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Are the pools on the Disney Dream salt water or are they chlorine? ”

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Everything to Know About Cruise Ship Pools (Depth, Ages, Accessibility & More)

Think of a cruise and likely one of the most vivid images will be the top deck, bathed in sunshine, people enjoying themselves, and right in the middle is a crystal-clear swimming pool.

Pools are the centerpiece of any cruise ship, and while they have certainly evolved in what they offer since the early days of cruising, the formula is largely the same. Sunny days, warm weather, and electric blue water mean happy passengers.

But if you’ve never cruised before, there might be some details about cruise ship pools that you have questions about. Below, we get into the nitty gritty of what to know about your swim options.

How big are the pools on a cruise ship?

The size of pools on your ship will vary based on a number of factors. In general, however, you can expect them to be smaller than what you might find on land — especially given how many people are on a cruise ship.

The fact is that water is heavy and pools are often located at the top of the ship, meaning they can’t be too large. Otherwise, the weight and position would impact the balance of the ship.

Often pools are a size that would be decent-sized for your backyard, but relatively small considering there can be thousands of passengers. While we’ve never pulled out a tape measure, a pool that’s 15 feet by 30 feet or 20 feet by 40 feet is a good estimate.

That said, there are a couple of tricks used to increase the size. First, many ships have multiple pools spread out around the vessel instead of having just one larger spot to swim. Second, you’ll notice that cruise ships have “wading” areas around the pool itself where the water is just a few inches deep. This provides a look that’s larger without adding the weight of a full-depth spot to swim.

How deep are the cruise pools?

Like the size of cruise pools, the depth of the pools can vary as well. Some like the “beach” pools on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships have a sloping shore that literally starts at zero. Others may have a slope from a few feet while others are flat bottomed, meaning an even depth across the pool.

At greatest depth, we’ve found pools to be about six feet deep. That’s plenty of space to take a dip and even dive under water to cool off.

Are there lifeguards on duty?

Over the years there have been unfortunate instances of passengers drowning in cruise pools. In response, the vast majority of cruise lines now offer lifeguards on duty whenever swimming is open. It may be the case that your specific cruise line doesn’t offer a lifeguard, but major lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean have guards on duty.

That said, if you are sailing with smaller kids, we’d recommend not just assuming the lifeguard will watch them. It’s smart to still keep an eye on the kiddos just to be sure. With lots of people in the pool, extra eyes are always a good idea.

Are there life jackets available?

If you — or your kids — aren’t a great swimmer, it’s good to know that cruise lines often have life jackets available for you to use. You’ll find them near the edge of the pool and they are free. Simply walk up and grab one and put it on. When you’re done, return it to the rack.

If you don’t see them out on your cruise, ask a staff member if there are any available. They will know where you can get one.

One thing to know is that the gentle rocking of a ship at sea can cause water to shift back and forth. If you have someone that doesn’t swim well, this movement of the water can make it harder to swim. Life jackets are a good idea.

Are there age, height, or other requirements to swim?

Unless in an adults-only area, pools are open to all passengers, regardless of age. In fact, you’ll normally find lots of kids enjoying a swim.

The only requirement is that children be potty-trained to swim in the pool. Even if wearing a swim diaper, non-potty-trained kids are not allowed in pools.

That said, some ships (especially larger vessels) will often have a splash area where smaller kids can still get wet and have fun even in swim diapers.

Are cruise ship pools heated?

If you want a warm spot to swim, there are always whirlpools on the ship. Modern cruise ships can have anywhere from 6-12 of these hot tubs for passengers to enjoy.

But if you want to swim in a pool, it may or may not be heated. We’ve been on some ships that do heat swimming pools, including Royal Caribbean Quantum-class ships headed to Alaska. Others have been pretty chilly, especially when sailing from ports in the United States in the winter.

The good news is that if you are sailing to the Caribbean, it’s always fairly warm there. Even if the pool is a little cool at the start of your cruise, a day or two in the sun warms it right up.

What are the pool hours?

Don’t make the mistake of thinking swimming pools are open around the clock. Different pools will keep different hours, but in general expect the pools on the ship to be open from mid-morning until night time. For instance, the schedule for MSC’s pools show hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.:

And don’t think that you’ll be able to sneak in after hours. Pools are covered with netting when closed to prevent anyone from accidently falling in or swimming when they shouldn’t be.

How many pools are there on the ship?

In the early days of cruising, you could expect to have one pool on the ship. Those days are over. Modern ships (those built in the past 20 years) will have multiple pools. And some of the largest ships in the world will have more than just a couple, such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, which carries seven different swimming pools.

Typically there will always be a main pool in the middle of the ship, along with one forward and one at the aft of the ship. However, each ship will vary.

Are any pools adults only?

One popular feature of many cruise ships is an adults-only area. These areas are on the top of the ship and offer a sanctuary away from the noise and activity of the louder pool deck. Most importantly for many, kids aren’t allowed here.

Whether or not the adults spot has a pool, however, will depend on the ship. If there is one here, then it will be adults-only, giving a spot to swim without kids.

In general, however, pools in public areas will let all ages swim.

Can I have food or drink in the pool?

Want to have a bite or a sip while in the pool? In all our years of cruising, we’ve never noticed specific signage about food/drink in the swimming pool. That said, it’s generally understood to be a faux pas.

We’ve personally never witnessed anyone actually eating food in the water, and it wouldn’t surprise us if staff says something to anyone that tries. Nobody wants to swim in water where someone accidently dropped a burger.

As for drinks, things seem more relaxed. It’s common for people to sit poolside with a drink in hand or to be swimming and set a glass on the edge of the pool. Still, it would likely be frowned upon to be swimming in the middle of the pool with a pina colada that might spill.

Are there accessible pools on a cruise ship?

Are you or someone you are cruising with in a wheelchair? Good news is that there should be an accessible pool via a lift chair. The bad news is that it seems like these lifts are only available for some pools. So while a ship might have multiple pools, only one might have a lift for those in a wheelchair.

Our suggestion would be to just ask the staff which pool is accessible. They can also help you in operating the lift to get in and out.

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Accessible swimming pools are available with a lift. What about for people that don’t need a lift. Just a ladder with closer and bottom steps

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We’re Ranking the Disney Cruise Line Ships by Their Waterslides and Pools

Trying to decide which Disney Cruise Line ship to choose, but don’t know where to start? Well, if one of the activities you and your family are most looking forward to is waterslides and swimming onboard your boat (while you’re riding the high seas in high style!) you’ll want to know how the four current Disney Cruise Line ships stack up in terms of H20 fun !

Note that no matter which Disney Cruise ship you pick, each vessel is equipped with pools and play areas that are designed specifically for adults, families, and little kids! That way everyone is guaranteed an opportunity to get their swim on if they want to!

We’ll be starting with fourth place and working our way down to number one! Let’s go!

Last place: disney wonder.

We’re giving Disney Wonder last place because it has the fewest number of pools when compared to the rest of the Disney Cruise Line ships. While it does have a new AquaLab (water-themed play area), the Twist ‘n’ Spout waterslide it features isn’t exactly a match for Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream’s AquaDuck water coaster or Disney Magic’s AquaDunk.

Other pools onboard Disney Wonder include Goofy’s Pool, Mickey’s Pool, Mickey’s Splash Zone, and the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool (which can be found on all four ships).

Third Place: Disney Magic

Disney Magic is the only ship in the Disney Cruise line that has the Aqua Dunk — a three-story body slide through a translucent tube that goes out over the side of the ship!

We’re not sure if we’re brave enough to attempt this daring feat, so if you need us, you can find us at the AquaLab, Goofy’s Pool, Nephew’s Splash Zone, or Quiet Cove Pool instead!

Second Place: Disney Dream

Remember the AquaDuck we let slip earlier? Well, here it is! You’ll only find it on the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy. The 765-foot-long water coaster gushes up, down and around four decks of the ship, even going over the side! You’ll see the ship (and the ocean!) as you’ve never seen it before — from the unique perspective of the uncovered and translucent sections of this state-of-the-art water coaster!

While aboard the Disney Dream, you can also dip your toes in Donald’s Pool, Mickey’s Pool, Nemo’s Reef, the Funnel Puddle, the Quiet Cove Pool, and Satellite Falls — another exclusive adults-only pool area where you can sit behind a curtain of water and sip a delicious cocktail at the very tippy-top of the ship!

You’ll only find the private paradise of Satellite Falls onboard Disney Dream and our number one cruise ship which is…

First Place: Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy is the winner in our ranking, although, to be perfectly honest, it could’ve just as easily have been a tie with Disney Dream! Disney Fantasy shares almost identical water features with its sister vessel Disney Dream (like that awesome AquaDuck water coaster!), but it also has the AquaLab play area (which Disney Dream lacks) so we’re sayin’ it’s just a tad better!

Disney Fantasy also has Donald’s Pool, Mickey’s Pool, Nemo’s Reef, Quiet Cove Pool, Satellite Falls, and the Funnel Puddle — a family wading pool which is also found aboard the Disney Dream.

What do you think of our ranking? Let us know if you agree or disagree in the comments below!

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• Ultimate Guide to Cruising on the Disney Dream
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One Reply to “We’re Ranking the Disney Cruise Line Ships by Their Waterslides and Pools”

For those that have not been on a DCL cruise or not on the Dream and Fantasy, please note that they have several more floors for rooms and more guests and not that much more pool space. So, it can get really crowded on sea days. We still love the Wonder and Magic more than the bigger ships.

