Nothing is more relaxing in your cruising experience than relaxing in an open hot tub. Especially if it’s a private area of the ship where you can see the ocean view and hear the waves splashing on the ship. This well-earned respite is a dream come true for many of us who wish to travel via cruise ship.
Although hot tubs are a great fun factor, this is not the same as for those who travel as a family with younger kids onboard. You will hear those lines: “Mommy, daddy, we want to play in a hot tub.” The question comes to your mind. Are kids meant to enjoy the hot tubs like adults do? The explanation will help you understand why.
Difference from Regular Pools
The hot tubs on cruise ships are too different from the regular pools. Aside from the size difference, the water temperature is too different. The water temperature of the regular pools can be too cold to lukewarm. However, cruise ships’ water temperatures can reach up to 37 Celsius. This makes the hot tubs unbearable for the children, as their skin’s sensitivity is insufficient to withstand it.
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Adults’ skin can withstand the hot temperature of the hot tubs because it takes longer for them to heat up. This high temperature can cause certain shock not just to children’s skin, but also to their body’s response to such heat.
Health Risk
When we travel with kids, our top priority is their health and safety. Cruise ships often implement strict rules when it comes to the use of hot tubs. This is to help assist those who have kids not use hot tubs for their entertainment or for taking a bath.
Water overheating is a main issue among the cruise ship’s hot tubs. That’s why age restrictions on accessing hot tubs are an essential warning. Pediatric health experts also warn that children shouldn’t be exposed to hot tubs for too long, as it can cause fainting or pain from the hot temperature.
Personal Hygiene Concern
Aside from the temperature, parents should also prioritize their children’s sanitation throughout their cruising journey. Hot tubs are not at all times clean and bacteria-free. Due to its heavily-used feature and warm environment, it is expected that certain bacteria may thrive without being seen visibly by the naked eye.
Restricting your children from hot tubs can prevent them from being exposed to ear infections, stomach problems, and rashes.
Cruisers Survey
A survey has been published which proves that 66% of the cruisers believed that children should stay out of the hot tubs. Not because of health reasons or cleanliness, but because it is a spot for adults meant for personal relaxation. Hot tubs are also a perfect environment for solitary and quiet rest. Children on board can cause physical contact and noise, a perfect recipe for a bad cruising experience.
What if There’s No Restrictions?
Are children, in some cases, allowed to access the cruise hot tubs? In unique situations, parents may provide access to their young children to the hot tubs, but on a conditional basis that adults must provide supervision and time limitations. But in some cruising ships, a splash area or a different heated pool is designed to provide a safer and appropriate area for kids.
However, most cases require children to stay out of the hot tubs to prioritize their welfare.
Alternative Options for Kids
A cruise ship is built to accommodate the satisfaction of the cruisers onboard, even the kids. Instead of just eyeing the hot tubs, there are alternative options for them. Water parks, shallow-heated pools, splash zones, family pools, and other recreational areas are safer and much more accessible for your kids.
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Prioritizing Safety Over Fun
Cruise ship hot tubs are not built for kids. They are designed to cater to the needs of adults: a perfect relaxation spot that they can simmer throughout. Limiting kids doesn’t mean they are unable to access it, but with strict supervision and health concerns, cruisers prioritize their safety over their fun.
Hot tubs are also not a great area for children to play, splash, and talk louder. Consider the area as a church of silence and respite, not a lively entertainment area. Before onboarding to the cruise ship, always know the rules and plan your swimming schedule ahead. As much as possible, keep the children out of cruise hot tubs for their welfare.