15 Things to Never do on a Cruise Ship Lido Deck

Cruising can be an incredible vacation experience, but there are some surprising things that might catch you off guard. When it comes to enjoying the Lido Deck on a cruise, there are some rules, essential guidelines, and etiquette that every cruiser should know before embarking on their seafaring adventure. 

Lido deck is also known as pool deck. It is a great place to relax and have fun on sea days, but there are certain things and behaviors you should avoid that can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere and disturb fellow passengers.

We will delve into the unspoken do’s and don’ts of lido deck etiquette – shedding light on what you should never do on a cruise ship lido deck. 

Don’t Do These Things on a Cruise Ship Lido Deck  

Don’t Reserve Deck Chairs 

We all love a deck chair by the pool. It is part of the ideal vacation experience – lounging in the sun, sipping on a cool beverage, and enjoying the leisurely ambiance of a cruise. As tempting as it may be to reserve lounge chairs for hours on end, but it is not acceptable to reserve lounge chairs for extended periods, as it goes against the rules of most cruise lines. 

One of the most annoying things on cruises is people who “hog chair” or save chairs for a long time. It is okay to sit in a chair and go to the pool or get food, but if you are away for more than 30 minutes, your things can be taken away.  

Although this rule isn’t always strictly enforced. But some passengers have seen cruise staff being more active in watching for this 

There are usually chairs available on the higher deck above the pool, as well as areas a little further from the action, which can be more pleasant. 

Don’t Hog the Hot Tub 

Hot tubs on many cruise ships are known for their limited size. It is considered good manners on a cruise ship to indulge in the hot tub, but it’s important not to hog it.  

If you are with a group of friends, it is advisable to restrict your time in the jacuzzi so that others can enjoy it too. And if you are drinking while in the hot tub, taking bathroom breaks is essential. 

Never Leave Your Children Unsupervised 

It is crucial for parents to never leave their children unsupervised near the lido deck of a cruise ship. The pool area can be particularly dangerous for young kids, as it only takes a moment for an accident to occur. Even if your child is a confident swimmer, the unpredictable nature of cruise ship pools demands constant supervision. 

Some cruise lines have started to introduce lifeguards near their pools to ensure guest safety, not all ships have embraced this approach. Therefore, it is crucial for Parents should watch kids on the lido deck and have an adult supervise young children unless they are in the kids’ club. 

Cruises offer wonderful opportunities for family relaxation and enjoyment, safety should always remain a top priority. By keeping a watchful eye on your little ones, you can ensure that they have a fantastic time while staying out of harm’s way. 

Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen 

Stepping onto the Lido Deck, you’ll feel the sun’s warmth embracing you, but be cautious – its rays are stronger than you might expect. It’s important to protect your skin with high-quality sunscreen with a high SPF rating to avoid painful sunburn. 

Don’t forget to bring lip balm and moisturizer as well, as the intense heat can quickly dry off your skin. By keeping yourself well-hydrated, you’ll stay comfortable and shielded from potential damage during your vacation. 

Don’t Play Your Own Music 

When it comes to enjoying the pool deck on a cruise ship, it is important to remember that it is a shared space. You may want to listen to your favorite tunes, but courtesy should always come first.  

It is best to bring headphones or Air Pods if you want to listen to your own music, but it is not appropriate to use a Bluetooth speaker on the lido deck so leave it in your cabin. This ensures that everyone can enjoy their own music or simply the peaceful sounds of the ocean without any disruptions.  

Playing music aloud can disturb others who are trying to relax or have conversations with friends and family. It’s essential to be mindful of those around you and respect their desire for tranquility on the pool deck. 

Don’t Bring Kids in the Adult Pool 

Cruise ships offer various kinds of activities for kids, the adult-only pool area on the lido deck is a place where little ones should not go. This space provides a serene atmosphere for adults to relax without the splashing and squeals of children. It is an escape from the lively energy of the family-centric areas, allowing grown-ups to unwind in peace.  

Moreover, the adult pool creates an environment where adults can socialize and connect with fellow travelers without having to navigate around youngsters. 

Most cruise ships have a pool just for adults who are 16 or 18 and older. Even if kids behave well, they can’t use the pool because it’s against the rules and can bother other guests. 

