Cruise line will now let kids into an adults-only area on certain sailings

Celebrity Cruises announced that it now allows children into its previously adults-only solariums. However, there are a few restrictions.

Popular for being a quieter, kids-free section on Celebrity cruise ships, the solarium has a pool, hot tubs, and loungers with natural light from its glass ceiling.

Though it was formerly an adults-only area, Celebrity Cruises has decided to let children below 16 years old use the venue from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on selected voyages to The Baltics, Antarctica, and Alaska. 

This policy change will not apply to warmer voyages in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Will the policy change spell trouble for Celebrity’s adult market?

While Celebrity Cruise Lines offers more kid-friendly amenities than its sister company Royal Caribbean International, it’s common knowledge that Celebrity is where you sail if you’re looking for a quieter cruise with fewer children. 

The Solarium, one of its most popular venues, has been strongly marketed as an adults-only area. As of writing, the copy on its website continues to read, “On the Resort Deck, you’ll find one of the most popular spots on every Celebrity Ship—the adults-only Solarium.”

Though the official announcement was only made a few days ago, Celebrity Cruises has allowed children in the Solarium.

According to the cruise operator’s FAQs: “During inclement weather and select hours, the ship may permit the Solarium Pool (if covered) to be used by persons under age sixteen (16) provided they are directly supervised by a parent or guardian.”

Having to share the space with kids has drawn mixed reactions online. A cruiser from California expressed tolerance at the idea, saying, “ I think we can all live with this.  If not, there are other choices which are adults only.”

But most are protective of the Solarium and prefer to keep it child-free. “We really enjoy the peace and quiet of the Solarium. I can see allowing children occasionally on an Alaska cruise, but I think it should remain adults only. Even a couple of kids can change the atmosphere a lot,” a netizen remarked.

Meanwhile, some pointed out plenty of cruise lines that offer true adults-only spaces.