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Are pool floats allowed on cruise ships?

Complimentary flotation vests are provided and may be used in all pools and waterslides except the AquaDunk. Floats, rafts and fun noodles cannot be brought on board and are not permitted in the pools.



Generally, large inflatable pool floats (such as giant flamingos, pizza slices, or "lounge" islands) are not allowed for use in cruise ship pools. The primary reason is the limited surface area of shipboard pools; these pools are significantly smaller than land-based resort pools and are often crowded with passengers. Using a large float would create a safety hazard and block other guests from swimming. However, most cruise lines, including Disney and Norwegian, allow small, personal flotation aids for children, such as "puddle jumpers" or inflatable armbands, provided they are U.S. Coast Guard-approved. You are usually permitted to bring your own deflated floats in your luggage for use at beach ports or private islands (like Half Moon Cay or Perfect Day at CocoCay), but you should check the specific "Prohibited Items" list for your cruise line. In 2026, many lines have become stricter about "pool deck space," so it is best to assume that anything that takes up more space than a standard swimmer will be restricted by the pool attendants for the comfort and safety of all guests.

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Children who are not toilet trained (and those in diapers or swim diapers) are not allowed in any of the water facilities on board, as per United States Public Health Services. Toilet trained children should be taken on frequent bathroom breaks. Water sports include pools, spray parks, waterslides and whirlpools.

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Life vests for children of various sizes are available and on display near the main midship pool.

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For poolside and beachy ports, ships furnish the towels. You'll find them stashed by the pool, or handed out as you head off the ship.

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In general, cruise ships provide all of the towels you need. This means that you don't only get bath, hand, and face towels for your cabin, but you'll also be provided with beach towels for both swimming in the pool and swimming on your beach day excursions offshore.

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And while going overboard on cruise ships is a rare incidence, it does happen occasionally – young children that climb on the railings are particularly at risk. Kids roam free. While cruise ships are confined areas, they are large and full of safety hazards.

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Shipboard potable water (drinking, bathing, whirlpools, etc.) either comes from a shoreside water treatment plant or is generated on board from seawater via Reverse Osmosis systems or Evaporators. Swimming pool water is typically seawater.

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Food and drinking are usually complimentary on the cruises. You are also allowed to bring your own snack on the cruise so that you can have what you love. A certain time is fixed for every meal - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can either have it with everybody in the dining room or bring it to your room.

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Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted.

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As soon as an incident happens, cruise ship crew will activate a button that pinpoints the place where the person went into the water. The ship will then stop and turn back to that area. The ship and its crew will perform a lengthy search and rescue operation, lasting several hours.

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Kids can often take part in kids' club or accompany their parents to take part in the many “things to do” on a cruise ship. My kids really enjoy water slides, climbing walls and ropes courses, some of these are high above the ship, too scary for me, but they loved them.

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Is there toothpaste on cruise? Can I buy toiletries including toothbrushes and toothpaste onboard? Yes, toiletries and personal hygiene products are available for purchase at the Royal Shops onboard. Was this content helpful?

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Your cruise ship will provide basic toiletries for the shower, so there is no reason to waste precious luggage space on shampoo and conditioner. Check the bathroom before you leave to make sure you haven't left behind contact lenses, contact solution, glasses, medications, deodorant, mouthwash and hair gel.

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You'll usually be charged by the load for these laundry rooms, using change or swiping your room card. For example, on Disney Cruise Line, you just swipe your Key to the World card. However, on higher-end luxury lines, self-service laundry is often complementary.

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