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PHOTOS: A Tour of All the Pools on the Wish, Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship

Depending on how you count, Disney’s Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the Wish, has about twice as many pools as fleet’s older ships. Here’s a tour, along with the rules related swimming on the Wish. Before we get started, here’s an screenshot of Wish decks 11-15 so you can see the overview of pool locations (the light blue areas). All the pools on Decks 11 and 12 have views of the FunnelVision screen that shows Disney movies throughout the day.

There are life vests available to borrow at several locations on the pool decks.

The Toy Story Splash Zone is only water location available to guests who are not potty trained. Swim diapers are not allowed in the regular pools.

While Disney and the deck plan indicate that pools are on a particular deck, several of the pools are located in intermediate zones between decks – see the Minnie pool photos below, for example. Guests with mobility issues may have issues accessing the pools that are surrounded by stairs.

In all pool locations, you may wear googles that cover your eyes, but swim masks that cover your nose or mouth are not permitted. You may not use floats, rafts, noodles, or snorkels in the onboard pools.

Most of the pools have sturdy covers that are moved over the water in the evening. The covers may act as a stage area or guest viewing area during nighttime performances on deck.

Note: Pool hours vary. At least one pool is typically open as early as 8:30 a.m. and at least one pool is typically open until 9:00 p.m. Pools openings and closings are staggered. The netting shown on some of the pool photos below is put in place when the pool is closed to guests.

Mickey’s Pool, Deck 11

Located closest to the FunnelVision screen, Mickey’s pool is 2 feet deep throughout. It has a maximum capacity of 50 guests. There is a substantial shallow lip before the depth increases.

Minnie’s Pool, Deck 11

Minnie’s pool is located in the center of Deck 11. The water depth is 2″ throughout. This pool has a maximum capacity of 63 guests.

Daisy’s Pool, Deck 11

Daisy’s pool is 6″ deep, just enough to cool off your feet. This pool has a maximum capacity of 35 guests.

Pluto’s Pool, Deck 11

Like the Daisy pool, Pluto’s pool is 6″ deep, with a maximum capacity of 35 guests.

Trixie’s Falls, Deck 12

Trixie’s Falls is located near the Toy Story Splash Zone. The water is 6″ deep, with a maximum capacity of 68 guests. There is a small fountain in the center of the pool. The back wall has a gentle waterfall feature.

Donald’s Pool, Deck 12

Donald’s pool is 4’6″ deep with a maximum capacity of 45 guests.

Goofy’s Pool, Deck 12

Goofy’s pool is a mirror of Donald’s pool. It is also 4’6″ deep and has a maximum capacity of 45 guests.

Toy Story Splash Zone, Deck 12

The Splash Zone is for guests under the age of six. It has a maximum capacity of 20 guests. Children who are not yet potty trained MUST wear swim diapers.

There are toddler-sized slides on both ends of the Splash Zone, separated by a variety of oversized Toy Story character heads that squirt water. Additional water elements squirt from the floor.

The Wish Tower Suite is located directly above the Splash Zone.

Quiet Cove Pool, Deck 13

The Quiet Cove pool is 6″ deep and has a maximum capacity of 13 guests. The pools in the Quiet Cove area for adults 18 and up only.

Additionally there is a Quiet Cove infinity-style pool. This has a depth of 3’3″ and a maximum capacity of 26 guests.

There is also a whirlpool spa nearby that is heated to a maximum temperature of 104 degree Farenheit and has a maximum capacity of 7 guests.

Chip & Dale’s Pool, Deck 14

Chip & Dale’s pool is the ship’s designated “quiet pool.” It is removed from the main water areas, with less noise from the FunnelVision and fewer guests nearby. Guests with sensory overload issues may find this pool particularly appealing. It 2′ deep and has a maximum capacity of 60 guests.

AquaMouse, Entrance on Deck 13

The AquaMouse is a 760-foot “watercoaster” that circles the exterior of the ship. Guests ride in rafts. Each raft is capable of holding two people, though you are welcome to ride alone. Posted signage states that single riders may have to wait longer, as groups of two per raft are prioritized.

During the ride, one of two Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts (either “Scuba Scramble” or “Swiss Meltdown”) plays on a series of video screens embedded in the walls of the ride tube. Intermittent squirts of water spray on you during the ride. A portion of the ride tunnel is clear, allowing guests to see the outdoors, but most of the ride tunnel has white walls.

Guests riding alone must be at least 48″ tall. Guests must be at least 42″ tall to ride with someone else. People under age seven must be accompanied by a guest age 14 or older.

Wheelchair or EVC users must transfer to the raft to ride. A posted warning states, “For safety, you should be in good health and free from heart conditions that could be aggravated by the adventure. Expectant mothers should not ride.”

Loose articles such as sunglasses, cell phones, and cameras are not permitted. You are also not allowed to wear swim gear with any exposed metal such as zippers or rivets. I didn’t see cast members particularly inspecting anyone’s clothing (though you may experience something different) – the idea is that they don’t want you wearing anything that could puncture or otherwise damage the rafts or ride tube.

Floatation devices and vests are not permitted on the AquaMouse.

You enter and exit the ride at the same location, you do not have to carry your raft.

Slide-a-Saurus Rex, Entrance on Deck 12

The Slide-a-Saurus is the bright yellow slide located under the AquaMouse. Guests must be at least 38″ tall to ride. Only one rider is allowed on the slide at a time – no lap sitting or tandem riding is permitted. Guests must slide feet first, lying on their back.

The slide access point is located near the entrance to the Splash Zone. Guests must climb a flight of stairs to get to the top of the slide. Wooden cubbies are available for guests to leave belongings such as hats or glasses, which are not permitted on the slide.

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

3 thoughts on “ PHOTOS: A Tour of All the Pools on the Wish, Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ship ”

Are any of these pools in restricted areas, where you must be an adult or staying in a certain category of cabin? For instance, the deck plan for deck 13 forward says, “Concierge Lounge and Pool.” Did you not get to see it? Likewise, the plan for deck 13 aft says the Quiet Cove it is adults only.

You are correct that the pools in the Quiet Cove area are for guests 18 and up only. Sorry for the omission – I’ve added that information to the post.

There is a pool that is restricted to use by Concierge-Level guests. I was unable to see this area as I was not sailing Concierge.

Thanks! It’s good to know that not all pools are available for everyone on board.

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• Disney Cruise Line

Pools salt water or fresh

By Majesty Fan , May 17, 2009 in Disney Cruise Line

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Majesty Fan

It has been almost 3 years since we were on Disney and can't remember if the pools were fresh or salt? . Also how late do the pools stay open?

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The pools are fresh water and if I remember correctly, at least one pool was open until midnight or later (on our cruise, it was mostly the Goofy pool).

And what makes it great to swim at night is that the pool water is heated!!

I am so glad. I leave by the beach and so I get sick of the salt water. I love the fresh water pools.

pixiedustdawn

I thought the Mickey pool was fresh water, and the Goofy pool... salt water.

All four pools are fresh water. The nice thing about this is that the pools can remain filled in port. By CDC rules, saltwater pools are to be drained before the ship arrives in port.

Why you say?

Salt water pools are not chlorinated. They stay clean because salt water is drawn from the sea and sent through the pools once and dumped overboard, not recirculated. When the ship is near shore, the risk of drawing up contaminated sea water is much higher so that water is not used in the pools.

The ship also cannot make fresh water with the evaporators while near shore.

Yippee!! My kiddies and I hated the salt water pools on RCCL. Not at all refreshing to me and my kids stopped swimming because the salt water hurt their eyes, even with goggles on. Thanks for the good news :)

Just want to make a point that RCCL's Freedom class ships have fresh water pools (from what I hear) and I think the new Oasis and Allure will also be fresh water. From what I can gather, only RCCL's Freedom ships (Freedom OTS, Independence OYS, & Liberty OTS) as well as the Disney ships are the only cruise liners that have fresh water pools (I am assuming that the new Disney ships will probably be fresh water too0>

crusinmama06

Yes, RCCL Freedom and Oasis class are fresh. Disney Magic and Wonder are fresh. And Princess is as well. :D

I am adding in one exception to the Princess ships, the 3 R class ships (Royal Princess, Pacific Princess, and Tahitian Princess) are salt water. The rest are fresh.

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Disney Cruise Line: Experiencing the Pools as a Family with Young Kids

There is nothing quite like being surrounded by the great open ocean while enjoying some freshwater pools on the ship! Pools and other water fun are probably the most popular areas of the entire cruise ship – for all the right reasons. Before you hit the water, check out a few things you may want to know before experiencing the pools as a family with young kids.

