Royal Caribbean Responds Quickly to “Code Brown” Incident

One Royal Caribbean sailing turned into its own version of a poop cruise – at least temporarily.

Two guests were relaxing on the upper decks onboard Harmony of the Seas when every cruiser’s worst nightmare unfolded: a child pooped in the pool.

“We’re just sitting here on Deck 16 above the pool area. Deck 15 below us. Sun is out. Having a good time. Then we hear a whistle blow,” the guest ominously began in a social media post.

“My sister’s like ‘oh I think somebody pooped in the pool,’” the cruiser continued.

Pooping in the pool is a big sanitary “no no” that ruins the fun for everyone.

Read Also: Cruise Guests Debate Peeing in Pools and the Safety of Swimming

When a “code brown” unfolds, everyone must evacuate the swimming pool and already busy crew members now have the extra task of draining and sanitizing.

This is in addition to standard cleaning, chemical and filtration treatments, and sanitation checks that crew members must complete daily to ensure the pools and spas remain safe.

Crew Members Launch Prompt Response

While this situation is understandably very annoying for cruise guests trying to enjoy some water-filled fun, the Royal Caribbean crew members should be commended for their prompt response.

The lifeguards wasted no time in blowing the whistle to get everyone out of the pool and begin the sanitization process.

“Sure enough – lifeguards on duty blow the whistle. Scoop whatever it was out with the net. Then the rest of the staff shows up with gloves. Everybody out of the pool. Rope it off,” the cruise guest continued.

The response onboard appears to be faster than what other guests have experienced when similar incidents occurred while sailing with other cruise lines.

“At least they closed the pool…once on Carnival Sunrise we saw a dad pull his 3 yr old out of the pool w liquid poop dripping everywhere and they took their sweet time closing the pool. We left the area due to the smell! Just gross!!”, another cruise fan reacted.

As all the cruise lines do, Royal Caribbean also has rules in place to try to prevent accidents in the pools in the first place.

For example, children who need swim diapers or are not 100% toilet trained can only use the designated “Baby Splash” areas onboard select ships.

“Due to public health regulations, children who are in diapers or not 100% toilet trained may only use Baby Splash facilities on board,” Royal Caribbean’s website states.

They are not allowed in any of the main pools, jacuzzis, or H20 Zone Water Parks.

Are Adults-Only Pools Safer?

The safety of swimming onboard is often a hot topic among cruisers, and incidents like these just add fuel to the fire.

The poster and cruise guest said that while she was grossed out by swimming with kids, she would be more willing to take her chances in the jacuzzis in the adults-only Solarium.

“A bunch of people. A bunch of kids. All sharing the same water. No thanks lol. The hot tub at the Solarium? Sure. Adults only. I’ll take my chances there,” she quipped.

That said, accidents are sometimes inevitable onboard, even from adults. Many said they would never go in a public pool or jacuzzi on a cruise ship because of this.

“Sold hot tubs for years…I NEVER GO IN PUBLIC HOT TUBS. The bacteria from bodies and yes many adults (especially when drinking) pee in the hot tubs and excreted from their pores. Hot water speeds up the bacteria growth,” one person noted in the comments.

Last year, another story went viral in which a passenger was so afraid of losing her “premium lounger” that was partially submerged in the pool that she peed in her seat instead of going to the bathroom.

Crew members once again quickly intervened, and the woman was removed by security.

But as disconcerting as stories like these are, keep in mind that cruise lines are held to strict safety and sanitation protocols. Ultimately, it is up to each cruiser to decide how they want to spend their time onboard and if they feel safe going for a swim.