Carnival’s Pool Safety Policy Leaves Guests Questioning This Ban
Safety on board is a top priority for Carnival Cruise Line, and passengers are encouraged to be cautious, especially around busy pool areas. However, a recent policy clarification has sparked concern among guests, particularly those who rely on water shoes to avoid slips around pools and hot tubs.
A guest reached out to John Heald, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, sharing that her elderly husband was asked to remove his water shoes by a lifeguard while using the pool.
She expressed concern after her husband had previously slipped, resulting in an injury that required stitches. Despite not finding any mention of water shoes being prohibited in Carnival’s pool safety guidelines, they were surprised by the enforcement of this rule.
Carnival’s Explanation: Protecting the Pool Water
Responding to the concern, Heald clarified that water shoes are not allowed in the pool due to the potential contaminants they might carry. “We don’t allow water shoes in the pool.
The reason is because they may have picked up some kind of germ or even a piece of glass or dirt that may go into the swimming pool,” he explained.
The policy aims to prevent foreign materials from entering the water, which could lead to contamination, clogged filters, and even pool closures.
Unwritten Rules and Guest Reactions
While Carnival’s reasoning emphasizes cleanliness and safety, guests have pointed out that the restriction on water shoes is not explicitly mentioned in the cruise line’s pool safety guidelines.
The current rules cover life vests, crew training, and basic pool etiquette but do not address footwear. Some passengers also noted that this rule is not consistently enforced across the fleet, with reports of others wearing water shoes without issue.
Bare Feet vs. Water Shoes: The Debate Continues
The restriction has led some to question why bare feet, which can also carry dirt, are allowed. According to Carnival, the difference lies in how guests typically move around the ship.
Most passengers wear sandals, flip-flops, or other shoes to the pool deck and only remove them just before entering the water. Additionally, showers are available to rinse off before swimming, which helps reduce any dirt that may have accumulated on bare feet.
Despite the clarification, the lack of clear communication about the water shoe policy has left some guests concerned, especially those who rely on them for safety around wet, slippery areas.