1 – Ship Pools Vary

While the five Disney Cruise Line ships have many shared qualities, a few key differences exist, including the pools available on each ship. When your kids see the AquaDuck in a commercial, you don’t want them assuming that will be on their ship if you haven’t booked the Dream or Fantasy. Here is a rundown of the pools on each ship:

• AquaDuck – height 42 inches or taller
• Donald’s Pool – adults and children ages 3 and older
• Mickey’s Pool – ages 3 and older
• Mickey’s Slide – ages 4 to 14; height at least 38 and no more than 64 inches tall
• Nemo’s Reef – ages 3 and younger (swim diapers required)
• Whirlpool Spa tubs – adult supervision required for Guests under age 16
• AquaLab – ages 3 and older
• AquaDunk – height 48 inches or taller
• Goofy’s Pool – adults and children ages 3 and older
• Nephews’ Splash Zone – ages 3 and younger (swim diapers required)
• Twist ‘n’ Spout Slide – height at least 38 and no more than 64 inches tall
• Mickey’s Splash Zone & Dory’s Reef – ages 3 and younger (swim diapers required)
• Whirlpool Spa tubs – adult supervision required for guests under age 16
• Mickey’s Pool
• Minnie’s Pool
• Daisy’s Pool
• Pluto’s Pool
• Donald’s Pool
• Goofy’s Pool
• Chip ‘n Dale’s Pool on Deck 14 (children under 12 must have adult supervision)
• Toy Story Splash Zone on Deck 12 – toddlers and children up to six years old
• Slide-a-saurus Rex on Deck 12 – double-looping waterslide for guests 38″ or taller
• Trixie’s Falls – a six-inch-deep wading pool with a small fountain and waterfall
• Quiet Cove Pool – guests 18 years of age and older

2 – Aqua DUCK vs. Aqua DUNK

With these two names being so similar, understanding the difference can be confusing! The Aqua DUCK  is located on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Children and adults can ride as long as they are 42 inches or taller. This is a water coaster with a two-person tube that is propelled by water through a tubing system around the ship. The Aqua DUNK is located on the Disney Magic and was built with teens and adults in mind. For this one, you have to be 48 inches or taller to ride. Step into a capsule-like tube, count down, and you’ll be dropped down a waterslide. AquaDunk is the more thrilling and intimidating of the two, while the AquaDuck is the much more family-friendly experience.

3 – AquaMouse – the First Disney Attraction at Sea on the Disney Wish (and Coming to the Disney Treasure)

On the Disney Wish, guests can enjoy the first Disney attractions at sea on the AquaMouse ! Complete with show scenes, lighting and special effects, and “splashtacular surprises”, this first-of-its-kind water ride sends guests on a fun family adventure through 760 feet of winding tubes suspended high above the upper decks.  Guests need to be 42 inches or taller to ride. Persons under seven years of age must be accompanied by someone 14 years of age or older. To ride alone, you must be at least 48″ tall. This attraction is very popular and a whole lot of fun!

4 – Packing for the Pool

Towels are provided on deck, so you don’t have to worry about hauling them around or trying to fit them in your luggage. You can also leave the pool vests at home as these are provided, as well. Personal floaties are allowed (such as water wings), but large floats like tubes or pool noodles are not. Snorkel gear is not permitted in the pools, so save that for your day at Cape Canaveral! Your child is welcome to use goggles in all pools except when riding the AquaDunk on the Disney Magic. Lastly, if your child is still in a swim diaper, be aware that he or she will not be able to get into the pools, whirlpools, or use slides. Children who are not potty trained can wear swim diapers in the children’s splash areas.

5 – Sunscreen & Shade Your Kiddos

Keep sunscreen on the kiddos by reapplying regularly. The pools are open to the sun, so you’ll need to be aware of how your kids are doing. Hats, sunglasses, and swim shirts are helpful. There are some lounge chairs directly in the sun, but do your best to grab one in the shade so you and your kids can have some time out of the sun when needed.

6 – Attentive Lifeguards  – But…

Lifeguards are on duty whenever the pools or slides are open to ensure rules are being followed. Keep in mind that while there are lifeguards, adult supervision is still required for children under the age of 16. As parents, we felt reassured knowing lifeguards are present and attentive, but we, too, were right there where we could see our child, and they could see us. We think because it’s a cruise setting and people feel like their child can’t really go far, that they’ll just leave the babysitting to the lifeguards. We saw this several, several times. Lifeguards will do their best to help your child in an emergency, but they are not responsible for your child.

7 – Super Fun Cast Members

If the massive pool front screen with Disney films being played isn’t enough, Cast Members are constantly offering games and activities for the kids at the pool. These games typically include some form of water play or allow kids to sit poolside to play. We’ve learned if you have a shy child, it is sometimes difficult to push them into the crowd to get them to join in. Don’t hesitate to let your child watch the games if they simply don’t want to participate. Keep an eye on your Navigator App as this will have a poolside game/activity schedule.

8 – Expect a Crowd

It gets crowded… very crowded! To be honest with you, we were in shock at just how packed the pools got during peak hours. It seemed like every child on the boat was in the pool. Disney does, however, have regulations and only allows a certain number of kids in the pool at once. Don’t expect your child to be able to get in and swim across the pool during peak times. It’s more like getting in and wading in one spot. The small whirlpools located to the side of the pool areas on each ship are open for kids, but again – it’s like taking a bath with 30 other people.

9 – Best Times to Swim

Since we’re talking about the crowds, let’s talk about the best time to take a swim! The pools/slides are typically open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. They do have early closings if there is a special nighttime event on the pool deck. We’ve also seen random closures that seemed to relate to too many kids in the pool, an object in the pool, or other reasons we are unaware of. They did reopen pools rather quickly after these unexpected closures. The best times to swim are first thing in the morning or late in the evening. The middle of the day is peak time, so avoid it if you’re looking to avoid crowds. Port days are another great time to swim if you don’t have many port adventures and find yourself back on the boat early.

10 – Eat Up with Poolside Dining

Something about swimming and the sun makes us hungry! Our kids always want a snack or drink when we go to the pool. The best thing about the cruise is all your poolside snacking and dining is right there. Just steps away from the pool, and you can enjoy pizza, sandwiches, fries, fruit, chips, ice cream, water, soda – all sorts of stuff! Plan to take swim breaks and eat up at one of the convenient poolside dining options. Oh, and parents – there is an adult beverage called the “Drink of the Day” available at the poolside bars. Get a souvenir glass on your first day and have a “drink of the day” refilled in the glass for a reduced price. Kids are happy, as are you!

Have a blast splashing around on the Disney Cruise Line!

For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.

Matt & Kim

Which Cruises have Salt Water Pools?

Swimming in salt water pools on a cruise ship can be an incredibly relaxing experience, but many are left wondering which cruises have saltwater pools. Salt water pools on cruise ships may be more common than you think. After all, you’re on a ship in the middle of the ocean! Whether you are looking for salt water pools or freshwater pools, there are plenty of options available for each. Keep reading to find out which cruise lines and which cruise ships have salt water pools!

Are Royal Caribbean Pools Salt Water?

Technically most of the pools on your Royal Caribbean cruise are saltwater, but you can only notice the saltwater in a few pools! Most of the water used for the pools on Royal Caribbean is actually ocean water, whether you notice it or not! While many of the pools on Royal Caribbean are filled with salt water from the ocean, most pools are treated to the point where you may not even notice. That being said, there are still freshwater pools on many Royal Caribbean ships.

If you are specifically looking for a saltwater pool on Royal Caribbean that actually seems like a saltwater pool, you may be in luck. Royal Caribbeans ships exclusively with saltwater pools include ships like Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, and Explorer of the Seas. Some Royal Caribbean ships only have freshwater pools and do not offer saltwater pools, such as Freedom of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and Ovation of the Seas.

If you are looking for both freshwater and saltwater pools on your next Royal Caribbean cruise, there are ships that offer both! Oasis of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Adventure of the Seas are some of the Royal Caribbean ships with both freshwater and saltwater pools.

Are Disney Cruise Pools Salt Water?

There are no saltwater pools on any Disney Cruise, all of the pools on Disney Cruises are freshwater. In fact, the water in the pools on your Disney Cruise was actually made on board through processes like reverse osmosis, evaporation, and condensation! Every pool on your Disney Cruise is going to be freshwater, from the swimming pools to the hot tubs and even the water slides. Like with the pools on most cruise lines, the pools on your Disney Cruise will still be treated with chlorine.

Are Carnival Cruise Pools Salt Water?

Like with Royal Caribbean, many of the pools on Carnival Cruise ships are technically salt water but seem like freshwater. All of the pools on your Carnival Cruise are actually filled with the same seawater that your cruise is sailing in! This allows for the pools on your Carnival Cruise to be emptied, cleaned, and refilled easily. However, it may be tough to tell saltwater pools on your next Carnival Cruise apart from freshwater pools. This is because all of the salt water in the pools on Carnival are treated the same way as freshwater pools.

You may find the salt water in the pools on your Carnival Cruise to be more obvious at certain times. On continuous sea days on Carnival where the ship is more than 12 miles away from any nearby coastline, pools may operate in a special flow through mode. This special flow through mode allows for seawater to be constantly added to the pools without the usual chemical treatment. Flow through mode is usually only enabled when you have multiple sea days in a row, so the salt water pools may not be obviously apparent on your next Carnival Cruise.

Are Norwegian Cruise Pools Salt Water?

Continuing the trend shown by cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, all of the pools on your next Norwegian Cruise are salt water but may seem like freshwater. The water in the pool on your next Norwegian Cruise is likely the same seawater that you’re sailing on but has been treated with chlorine. Unlike the pools, the hot tubs and waterslides on Norwegian Cruises are typically freshwater.

Princess Cruise Pools

Unlike most of the cruise ship pools listed in this article, pools on Princess Cruises are almost all freshwater with one exception. In fact, all of the water available on your Princess Cruise is actually made on board! Like with other cruise ships, the water in the pools is made from seawater. However, Princess Cruise ships differs from other cruise ships by desalinating the seawater to fill the pools with freshwater.

The Pacific Princess is the only Princess Cruise ship that has salt water pools available. Pools on the Pacific Princess are the only salt water pools on any Princess Cruise ship because the Pacific Princess was originally owned by the defunct cruise line Renaissance Cruises.

