symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath or drowsiness
  

Please consult a Physician prior to using the whirlpool if ‘you are taking prescription drugs, under the care of a physician, pregnant, or have high blood pressure, a history of heart disease, diabetes or similar conditions’.

The following is strictly prohibited:

• Diving or jumping into the whirlpool. All whirlpools are too shallow for safe diving
  
• Use of the whirlpool by children without adult supervision. All children must be accompanied by an adult
  
• Children who are not toilet trained (and those in diapers or swim diapers) are not allowed in any of the water facilities onboard, as per United States Public Health Services. Toilet trained children should be taken on frequent bathroom breaks. Note: This includes the whirlpools.
  
• Use of the whirlpool by those who are immuno-compromised
  
• Glass containers
  
• Smoking and eating
  
• Horseplay – Please act responsibly at all times
  

[bobbismith]

Are they removing the pools for water slides?

 

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[firemanbobswife]

Are they removing the pools for water slides?

 

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Only the one on deck 10 that is by the current water slide.

[bobbismith]

To clarify, they are leaving pool just how they but are allowing anyone in the pool?

 

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[firemanbobswife]

To clarify, they are leaving pool just how they but are allowing anyone in the pool?

 

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The pool that used to be for adults only all the way aft on deck 9 will still be there except now open to all ages.

[bobbismith]

I hope Carnival changes their minds. I live my children and grandchildren but need a quite adults space sometimes.

 

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[heath7767]

Add me to the list of those who can't believe the big uproar about this. I've traveled with and without young kids, but none of the several Carnival ships I've sailed on had an adults-only pool. This affected my vacation enjoyment exactly 0%. I LOVE cruising, but I definitely don't cruise for the tiny pools anyway. When I'm in the mood for a vacation with a lot of pool time, I head to a resort instead.

[Daphne'sMom]

I think it's interesting that people who come on to a site set up for comment and discussion about the cruise industry are criticized and belittled by others who don't share the same opinion or don't see a problem with the issue at hand. We all cruise for different reasons.

Fine, taking away adult only pools isn't a problem to some, it is to others.

I'll bet if they took away the casino or limited how much food you could pile on your plates some of the same detractors would be on here wailing.

 

In total agreement!! Thought this was supposed to be a forum to come for sharing, advice, reviews, etc.

 

I can totally understand why some people would be upset with this. I am just as happy to have a lounger away from any of the pools (thus away from splashing kids) as near the adult pool. Unless there is something going on at the main pool that I want to watch, it is usually way more chaotic than I care to endure. But, as a grandparent to an active 5 year old - I would much rather have him in an area where he is free to splash away (within reason) with people more inline with his age & interests and not disrupting people that are desiring a more adult atmosphere.

Edited April 15, 2017 by Daphne'sMom
forgot something

[tiffy0428]

I think when they start dry docking ships and making new ships they should make the serenity area a bit bigger with a nice pool and some Jacuzzis that way everyone gets something out of it

[SNJCruisers]

I think when they start dry docking ships and making new ships they should make the serenity area a bit bigger with a nice pool and some Jacuzzis that way everyone gets something out of it

They have, on the Vista currently and on the Horizon and Panorama in the future. It's the Havana area. It also adds more money to the bottom line.

[xcruisedirector]

So, if having a pool that has no kids is a big deal maybe you are cruising the wrong line. I was on the Regl Princess and they had an adults only area with a very nice pool, but the cost of the cruise was substantially more. Carnival is a family Cruise line and if kids splashing in a pool is a deal breaker then choose another line. Just my opinion.

[cruisecat81]

Sounds like you picked the wrong cruise line. Do us all a favor and do some research. Carnival always advertises as a family vacation.

 

 

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[rjrpar]

Try RCCL or cruise when most kids are in school. I agree with you and we travel on multiple cruise lines but never when schools are closed. It’s no big deal with 50 kids onboard but with a 1000 is can be annoying

 

 

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[kdawg954]

Try RCCL or cruise when most kids are in school. I agree with you and we travel on multiple cruise lines but never when schools are closed. It’s no big deal with 50 kids onboard but with a 1000 is can be annoying

 

 

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Yep I never cruise in the summer or over spring/winter break so I just never really notice many kids on the ship.

 

I really just don't use the pool regardless so it really has little effect on me.

 

But I certainly can see where this becomes an issue if there are 1000 kids onboard and adults want some peace and quiet and a pool without all the ruckus.

[Envelope21]

I also am not a big pool person. For me, its not about the pool itself, but the vibe of the area around it. I have very much enjoyed the adult only area on other cruise lines. I didn't find the Serenity area on Carnival to be all that serene, frankly.

[BNBR]

I also am not a big pool person. For me, its not about the pool itself, but the vibe of the area around it. I have very much enjoyed the adult only area on other cruise lines. I didn't find the Serenity area on Carnival to be all that serene, frankly.

 

The serenity feels like an afterthought on Carnival. It's not comparable at all to the Solarium on Royal. I think Serenity is nice to have and we spent a little time there, but if an adult area with a pool is a major draw for a cruiser, then like you said, other cruise lines do this much better. Just avoid Harmony of the Seas!

[mumofsons]

We were on the Glory in September and they were enforcing the no kids in the aft pool area. We saw many kids sent packing. When did this change?

[summersigh]

Even Disney ships have Adult Only areas including a restaurant.:)

[Pellaz]

The serenity feels like an afterthought on Carnival. It's not comparable at all to the Solarium on Royal.

 

This depends greatly on the class of the ship. On Conquest-class and similar, the Serenity area does seem like an afterthought, piled up front on two decks, often with a lot of wind.

On the other hand, on Fantasy-class ships the Serenity area almost seems like it "belongs" there, on the ship's fantail with little or no annoying wind and a nice view of the ship's wake. There's no "passthrough" traffic involving kids.

 

The Solarium on Royal, at least on Freedom-class ships, seems a bit of an afterthought. Kids can pass through along either side of the ship and right through the Solarium area, so it's not always serene. It's located pretty near the splash park, too.

 

We were on the Glory in September and they were enforcing the no kids in the aft pool area. We saw many kids sent packing. When did this change?

 

Carnival changed those pools to allow kids in them during the 2017 school vacation season...then reversed the decision after school went back in session. This might have been due to guest complaints and outcry, both here on CruiseCritic and elsewhere. Never let it be said that merely complaining never works. Sometimes it does. :halo:

[Computer Nerd]

So, if having a pool that has no kids is a big deal maybe you are cruising the wrong line. I was on the Regl Princess and they had an adults only area with a very nice pool, but the cost of the cruise was substantially more. Carnival is a family Cruise line and if kids splashing in a pool is a deal breaker then choose another line. Just my opinion.

 

Every cruise line is a family cruise line so that's moot. Carnival only has a certain number of ships (6-8) with a free adult only pool. If parents take their kids on a cruise and just have to swim in every pool, pick a ship that doesn't have an adult only pool.

 

I'm on the right line........just have the wrong crowd surrounding me. ;)