7 Cruise Ship Deck Names and What They Actually Mean

Cruise ship deck plans can look confusing at first.

Lido Deck. Riviera Deck. Promenade Deck. The names sound elegant, but they don’t exactly explain what’s actually there.

Once you understand what these deck names mean, though, navigating a cruise ship suddenly becomes much easier. You’ll know where to head for the pool, where the best views are, and which decks tend to be the busiest.

So where did these names come from… and what will you usually find on each one?

1. Sun Deck

The Sun Deck is usually the highest passenger deck on a cruise ship.

It’s designed for sunbathing, relaxing and enjoying wide-open ocean views. On many ships, this is where you’ll find rows of loungers and some of the quietest spots on deck.

2. Lido Deck

The Lido Deck is usually the main outdoor deck on a cruise ship, and is home to the ship’s pools, hot tubs, and outdoor bars. Sometimes, people just call this the ‘pool deck’.

Lido is a fancy word for ‘outdoor pool’. But did you know that the word ‘lido’ comes from the name of the Lido di Venezia district in Venice, Italy? The town is an island and its name comes from the Latin word ‘litus’, meaning shore.

3. Sports Deck

This deck is usually located near the top of the ship towards the aft. It’s used for sports and fitness activities like basketball, golf nets and the jogging track. It’s called the Sports Deck because it’s where you’ll find all of the ship’s sports facilities.

Most cruise ships have outdoor sports courts, but some do have indoor sports halls instead.

4. Promenade Deck

The Promenade Deck (or Prom Deck for short) is a wide, outdoor deck that wraps around the entire ship. It’s used for strolling and enjoying the ocean views. It’s called the Promenade Deck because promenade is a word meaning ‘walk’.

Not all cruise ships have promenade decks, and even when they do, they don’t always wrap all the way around the ship.

One of the best promenade decks can be found on P&O Cruises ships, Iona and Arvia. These ones each have eight whirlpool jacuzzis on them, as well as an outdoor bar, dining areas, lots of sun loungers and some of the most controversial balcony cabin designs.

5. Bridge Deck

The Bridge Deck is the deck where the ship’s bridge is located. The bridge is usually off-limits to passengers unless you’re lucky enough to book a behind-the-scenes ship tour.

The term ‘Bridge Deck’ isn’t used all that much in reality. While it refers to the deck from which the ship’s captain and crew navigate the ship, that’s just the front section. The rest of the deck is just a normal deck and usually has cabins on it.

6. Landing Deck

This is the deck that you use to get on and off a cruise ship. However, it’s not always the same deck!

Depending on the tides, a ship may sit higher or lower in relation to the dock at different times. At some ports, the gangway will be open and quite short, whereas at others it will be a long, closed tunnel that takes you into the terminal building.

So some days you may disembark from Deck 3, and on other days you may disembark from Deck 5. In the photo below, you can see that you can get on and off the ship on two different decks.

7. Poop Deck

Modern cruise ships don’t have poop decks, but I’m including it here because people often wonder what it is! And no, it’s nothing to do with actual poop!

A “poop deck” is a term that was commonly used in the past to refer to a deck that’s located at the aft (rear) of a ship, above the main deck. The poop deck was typically used by the ship’s officers as a high point for observation and navigation.

As for why it’s called a “poop” deck, there are a few theories. One theory is that the term comes from the French word “la poupe,” which means stern or rear.

Another theory is that it comes from the Latin word “puppis,” which also means stern.

However, there is also a more humorous theory that the name comes from the fact that the deck was located at the rear of the ship, where the smell of the ship’s waste (or “poop”) would be carried away by the wind. While this theory is not supported by historical evidence, it has become a popular explanation for the name.

Read more about poop decks.

Other Deck Names

Cruise ship decks typically have numbers, but some decks also have names. These names are specific to the ship, and each has its own meaning.

For example, on MSC Grandiosa, the decks are named after famous artists such as Monet and Van Gogh, whereas on Costa Deliziosa, the decks are named after ornamental flowers such as Petunia and Azalea.

There are some deck names that are common across several different ships. These include:

• Riviera Deck
• Sky Deck
• Atlantic Deck
• Empress Deck
• Marina Deck
• Vista Deck
• Panorama Deck

These names usually just describe the feel of the deck. For example, the Sky Deck is often high up, while the Panorama or Vista Deck typically offers great views.

Final Word

Cruise ship deck names can sound confusing at first, especially if you’re looking at a deck plan for the first time.

But once you know what they mean, it becomes much easier to picture the layout of the ship and find your way around.

It can also help when choosing a cabin. Some decks are quieter than others, while some sit directly under busy areas like the pool deck or buffet.

If you’re trying to pick the best location for your room, make sure you read my guide to The Best and Worst Decks on Cruise Ships.

Related Posts:

• What Is Deck 1 On A Cruise Ship?
• Is Deck 7 On A Cruise Ship Good?
• How Do Cruise Ships Get In The Water?
• 12 Things You Must ALWAYS Check On The Deck Plan Before Booking A Cruise