Salt water pools are very common on cruise ships but many do not even notice. Many cruise lines have salt water pools as it’s just easier to fill a pool with salt water than freshwater when you’re in the middle of the ocean! Cruises with salt water pools that seem like freshwater include cruise lines like Carnival and Norwegian Cruises. If you’re looking for cruises with salt water pools that seem like salt water, you may want to consider certain Royal Caribbean ships like the Voyager of the Seas. Cruises with freshwater pools include most Princess Cruises as well as all Disney Cruises. Some cruise lines like Royal Caribbean offer both salt water pools and freshwater pools! If there are salt water pools on your next cruise, we recommend packing a pair of goggles!

Learn More about Cruise Ship Pools Here!

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Are Cruise Ship Pools Ocean Water or Freshwater? – Chlorination Guide

If you are taking a cruise you may be wondering if the water onboard is fresh or saltwater. Many people have a preference for one or the other but it can be tricky to find out ahead of time which your cruise ship will have onboard.

Are Cruise Ship Pools Filled With Fresh or Saltwater?

Cruise ship pools are usually filled with saltwater which has been chemically treated. On some cruise ships, you will find freshwater pools but these are less common. It is possible to have a cruise ship where some pools are fresh and some saltwater, this is very common on Royal Caribbean cruise ships. 

It seems to be that the newer, generally speaking, larger cruise ships have moved to use freshwater in their pools whereas the older ships have kept saltwater.

There could be a number of reasons for this but one of the most likely is that it is easier for cruise ships to maintain freshwater swimming pools as they’re less damaging to the pumps and filtering systems.

Above is a photo of one of the many swimming pools onboard the Golden Princess. If you are somebody who loves swimming pools you should definitely consider a Princess cruise.

Their ships have more than any other line and this is one of the main reasons why I constantly recommend Princess to young cruisers, to find out why, and to find out which other lines I recommend, check out this post:  Best Cruise Lines For Young Cruisers (Tried & Tested Pros & Cons!)

Cruise Ship Swimming Pool Chlorination Systems

Regardless of if the water is seawater or freshwater chlorine is added to maintain the swimming pools.

Cruise lines have a lot of guidelines that they must follow when it comes to cruise ship pools and as a result, they usually have to continually add chlorine and refresh the water.

The below comes from Carnival cruise line:

“As per USPH, Chlorine levels need to be between 3-10mg. The water is drained out and loaded a few times during the cruise but it may depend on restrictions the ship is subject to as far where and when they can discharge water into the sea. It cannot be done in the home ports so it is typically done before arrival, if the itinerary permits.” – source.

The cruise ships usually use less chorine in the saltwater pools.

That said, because of the regulations in place cruise lines still have to add some chemicals regardless of how well it has been filtered.

Can You Tell The Difference?

Personally, the only way that I would notice the difference would be if I was to take an accidental mouthful.

I’m very lucky in that the chlorination or salt content of water doesn’t affect me in any way. This the same for the majority of people.

Some people do report having problems with heavily chlorinated freshwater pools such as their swimming costumes being bleached or their skin or eyes reacting negatively to the chlorine.

Similarly, many people report problems such as itchy skin caused by the salt in the saltwater pools.

The Titanic’s Swimming Pool

The titanic was one of the first ships to have an inside swimming pool:

Inside Titanic’s Swimming Pool – Real Photos, Restrictions, and Design

Are Royal Caribbean’s Swimming Pools Salt or Fresh Water?

The following ships have only saltwater pools onboard:

Brilliant of The Seas, Enchantment of The Seas, Empress of The Seas, Explorer of The Seas, Grandeur of The Seas, Jewel of The Seas, Mariner of The Seas, Navigator of The Seas, Radiance of The Seas, Rhapsody of The Seas, Serenade of The Seas, Vision of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.

The following ships have only freshwater pools onboard:

Anthem of The Seas, Freedom of The Seas, Independence of The Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Ovation of The Seas, Quantum of The Seas, and Spectrum of The Seas.

The following ships have both fresh and saltwater pools onboard:

Adventure of The Seas, Allure of The Seas, Harmony of The Seas, Majesty of The Seas, Oasis of The Seas, and Symphony of The Seas.

Are Norwegian’s Swimming Pools Salt or Fresh Water?

All outdoor pools on Norwegian Cruise Line ’s cruise ships are saltwater. The hot tubs and jacuzzis are freshwater. All saltwater pools are chlorinated. – source.

Are Carnival’s Swimming Pools Salt or Fresh Water?

Carnival doesn’t have a very detailed description on their website but they do say that “Swimming pool water is typically seawater.” – source.

Are Princess’s Swimming Pools Salt or Fresh Water?

On all Princess ships apart from the Pacific Princess, the water in the main swimming pools is freshwater.  Pacific Princess wasn’t originally built for Princess and started her life as MS R Three for Renaissance Cruises, this may explain why she is different. – source.

The hot tubs on Princess cruise ships are also freshwater.

Are Celebrity’s Swimming Pools Salt or Fresh Water?

Celebrity doesn’t provide any information on their website about if their pools are salt or freshwater. The general opinion from others who have cruised on the ships is that the newer ships such as Celebrity Silhouette, Eclipse, etc have freshwater pools whereas the older ships still use saltwater. This seems to be a theme not only within the Celebrity brand.

Are Holland America’s Swimming Pools Salt or Fresh Water?

Holland America cruise ships have a mix of both salt and freshwater swimming pools. There is no definitive list on their website or any other source but by speaking to guests who have been on board I’ve managed to find out that Veendam uses saltwater and Volendam uses freshwater.

Again the newer ships seem to use freshwater and the older seawater.

How do Cruise Lines Keep Their Pools Clean?

Cruise lines keep their pools clean by draining and replacing the water each night. To learn more about how and why this happens, check out this post: 

Cruise Lines Drain The Swimming Pools at Night – Here’s Why

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Any Salt Water Pools?

• Thread starter canadawithboys
• Start date Aug 1, 2017

canadawithboys

Earning my ears.

• Aug 1, 2017

Are there any/many salt water pools at WDW? I read somewhere that Art of Animation's main pool is salt water. We stayed at AOA 4 years ago and loved it. I have recently developed a severe chlorine allergy/sensitivity, and I'm planning another trip to DW and hoping that either AOA's main pool is still saltwater and/or that other DW resorts are also using saltwater. I have not been able to find any recent info at all and I thought someone on here may know. Thanks in advance!  

DIS Veteran

Not that I know of? But I hadn't heard AoA was salt water either!  

the oasis pool at the Poly, which is not the main/feature pool, is salt water.  

I've been in the AoA main pool and if that was salt water it was sure not obvious. I would have sworn that was chorine. I've been in the main pool for every other Mod and Deluxe (not OKW or SSR) and none of them were either  

• Aug 2, 2017

dbavis said: the oasis pool at the Poly, which is not the main/feature pool, is salt water. Click to expand...

Even if it was salt water, its still chlorine. Chlorine is also higher at public pools to make sure they disinfect everything.  

Oasis pool at Poly is most definitely a,salt water pool  

• Aug 4, 2017

robl45 said: Even if it was salt water, its still chlorine. Chlorine is also higher at public pools to make sure they disinfect everything. Click to expand...

canadawithboys said: Thanks everyone! Thank you for your response! I've heard this as well... that saltwater pools still convert salt to chlorine. I'm still hoping that somehow I'm able to go in "the least of the evils" when it comes to pools... perhaps wishful thinking. Am I understanding you correctly that the level of chlorine in a public saltwater pool is probably just as high as a regular chlorine pool? Do you know whether saltwater pools convert salt into the same form of chlorine as "normal" chlorine, or a slightly different one? There's no guarantee I'll be able to go even in saltwater pools, but they seem to be my only possible hope at this point. Click to expand...

bigeyedfish

Mouseketeer.

http://www.inyopools.com/Blog/converting-your-pool-to-saltwater/  

I'm sorry to hear about your sensitivity to chlorine. Saltwater pools are indeed chlorine pools; the salt is converted to chlorine, and then when it reacts with organics, it turns back into salt. Generally the super chemically smell in pools is actually chloramines, not the chlorine itself. Ironically (to me at least) this usually means there's not enough chlorine in the pool, rather than too much. The ACC has a good article on it if you're interested: https://chlorine.americanchemistry....Library/Chloramines-Understanding-Pool-Smell/  

tinkerbellandeeyor

Not trying to start a debate but I remember my first cruise in 98 I had the surprise of my life I went in the pool and it was salt water I am not sure if cruise ships have different standards then resorts  

bababear_50

Hi Canadawithboys I have a couple of skin conditions and have been looking for answers to the question you asked. I found this post https://disneyparksmomspanel.disney.go.com/question/resorts-saltwater-pool-chlorine-allergy-292927/ I'm also checking Disney spas out to see what options they offer. The wet sauna at Universal Royal Pacific was wonderful. Have fun planning and best wishes to you Hugs Mel  

"It's a bug-eat-bug world out there, princess."

canadawithboys said: Are there any/many salt water pools at WDW? I read somewhere that Art of Animation's main pool is salt water. We stayed at AOA 4 years ago and loved it. I have recently developed a severe chlorine allergy /sensitivity, and I'm planning another trip to DW and hoping that either AOA's main pool is still saltwater and/or that other DW resorts are also using saltwater. I have not been able to find any recent info at all and I thought someone on here may know. Thanks in advance! Click to expand...

