New to cruising Family On-Board Activities

Swimming pools on our cruise ships

Who doesn’t want a holiday that’s unique and unforgettable – and for all the right reasons! From exploring incredible destinations and having family fun to finding some peace and quiet to relax and watch the world go by, a P&O Cruises holiday is all about creating amazing memories.

6 min 17 Aug 2023

Editorial Team

Author

Nothing says 'holiday' more than a pool day. And you might be wondering - which ships have swimming pools? The good news is that they all do! Everyone can have a dip in one of our many pools, have family splash time, experience our exclusively for adults spaces or simply relax with a good book on one of our sun loungers. Each ship has several pools of varying sizes and depths and some are even covered by a retractable roof.

Here’s a taste of the many different types of pools you’ll find on a P&O Cruises holiday...

1. Pools with a difference

You can enjoy our fantastic open-air cinema with SeaScreen. This giant screen on Arvia and Azura sits proudly above the pool area, showing various classic films, family favourites and the latest blockbusters. This extraordinary setting makes for a truly unique experience.

For a touch of luxury, don’t miss the Infinity pool on Arvia and Iona and take advantage of breathtaking views of the passing scenery. When travelling on Iona through the stunning Norwegian Fjords, why not take a moment to relax in the Infinity pool and gaze out at the wonderous waterfalls and winding valleys, or watch a sunset over the snow-capped mountains? And on Arvia, you can experience the sheer joy of ordering your favourite cocktail from our fleet’s glamorous first swim-up bar with unbeatable views over the ships’ wake. There’s nothing quite like it!

Let’s not forget the SkyDome on Arvia and Iona which has something for everyone. From day until nightfall, this pool gets transformed into a fantastic entertainment space with performances and live music. And on Iona, we have partnered up with international entertainment company Creativiva to bring you original shows and transport you to another world; filled with acrobatics, aerial acts, physical theatre, dance, music and much more.

The SeaScreen onboard Azura

2. Pools for the Family

Socialising as a family and making memories are all part of creating a wonderful holiday. And the pool is the perfect place to set up camp while you and your family swim, snack and get together.

By day, you can take a dip in the warm waters or try the pool deck activities. By night, why not sip a cocktail, or a mocktail for the little ones, while you watch the sun setting? And when those tummies start to rumble after a long day in the sun, there are plenty of family favourites to choose from at the poolside pizzeria and grill, or Taste 360 on Arvia and Iona.

Not only is the pool a wonderful space for the whole family to enjoy but there are also many places to relax and have some quiet time with plenty of sun loungers to chill on and sunbathe.

Taste 360 poolside grill on Arvia

3. Pools for younger children

If some of the bigger pools seem a bit daunting for your younger ones, fear not, there’s something for everyone. The children's splash pool and paddling pool on Azura and the children's plunge pool and paddling pool on Ventura are both right by the children’s club. So, after a day of fun, meeting new people and joining in the kids’ clubs activities, take your little ones to splash and play in the sunshine to their hearts’ content.

For a truly unique experience on Arvia, make a beeline for Splash Valley. This playful water wonderland is a must for all families, complete with water jets, tumbling waterfalls and bubbling fountains. Plus, there are fantastic ocean views to enjoy as you splash about and relish the sunshine.

Splash Valley onboard Arvia

4. Pools for relaxation

Our pools aren’t just for family fun time; they’re also for relaxation and respite. We have pools exclusively for adults that can sometimes be found only a few steps away from the spa, salon and gym, making them the perfect hub when spending a day at sea. Sit back, breathe and dive into a good book. Or, while you’re by the spa, why not pop in and enjoy a rejuvenating treatment or two? After all, you deserve it.

Boasting a distinct South Beach vibe, the Serenity Pool and Bar on Britannia are the perfect way to spend your time at sea and soak up some rays. With comfy cabanas and stylish sun loungers, this is the ideal area to escape from it all and unwind after a busy day exploring exciting destinations.

On all our ships, we have luxurious whirlpool spas to add a touch of tranquillity to your holiday. You can find them dotted around the ship, including in our Oasis Spa and Salon and at The Retreat on most of our ships. Plus, on Arvia and Iona, we also have infinity whirlpool spas with magnificent views, ready for your indulgence.

Britannia's Serenity pool

5. Pools with a view

There’s nothing better than taking a dip and experiencing a breathtaking view out to sea. Our Terrace pools on Aurora, Ventura and Britannia offer wonderful views from the back of the ship, perfect for losing yourself in a good book. Plus, on Azura, the Terrace Pool is exclusively for adults and a brilliant place to find some tranquillity.

With an added touch of luxury, the Infinity and Panorama pools on Arvia and Iona offer unbeatable vistas. Their glass edges give you amazing views of the ocean, with an unforgettable feeling of being in a stunning open space. Soak up the sun and enjoy the breeze as you make your way to another incredible destination. And, when simply nothing will do but you and the view – the Infinity pools will take you there.

Iona's infinity pool

6. How big are the swimming pools on our cruise ships?

All our swimming pools vary in size and depth, with the deepest being the Lido and Riviera pools on Britannia at 2.5 metres. For the younger members of your party, the children’s paddling pool on Azura and the splash pool on Ventura are our shallowest pools at 0.25 metres deep. In terms of size, our biggest family-friendly pool is the Aqua Pool on Azura which is 11 metres long by 4.6 metres wide!

Britannia's Lido pools

7. Safety and cleanliness, we’ve got it covered

We use fresh water in all our swimming pools, though you may notice they don’t smell of chlorine. This is simply because we don’t use it as much. Instead, our team of pool supervisors keep our pools clean by regularly emptying and refilling them, ensuring the water stays clean and safe to swim in.

Children are always welcome to use our family-friendly pools but we do ask that those in nappies, swim nappies, pull-ups or those who are not fully toilet trained only use the designated pools. On Azura, this is the children’s pool and the Coral Pool. For Britannia, this is The Reef Adventure Zone and the Lido Pool. Or if you’re sailing on Ventura, this is the Splash Pool and the Beachcomber Pool.