Tag Archives: swimming pools

The future of onboard pools

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Norwegian Star Pool and Slides
By Tom Stieghorst

As a kid, it was hard to keep me out of a pool, but now as an adult I’m less and less inclined to go for a swim.

I was thinking about this on a cruise aboard the Viking Star, the new ship from Viking Cruises, which has three pools. The main pool is midship; there is an infinity pool aft and a counter-current pool in the ship’s spa.

I can’t vouch for the third pool, but the other two did not get a lot of use that I could see. Several passengers I talked to agreed, and they had a variety of theories about why.

One was the cool April temperatures, in the 50s for the most part. The Mediterranean will heat up as summer arrives, and that alone might spur more use of the outdoor pools.

Another factor, one older woman confessed, is that she wasn’t too happy with her appearance in a bathing suit. A man said that the pools are overflow dining areas, and the presence of diners inhibited people from swimming.

The main pool on the Viking Star. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst
    The main pool on the Viking Star. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst

Unmentioned, but undoubtedly a factor, is that Viking does not encourage children as passengers. The 633 guests on my 10-day cruise between Istanbul and Venice were mainly in their 60s and 70s.

I have to think a ship operated by Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International in the same timeframe and location would have more pool users based on demographics.

Which leads to the interesting decision by two cruise lines to get rid of swimming pools. Crystal Cruises planked over one of two pools on the Crystal Serenity in favor of a new dining area. And Windstar Cruises recently announced that it will remove the pool on the three ships it is acquiring from Seabourn, also for expanded restaurant space.

No one uses the pool, Windstar CEO Hans Birkholz said bluntly, in announcing the change at Cruise Shipping Miami in March.

It is tempting to think there will always be a pool on cruise ships. Windstar is adding a counter-current pool for exercise even as it eliminates the more traditional pool area.

Viking, which has no pools on its river cruise ships, opted for two outdoor pools on the 930-passenger Viking Star. And on large, activity-jammed ships in the contemporary segment, pools are an integral part of their appeal.

But on smaller ships that cater to mainly to older guests, there’s already been some erosion of the pool’s primacy. It leads me to wonder how much further the trend might go.

Top Reasons to Go on an Eastern Mediterranean Cruise

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THE IDEA OF BOOKING A CRUISE HOLIDAY CAN BE SURROUNDED WITH OFF-PUTTING MYTHS OF SEASICKNESS AND DATED PICTURES OF GRANDPARENTS IN BAD SHIRTS. HOWEVER, SHIPS THESE DAYS ARE STABLE ENOUGH TO PUT SEASICKNESS AT BAY AND ARE BECOMING SO INNOVATIVE THAT CRUISES ARE SEEN AS PRETTY COOL.

These are just a couple of reasons why taking a cruise is definitely worth considering, so let’s take a look at how else you can benefit from sailing across the seas.

Everybody is welcome aboard

Cruises are no longer typically seen as a holiday option solely for the elderly and rich. According to the UK travel trade association for travel agents and tour operators, Abta, one in five under-25s are considering going on a floating cruise holiday. Whether it’s a family-friendly, adults only, party lovers or luxury cruise, you can choose a ship that suit your interests and needs.

Top Reasons to Go on an Eastern Mediterranean Cruise

 
 
 
Multiple destinations
Packing once then calling in at various destinations on your bucket list is probably the major draw of a cruise holiday. For example, holidaymakers looking for exotic treat can go on an Eastern Mediterranean cruise that takes you to countries such as Croatia, Greece and Turkey. If you’re on board one of the Eastern Mediterranean cruises to Croatia, you might visit the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik one day and stroll along the cobbled streets of Rovinj the following day. There’s nothing to beat the thrill of being transported from one fun and exciting place to another. Cruise companies plan their itineraries very carefully to ensure you’ve plenty of time for shopping, dining and exploring the area. They also offer guided shore excursions that include visits to popular attractions in every port.

De-stress with all inclusive

Cruise holidays offer great value for money because everything you need is in one place. Your accommodation, food, drink, facilities, entertainment and activities are included in the price. Most ships these days offer free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, laundry facilities along with fully-equipped medical facilities for peace of mind. With every little detail taken care of by the holiday company, there is little to worry about, leaving you to have fun on board.

So much good food

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly restaurant or a romantic dinner in a bar, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The quality of food served on-board will make your dining experience unforgettable. From the casual (but tasty!) dinner buffets, to highly recommended specialist restaurants, go for what you fancy every night. If you’re conscious about weight gain on a cruise, you can burn off your indulgencies on an on-board fitness class or in the gym.

Rovinj - Croatia

Floating theme park

Forget the old image you might conjure up of cruise ships, as they have overhauled their facilities in order to make vessels more appealing to wide ranging age groups. Whatever your tastes or interests are, you will be sure to find fun-filled activities and entertainment, including swimming pools, rock climbing, gyms, spa facilities, movies, karaoke, live entertainment and night parties. The sports activities on board can help to burn away those extra calories!

Children will not get bored; all major cruise lines offer organised programs for kids. Free childcare services are also available, giving parents the chance to unwind by relaxing and reading a book on lounge chairs by the pool.

Multiple destinations

Packing once then calling in at various destinations on your bucket list is probably the major draw of a cruise holiday. For example, holidaymakers looking for exotic treat can go on an Eastern Mediterranean cruise that takes you to countries such as Croatia, Greece and Turkey. If you’re on board one of the Eastern Mediterranean cruises to Croatia, you might visit the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik one day and stroll along the cobbled streets of Rovinj the following day. There’s nothing to beat the thrill of being transported from one fun and exciting place to another. Cruise companies plan their itineraries very carefully to ensure you’ve plenty of time for shopping, dining and exploring the area. They also offer guided shore excursions that include visits to popular attractions in every port.

The only cruise cliché that you should believe is that cruise ships have something for everyone on board. Being catered to while relaxing or being entertained, while sailing along to your next port-of-call: what’s not to like about that?

Disney adds lifeguards to its cruises

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Disney adds lifeguards to its cruises

Disney Cruise Line has reportedly become the first major cruise line to install lifeguards on all of its ships.

Although no official announcement has been made, passengers on board the Disney Dream and Disney Magic have seen lifeguards stationed by family pools since late September, according to Cruise Critic.

Disney Fantasy and Disney Wonder are expected to follow suit with the new policy within the next couple of weeks.

Lifeguards will be on duty at all times the pools are open, which is generally all hours of the day, apart from night-time and if there’s bad weather. Disney stated that it regularly looks at its policies on these and all issues and is always willing to make changes where necessary.

Currently, most cruise lines do not provide life guards for their pools. However, the issue has been cast into the media spotlight in the last few weeks following the drowning of a young boy onboard a ship operated by Carnival.

The tragic event occurred onboard the Carnival Victory while it was at sea and en-route to Port Miami in the US. At the time, Carnival told the Associated Press: “To the best of our knowledge it is the first time a child has drowned aboard one of our ship.

“Carnival extends its heartfelt sympathy to the family during this very difficult time. The company’s CareTeam is providing assistance and support.”

Although such cases are rare, it did prompt many to suggest that cruise lines and hotels have an obligation to ensure that youngsters in their pools are safe. On the other hand, some remain adamant that the responsibility for watching children while they are on a cruise ship remains with parents.

According to Carol Finkelhoffe, chair of the Cruise Line & Passenger Ship Committee in the US, all cruise lines should be providing lifeguards for family pools. She said earlier this month: “Someone should be watching the pool. It’s foreseeable that these types of accidents can happen … and they should do something to prevent them.”