AngiTN said: I've been in the AoA main pool and if that was salt water it was sure not obvious. I would have sworn that was chorine. I've been in the main pool for every other Mod and Deluxe (not OKW or SSR) and none of them were either Click to expand...

JerseyJanice

A disboards original....

• Aug 5, 2017

On Disney property but not a Disney pool is the salt water lap pool at the Swan.  

tinkerbellandeeyor said: Not trying to start a debate but I remember my first cruise in 98 I had the surprise of my life I went in the pool and it was salt water I am not sure if cruise ships have different standards then resorts Click to expand...

HopperFan said: I do not believe Disney uses chlorine in any of their pools. I think they have used bromine for years so you might want to check if that will bother you as well. I know we find a big difference in reactions when we switched our hot tub from chlorine to bromine. I don't think it's a salt water pool , I think it has a salt water type of filtration system .. so that makes sense it's not obvious. Click to expand...

I know Google-Fu

A lot of people self-diagnose themselves with chlorine allergies, but such a thing is incredibly rare. While it is not impossible, I have had several people who claimed such an allergy swim in pools my company manages and had none of the side-effects they associate with chlorine. What typically causes discomfort and rashes are chloramines, which are the byproducts of chlorine reacting with contaminates. A strong chlorine smell indicates an abundance of chloramines and points to too little chlorine in a pool. It makes no difference what produced the chlorine, gas injection, solid or liquid forms of chlorine, or saltwater chlorine generators, once it is in the water chlorine is all the same. Pool water comfort is about properly balancing the water, assuring there is enough chlorine and the pH is properly controlled. There is also no such thing as a "saltwater filtration system", nor a pool that uses "no chemicals" that is open to the public in the US. All public pools MUST use an EPA approved sanitizer, either chlorine, bromine, or biguanide. Local codes dictate what those levels can be and they are regularly inspected and would be shut down if they are not kept within the guidelines. Cruise ships are a totally different situation than pools on land. As was said above, most pools at WDW are bromine, though they can still be salt pools. The saltwater generator will produce chlorine which almost immediately reacts with the sodium bromide in the water to form bromine. Also the salt level in a saltwater pool in the US is 1/10th that of the ocean. They are about 2000-4000 PPM salt, most people can't even taste it. The ocean, on the other hand, is 35,000 ppm. So the experience is nothing like swimming in seawater.  

DIS life goes on

The oasis pool at the Poly had a distinctly salty taste so I assume it was a salt filtration system.  

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Disney Wish Pools and Slides: A Complete Guide

by Morgan Flaherty | Sep 19, 2023 | Disney Cruise Line , Disney Wish

We’re sharing your complete guide to the Disney Wish pools and slides, including the AquaMouse attraction.

The Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line’s newest cruise ship, offering guests onboard some truly one-of-a-kind experiences at sea. The ship offers six different pools for families, along with a splash area, a pool for toddlers, an adults-only pool, and even the AquaMouse attraction. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the Disney Wish pools and slides,

Ready to learn more about the Disney Wish pools and slides? Here’s what we’ll be covering:

Mickey’s Pool (Deck 11)

Minnie’s pool (deck 11), daisy’s pool (deck 11).

• Pluto’s (Deck 11)

Donald’s Pool (Deck 12)

Goofy’s pool (deck 12), chip ‘n’ dale’s pool (deck 14), quiet cove (deck 13), toy story splash zone and trixie’s falls pool (deck 12).

• Slide-a-Saurus Rex

Disney Wish Pools for Families

On board the Disney Wish you’ll find six differently-sized pools for families. The six main pools are all located midship between the funnels on decks 11 and 12. On Deck 11, you’ll find Mickey’s Pool, Minnie’s Pool, Daisy’s Pool, and Pluto’s Pool. On Deck 12, you can find Donald’s Pool and Goofy’s Pool. On Deck 14, there’s a quiet pool, Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Pool. The main pools all offer lounge chairs where you can soak in the sun, or relax by the pool.

These pool areas are an especially fun place to be for Pirate Night when the pool deck is transformed into a rock concert venue for the Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party . Expect swashbuckling performances from a live pirate band and spectacular fireworks at sea.

Mickey’s Pool is the largest option for the pools and is located right in front of Funnel Vision. This is the jumbo LED display that plays Disney movies, TV series, live sporting events, and more.

Photo by Danny Shuster

Minnie’s Pool is also located on Deck 11 with a good view of Funnel Vision from the second largest pool. Both Mickey and Minnie’s Pool are fairly shallow, so perfect for bringing younger kids in to cool off.

Daisy’s Pool is also located on Deck 11 and is smaller than Mickey or Minnie’s Pool. Both Daisy’s Pool and Pluto’s Pool are also shallow, at two feet deep.

Pluto’s Pool (Deck 11)

Pluto’s Pool and Daisy’s Pool are both the smaller pool options on Deck 11, with a depth of about two feet.

Donald’s Pool and Goofy’s Pool are located on Deck 12 and are the two deepest pools at about four feet deep.

Goofy’s Pool and Donald’s Pool are located on Deck 12 and are the two deepest pools at about four feet deep.

One of Disney Wish’s best-kept secrets is Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Pool up on Deck 14! The wading pool is two feet deep and is a quiet pool, so is ideal for guests looking to take in a more relaxing time. The pool also has some absolutely incredible views that will make this secluded spot a must-do for anyone looking for a quiet time.

If the Finding Nemo -themed splash pads on the Disney Dream and Fantasy have been a hit with your kids, they’ll love the bathtub-themed Toy Story Splash Zone! on the Disney Wish. The water playground is inspired by the Disney/Pixar short  Partysaurus Rex and was designed with families in mind. The splash zone is ideal for toddlers and younger children to have fun on board.

Notice how Toy Story ‘s heroes and villains have been reimagined as huge rubber bath toys that move and spray water. The splash zone also features two toddler-sized slides, pop jets, geysers, and bubblers.

Nearby, you’ll find Trixie’s Falls, which is a six-inch-deep wading pool complete with a fountain and waterfall. On the same deck, you’ll also find Slide-a-Saurus Rex, which is a kid-friendly smaller water slide than the nearby AquaMouse.

Disney Wish Pools for Adults

Along with pools that accept all ages, you’ll find an adults-only pool that is just for ages 18 and up. Located on Deck 13 you can find Quiet Cove, which includes an adults-only infinity pool, bar, and lounge.

Quiet Cove is located far from the ship’s family activities making it the perfect spot for guests 18 years of age and older to unwind…without kids. Located on Deck 13, the Quiet Cove is home to an infinity pool, bar, and lounge.

The lounge, Cove Bar, is themed to  Moana , and the perfect spot to grab a cocktail or international coffee. You can enjoy these delicious beverages with stunning views of the sea. Check out our full review here .

Disney Wish Pool Slides

You’ll find two major water slides on the Disney Wish, the Slide-a-Saurus Rex, as well as the AquaMouse water coaster. The AquaMouse made history as the first high-speed water coaster on a Disney Cruise Line ship, featuring two animated adventures set to a score by The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse composer, Christopher Willis.

AquaMouse (Deck 12)

The AquaMouse is far from your average cruise ship waterslide. The AquaMouse is “a thrilling high-speed water coaster down a flume that includes sharp turns and loud noises.”

To ride AquaMouse, there’s a minimum height requirement of 42” and guests must be 48” tall to ride their raft alone. An impressive 760 feet of tubes wrap around the Disney Wish’s upper deck. As you zip around through the tubes, you’ll take in gorgeous ocean views.

AquaMouse offers two original animated adventures: Scuba Scramble and Swiss Meltdown . Set to a score by The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse composer, Christopher Willis, this waterslide is simply splash- tacular! You can watch our ride-through of the attraction below!

Slide-a-saurus Rex (Deck 12)

What happens when the bathtub overflows? Kids can take a ride down Slide-a-Saurus Rex to find out! Keeping with the bathtub theme, this double-looping waterslide takes kids on a trip “down the drain.”

Don’t get too distracted by the 60+ water blasters, misters, and pop jets. There are Disney Easter Eggs to be found! Being the resourceful chipmunks that they are, Chip and Dale are hitchhiking their way to Castaway Cay and can be spotted in each animated story.

Want More Disney Wish Coverage?

Check out the DCL Magazine Instagram and DCL Magazine Facebook page for more Disney Wish coverage. Don’t forget to join the waiting list for DCL Magazine too!

Thanks to Disney for hosting us during the Christening Cruise of the Disney Wish. As part of a media preview we were able to enjoy a 3-night sailing, tour the facilities, speak with Imagineers and Cast Members who brought the ship to life, visit Castaway Cay, and enjoy many of the onboard offerings. #DisneyCruise #DisneyWish #DisneyChristening

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What’s so Different About the Pools on the Disney Wish

What’s a Disney Cruise vacation without lots of time in the pool? I’ve been on every Disney cruise ship, except for the Fantasy, and when Disney invited our publications to experience the new Disney Wish I couldn’t wait to explore. Many things are different on this ship including the Disney Wish pools for families, and adults too.

Whether you’ve been on a Disney Cruise before, or not, it’s helpful to know what to expect before you step aboard. We’ll go over what’s so different about the pools on the Disney Wish , including the six pools for families, and a quiet pool, the waterslides, the splash area and pool for toddlers, and the adults-only pools.

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Please note, our team was invited by Disney to the Disney Wish Christening sailing. Our cruise experience, aside from specialty drinks and certain experiences, was complimentary.

Disney Wish Pools for Families

With a new ship comes new opportunities to make improvements. On the new Disney Wish there are SIX pools for families . These pools vary in size and depth. Plus there is a wading pool at the front of the ship.