Don’t Smoke in No Smoking Areas 

Smokers often seek out a designated area on the lido deck where smoking is permitted. While some may argue that this poses no harm as it is an allocated space, it’s important to consider non-smokers’ rights to enjoy a smoke-free environment, especially in outdoor areas. 

If you want to smoke, be sure to find and select a deck chair near the smoking section. For non-smokers who are sensitive to the smell of smoke, it’s advisable to first find the location of the smoking section before selecting a spot near the pool. This will let you choose a deck chair situated away from or above the designated smoking areas. 

No Diapers or Swimmers Are Allowed in the Pools 

The lido deck and pool area are prime spots for guests to unwind and cool off. But wait – no diapers or swim pants are allowed in the pool area. They need to be toilet trained. If someone has an accident in the pool, the staff may have to drain and clean the whole pool, which can close it for hours and make passengers unhappy.  

This rule is aimed at maintaining sanitary conditions and can be a source of frustration for parents with young children. 

Don’t Run 

 The pool deck is not a suitable place for running, especially for children. There are water puddles all around, and it’s easy to slip even while walking. Be careful when moving from the pool deck to the Lido Buffet as you might unintentionally bring in water and cause others to slip.  

It is advisable to dry off most of the excess water before walking around. Take your time when going from the lounge chair to the pool and back and remind your kids that running near the pool is not safe. Fracturing bones during a vacation is never enjoyable. 

Don’t Move Lounge Chairs into the Jogging Track 

The simple act of repositioning a chair to catch the sunlight or sit closer to friends may seem silly. Moving lounge chairs into jogging tracks may disrupt the flow of movement and compromise safety for those using these paths for exercise. So don’t block the path and cause an accident. 

Creating paths for pedestrians and leaving room for wheelchair or scooter users is not just a matter of convenience; it’s an expression of empathy and inclusivity. 

Don’t Walk Barefoot on the Pool Deck 

The hot sun beating down on the wooden or metal deck can reach searing temperatures, making it unbearable to walk on with bare feet. That’s why it’s essential to always slip on a pair of trusty flip-flops before stepping onto the pool deck. 

Search for shady spots that will not scald your feet. Otherwise, you will find yourself doing a funny dance around the pool. 

Don’t Forget Your Swimsuit 

As you head to the Lido deck for some fun in the sun, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit. It’s important to note that Topless sunbathing areas are becoming a thing of the past on many cruise ships and resort destinations. Instead, pool areas are now catered towards families and individuals who prefer a more modest atmosphere. 

Remember to bring more than one swimsuit or pair of board shorts. This will ensure that you always have a dry option ready for your next visit to the lido deck. 

It’s also important to consider wearing something more modest than a speedo. Opting for swim trunks or board shorts can provide both coverage and comfort while allowing you to move freely during different water-based activities. 

Don’t Skip Drinking Water 

As you bask in the sun and cool off in the pool, it’s easy to forget about staying hydrated. It’s crucial to remember to drink water while at the pool to keep your energy levels up and prevent dehydration. Bringing along water bottles ensures that you can rehydrate without interrupting your time in the sunshine. 

The temptation of a refreshing cocktail or an icy beer can distract you from the fact that alcohol dehydrates your body, leaving you drained. While you enjoy your alcoholic beverages remember to have a cold-water accompaniment at hand to keep your body well-hydrated.  

It’s easy to forget to drink enough while at the pool, but splashing in the water won’t satisfy your thirst. 

Don’t Bring a Jumbo Pool Float 

When it comes to packing for a family cruise, it’s essential to remember that space is limited, especially when it comes to pool floats. Bringing floaties for the kids is a great idea, trying to use a float the size of Texas on a cruise ship’s lido deck is just not practical. Most pool areas on cruise ships are not huge and have to accommodate many passengers at once. 

Don’t Go Topless 

The shift away from topless sunbathing on cruise ships reflects the evolving attitudes towards public nudity and body acceptance. As societal norms have changed, cruise lines have adapted their policies to accommodate a wider range of guests’ comfort levels.  

As mainstream cruise lines increasingly focus on providing family-friendly environments and appealing to a broader range of travelers, the decision to ban topless sunbathing aligns with their commitment to inclusivity. 

For those interested, there are still specific beaches that allow topless sunbathing. For example, on Caribbean cruise for adult cruisers, the island of St. Martin offers just that with its famed Orient Beach, where sun-seekers can indulge in the topless section without restraint. 

FAQs – Things to Never do on a Lido Deck