If you’re going on a Royal Caribbean cruise soon, you might have heard other passengers asking about their pools.

Specifically, you might have heard the question: are Royal Caribbean pools salt water or freshwater?

Surprisingly, Royal Caribbean cruise ships can have both.

Some models only have salt water pools, some carry freshwater pools exclusively, and some offer both fresh and salt water options.

Knowing what to expect can help you pick the right ship for your trip, based on your preference.

So let’s break it down.

Does Royal Caribbean Use Saltwater or Freshwater Pools?

As mentioned earlier, Royal Caribbean pools use either salt water or freshwater, depending on the ship.

Here’s a good rule of thumb when choosing a Royal Caribbean cruise: older ships typically carry salt water pools, newer ships typically carry freshwater.

And you’ll usually find both options available on larger ships, like Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

It’s worth mentioning that regardless of the type, all Royal Caribbean pools are cleaned and treated to keep the water safe.

Which Royal Caribbean Ships Have Only Saltwater Pools?

One of the reasons why cruise lines offer saltwater pools is because saltwater is free.

They take in seawater, filter it, and treat it before filling the pools.

Royal Caribbean is no different.

These are its ships that have only saltwater pools:

Brilliant of the Seas
Enchantment of the Seas
Empress of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas
Grandeur of the Seas
Jewel of the Seas
Mariner of the Seas
Navigator of the Seas
Radiance of the Seas
Rhapsody of the Seas
Serenade of the Seas
Vision of the Seas
Voyager of the Seas

Note that most of these are older, smaller ships that still use seawater systems.

Which Royal Caribbean Ships Have Only Freshwater Pools?

So, are Royal Caribbean pools salt water?

Yes, but not all of them.

In fact, many of Royal Caribbean’s newer ships offer freshwater pools exclusively.

These pools use filtered, treated water instead of seawater.

Ships with only freshwater pools include:

Anthem of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas
Independence of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas
Ovation of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas

Freshwater pools tend to be more popular because they feel cleaner and more familiar to swimmers.

But it’s again worth pointing out that Royal Caribbean’s salt water pools are clean and treated with regard to the salt content.

Despite what passengers might feel, these salt water pools are just as sanitary as the freshwater ones.

Which Royal Caribbean Ships Have Both Salt Water and Freshwater Pools?

The larger ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet will have both types of pools installed.

This gives passengers the option to choose between salt water or freshwater during their trip.

Royal Caribbean ships that offer both saltwater and freshwater pools include:

Oasis of the Seas
Allure of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas

The size and structure of these ships allow them to offer more variety.

Are Saltwater Pools Better Than Freshwater Pools?

Some passengers are known to seek out ships specifically with salt water pools.

This is because there are some considerable benefits to swimming in salt water.

Benefits of Salt Water Pools

Less Chlorine. Royal Caribbean uses a salt chlorine generator for their salt water pools, so the chlorine levels are lower.
Gentler on Skin & Eyes. Salt water pools are often less irritating compared to regular chlorinated pools.
Relaxing. Saltwater can help with stress and muscle relaxation.
Ocean Vibes. If you love ocean swimming, you may enjoy a salt water pool.

Given these advantages, why do some people still look for freshwater pools?

For one, freshwater pools feel more like a regular pool.

It’s just what people are used to.

You also sometimes get a mouthful of water when swimming, and some people don’t like the salty taste.

Freshwater pools are also less drying on the skin — a common complaint people have when they climb out.

People who want to know; are Royal Caribbean pools salt water are either actively avoiding those pools or looking for them specifically.

It’s all about personal preference.

Do Saltwater Pools Really Have Less Chlorine?

Yes, saltwater pools use less chlorine than freshwater pools.

Instead of adding chlorine directly, a salt chlorine generator creates chlorine from salt.

This process keeps the water clean while using less harsh chemicals.

This can be better for people with sensitive skin, especially in the long run.

Can You Swim in Saltwater Pools If You Have Sensitive Skin?

If you have eczema or sensitive skin, saltwater pools can be better or worse for you.

It truly depends on your reaction.

Here are some things worth noting:

Less chlorine can be gentler on skin
Salt can be soothing, but too much can cause dryness
Freshwater pools might be better if saltwater irritates your skin

To reduce irritation when swimming in saltwater pools, try these tips:

Rinse off before and after swimming.
Apply moisturizer after getting out of the pool.
Use a barrier cream before swimming.

If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to test both pools to see which feels better.

How Many Pools Does a Royal Caribbean Ship Have?

The number of pools depends on the size of the ship.

Smaller ships – around 2–3 pools.
Medium-sized ships – about 3–4 pools, plus whirlpools.
Larger ships – usually 4+ pools, plus water slides and water parks.

For example, Allure of the Seas is a larger model in Royal Caribbean’s fleet that has multiple pools with different themes.

Can You Use Saltwater Pools for Free on Royal Caribbean?

All pools on Royal Caribbean ships are free for passengers to use.

Your cruise ticket includes unlimited pool access, regardless of whether the water is saltwater or freshwater.

However, some special pools are reserved for certain guests:

Suite guests get access to private pool seating areas.
Wonder of the Seas has a Suite Neighborhood with a private plunge pool.

But Royal Caribbean’s main pools are open to everyone.

Are Royal Caribbean Pools Heated?

Another common question people have, aside from are Royal Caribbean pools salt water?, is: are Royal Caribbean pools heated?

For the most part, no; most Royal Caribbean pools are not heated.

They rely on sunlight and warm weather to keep the water comfortable.

There are a few exceptions, however:

Independence of the Seas has heated pools.
Some of Royal Caribbean’s private island resorts, like Coco Beach Club, have temperature-controlled pools.

If you like warmer water, these options are worth looking into.

If you’re working with a travel advisor, you can ask them to help ensure you’re booked on a cruise with heated pools.

How Does Salt Water in Royal Caribbean Pools Compare to the Ocean?

Salt water pools generally have much less salt than ocean water.

Royal Caribbean’s salt water pools only have 3,000 ppm of salt.

Ocean water, on average, contains 35,000 ppm.

This means that salt water pools aren’t as harsh as actual ocean salt water.

It’s less stinging, less drying, and doesn’t have a strong, salty taste.

So if the ocean is too harsh for you, a saltwater pool will feel much milder.

Do Royal Caribbean Pools Have Special Water Treatments?

Aside from the standard salt chlorine generator, Royal Caribbean does not use special treatments to reduce chlorine irritation in their salt water and freshwater pools.

However, do note that Royal Caribbean regularly cleans and sanitizes their pools to keep them safe for passengers’ use.

If chlorine irritates your skin, you may prefer saltwater pools or lower-chlorine freshwater pools.

Ready to Swim in Saltwater, Freshwater, or Both?

So, are Royal Caribbean pools salt water or freshwater?

Turns out, they’re a bit of both!

If you’re eager to try saltwater pools on a cruise, it’s time to book that trip!

Whatever your pool preference is, we can help you find the best Royal Caribbean ship to match it.

At Team Thompson Travel, we specialize in planning stress-free, unforgettable vacations.

Whether you’re heading to the Caribbean, Europe, or a private island getaway, we make sure every detail is handled.

Why book with us?

Expert guidance – We know Royal Caribbean inside and out.
Personalized recommendations – We help you choose the best ship for your needs.
No extra cost to you – Our services are 100% free.

Are Royal Caribbean Pools Salt Water or Freshwater? A Surprising Ship-by-Ship Guide