Canyon Ranch SpaClub Pool, Queen Mary 2, Cunard Line
Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 is already a special ship built as a genuine ocean liner in the grand classic style, and its Canyon Ranch SpaClub is just as remarkable as the rest of the ship-particularly its thalassotherapy pool. While other pools onboard may be subject to cold weather to be able to take a comfortable dip, this one is sheltered away from the elements complete with features for unwinding.
In the center is a ring to hold onto with heavy currents to reinvigorate your body while an underwater reclining bench soothes with plenty of bubbles. High-pressure nozzles also ensure a great aquatic massage from above while a dramatic waterfall also descends into the basin for additional stimulation.
Canyon Ranch SpaClub Pool, Marina and Riviera, Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises also features Canyon Ranch SpaClub facilities, and taking a page from the line's earlier ships is the Marina's and Riviera's forward outside pools. Most thalassotherapy pools are positioned inside, which may be better for those prone to sunburning, but the outdoor variety uniquely positions the therapeutic waters for an al fresco experience that is quite delightful. Guests can effectively be pampered while enjoying great views over the bow.
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Infinity Pool, Viking Star and Viking Sea, Viking Ocean Cruises
Before Viking Ocean Cruises introduced its excellent infinity pools aboard its new Viking Star, Viking Sea and more ships to come, other vessels had attempted to realize the feature onboard. However, they were poor attempts with only a shallow section of water fully extending to the edge.
Viking takes the cake for not only having one of its pools' sides reach entirely to the edge but also for being translucent and cantilevered high over the stern of the ship from the lido deck. The effect is a pool ideal for sightseeing as the ship is at sea and also while in port. The ships regularly dock in reverse for passengers to be able to prop their arms up on the edge and look out at the destination when taking a leisurely swim.
Infinity Pool, Seven Seas Explorer, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Not too dissimilar from Viking's infinity pools is Regent Seven Seas Cruises' own aboard its latest Seven Seas Explorer. Also situated at the stern, the outdoor water feature is nestled behind the ship's spa and lower to the waterline beneath suite decks. Its aft edge extends all the way to the back of the ship with a wider overall footprint for more bathers to line up and enjoy the wake view.
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Screen Pools, Several Different Cruise Lines
As a bit of a broad honorable mention, there are many cruise lines that tout pools positioned below large outdoor cinema screens. Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International all have ships where those taking a dip or reclining on the surrounding deck can also delightfully enjoy film, television and concert screenings.
Solarium Pools, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International
Corporate cousins Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International both showcase many exemplary solarium pools under glass roof cover on a number of their ships. These all-weather versions let guests go for a swim on any itinerary regardless of temperature, and many serve as wonderful poolside observation lounges for also taking in the passing scenery.
Stern Pools, Several Different Cruise Lines
Like the previous honorable mention, there are also many other great pools located at the stern of ships from Cunard Line to Princess Cruises. While not necessarily infinity pools, these often smaller varieties can serve as a less busy alternative to central main pools while still offering scenic vistas near but not as good as those from infinity ones.
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