Cruise lines continually evolve to meet travelers’ expectations, becoming progressively more luxurious and modern. Nowhere is that evolution more visible than in shipboard pools. Once a simple deck feature, pools have become focal points for sunbathing, swimming, socializing and entertainment. Many vacationers call the pool their social hub for the entire voyage. From infinity-edge designs that seem to merge with the ocean to adults-only sanctuaries, modern cruise pools offer a refreshing retreat for every type of traveler.
Take Evrima’s infinity pool as an example. One of three ships in The Ritz‑Carlton Yacht Collection, the intimate 149-suite yacht features a lavish aft infinity pool designed to blend seamlessly with the sea. According to Alejandra Obregon, director of Architecture and Design for the collection, the pool’s clean lines and open-air deck create a relaxed elegance that enhances the sensation of freedom at sea.
On either side of the infinity pool are two whirlpools, offering guests a place to relax. In the evening, the area can transform into an open-air cinema or a picturesque party venue, while mornings bring breakfast service at Pool House with panoramic views.
Majestic Princess in the Princess Cruises fleet showcases the Hollywood Pool, an elegant, glass-domed space that protects swimmers from inclement weather while preserving skyward views. The pool is surrounded by comfortable loungers, decorative topiaries and art installations. Hot tubs adjacent to the pool provide additional options for soaking and relaxation.
PHOTOS: © MSC CRUISES
Enclosed pools are increasingly common, allowing guests to enjoy swimming regardless of weather. MSC Seashore’s Jungle Pool features a retractable roof so the space can be opened or enclosed depending on conditions. A shallow wading zone surrounds the pool for young children or anyone who wants to dip their feet. True to its name, the area is lushly planted, with hanging greenery, planter beds, plant walls, whirlpools, a bar and elevated seating overlooking the space.
MSC Cruises’ ships vary in size and number of pools, with some vessels offering four pools and others up to seven. A standout feature on many MSC ships is the MSC Yacht Club, a ship‑within‑a‑ship concept that provides suite guests with exclusive amenities: 24‑hour butler service, priority embarkation and disembarkation, access to private venues and unlimited use of the spa thermal area. Crucially, Yacht Club guests enjoy a private pool area and sundeck, offering a quieter, more intimate alternative to the main pool decks.
Other lines offer similar exclusive pool experiences. Princess Cruises’ Sanctuary Collection gives adults 16 and older access to the top‑deck Sanctuary Club and private cabanas for a secluded retreat. Celebrity Cruises’ Retreat provides suite guests with a private sundeck, shaded lounge chairs, personal attendants and a dedicated pool for Retreat guests.
PHOTO: © MSC CRUISES
Families with children will find that kids’ pools have evolved far beyond basic shallow basins. Modern ships often feature elaborate aquatic play areas packed with attractions and interactive elements. MSC Seaside‑class ships, for instance, offer Pirates Cove Aquapark, a themed play area centered on pirate adventures. The space includes a pirate ship structure with tipping buckets, water cannons, multiple slides and a tentacled creature feature emerging from the water. Themed design and immersive elements, including virtual reality enhancements on some ships, make these areas highly engaging for children and their families.
“You can’t walk into Pirates Cove Aquapark without a huge smile on your face,” said Trevor Young, vice president of the New Building Department at MSC Cruises. The theming, combined with open-sea views, draws guests into an immersive narrative of swashbuckling fun.
PHOTO: © SCENIC GROUP
Yet one of the strongest appeals of cruise pools is their ability to showcase uninterrupted ocean views. Infinity pools not only accentuate those vistas but also create striking visual statements and photo opportunities. Emerald Cruises features an infinity-edge pool that has become a signature of its yachts; the design visually extends the pool into the sea, creating a distinctive setting for relaxation and photography. Comfortable seating wraps the pool, and floating pillows add a playful touch for swimmers.
MS Roald Amundsen, the world’s first hybrid battery-powered cruise ship, includes an aft infinity pool that remains usable even while voyaging through icy waters in destinations such as Antarctica or Alaska. Its pool deck also includes a poolside bar, lounge seating and two hot tubs for warming up after a chilly swim.
Windstar’s Star Plus-class ships place infinity pools and a whirlpool midship to reduce wind exposure and make swimming more comfortable in cooler conditions. Strategically positioned pools and nearby bars allow guests to enjoy drinks and socialize while taking in the ocean air.
Whether you choose a mainstream ship or upgrade to a suite with private access, cruise pools now offer a wide range of experiences—relaxing, social, family-friendly or secluded—designed to enhance your time at sea and make the most of every horizon.