Cruising with a baby is one of the most enjoyable ways for families to experience travel without stress, complicated itineraries, or constant packing and unpacking. Royal Caribbean, known for its innovation and family-friendly approach, attracts countless new parents who want to know exactly what their infants are allowed to enjoy onboard. One of the most common and important questions is: Are babies allowed in pools on Royal Caribbean ships?
The answer is essential for planning your day-to-day activities because water play and swimming are usually on every cruiser’s “fun list.” However, cruising with infants has its own set of safety regulations—especially when it comes to pools. In this extensive pillar article, we’ll break down Royal Caribbean’s pool policies for babies, explain why these rules exist, explore alternative water play options, and share helpful tips for parents traveling with little ones.
This comprehensive guide ensures you fully understand what your baby can and cannot do in water areas on board, and how to make the most of your cruise with safe, memorable family experiences.
Royal Caribbean follows strict maritime health and safety guidelines that govern all major cruise lines. These rules primarily revolve around sanitation, water safety, and risk reduction. Babies who are not fully potty-trained cannot safely use regular swimming pools due to contamination risks, which can lead to outbreaks and widespread illness on ships.
Even if parents use swim diapers or waterproof covers, they are not effective at preventing leaks in chlorinated or salt-treated water. Cruise ships also filter and manage water differently compared to land-based pools, making hygiene regulations even more critical.
Royal Caribbean clearly states that babies and toddlers who are not toilet trained cannot use any swimming pools or whirlpools onboard the ship. This rule applies to:
Main pools
Adult pools
Family pools
Solarium pools
Whirlpools and jacuzzis
Sports pools
If your child still uses diapers—regular diapers or swim diapers—they are not permitted in these areas.
This rule is universal across the entire fleet and applies regardless of ship size, destination, or sailing length.
While non-potty-trained babies are not allowed in regular pools, Royal Caribbean offers excellent alternatives designed specifically for infants and toddlers. Many ships feature Splashaway Bay, the colorful and interactive water play area packed with fountains, spray features, and small water structures perfect for young children.
But the crucial difference lies in the dedicated baby splash areas.
These designated zones are designed for diaper-wearing infants, meaning your baby can safely enjoy water play without entering traditional pools. The surfaces usually involve shallow water sprays, fountains, and splash-pad flooring, ensuring lots of fun while meeting sanitation regulations.
Most of Royal Caribbean’s newer ships include a baby splash zone, but availability varies by class. In general:
Oasis Class Ships (e.g., Oasis, Harmony, Symphony, Wonder)Usually offer robust Splashaway Bay areas with sections for diaper-wearing infants.
Quantum Class Ships (e.g., Quantum, Anthem, Ovation)Typically offer splash pads for babies along with indoor and outdoor water play areas.
Freedom and Voyager Class ShipsOften feature upgraded splash zones but may vary depending on renovation schedules.
Older ShipsSome may lack a dedicated space for non-potty-trained babies, so checking ship-specific amenities in advance is important.
These zones are specifically engineered to meet health standards for non-potty-trained children. Features usually include:
No standing water
Gentle sprinklers and fountains
Soft, cushioned flooring
Low fountains that don’t pose drowning risks
A controlled and hygienic water system
Surrounding seating for supervising parents
Parents can take babies in swim diapers here—although requirements may vary slightly by ship.
Royal Caribbean permits swim diapers exclusively in baby splash zones. They are not permitted anywhere else, including:
Swimming pools
Hot tubs
Solarium areas
Private suite pools
Indoor pools
Parents should pack plenty of swim diapers for splash-area use.
Even in baby-safe zones, parents must stay with their children at all times. Part of the policy includes:
No lifeguards dedicated to the baby splash zone
Constant parent supervision required
One adult per infant encouraged for safety
Even in shallow environments, babies cannot enter any body of standing water. Splash zones are designed without standing water to meet health and U.S. Public Health (USPH) requirements.
Royal Caribbean considers a child fully toilet trained when:
They no longer use diapers (day or night)
They can communicate bathroom needs
They can use restrooms independently with minimal guidance
A child who uses diapers at any time is not permitted in pools or whirlpools.
Cruising takes place in a closed environment where viruses can spread rapidly. Pool contamination—especially from fecal leaks—poses significant health risks, including:
Norovirus
E. coli
Gastrointestinal illnesses
Waterborne bacteria
By prohibiting non-potty-trained children from pools, the risk of outbreaks is drastically reduced.
Royal Caribbean must follow specific rules from:
U.S. Public Health Service (USPH)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Vessel Sanitation Program
International maritime health standards
These bodies require strict separation of diaper-wearing children and standing water pools.
Beyond sanitation, drowning risks for infants are higher because:
Babies lack motor control
They can slip easily
Even a few inches of water can be dangerous
Splash pads eliminate standing water to ensure a safer experience.
Royal Caribbean allows babies to travel if they meet minimum age requirements:
6 months for most sailings
12 months for transatlantic, transpacific, and longer itineraries
Parents should confirm the ship’s splash-area availability before booking.
Since babies cannot use pools, they often spend time near water areas watching older siblings or enjoying the splash zone. Parents should bring:
Lightweight stroller
UPF hat
Rash guards
Baby-safe sunscreen (6+ months)
Towels (provided by ship but optional extras help)
Royal Caribbean offers Royal Babies & Tots Nursery on many ships, providing:
Supervised childcare
Playrooms
Toys and baby-friendly entertainment
This gives parents a break while ensuring infants stay cool and safe.
If water fun is a priority, pick ships with the best baby splash zones—usually the newer Oasis and Quantum class vessels.
Early morning or late afternoon times typically offer:
Less crowding
More comfortable temperatures
Easier supervision
Although the ship’s shops sell baby items, they are expensive and limited. Pack:
Swim diapers
Baby wipes
Waterproof diaper bags
Extra baby clothes
Sun and sea breeze can dehydrate babies quickly. Hydrate frequently, especially after water play.
Most splash areas offer shaded spots—but they fill quickly. Arrive early to secure a comfortable area.
They can sit near a pool with parents, but cannot touch the pool water.
Not in pools, but they may be allowed in splash zones if water does not accumulate. Policies vary slightly by ship.
No—hot tubs are strictly prohibited for all children in diapers due to health and overheating risks.
Cruise staff may politely remind you about pool restrictions. Simply step away and continue with splash-zone fun.
If they use diapers even occasionally, they are still considered non-potty-trained and cannot enter pools.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2026 Cruisefinderpro.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service