Starting on deck 11 the Mickey’s Pool and Minnie’s Pool are the largest pools . They are surrounded by lounge chairs and offer the closest view to the funnel vision screens which show Disney films and other fun features throughout the day, and into the night.

Mickey’s Pool, and to a lesser extent, Minnie’s Pool, can often be covered up due to entertainment. Mickey’s Pool is covered up to become a stage during certain shows, including the Sail Away Deck Party.

Smaller Pools – Daisy, Pluto, Donald, and Goofy Pools

On an upper level, just a few steps above Minnie’s Pool are two more tiers of smaller pools. Daisy’s Pool and Pluto’s Pool mirror each other and are small shallow pools, only 2′ deep with a gentle waterfall at the back . These two pools are perfect for sitting and enjoying the relaxing waterfall, and a nice choice for little kids still working on their comfort around the water.

Note – complimentary life jackets are available at racks near the pools. I encourage all families to use these, even if your kiddo(s) has some strong swimming skills. It helps put your mind at ease and helps them not tire out as quickly.

At the highest tier are Donald’s Pool and Goofy’s Pool . These pools are almost like cylinders. They are perfectly round and 4′ deep – the deepest of the family pools .

This new tiered system makes the pool area on the Disney Wish much less chaotic than the other Disney Cruise Ships. The action is spread out and each pool feels like its own special area .

The viewing for deck parties and shows is also improved by having these smaller tiered decks.

Cip N’ Dale’s Quiet Pool on Deck 14

If you’re willing to make a little bit of a trek, you’ll be rewarded with a pool that is often overlooked. It is far away from the main family pools and is relatively quiet. This wading pool, only 2′ in depth, but it is wide, round, and offers beautiful views from the front of the ship.

This area was used for filming during the media sailing so we were unable to get to it and photograph it. But if you are looking for a pool away from the action and a more relaxed atmosphere this Chip N’ Dale’s pool on deck 14 is a great option.

Lounge Chairs on the Disney Wish

The big disadvantage of this new layout is keeping your spot if your kiddo wants to move from pool to another. There is nothing wrong with keeping your lounge chairs and your items there as you move around, but it can be annoying.

And I can only imagine what happens if one sibling wants to be in one pool and the other wants to be in a different one.

Still, after multiple sailings on multiple Disney ships, I prefer this new tiered setup.

Toy Story Splash Zone

Back when the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy came aboard the Disney Cruise Line fleet a new design for the littlest of swimmers emerged. This new design for the splash zone continues with the Disney Wish .

The Toy Story Splash Zone is adorable. It features all your favorite Toy Story characters , but in a cute style that resembles Fisher Price’s Little People toys. There are multiple water nozzles and sprayers, plus two short slides . It is completely shaded and there is only one entrance – making it easy for parents to keep an eye on their little cruisers.

I love that this Splash Zone is away from the Funnel Vision screens on the Disney Wish. Sometimes the movies are too loud or too intense for little littles. Plus, there is a wading pool for just littles right next to the Splash Zone.

Aqua Mouse and Waterslide

It’s become a tradition for Disney cruise ships to have at least one waterslide. On the Disney Wish there is a new waterslide, in fact, it is the first Disney attraction at sea . The Aqua Mouse is more like a ride than a water slide. It features Mickey and Minnie in the style of the new cartoon series. According to Walt Disney Imagineer, Danny Hadke , there are about 60 nozzles or water jets ready to get you soaked.

The minimum height requirement for Aqua Mouse is 42″ so it is good for school age kids and older. Our four year old son is not tall enough so we did not get a chance to personally experience Aqua Mouse, but everyone we talked to loved it and had a great time.

For a more traditional waterslide experience, there is Slide-A-Saurus Rex. This bright yellow slide matches the theme of the Toy Story Splash Zone, but it is a slide for anyone 38″ inches or taller.

Nearby Dining and Drinks

You’ll never go hungry or thirsty on a Disney cruise, or any cruise for that matter. On the same deck as the pools you can get unlimited soft drinks at the multiple drink stations .

Parenting Pro Tip – Look for the small silver buttons on the lower part of the drink stations. These buttons are on kid-level so kids can push the buttons themselves and fill up their own cup!

There is also unlimited soft serve ice cream on this deck!

For quick eats visit Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods . Our son LOVED Donald’s Taco Cantina where we made a bowl of white rice, shredded pork, and veggies. And my husband loved Mickey’s Smokehouse BBQ. This new quick-service food on the Disney Wish is somehow a big improvement on the quick-service food on the other Disney ships.

If you want something even more satisfying then Marceline Market is the buffet-style restaurant on the Disney Wish. Instead of being a traditional buffet, the servers will hand you whatever selection you desire. There are multiple stations so be sure to walk around and get your fill. This is also on the main pool deck.

RELATED: Inside Arendelle Frozen Dining Adventure

Adults Only Pools on Disney Wish

Parents need their own time. And what I love most about Disney Cruise Line is it perfectly balances the needs of kids as well as the desires of parents. Every Disney Cruise I’ve experienced has allowed me to have it all.

I get quality family time, a little solo time, and enjoy some romantic moments just my husband and me.

One of the best places for quality adult time is deck 12 aft (the back of the ship). Here adults can enjoy a massive wrap-around sun deck with plenty of plush seating.

The Disney Wish offers the first ever infinity pool on a Disney cruise ship . Admittedly the adults-only pool area is small. In fact, it feels smaller than all the other Disney ships. There is an infinity pool that overlooks the ocean and the back of the ship, and two shallow wading pools with gentle waterfalls flank it on either side.

An outdoor bar and Cove Cafe right around the corner, provide plenty of libations. Even if you only give yourself an hour or so in the adults-only pool deck while your kids enjoy the Oceaneers Club, Edge, or Vibe, it will be worth it.

RELATED: 5 BIG Changes on the Disney Wish Cruise Ship for Adults

A Disney Cruise is all about fun for every member of the family. So don’t forget to make time for yourself too.

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Age-Specific Activities – Frequently Asked Questions

Do any of the onboard swimming pools have age or height restrictions?

Yes, for your safety, we ask that Guests with children understand the age and height requirements for all the pools on board. Please note that swim diapers are prohibited in all pools but are required as indicated in splash play areas.

• AquaDuck (Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy) – height 42 inches or taller
• AquaDunk (Disney Magic) – height 48 inches or taller
• AquaLab (Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic) – ages 3 and older
• Donald's Pool / Goofy's Pool (all ships) – adults and children ages 3 and older
• Mickey's Pool (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wonder) – ages 3 and older
• Whirlpool Spa tubs (all ships) – adult supervision required for Guests under age 16
• Mickey's Slide – ages 4 to 14; height at least 38 and no more than 64 inches tall
• Nephews' Splash Zone / Dory’s Reef / Nemo's Reef (all ships) – ages 3 and younger (swim diapers required)
• Quiet Cove Pool – ages 18 and older only
• Twist 'n' Spout Slide (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) – height at least 38 inches or taller

Policies About Swim Accessories and Equipment Please note the following policies about pool toys and swim accessories:

• Swim goggles that fit only over the eyes are permitted at all pools, hot tubs and waterslides, with the exception of AquaDunk aboard the Disney Magic, where goggles are not allowed.
• Swim masks that cover the eyes and nose are permitted at all pools. They are not allowed on any slides, including AquaDuck.
• Snorkel tubes are not permitted at any pools, hot tubs or waterslides.
• Coast Guard personal flotation devices (PFDs), water wings and flotation sewn into bathing suits can be brought on board and are permitted in all pools and waterslides except the AquaDunk.
• Complimentary flotation vests are provided and may be used in all pools and waterslides except the AquaDunk.
• Floats, rafts and fun noodles cannot be brought on board and are not permitted in the pools.

Policies About Swim Diapers The United States Public Health Service requires that only children who are toilet trained are permitted to enter swimming pools and spas aboard cruise ships.

Children who are not toilet trained are welcome to enjoy Nemo's Reef and Dory’s Reef, where they must wear swim diapers. Please note that swim diapers are not permitted in the pools, hot tubs or spas, the AquaDuck and the AquaLab.

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Related Questions

How many swimming pools are on each ship, and are any for adults only?

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

Are pools on all ships salt water?

By KarimaJ , August 24, 2017 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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On the Getaway the pool by the waterslides was salt water. Both me and my daughter did not like it. We have been in salt water pools before with no problem but this was so strong, whenever we touched the metal railings our fingers hurt and tingled. Maybe this was just us. Are all NCL pools salt water?

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I thought all NCL pools have salt water. I believe maybe Disney and Princess have freshwater pools.

CruiseGal999

I believe all pools on all ships are salt water. When, for instance, someone lets their baby with poopy diapers in the pool, the pool has to be drained. It is drained into the ocean. The pool is scoured (hopefully) and is filled by pumping ocean water into the pool. At least, that is my understanding when RC had to do just that for exactly THAT reason. This was 2004.

Pools on Princess ships are FRESH water. :)

Some ships use fresh water, and some ships use salt water. What most cruisers don't know is that even salt water pools are chlorinated, per USPH regulations. And the residual chlorine level, 2-5ppm is typically higher than either salt or fresh water pools on land. Additionally, the ship's pools are constantly monitored and constantly dosed in the recirculation of the water, unlike land pools which are frequently dosed once or twice a day after testing.

I suspect what the OP and her daughter were experiencing was a reaction to the higher chlorine levels than they are used to.

