There’s something magical about sliding into a warm, bubbling jacuzzi while gazing out at the endless ocean.
For me, it’s one of those pure cruise luxuries — but it’s also one of the most fought-over spots on any ship.
Hot tubs are always prime real estate on cruise pool decks. Some of the best P&O Cruises, such as Arvia and Iona, treat guests to an impressive 16 jacuzzis, while older ships may only have one or two. The result? A scramble for space, especially on busy sea days.
And then comes the biggest debate: Should kids be allowed in cruise ship hot tubs at all?
A recent Facebook poll by Cruise Mummy turned this question into a full-blown cruise community conversation — and the results were… pretty one-sided.
There’s something magical about sliding into a warm, bubbling jacuzzi while gazing out at the endless ocean.
Poll Results: Most Passengers Say “Keep the Kids Out”
When asked, 66% of cruisers said NO to children in hot tubs. The comments were passionate, and the reasons kept popping up in five main categories…
1. “They Make It Too Crowded”
- During school holidays, some cruisers say it’s impossible to even get close to a hot tub.
- “There are 25 kids in there almost constantly!” one person claimed.
- But let’s be fair — even on adults-only cruises, hot tubs can still be packed all day. The real issue might just be not enough jacuzzis for everyone.
2. “It’s Not Safe”
- Many believe young children can’t regulate body temperature as well as adults, which could be risky in heated water.
- One cruiser put it bluntly: “Their bodies just aren’t mature enough to handle the heat.”
- For context: Baby bath water is usually 98°F to 100°F — warmer than most cruise ship jacuzzis, which often feel more like warm whirlpools than scalding spas.
- I’ve noticed on past holidays, if the water feels truly hot (around 104°F), kids usually just sit on the edge with their feet in.
3. “They Spread Germs”
- Concerns about hygiene came up often.
- Some say kids put their faces underwater, increasing the chance of bacteria spreading.
- While chlorination helps, it’s still a small shared space — not designed for underwater play.
4. “They Don’t Know How to Behave”
- It’s not always about their age — it’s about what they do in there.
- Splashing, jumping, and treating the hot tub like a mini pool are common complaints.
- One passenger said: “It’s the behaviour of some kids that’s the problem.”
- And honestly? Getting splashed while you’re trying to relax is annoying, no matter who does it.
5. “They Need to Be Supervised”
- Beyond safety, supervision is about awareness.
- One cruiser shared a disturbing story about a man lingering near kids at a pool area without a swimsuit — a stark reminder that watchful adults are essential.
6. “Enforce the Rules You Already Have”
- Many hot tubs are already designated as adults-only, but frustrated passengers say enforcement is inconsistent.
- “P&O lost me as a customer because they didn’t enforce their adult-only zones,” one commenter said.
- The only cruise line that several people said actively enforced it? Marella Cruise Line.
7. “Supervision Is Key”
- For supporters of mixed-age soaking, the solution is simple: adult supervision at all times.
- No unsupervised children, no splashing chaos.
- As one parent put it: “Don’t ban them — just make sure an adult is with them.”
8. “Kids Are People Too”
- Many parents and family crusaders believe children shouldn’t be punished for the bad behavior of a few.
- “My daughter is respectful, chats politely with other cruisers, and knows how to behave,” one parent shared.
- Some also pointed out special needs cases where a child might find a hot tub more accessible and less overwhelming than a large pool.
When Adults Are the Problem
Interestingly, not all complaints were kid-related — some were directed at grown-ups behaving badly.
“Tub Hogs” and “Beer Buckets”
- Guests who camp out for hours in the same spot, refusing to let others enjoy it, came under fire.
- So did the drinkers — one person said they watched a man polish off an entire bucket of beers without leaving the water.
The Hot Tub “Don’ts”
- Several people begged, “Please don’t be intimate in the hot tub!”
- One cruiser even saw someone taking a full bath, soap and all 🫧.
- And for hygiene-conscious guests? A few want hot tubs gone entirely, calling them “human soup.”
My Take & Possible Solutions
Personally, I think there’s room for both sides to be happy — but only if cruise lines take enforcement and planning seriously:
- Strict adult-only hours/zones — e.g., before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. for grown-ups only.
- Supervised kids’ welcome hours — times when families can enjoy the hot tub together.
- Clear signage + crew enforcement so rules aren’t optional.
If everyone respects the guidelines, the hot tub can remain a place for relaxation — not frustration.
