Best cruise ship pools: Making a splash on the high seas
Today's cruise ships feature spectacular aquatic attractions that go far beyond basic swimming pools. Many modern vessels now offer multi-deck pool zones with everything from adults-only retreats to kid-friendly splash parks. Some ships even include exciting innovations like surf simulators, water coasters, and lazy rivers.
The best cruise ship pools often feature standout amenities like infinity-edge pools that appear to merge with the ocean, retractable roofs for all-weather swimming, and versatile spaces that transform from serene daytime lounges to lively nighttime venues.
While certain cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival, emphasize high-energy fun with waterslides and wave pools, others like Celebrity Cruises and Viking focus on upscale relaxation with quieter pool areas, attentive service, and panoramic sea views. The best cruise ship pool offers a mix of entertainment and tranquility to suit every type of cruiser.
Related: First-timer? Here’s how to book a cruise
On this page:
- Which cruise ship has the best pool for families
- Best cruise ship pools for couples
- Cruise ships with water parks
- Cruise ships with pools for relaxing
Find your perfect cruise ship pool:
Which cruise ship has the best pool for families
When it comes to family cruising, a great pool can make all the difference. Today’s ships are stepping up with water parks, splash zones, and swim spaces that work for all ages. Ships like Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima and Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras feature family-friendly cruise pools that keep kids and parents equally entertained.
On Norwegian Prima, the best cruise pools are part of the expansive Aqua Park, which includes several interactive water slides (like The Drop, the first freefall dry slide at sea), a dedicated splash zone for young kids, and shallow lounging pools perfect for supervised water play. The Norwegian Prima pools also offer plenty of sunbeds, shaded cabanas, and easy access to family-friendly food options nearby—so you’re never far from a quick snack between swims.
Carnival cruise ship pools are known for being colorful, casual, and crowd-pleasers—especially with the addition of onboard water parks like WaterWorks. Wondering which Carnival cruise ship has the most pools? That would be Carnival Mardi Gras, which boasts six themed zones, many of which have their own pool or splash space, mini-racers for kids, twisty tube slides, and dump buckets. The Summer Landing area features the laid-back cruise ship swimming pool known as the Patio Pool, while the Lido Zone is home to the main pool deck and WaterWorks splash park.
Whether you’re relaxing on the cruise ship pool deck with a frozen drink in hand, catching a Dive-In Movie under the stars, or watching your little ones squeal down water slides.
Discover the best cruise pools for families:
Best cruise ship pools for couples
If you’re looking for romance at sea, certain cruise ship pools create the perfect atmosphere for couples to relax, reconnect, and soak in the scenery together. The ‘cruise ship with infinity pool’ concept is especially alluring on ships like Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Edge and Viking Ocean Cruises' Viking Orion. On Celebrity Edge, the standout cruise ship pool is the Rooftop Garden’s infinity plunge pool, where water appears to spill seamlessly into the ocean horizon. It's an ideal spot for a sunrise dip or an evening swim under the stars.
The luxury pools on cruise ships like on the Viking Orion are similarly geared toward couples seeking tranquility. Its main cruise swimming pool is flanked by cushioned loungers, while the glass-backed infinity pool at the aft offers front-row seats to the sea—perfect for those Instagram-worthy sunset moments.
More and more swimming pools on cruise ships are catering to couples looking for exclusivity. MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club, available on ships like MSC Seaside and MSC World Europa, includes a private sundeck and ship pool reserved solely for Yacht Club guests. These serene areas include butler service, whirlpools, and canopy beds—creating a true luxury retreat at sea. Similarly, Norwegian Encore’s The Haven offers a cruise ship with private pool experience complete with its own sundeck and plunge pool for suite guests only.
Cruise ships with the best pools for couples also prioritize adults-only zones. Celebrity Beyond features the adults-only Solarium, a glass-covered sanctuary with a pool deck that includes a saltwater cruise pool surrounded by lush greenery, soft lighting, and ambient music. Many couples prefer these calm environments where poolside cocktails and ocean breezes take the place of splashy slides and cannonballs.
Unwind in the best cruise ship pools for couples:
Cruise ships with water parks
For cruisers who crave thrills over chill, the best pools on cruise ships aren’t just places to swim—they’re full-on water parks. Royal Caribbean International leads the pack when it comes to cruise ships with pools for adrenaline junkies. On Icon of the Seas, the pool deck raises the bar with the Category 6 Waterpark, home to six record-breaking slides—including Pressure Drop, a 66-degree open free-fall slide, and Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea. Families will love Surfside, a dedicated zone with the Water’s Edge pool and splash areas designed just for kids. For those looking to relax, Royal Bay delivers with the largest pool at sea, complete with in-water loungers and wide open space. Meanwhile, Utopia of the Seas packs in the fun with the Perfect Storm waterslides and its own version of Splashaway Bay, an interactive aqua park made for younger cruisers
Carnival fans aren’t left out of the action. The Carnival Vista-class ships, including Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama, bring serious thrills with their carnival cruise swimming pool setups. Each features WaterWorks, a vibrant water park with spiraling slides and splash zones. But the real standout? SkyRide—a suspended pedal-powered ride that circles above the cruise ship swimming pool area, offering sweeping ocean views and a workout to boot.
Unleash the fun on cruise ships with water parks:
Cruise ships with pools for relaxing
Sometimes, the best cruise ship pool is the quietest one. If your idea of the perfect sea day includes a book, an ocean breeze, and total tranquility, look no further than the cruise ship with the best pools for unwinding—Celebrity Beyond. Its adults-only Solarium is a glass-enclosed sanctuary with a heated saltwater cruise ship swimming pool, ambient lighting, and panoramic views. Nearby, the Rooftop Garden’s plunge pools and shaded lounges offer a peaceful space to float, sip, or simply enjoy the gentle rhythm of the sea. It’s one of the most elegant pools on cruise ships and a favorite for travelers seeking serenity with style.
If your relaxation ritual includes a swim for fitness, consider a cruise ship with lap pool options like those on Viking Ocean Cruises. Ships such as Viking Sky and Viking Jupiter feature long, narrow pools that are perfect for uninterrupted laps—a rarity on most large cruise lines. These cruise pools are often uncrowded, and the surrounding deck areas exude a spa-like calm. Are pools on cruise ships heated? Yes, many are, including Viking’s, ensuring a comfortable dip no matter the climate or time of day.
For the ultimate in seclusion, cruise ships with private pools deliver a truly elevated escape. In The Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line, guests enjoy a cruise ship with private pool and sundeck, complete with butler service and sweeping ocean views. Likewise, MSC Yacht Club guests have access to their own luxury cruise ship pool area, where attentive crew, plush daybeds, and minimal crowds create a floating resort vibe. If you’re after a quiet cruise with pool experience that feels exclusive, these high-end suites provide the perfect escape from the bustling main decks.
Experience the most relaxing pools on cruise ships:
Ready to go swimming on a cruise?
No matter what kind of pool experience you’re after—splashy fun with the family, romantic sunset swims, adrenaline-pumping slides, or peaceful oceanfront lounging—there’s a cruise ship out there that delivers. Today’s cruise lines have transformed their pool decks into destinations in their own right, blending entertainment, design, and relaxation in ways that suit every type of traveler. Whether you’re planning your first cruise or your next one, the perfect pool is waiting for you out at sea.
Ready to find the cruise that checks all your boxes? Cruisebound makes it easy to compare ships, explore amenities, and book the getaway that fits your vibe.