The reason RCI uses salt water, and not all their pools are salt water, really has nothing to do with fecal accidents in the pool, even a fresh water pool on a ship has to be drained after an incident, it is just that salt water is free, while it costs to either load fresh water in port, or energy to make fresh water from sea water.

Chengkp75, I just love your posts. I learn something every time!!!

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BirdTravels

On the Getaway, the Havens pool and thermal suite pool are fresh water.

I love salt water...live not far from the beach so I grew up swimming in it.

NO..not all, but most. You can only tell it's salt water if you taste it...and I wouldn't advise that! It's filtered so it's as clear as chlorine water....actually, salt water makes it's OWN chlorine!

Better for your skin, hair and swimsuit! Be aware that it's the SUN that fades your suit...not the chlorine or salt!

Actually, CHLORINE does fade clothes.

Chlorine is an oxidizing agent. It oxidizes and causes the dye/pigment of the cloth to fade.

NO..not all, but most. You can only tell it's salt water if you taste it...and I wouldn't advise that! It's filtered so it's as clear as chlorine water....actually, salt water makes it's OWN chlorine! Better for your skin, hair and swimsuit! Be aware that it's the SUN that fades your suit...not the chlorine or salt!

Actually, CHLORINE does fade clothes. Chlorine is an oxidizing agent. It oxidizes and causes the dye/pigment of the cloth to fade.

Well, we all know that cb is almost always wrong. We always got complaints about the high levels of chlorine in the hot tubs not only fading, but rotting the threads in swimwear.

And sea water only makes chlorine when you pass an electric current through it, and no salt water chlorination system is approved by USPH, it is old fashioned liquid chlorine in ships' pools.

All salt water.

don't-use-real-name

Well, we all know that cb is almost always wrong. We always got complaints about the high levels of chlorine in the hot tubs not only fading, but rotting the threads in swimwear.   And sea water only makes chlorine when you pass an electric current through it, and no salt water chlorination system is approved by USPH, it is old fashioned liquid chlorine in ships' pools.

We always got complaints about the high levels of chlorine in the hot tubs not only fading, but rotting the threads in swimwear.

Nothing like cooking (boiling) the life out of clothing.

Would you suggest after using the salt water chlorinated pool/tub etc. to wash your duds in the cabin sink

or shower ?

This to extend the life of the garment.

I might bring along a small bottle of laundry soap if that would help flush the offending salt chlorine out.

Thanks for all of your answers to cruise questions we are so honored to have you aboard with us !

Some ships use fresh water, and some ships use salt water. What most cruisers don't know is that even salt water pools are chlorinated, per USPH regulations. And the residual chlorine level, 2-5ppm is typically higher than either salt or fresh water pools on land. Additionally, the ship's pools are constantly monitored and constantly dosed in the recirculation of the water, unlike land pools which are frequently dosed once or twice a day after testing.   I suspect what the OP and her daughter were experiencing was a reaction to the higher chlorine levels than they are used to.   The reason RCI uses salt water, and not all their pools are salt water, really has nothing to do with fecal accidents in the pool, even a fresh water pool on a ship has to be drained after an incident, it is just that salt water is free, while it costs to either load fresh water in port, or energy to make fresh water from sea water.

That's exactly what I said in my post. The ease of draining and re-filling the pool with ocean/salt water. It was necessary to do this on the cruise I was on due to poopy diaper(s).

Two Wheels Only

That's exactly what I said in my post.

You also posted...

I believe all pools on all ships are salt water.

...which isnt correct...

The reason RCI uses salt water, and not all their pools are salt water, really has nothing to do with fecal accidents in the pool, even a fresh water pool on a ship has to be drained after an incident, ...

If the accident had happened in a fresh water pool, the same draining/cleaning procedures would have been followed. It just would have been more expensive/time consuming since it would have been filled with fresh water.

You have sea water everywhere you cruise.

As for fresh water there is a limited supply on board and it can be replaced by making more thru a few methods.

Depending on pool(s) size filling can take a good quantity of this at an expensive cost over using sea water.

Also while in port the ship is able to take on water from a municipal source some better than others but still

requiring some degree of chemical treatment to satisfy public use.

Water is not cheap - of course NCL makes a big deal about guests bringing on their own.

But guests will never be able to bring on enough to fill a pool or hot tub let alone a small drinking glass !

While on board any ship it is a good policy to use water sparingly - there is a cost factor in the cruise fare

albeit small but never the less ask how many water towers or reservoirs it takes to fill the bunkers on a ship.

I don't have the answers but you can certainly ask at a Meet & Greet party for some impressive answers.

You also posted...       ...which isnt correct...       If the accident had happened in a fresh water pool, the same draining/cleaning procedures would have been followed. It just would have been more expensive/time consuming since it would have been filled with fresh water.

Correct. I said "I believe" .... meaning I wasn't sure. I NEVER stated it was a fact. The incident I referenced was just the catalyst on my particular trip. It had nothing to do with whether the water was fresh or salt. It's just logical that salt water is a much easier and cost effective method to refill a cruise ship's pool.

Get over yourself ....

We always got complaints about the high levels of chlorine in the hot tubs not only fading' date=' but rotting the threads in swimwear.[/b']   Nothing like cooking (boiling) the life out of clothing.   Would you suggest after using the salt water chlorinated pool/tub etc. to wash your duds in the cabin sink or shower ? This to extend the life of the garment. I might bring along a small bottle of laundry soap if that would help flush the offending salt chlorine out.   Thanks for all of your answers to cruise questions we are so honored to have you aboard with us !

I would first use the pool deck showers to rinse off, and then either rinsing again or soaking in the sink.

cruiser1955a

You have sea water everywhere you cruise. As for fresh water there is a limited supply on board and it can be replaced by making more thru a few methods. Depending on pool(s) size filling can take a good quantity of this at an expensive cost over using sea water. Also while in port the ship is able to take on water from a municipal source some better than others but still requiring some degree of chemical treatment to satisfy public use.   Water is not cheap - of course NCL makes a big deal about guests bringing on their own. But guests will never be able to bring on enough to fill a pool or hot tub let alone a small drinking glass !   While on board any ship it is a good policy to use water sparingly - there is a cost factor in the cruise fare albeit small but never the less ask how many water towers or reservoirs it takes to fill the bunkers on a ship. I don't have the answers but you can certainly ask at a Meet & Greet party for some impressive answers.

This makes me wonder.....

When we dock in Bermuda, they attach a large hose from the ship, to the dock. Is NCL giving/selling water to (water starved) Bermuda, or are they taking water ?

This makes me wonder..... When we dock in Bermuda, they attach a large hose from the ship, to the dock. Is NCL giving/selling water to (water starved) Bermuda, or are they taking water ?

They are taking on water. As precious as water is in Bermuda, quite a lot of water is produced by reverse osmosis from sea water, just like the ships do. I don't see any mention of restrictions being placed on selling water to cruise ships, even in the current situation. It is, however, about 2-3 times as expensive as water loaded in Miami, or Boston.

Since the ship is sitting at the pier for 2-3 days, they cannot make water onboard, so they need to take on water from shore.

They are taking on water. As precious as water is in Bermuda, quite a lot of water is produced by reverse osmosis from sea water, just like the ships do. I don't see any mention of restrictions being placed on selling water to cruise ships, even in the current situation. It is, however, about 2-3 times as expensive as water loaded in Miami, or Boston.   Since the ship is sitting at the pier for 2-3 days, they cannot make water onboard, so they need to take on water from shore.

We'll be boarding in 4 hours.

newmexicoNita

I think you are right, but NCL and the others do a good job of filtering the water. I couldn't even tell the water in the NCL pools was not fresh. This goes for most lines. I am surprised to hear it really bothered someone that much.:rolleyes:

I'm curious if you have any insight to our trip last week on MSC Divina. A couple things seemed odd to me - first is they never bunkered water even in the same ports I've seen NCL do it. Second is their water in the bathroom seemed very slippery, almost like it was hard water.

Ships will only bunker water in port when their itinerary does not allow sufficient time at sea to make all the water needed for the cruise. Water can only be made when more than 12 miles from shore, and the faster the ship goes, the more waste heat is available to make water, so time and distance in the itinerary can determine whether or not they need to bunker water.

The other problem with bunkering water in port is that this water must be kept segregated from the other water onboard (separate tanks), until a fecal coliform bacteria test is completed, and this takes from 18-24 hours.

Its been my experience that soft water feels slippery, not hard water. This would be indicative that the ship does not, in fact, take on much shore water (typically moderately hard), and relies more on flash evaporation of sea water over reverse osmosis to make the water onboard. Flash evaporation produces distilled water, as soft as can be found. The residual chlorine level in ship's water also tends to make the water somewhat "slippery".

The pool filters used by NCL and all cruise ships are really no different from home or municipal pool filters, and does not remove any of the salt from sea water. The filters are designed to remove large particles, not ions like sodium and chlorine. Many people react to chlorine in different ways, and the chlorine levels in ships' pools are, as I've said, typically much higher than on land.

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50 Best Cruise Ship Water Parks and Private Islands for Kids

A nyone who’s ever cruised in the Caribbean or Mexico knows how hot a day at sea can get. With temperatures routinely hitting 80 degrees and above, being able to cool off onboard your ship is a must. And for families with young kids and tweens, nothing beats a cruise ship water park with water slides when it comes to keeping everyone happy and refreshed on days at sea.

