Cruise Poll Reveals Most Passengers Want Kids Banned from Hot Tubs

Few things beat the bliss of slipping into a bubbling hot tub with a view of the open sea. But on cruise ships, these little pockets of luxury can spark some serious debate.

Hot tubs are prime real estate on any pool deck, especially since most ships don’t have many to go around. While some newer ships like P&O’s Arvia and Iona boast 16 jacuzzis, plenty of cruises are working with just one or two, and competition for a spot can get fierce.

One of the biggest hot-button issues? Whether kids should be allowed in them at all. A new Facebook poll has sparked serious debate in the cruise world: should children be allowed in cruise ship hot tubs? Jenni Fielding from Cruise Mummy asked her audience this very question, and the results were surprisingly one-sided.

Let’s dive into the results.

A Clear Majority Say: Keep the Kids Out

The results weren’t even close, most cruisers want their hot tub time kid-free.

When we asked our community whether children should be allowed in cruise ship jacuzzis, a solid 66% said no. And they didn’t hold back on the reasons why…

1. “It’s Not Safe” – A Common Concern

For many, safety is the biggest reason to keep kids out of the hot tub. Some commenters pointed out that young children can struggle to regulate their body temperature, especially in heated water. As one cruiser put it, “Their bodies just aren’t mature enough to handle the heat.”

That said, cruise ship jacuzzis rarely reach extreme temperatures. Most feel more like warm whirlpools than piping-hot spas. For context, the Institute of Health Visiting recommends baby bath water to be around 98°F to 100°F — warmer than most hot tubs at sea.

In our experience, when we’ve stayed in holiday cottages with hot tubs that hit 104°F, the kids usually perch on the edge with their feet in. If the water’s truly hot, they tend to avoid it anyway.

2. “They Don’t Know How to Behave”

Behaviour was another hot topic — pun fully intended.

Plenty of cruisers said it’s not just the presence of kids, it’s how they act. One person summed it up with: “It’s the behaviour of some kids that’s the problem.” Another admitted they avoid the main pool deck entirely because there are “way too many kids playing in the hot tubs, jumping and splashing — not what hot tubs are for.”

And let’s be honest, getting splashed when you’re just trying to soak and relax? Rude, no matter who’s doing it.

3. “They Make It Too Crowded”

Overcrowding came up a lot — and kids were often blamed for it.

One cruiser shared, “I’ve been on many cruises during school holidays and can’t get near a hot tub because there are 25 kids in there almost constantly!” Fair point — but it’s worth noting that even on adult-only sailings, hot tubs can still be packed from morning till night.

So maybe the real issue isn’t age… it’s just that there aren’t enough jacuzzis to go around.

4. “They Spread Germs”

Some cruisers raised hygiene concerns, especially when kids treat the hot tub like a swimming pool.

One person mentioned seeing “lots of kids put their faces underwater,” which sparked worries about both spreading germs to others and exposing themselves to bacteria. While hot tubs are chlorinated, they’re still small shared spaces — and not exactly designed for underwater play.

5. “Kids Should Be Supervised — Always”

Several cruisers stressed the importance of keeping a close eye on kids around the pool area — not just for safety, but for peace of mind.

One person shared a disturbing story about a man on a Carnival ship who was spotted hanging around the pool deck with just a towel and no swimsuit. He didn’t get into the hot tub, but he was lingering near children, which understandably raised red flags.

The takeaway? Most guests are perfectly normal, but you never really know. Supervision isn’t just about water safety — it’s about staying alert.

6. Not Everyone Agrees

While the majority want hot tubs to be an adults-only zone, not everyone’s on board with banning kids completely.

A fair number of cruisers argued that children should be allowed — as long as they’re behaving. “Kids are people too and should be able to have fun and be respectful at the same time,” said one commenter, who felt that punishing all kids for the actions of a few just isn’t fair.

7. “It’s About Supervision, Not Age”

Many cruisers who supported kids in hot tubs made one thing clear — it’s all about how they behave and whether they’re supervised.

One parent shared, “My daughter is not childish in public — she behaves and chats with other cruisers. I don’t think she should miss out just because of her age.” Another echoed the sentiment: “Don’t ban them, but they should have an adult with them.”

Unsupervised children were the main source of frustration, not the presence of kids in general. And some commenters pointed out special circumstances — like one parent whose daughter has a disability and finds cruise ship hot tubs more accessible than the main pool.

8. Enforce the Adults-Only Zones, Please

One of the biggest frustrations? When kids take over hot tubs that are clearly marked for adults only, and no one does anything about it.

Cruise lines often designate quiet spaces so grown-ups can unwind without cannonballs and splash fights. But according to our readers, enforcement is lacking. “It’s why I won’t cruise again,” one frustrated cruiser said. “Awful experience — brats, all of them. P&O’s fault for not enforcing the rules.”

The only line I’ve personally seen step in was Marella Cruises. On most ships, even with clear signage, the rules seem to be optional — at least for the parents who choose to ignore them.

The Best (and Worst) of the Rest

Not all responses were about the kids — in fact, some cruisers felt the real problem in hot tubs is… the adults.

More than one person pleaded, “Adults, please don’t have sex in the hot tub,” while others were fed up with “tub hogs” who claim a spot for hours on end. Then there’s the drinkers — one commenter watched a man down a bucket of beers without ever leaving the water: “Iron bladder or…”

Another reported seeing a woman take a full-on bath — scrubbing included. And for those worried about hygiene, several simply want hot tubs banned altogether. One particularly vivid description? “They’re vile — often like a human soup.”

A relaxing soak, anyone?

Here’s What I Think…

Personally, I think kids should be allowed in hot tubs, as long as they’re well-behaved and properly supervised. But there also needs to be space for adults to enjoy them in peace.

That could mean keeping the adults-only areas strictly enforced, or even setting “quiet hours” where the jacuzzis are reserved for grown-ups, say, before 9am and after 7pm. That way, everyone gets a turn.

Of course, this only works if cruise lines actually enforce the rules. Too often, they look the other way to avoid a scene. So if you see someone breaking the posted rules, don’t be afraid to politely ask a crew member to step in. A quiet word usually does the trick.

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