Cruise Lines constantly evolve with the demands of travel, every day becoming more luxurious and modern – an evolution increasingly apparent when looking to ship swimming pools. Once a mundane addition to the ship deck and now a prime destination for sunning, swimming and imbibing, onboard pools have a habit of drawing in the eye and becoming the focal point of the entire ship. Indeed, many vacation-goers claim the pool as their social hub for their entire getaway. From infinity pools designed to merge with the endless oceans to adults-only enclaves, there’s a watery reprieve for every type of traveler.

Take Evrima’s infinity pool, for example. One of three ships in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, the small, 149-suite ship boasts an ultra-lavish pool at the aft.

“Evrima’s infinity pool is designed to seamlessly connect guests to the sea, offering uninterrupted views of the horizon that reflect the expanse of the open waters,” explained Alejandra Obregon, director, Architecture and Design, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “The pool’s clean lines and open-air deck create a relaxed elegance that enhances the sense of freedom at sea.”

Flanking the pool are two whirlpools where guests can enjoy some R&R. Come nighttime, the pool area transforms into an open-air movie theater or an idyllic spot for a party. In the morning, guests can enjoy breakfast at Pool House, overlooking the views.

Aboard Majestic Princess, a ship in Princess Cruises’ fleet, Hollywood Pool provides a glamorous environment for relaxation. The pool, enclosed in a striking glass dome, is protected should the weather be less than stellar while still giving guests a view of the bright blue sky. In addition to the comfortable lounge chairs that surround it, you’ll find decorative topiaries and artistic sculptures. Also nestled in with the pool, hot tubs stand ready should you desire a soak.

PHOTOS: © MSC CRUISES

Enclosed pools are becoming ever more popular among cruise ships, allowing guests to splash around regardless of the weather. (We all know how unreliable that can be.) MSC Seashore’s Jungle Pool, for example, provides guests with a retractable roof, allowing customization for pool days. Should the weather be a bit too chilly or rainy, the ship can simply enclose the pool to provide added warmth and shelter. A wading area surrounds the pool, a great convenience for children or adults who want to simply get their feet wet. Not only does this lively pool feature a retractable roof, but also, as its name suggests, it sits among lush vegetation, from dangling greenery to blooming planters. The area offers comfortable loungers, plant walls, whirlpools, a bar and elevated seating overlooking the room.

The ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet range in both size and number of pools — some with four, others with seven — but perhaps the biggest draw on many of the brand’s vessels lies within the line’s ship-within-a-ship concept at MSC Yacht Club. Here guests not only receive the perks of 24-hour butler service, dedicated priority check-in and check-out, access to exclusive venues and unlimited access to the thermal area in the onboard spa, but they also score their own private pool area and sundeck. With cruise ships notoriously large, the less crowded and more calming and intimate space this private area provides proves a godsend.

MSC isn’t the only cruise line to offer this more luxe ship-within-a-ship concept. Both Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises provide a similar exclusive experience. Aboard the latter, referred to as the Sanctuary Collection, it gives cruisers access to the top-deck Sanctuary Club reserved exclusively for adults 16 and older and the option to reserve private cabanas. The former, Celebrity’s Retreat, also provides guests who opt in to the upgraded tier of rooms exclusive access to their own sundeck equipped with shaded lounge chairs; personal attendants to bring drinks, food and towels; and, of course, a private pool just for Retreat guests.

PHOTO: © MSC CRUISES

On the opposite end of the spectrum, pools for kids — should you be traveling with some in tow — surely aren’t what they used to be. No longer will you find a simple kiddie pool on your ship. Instead, many ships provide pools full of amusement and treasure troves of entertainment. Aboard MSC Seaside-class ships, you and your littles will discover Pirates Cove Aquapark, an appropriately themed poolside play area that really hones in on the aquatic elements of cruising. With more and more families hopping on the cruise trend, it makes sense for cruise lines to shift gears to cater to all types of travelers who might want to sail away with them. As you might surmise, the kids’ area features more than just a regular pool. Instead, you’ll find the pool surrounded by nautical staples like a pirate ship play structure with tipping buckets, water guns strategically placed around the pool, a tentacled kraken emerging from the water and multiple water slides.

“You can’t walk into Pirates Cove Aquapark without a huge smile on your face,” explained Trevor Young, vice president, New Building Department, MSC Cruises. “The theming combined with the picturesque sea around the ship really bring guests into this narrative of an epic pirate adventure.”

In addition to all of the playful elements infused into the Cove, the area is only made more impressive by its use of virtual reality to enhance the experience, making it one of the most interactive water attractions on any cruise line.

PHOTO: © SCENIC GROUP

But really, the main draws of any cruise are the boundless and uninterrupted views you have of the ocean (or river or sea). The reason so many ships feature infinity pools is to not only enhance those pristine views but also to create a stunning impact and, obviously, a photo-worthy moment. Emerald Cruises designed an infinity-edge pool that’s become a signature feature of its yachts. “The pool’s design creates a boundless visual effect, making it feel like an extension of the sea and providing a one- of-a-kind setting for relaxation and photos,” explained a public relations representative for the brand. Cozy couches and chairs circle the pool, while floating pillows provide a unique addition to your time inside.

Aboard the world’s first hybrid battery-powered cruise ship, MS Roald Amundsen in the HX fleet, an infinity pool located at the ship’s aft provides a great place to plunge, even when making the journey through icebergs in Antarctica or glaciers in Alaska. The pool deck also features a poolside bar, lounge area and two hot tubs for those who need to really warm up.

Similarly, Windstar’s Star Plus-class ships all feature infinity pools along with a whirlpool, both cleverly planted midship to help shield bathers from the wind as they sail. These strategically placed pools ensure passengers who select colder destinations or go out to sea during the chillier months of the year can still enjoy the perks of a pool. Guests are able to order a drink from the staff while taking a dip or simply head to nearby Star Bar to get the party started.

Certainly, you can book any old cruise and be able to dive into the ship’s pools, but taking it a step further to ensure the best experience really can’t be beat.