Climbing aboard a cruise ship for the first time can be an overwhelming experience.
With so many floors and sections, it’s easy to get turned around.
However, once you understand the method behind the cruise ship deck name madness, navigating becomes a breeze.
In this article, we’ll walk through the various decks and terminology used on today’s massive ocean liners.
Whether you’re setting sail with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, or any other cruise line, these standards apply across all major cruise lines.
Read on to learn what each deck means and how to find your way once you step on board.
What Does Each Deck On A Cruise Ship Mean?
Cruise ships resemble floating high-rise hotels, with different amenities and cabin types spread out over numerous floors.
While ship layouts vary, most vessels follow general conventions when naming decks.
Let’s explore some of the most common levels:
Main Deck
The main deck sits at the waterline. This level features exposed outer decks that may include pools, bars, and restaurants.
Interior spaces include the main dining room, shops, casino, photography gallery, and guest services desk. The main deck offers easy access to exit the ship in port.
Bridge Deck
Sitting just above the main deck, the bridge deck houses interior spaces like conference rooms, theaters, and lounges. On some ships, exterior promenade spaces let passengers stroll around the perimeter.
Most notably, the ship’s navigation bridge is located on this level. This highly restricted area is where the captain and officers pilot the vessel.
Landing Deck
Also called the tender embarkation deck, this level features an open deck used when small boats ferry passengers between ship and shore. Areas are left open for safe loading and unloading of tenders.
Promenade Deck
On ships with a wraparound exterior promenade, this outer walkway typically occupies the bridge deck or one level above.
The promenade features deck chairs, and it may overlook beautiful ocean views. Interior corridors on this level lead to luxurious suites.
Lifeboats are found on the Promenade deck.
Lido Deck
The lido deck is the top-most open deck on a cruise ship. This bustling and sunny area features swimming pools, hot tubs, water slides, bars, and open-air cafes. The lido deck is popular for sunbathing, relaxing, and outdoor dining.
Upper Decks
Moving upward, cruise ships generally group standard interior, oceanview, and balcony cabins on upper decks.
These passenger accommodation decks have efficient, functional layouts to maximize the number of rooms. Interior walkways and elevators provide easy access fore and aft.
Sun Deck
Even higher atop the ship, the sun deck lives up to its name. Open expanses allow sun worshippers to bask under blue skies and soak up the vitamin D. Tracks for jogging and walking often encircle this level.
And other amenities like mini golf, basketball courts, and helipads also occupy the spacious sun deck.
Sports Deck
Cruise lines know physical activity is vital while sailing, so most ships incorporate a sports deck. Options vary, but common features include full-sized tennis or multipurpose courts for basketball, volleyball, and more.
You may also find spaces dedicated to classes like yoga, spinning, Pilates, and Zumba.
Sky Deck
Some of the largest cruise ships introduce yet another top deck known as the sky deck. This partially enclosed space high above the sea typically includes an observation lounge, providing 180-degree panoramic vistas.
Also, specialty restaurants and exclusive clubs occupy this prime real estate on deluxe mega ships.
Weather Deck
While most decks provide shelter from the elements, the weather deck is exposed to the open air. This area at the very top of the ship remains open to facilitate radar, communication equipment, and other navigational tools.
The weather deck is off-limits to passengers during routine operation.
Crew Decks
Inside the bowels of the ship, the crew decks contain accommodations, offices, galleys, laundry facilities, and engine control rooms. These restricted lower levels keep the inner workings running smoothly 24/7.
Hidden below the waterline, few passengers even realize just how massive a cruise ship’s infrastructure really is.
Cruise jails and morgues are usually found on the lower decks of a cruise ship. Passengers have no access to these decks.
Knowing the deck names can help you distinguish between the port and starboard of a cruise ship, so it’s better to have an overview of the decks.
Cruise Line Specific Deck Names
In addition to common industry deck names, cruise ships often have branded terminology that reflects their style and themes.