The Best Cruise Ship Water Parks for Kids of All Ages

Plenty of cruise ships have pools and water slides, but not all of them are a good fit for families with tweens or kids under 10 years old. Pools can get crowded, life guards may not be available, and water slides may be too scary or have height limits.

That’s not a problem with the following cruise ship water parks that have just what’s needed for all ages from toddlers to tweens to teens. From smaller water slides, wading pools, and tipping buckets to water cannons, surprise water spouts, and dancing fountains, here are the cruise ships with the best onboard water parks for every age group.

FAMILY CRUISE DEALS: Kids Cruise Free: These 7 Cruise Lines Let Kids Sail Free

Important note: With the exception of Disney Cruise Line , kids on all other ships must be potty-trained to play in these cruise ship water parks; swim diapers are not permitted on most ships.

Splashaway Bay Aqua Park and Category 6 Water Park on Royal Caribbean

Splashaway Bay aqua park from Royal Caribbean is an ideal cruise ship water park for tweens or kids under 10 who love to zip down water slides, splash through fountains, or get soaking wet beneath a massive tipping bucket. There’s also a Splashaway Bay area for little kids at Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay .

FIRST TIME: How to Make the Most of Your First Cruise Vacation

The main attraction at the Splashaway Bay water parks on Royal Caribbean ships are the colorful water slides, the number of which vary by cruise ship. Generally, you’ll find one or two larger slides for kids ages six and older (minimum height is 42 inches) and one small slide for the toddlers. For the big slide, the maximum weight is 300 pounds. There’s also a splash zone with ankle-high pools of water and an array of other water features (think water cannons, whirlpools, and a drench bucket) to get kids wet and laughing. 

For bigger thrills, look to the Category 6 water park on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas . At 17,000 square feet, this is the biggest cruise ship water park in the world, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Spread across two decks, Category 6 boasts a number of firsts at sea: the first open freefall slide, the first dueling mat race slides, the first family raft rides on a cruise ship, and last but not least, the tallest drop slide at sea. It’s a truly epic water park that’s most suited to daredevil tweens and teens.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships with a Splashaway Bay Water Park:

• Adventure of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Harmony of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Oasis of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Symphony of the Seas
• Wonder of the Seas
• Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships with a Splashaway Bay Water Park

Carnival waterworks on carnival cruise line.

Kids of all ages will be dazzled by the brightly colored Carnival WaterWorks water parks found on most Carnival Cruise Line ships. Though the space and design varies by ship, all of the Carnival ship water parks feature one or two water slides, a giant tipping bucket, and kiddie spray zones with fountains and water cannons that are perfect for younger kids.

WATER WORLDS: 14 Best Indoor Water Park Resorts in the U.S.

Most ships have either straight or curling slides, but Carnival Vista offers up the Kaleid-O-Slide . This water slide, geared toward the seven-and-up crowd, takes riders on mats down a 455-foot-long series of twists and turns while zooming through flashing kaleidoscopic lights and visual effects. Even younger kids will appreciate the Dr. Seuss-themed WaterWorks and spray zone on Carnival Horizon , which includes a massive water-tipping top-hat and two water slides. Some of Carnival’s ships also have racing slides that offer side by side thrills for older kids and adults.

Carnival Cruise Ships with a WaterWorks Water Park:

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista

Forest Aquaventure Park, AquaPlay, Polar Park, Aurora Borealis Aquapark, and Ocean Cay Aquapark on MSC Cruises

One of the largest water parks for young kids at sea, the Forest Aquaventure Park and AquaPlay area on MSC Cruises offer a full range of amusements for kids, tweens, teens, and water slide-loving adults. There are four slides, including two racing slides with clear sections that extend out over the side of the ship; an easy, open air spiral slide; and a funky slideboard option with neon lighting. 

SUNSHINE STATE: 7 Best Orlando Water Parks for Families

For the smaller kids under 10, there’s a large shallow pool with fountains to play under, mini slides to give the kiddos a thrill, spray nozzles for getting mom and dad wet, and a giant tipping bucket. Above it all is an enclosed suspension bridge that might look scary and like a challenge to some of the younger kids, but is as safe as can be. 

MSC’s Polar AquaPark, found on MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima , isn’t nearly as toddler-friendly as Forest Aquaventure, which is a good thing for families with older kids and tweens. The water slides here are decidedly teen- and adult-sized, as is the rope bridge. There’s a smallish water slide in the splash zone, and kids under 10 will get a kick out of trying to figure out which is the next tipping bucket to go over (there are lots of them). There are also a few sprayers and a fountain wall for kids to run through. 

And the MSC World Europa has an impressive VR-enhanced water park called the Aurora Borealis AquaPark , which is geared more toward teens and adults than little kids. While it does have a toddler-only pool, the overall experience is best suited to bigger kids. The reef-themed Ocean Cay AquaPark can be found on MSC Euribia .

MSC Cruise Line Ships with a Forest Aquaventure and AquaPlay Water Park:

• MSC Seaside
• MSC Seashore
• MSC Seascape
• MSC Seaview

MSC Cruise Line Ships with a Polar AquaPark:

• MSC Meraviglia
• MSC Bellissima

MSC Cruise Line Ships with an Aurora Borealis AquaPark:

• MSC World Europa

MSC Cruise Line Ships with an Ocean Cay AquaPark:

• MSC Euribia

Reef Splash Zone on Princess Cruises

Thanks to its stellar Reef Splash Zone , the top cruise ship for families on Princess Cruises is Caribbean Princess . One of the best cruise ship water parks for the entire family, Reef Splash Zone features a kid-friendly pool and hot tub, a lounge area with plush seating, and a bar serving up delicious mocktails for the kids. The water park fun centers around Winnie the Whale, with water spraying from her spout and raining from her fluke. Inside her mouth is a pint-sized slide for children under 10. Assorted water sprays are located around Winnie the Whale.

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Pro tip: Take it from me: Never turn your back on a tween with their hand on a spray gun.

When everyone’s had enough of the water, you’ll also find oversized backyard games including cornhole scattered around this cruise ship water park. 

Princess Cruise Line Ships with a Reef Family Splash Zone Water Park:

• Caribbean Princess

Nemo’s Reef, Toy Story Splash Zone, AquaLab, and AquaDuck and AquaMouse Water Coasters on Disney Cruise Line

Limited to the eight and under set, the 1,500-square-foot Nemo’s Reef on Disney Cruise Line ships is filled with Finding Nemo characters, countless fountains, pop jets, and spray nozzles. There’s also a toddler-sized water slide with a slip-n-slide feel that will have young kids going back again and again. And, unlike on most other cruise ships, toddlers in swim diapers are welcome to play here. 

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For the tweens and kids eight years old and up, the AquaDuck water coaster stretches more than 750 feet, and a parent can ride together with their child on a two-person raft that goes up and down and out over the side of the ship. 

In fact, each of Disney’s cruise ships has at least one water play area for younger kids. You’ll find a sprawling water playground called AquaLab themed around Donald Duck’s mischievous nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie on the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy. On the Disney Wish, a very basic splash area called The Toy Story Splash Zone is geared toward toddlers age three and under, while the AquaMouse water slide—for kids (and adults) seven and older—is Disney’s first theme park-like attraction at sea.

Disney Cruise Line Ships with a Nemo’s Reef Water Park and AquaDuck Water Coaster:

• Disney Dream
• Disney Fantasy

Disney Cruise Line Ships with a AquaLab for Little Kids:

• Disney Magic
• Disney Wonder

Disney Cruise Line Ships with a Toy Story Splash Zone for Toddlers:

• Disney Wish

Kids Aqua Park on Norwegian Cruise Line

All of Norwegian Cruise Line ‘s Breakaway, Breakaway-Plus, and Prima class ships have a Kids’ Aqua Park play area.

The water parks for kids on Norwegian Escape , Norwegian Bliss , Norwegian Joy , and Norwegian Encore have the most to offer, including a large tipping bucket, mesh climbing structures, water cannons you can aim from above, and an exciting kid-sized slide. The water parks for young kids on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway are less impressive, with just a wading pool, two very tiny slides, and a handful of splash elements. The same can be said for the kids water play area on the Norwegian Prima .

Norwegian Cruise Line Ships with Water Parks for Little Kids:

• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Getaway
• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Prima
• Norwegian Viva

Which Cruise Lines Have Private Island Water Parks?

Several of the most family-friendly cruise lines have their own private islands where you’ll find water parks and splash areas of varying complexity.

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay is a massive water-themed playground of an island sure to dazzle both adults and kids. Among the offerings: Thrill Waterpark with its two towers and 13 slides, plus the Caribbean’s largest wave pool and an obstacle course pool. Perfect Day at CocoCay is also home to the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, Oasis Lagoon, which has coves, a swim-up bar, private cabanas, swim-up islands with in-water loungers, and a kid-friendly beach entry.

Disney’s Castaway Cay has plenty of water fun to offer as well. You can snorkel, swim with stingrays, zip down water slides in the water park area, and even run a 5K.

Both Carnival and Holland America visit the 2,400-acre Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas. As with Perfect Day at CocoCay and Castaway Cay, there’s a kid’s water park area here as well. Families can also go horseback riding on the beach and swing with stingrays. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay private island does not have a water park.

Note that not all sailings from these lines stop at their private islands, so if this experience is of interest, be sure to check the itinerary before booking.

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 13 Best Outdoor Water Parks in the U.S.
• When Do You Need a Child Travel Consent Form?
• When to Visit Disney World and Disneyland to Avoid Big Crowds

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