Few cruise ship topics spark debate quite like hot tubs and kids. What should be a straightforward onboard feature often turns into a surprisingly heated discussion, especially when families and adults-only cruisers share the same space.
So I decided to ask the Life Well Cruised community a simple question: Should children be banned from hot tubs on cruise ships?
The response was overwhelming. Hundreds of cruisers voted and shared their thoughts, and the results surprised even me. Seventy-eight percent of respondents said yes, kids should be banned from cruise ship hot tubs, while the remaining cruisers passionately defended why children should still be allowed.
What followed was one of the most active and thoughtful conversations we’ve ever had in the community. Parents, grandparents, child-free cruisers, and first-time guests all weighed in, sharing personal experiences, frustrations, health concerns, and some strong opinions on cruise etiquette.
In this post, I’m sharing the poll results and highlighting real comments from both sides of the debate. Whether you cruise with kids, or you cruise to escape them, this discussion sheds light on why hot tubs have become one of the most controversial topics at sea.
Why Many Cruisers Believe Kids Should Be Banned from Hot Tubs:
For many cruisers, the issue isn’t about disliking children. It’s about how hot tubs are being used and what they’re meant for onboard a cruise ship.
Hot Tubs Are Meant For Relaxing
A major theme in the comments was the expectation that hot tubs offer a calmer, more relaxing environment, especially for adults seeking relief after busy port days or long travel.
“Absolutely!! We just got back from a cruise and every time we wanted to get in the hot tub kids were in there splashing around. We just want to relax and ease our sore joints and muscles. They can play and splash in the pools.”
For these cruisers, the frustration wasn’t just about kids being present, but about the atmosphere changing completely.
Hot Tubs Being Used Like Pools
Many commenters shared similar experiences of hot tubs being overtaken by children, often for most of the day.
“Yes. I was on the Carnival Celebration last week and some people were letting their kids use the hot tubs as their own private swimming pools.”
“I never saw a hot tub that wasn’t full of kids (unless it was very very late/early morning hours).”
Another Life Well Cruised Facebook community member shared:
“Yes. They’re not swimming pools. My last cruise I watched a guy take his three kids into a hot tub all of them holding ice cream cones. You all want to take a guess as to where most of the ice cream ended up?”
This left some adult cruisers feeling pushed out of an amenity they expected to be able to enjoy.
Health and Safety Concerns
Several cruisers pointed out that hot tubs are not designed for children, especially when they’re used like swimming pools. One cruiser shared:
“Yes they should be banned! If any cruise line wants to allow kids in one, they need to make it not so hot and in an area where kids are allowed.”
Strong Emotions and Cruise Fatigue
A small number of comments expressed frustration in much stronger terms, reflecting how emotionally charged this topic can be for some cruisers.
“Absolutely. It’s bad enough they are on the ship.”
While not everyone agreed with the tone, comments like this highlight how polarizing the issue has become, especially for travelers who cruise specifically to relax.
Why Some Cruisers Believe Kids Should Be Allowed
Although a much smaller percentage of cruisers felt that children should be allowed in hot tubs, those who did shared thoughtful reasons for why a full ban doesn’t feel fair or necessary.
Adult-Only Options Already Exist
Many cruisers pointed out that most ships already offer adult-only hot tubs and spa areas, making a complete ban unnecessary.
“No. It’s fine to have some for adults only, which most ships do, but a complete ban isn’t needed. The temps in those is already low enough that they’re safe for most kids over age 6.”
“No. Adults already have their own area. Leave the other ones for kids and their parents together for family time.”
For these cruisers, the issue isn’t kids using hot tubs, but whether adults have a designated place to relax without disruption.
Families Are on Vacation Too
Several Life Well Cruised commenters emphasized that cruises are designed for families, and shared spaces should reflect that.
“No. Adults should have their own hot tub in an adult-only area, but families should also be able to enjoy their vacations.”
“Make a completely adult-only ship if you want, but families are also paying good money to enjoy themselves.”
This perspective focused on fairness and inclusivity, especially on mainstream cruise lines marketed toward families.
Warm Water Isn’t Just for Adults
Some cruisers also mentioned practical reasons, especially for younger children.
“No. Sometimes the pool is cold and the little ones enjoy the warm water just as we adults do.”
From this viewpoint, hot tubs aren’t just a luxury but a way for kids to warm up and enjoy time with their families.
Is There a Middle Ground?
While the comment section was clearly divisive, it’s hard to believe there isn’t a middle ground. Most cruisers, regardless of which side they were on, seemed to agree on one thing: the real issue isn’t simply kids in hot tubs, it’s how they’re being used.
Supervision Makes a Big Difference
Many of the most frustrating stories involved children using hot tubs without proper adult supervision. When kids are splashing, jumping, or treating hot tubs like swimming pools, it quickly changes the experience for everyone else.
Active parental supervision could go a long way toward reducing these issues and helping hot tubs remain enjoyable for both families and adult guests.
Better Monitoring by Crew Members
Another common theme was enforcement. Cruise ships already have posted rules about hot tub use, but those rules aren’t always monitored.
More consistent oversight by crew members could help prevent unsafe behavior and reduce tension between guests, without needing to ban anyone outright.
More Thoughtful Hot Tub Design
Expanding adult-only areas and adding hot tubs to children’s play areas could also be part of the solution. Some ships already do this well.
I’ve sailed on cruise ships that offer hot tubs in teen clubs or family-focused areas, which helps keep adult relaxation spaces calmer. This kind of thoughtful design makes hot tubs more enjoyable for everyone.
Adult-Only Cruises Already Exist
Banning kids from cruise ships altogether feels like a step too far. Cruises are designed for many types of travelers, including families.
For those who want a completely adult-only experience, there is already a cruise line that offers exactly that. Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line, making it a great option for travelers who prefer a kid-free environment from start to finish.
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Final Thoughts
The debate over kids in cruise ship hot tubs clearly struck a nerve, and the strong opinions on both sides show just how personal cruising experiences can be. While the majority of cruisers in the Life Well Cruised community leaned toward banning children from hot tubs, others made thoughtful points about fairness, supervision, and shared spaces.
Ultimately, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue. Better supervision, clearer enforcement, and smarter ship design could go a long way toward making hot tubs more enjoyable for everyone.
Do you think kids should be allowed in cruise ship hot tubs, or should they be reserved for adults only? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Happy cruising!
Ethan