Here are some cruise line specific examples:
Carnival Cruise Deck Names
| Deck Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Riviera Deck | Top deck on most Carnival ships, offers stunning views of the ocean |
| Promenade Deck | Runs along the side of the ship, great place to walk, people-watch, or have a drink |
| Atlantic Deck | Home to some of the ship’s main dining rooms, casino, and other entertainment venues |
| Main Deck | Where you’ll find most of the ship’s staterooms, main pool, and hot tubs |
| Upper Deck | Home to more pool areas, water slide, and ship’s sports court |
| Empress Deck | Where you’ll find the ship’s spa and fitness center |
| Verandah Deck | Home to the ship’s balcony staterooms |
| Panorama Deck | Home to the ship’s observation lounge, offers panoramic views of the ocean |
| Lido Deck | Home to the ship’s main buffet restaurant, as well as a number of other dining options, bars, and lounges |
| Sun Deck | Top open deck on most Carnival ships, great place to relax and soak up the sun |
| Sports Deck | Home to the ship’s basketball court, volleyball court, and mini-golf course |
| Sky Deck | Highest deck on most Carnival ships, offers stunning views of the ocean |
Royal Caribbean Deck Names
| Deck Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Royal Promenade | Indoor street with shops, restaurants, and bars |
| Upper Deck | Home to the main pool, hot tubs, and sports court |
| Verandah Deck | Home to the ship’s balcony staterooms |
| Panorama Deck | Home to the ship’s observation lounge, offers panoramic views of the ocean |
| Lido Deck | Home to the ship’s main buffet restaurant, as well as a number of other dining options, bars, and lounges |
| Starlight Deck | Top open deck on most Royal Caribbean ships, great place to relax and soak up the sun |
| Solarium | Adults-only sun deck with a glass roof |
| Sky Deck | Highest deck on most Royal Caribbean ships, offers stunning views of the ocean |
| North Star | Observation capsule that rises 300 feet above the ocean |
| RipCord by iFly | Skydiving simulator |
| SeaPlex | Indoor sports complex with a roller coaster, basketball court, and mini-golf course |
| Two70 | Three-deck high lounge with panoramic views of the ocean |
| Music Hall | Two-deck venue with live music and shows |
Disney Cruise Deck Names
| Deck Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Promenade Deck | Runs along the side of the ship, great place to walk, people-watch, or have a drink |
| Rear Deck | Home to the ship’s main pool, hot tubs, and sports court |
| Dining Deck | Home to the ship’s main dining rooms, as well as the casino and other entertainment venues |
| Stateroom Decks | Where you’ll find most of the ship’s staterooms, including inside staterooms, oceanview staterooms, and balcony staterooms |
| Upper Deck | Home to more pool areas, water slide, and ship’s sports court |
| Observation Deck | Home to the ship’s observation lounge, offers panoramic views of the ocean |
| Lido Deck | Home to the ship’s main buffet restaurant, as well as a number of other dining options, bars, and lounges |
| Sun Deck | Top open deck on most Disney cruise ships, great place to relax and soak up the sun |
| Royal Suites | Deck dedicated to the ship’s most luxurious suites |
| Animator’s Palate | Restaurant with interactive dining experiences |
| Rapunzel’s Royal Table | Restaurant themed after the Disney movie “Tangled” |
| AquaMouse | Waterslide that runs through the ship’s AquaDuck water park |
| Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge | Star Wars-themed bar with interactive experiences |
Princess Cruise Deck Names
| Deck Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Gala Deck | Uppermost deck on most Princess ships, offers stunning views of the ocean |
| Plaza Deck | Runs along the side of the ship, great place to walk, people-watch, or have a drink |
| Fiesta Deck | Home to the ship’s main pool, hot tubs, and sports court |
| Promenade Deck | Home to the ship’s main shopping arcade, as well as a number of bars and lounges |
| Emerald Deck | Home to the ship’s spa and fitness center |
| Dolphin Deck | Home to the ship’s balcony staterooms |
| Caribe Deck | Home to the ship’s oceanview staterooms |
| Baja Deck | Home to the ship’s inside staterooms |
| Aloha Deck | Home to the ship’s family staterooms |
| Riviera Deck | Home to the ship’s main dining rooms, as well as the casino and other entertainment venues |
| Marina Deck | Home to the ship’s main buffet restaurant, as well as a number of other dining options, bars, and lounges |
| Lido Deck | Home to the ship’s pool areas, water slides, and sports courts |
| Sun Deck | Top open deck on most Princess ships, great place to relax and soak up the sun |
| Sports Deck | Home to the ship’s basketball court, volleyball court, and mini-golf course |
| Sky Deck | Highest deck on most Princess ships, offers stunning views of the ocean |
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about cruise ship decks? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
What’s the lowest passenger deck called?
The lowest deck with passenger access is generally the main deck at the waterline. Lower decks are restricted to crew and machinery.
Where are cabins located?
Most cabins occupy the upper decks in the ship’s center. Public venues and amenities take up lower and outer decks. Suites may be located on exclusive high decks.
Where are dining rooms found?
Primary dining rooms are on lower decks, usually main, lobby, or galley. Specialty restaurants occupy mid to upper decks for better views.
How do you move between decks?
Ships have multiple glass elevators and stairwells providing smooth transit fore, aft, and between decks. You’ll never be far from a way to get up or down.
Are there rules about deck access?
Passenger access is limited on outer decks during arrival and departure from port. And crew-only decks are strictly prohibited to guests. Otherwise, you’re free to roam and explore!
Wrap Up
While cruise ships span massive scales, logic and order prevail in their multi-deck arrangements. Now that you understand the basic deck layout and terminology, you can find your way on any major ocean liner.
With this guide in hand, you’ll step on board ready to discover all that modern cruise ships offer across their many levels of amenities.