The question of whether kids should be allowed in cruise ship hot tubs has sparked a lively debate among cruise-goers. Recently, we asked our Facebook community “Should Kids be Banned from Cruise Ship Hot Tubs?” The response was overwhelming, with nearly 600 comments.
This article delves into the perspectives shared by our fellow cruisers and offers a detailed analysis of the issue.
So What’s This All About?
Hot tubs on cruise ships are popular spots for relaxation, offering a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of the ship. However, the presence of kids in these tranquil pools has been a contentious topic.
Some cruise lines have clear policies regarding kids in hot tubs, while others leave it up to passengers. The main concerns revolve around hygiene, safety, and the overall experience for adults seeking relaxation.
It’s Clear – 75% of You Want To Ban The Kids From Hot Tubs
This was the post that led to all the responses:-
After meticulously analyzing 555 comments from our Facebook post, we found that the majority (74.95%) support banning kids from hot tubs. A smaller group (9.74%) believe kids should be allowed, while 5.57% think kids should be allowed under certain conditions.
But Why Should The Kids Be Banned – What Are The Issues?
Reasons for Banning Kids:
Hygiene Concerns: Many commenters mentioned that kids often don’t follow the same hygiene practices as adults, leading to concerns about cleanliness. Hot tubs can become quickly contaminated, and maintaining hygiene is crucial.
Safety Issues: Hot tubs are designed for adult use, with temperatures that can be too high for young children. Prolonged exposure to hot water can pose health risks for kids, including overheating and dehydration.
Relaxation for Adults: Hot tubs are often seen as a sanctuary for adults to unwind and relax. The presence of children, who might be splashing and playing, can disrupt this peaceful environment. Many adults feel that they deserve a quiet space to relax without the noise and activity that children might bring.
Reasons Against Banning Kids:
Family Vacations: Cruises are marketed as family-friendly vacations, and some believe that banning kids from hot tubs goes against this inclusive spirit. Families vacation together, and parents often want their children to enjoy all the amenities.
Supervised Use: Some argue that with proper supervision, kids can safely enjoy the hot tubs without causing issues. They believe that responsible parenting should allow for a compromise where kids can be included in the hot tub experience.
Conditional Responses:
Designated Kids’ Hot Tubs: A popular compromise suggested by several commenters was the creation of specific hot tubs designated for kids. This would allow children to enjoy the experience without affecting the adult-only hot tubs.
Supervision: Another common suggestion was allowing kids in hot tubs only under strict adult supervision. This way, children could be monitored to ensure they are behaving appropriately and not disturbing other passengers.
Real-life Experiences
A Crowded Hot Tub on Carnival Glory
Here are some real-life experiences shared by our community:
Hygiene Issues: One particular cruiser shared an experience from a December cruise where kids crowded the hot tubs. She noted that everything was fine until the water started turning murky. The children hopped out and bolted to another hot tub, leaving the first one closed for the rest of the trip due to contamination.
Safety Concerns: One of our commentors expressed strong opinions against kids in hot tubs, citing the potential health risks. She shared a concern about parents allowing toddlers in hot tubs, emphasizing that high temperatures can be dangerous for young children.
Positive Experiences: On the flip side, one Facebook user argued against the ban, stating that kids are on vacation too and deserve to enjoy all amenities. She believes that with proper guidance, kids can enjoy hot tubs without causing issues.
How Concerned Should We Be About The Hygeine Side of Things?
The idea of entering a hot tub where a kid may have peed or even worse is gross – and of course you have to wonder how some adults behave.
And it would appear these concerns are valid – even the Center for Disease Control had data on it as this news article reports:-
Whatever you do “Don’t Drink The Water” 🤮
But of course, we should not ignore the health benefits of a hot tub, either.
Relaxing in a hot tub isn’t just a luxury; it’s a therapeutic experience with numerous health benefits. The warm water helps to improve blood circulation, which can alleviate muscle tension and reduce pain.
This makes hot tubs particularly beneficial for those suffering from arthritis or chronic pain conditions. The buoyancy provided by the water supports joints and relieves pressure, offering a sense of weightlessness that eases discomfort and promotes relaxation.
After a long day of exploring a cruise ship or participating in excursions, soaking in a hot tub can be the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate your body.
Moreover, the heat and massage jets of a hot tub can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. The soothing environment helps to relax the mind, which in turn can lead to better sleep.
Many cruisers find that a nightly soak in the hot tub leads to more restful and restorative sleep, which is essential for overall well-being. The combination of warm water, massaging jets, and a serene setting can enhance your mental health, providing a holistic approach to wellness.
Whether you’re looking to ease physical aches or simply de-stress, the health benefits of a hot tub are undeniable, making it a valuable amenity on any cruise.
Hot Tubs are a great way to relieve stress!
The Majority Of You Want To Ban The kids
The majority of our community supports banning kids from hot tubs on cruise ships, primarily due to hygiene, safety, and the desire for a peaceful relaxation space.
However, there is also a notable portion of passengers who advocate for more inclusive solutions, such as designated kids’ hot tubs or supervised use.
What do you think? Should kids be banned from cruise ship hot tubs, or are there better solutions?
Join the discussion on our Facebook page and share your opinion.
One Final Point – It’s Not Just The Kids You Should Be Worried About!
Of course this article has discussed the potential issues with kids in hot tubs. Well it transpires there might be a bigger issue here. Yes – you no who you are!
Whatever you do today – make sure you watch this video before stepping into a cruise ship hot tub 🫣
This is truly shocking 😱
Still want to relax in that hot tub? 😂
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