On days at sea how hard is it to get a chair or two by the pool or better yet by the waterpark ( have a 9 yr old)?

Do I have to get to the pool by 8am in order to get a spot?

If you want front row by the pool, then yes you'll need to get there early.  But they've got PLENTY of loungers stationed all over the lido deck so getting one of those is easy!  I really don't see the appeal of being front row by the pool cuz then you've got people walking past all the time.  I prefer being up one deck looking down on the pool area (easier to watch the contests and ice carving demo up there!).

Ok, Thanks! 

I will take your advice and head up to the Lido!

ainyork:

Ok, Thanks! 

I will take your advice and head up to the Lido!

All depends on which ship you are on.  The larger ships have tiers of decking which makes it much easier to arrive whenever.  But as stated, you do have to get there early for the at sea days if you want "up close and personal seats".

Personally I don't see the attraction for right next to the pool. Everyone comimg by past you all the time. Honestly how many of these people pool side ever get into the pool. It's easier to relax one deck up and also the view is better.

Don K:

Personally I don't see the attraction for right next to the pool. Everyone comimg by past you all the time. Honestly how many of these people pool side ever get into the pool. It's easier to relax one deck up and also the view is better.

I 100% agree with you.  I am an upper decker myself.  However, in the evenings for the dance parties etc, I like to sit close at one of the tables, but when it comes to pool side oasis, I'll pass.

ainyork:

On days at sea how hard is it to get a chair or two by the pool or better yet by the waterpark ( have a 9 yr old)?

Do I have to get to the pool by 8am in order to get a spot?

I have a 10 yo, and basically the same question.

If I have to supervise his swimming in the pool myself (no lifeguards), I really need a chair quite near to the pool. 

If I have to sit on a chair on another level, or worse another deck, I will not be able to appropriately watch him.

ainyork:

On days at sea how hard is it to get a chair or two by the pool or better yet by the waterpark ( have a 9 yr old)?

Do I have to get to the pool by 8am in order to get a spot?

One of the problems you will encounter, is that some people will get up early and go place a towel over a chair to reserve it.  Then go to breakfast, and back to their room, and eventually at some point in the day come back to their chair.

Some people will move towels that are unaccompanied for long periods of time, and take the chair themselves.  It is an ongoing issue, that really never has been resolved. I guess there should be a little give and take.  Reserve the chair while you are in the pool, headed to the restroom, or for a quick refill on a drink or some ice cream.  Don't plan on being gone for more that 15 minutes would be a nice rule of thumb.

I have only had a problem finding a chair somewhere, once or twice in all my cruises.  Getting one poolside is a different matter.  I personally like the ones on the Top Deck.

Top Deck:

ainyork:

On days at sea how hard is it to get a chair or two by the pool or better yet by the waterpark ( have a 9 yr old)?

Do I have to get to the pool by 8am in order to get a spot?

 

 

One of the problems you will encounter, is that some people will get up early and go place a towel over a chair to reserve it.  Then go to breakfast, and back to their room, and eventually at some point in the day come back to their chair.

Some people will move towels that are unaccompanied for long periods of time, and take the chair themselves.  It is an ongoing issue, that really never has been resolved. I guess there should be a little give and take.  Reserve the chair while you are in the pool, headed to the restroom, or for a quick refill on a drink or some ice cream.  Don't plan on being gone for more that 15 minutes would be a nice rule of thumb.

I have only had a problem finding a chair somewhere, once or twice in all my cruises.  Getting one poolside is a different matter.  I personally like the ones on the Top Deck.

WOW!  I have never encountered this issue on any of the Carnival ships I've been on.  I guess it all depends on where you want to be.  I would hate to have encountered such behavior from others guests..."reserving chairs, etc."  That is crazy!  first come first served.

As a courtesy, Carnival has a no reserving chair policy.  If you see an unoccupied chair, next to the pool, with a towel on it.  Observe if for a little while, and if you do not see anyone using it, than by all means, go sit in it. 

The chairs by the waterpark, slides, didn't fill up on our cruise on the Inspiration in late June. The chairs by the pool filled up pretty quickly except for the ones with the tables. I was always able to find one of them. I would go up one deck if you don't want to get up early and want a lounge chair. If the concern is watching your child, the Inspiration had benches with umbrellas right by the pool which were always available on our cruise.

Happy cruising!

I usually prefer to lounge in the sun so the Lido Deck sounds like an option with a lot of potential.

FYI - the Lido deck IS the pool deck!  The one that several of us prefer is actually, I believe, the Veranda Deck or the Sun Deck (the one at the forward end with mini-golf).

Thanks for clearing it up.  Meet me on the Veranda or Sun Deck then.  I'll be the guy with the umbrella drink....Cheers