Planning a cruise vacation? You might wonder what some cruise ship terms really mean. Ever heard someone say “meet me on the lido deck” and scratched your head, not sure where that is? The lido deck is usually the fun spot where pools, snacks, and sunbathing happen. Knowing these terms can turn confusion into confidence and help you enjoy the trip like a pro. Keep reading to uncover cool secrets that make cruising smoother and more fun.
Every cruise ship has a lido deck, but some cruise lines call it by another name.
Here’s what you need to know about the lido deck on a cruise ship.
What Is a Lido Deck on a Cruise Ship?
The lido deck on a cruise ship is a name for the pool deck, usually located on one of the ship’s top decks.
Cruise ship Lido decks are home to outdoor pools, hot tubs, sun lounges, bars, movie screens, waterslides, rock climbing walls, mini-golf, a splash park, and more.
The lido deck is one of the most popular and busy spots on the cruise ship during the day. And it gets especially crowded on sea days as passengers spend the day swimming in the pool and lounging on the deck under the sun.
Why is it Called The Lido Deck?
The word “lido” comes from Italian roots and refers to a beach or public outdoor swimming pool where people gather to swim (Source). On a cruise ship, the lido deck refers to the outdoor swimming pool and the surrounding bars, restaurants, activities, and facilities.
However, not every cruise line uses the term “lido deck.” For example, you will find the pool area called the lido deck on Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line, but not on Royal Caribbean.
Where Is the Lido Deck?
The lido deck is often located on one of the top decks of the cruise ship.
The lido deck may have several sections, including the main pools, sports deck, buffet, stage, running track, dance parties, live music, bars, and more. The layout of the lido deck varies by cruise line, but most have at least a pool and hot tub with an adjacent bar.
Check with your cruise ships deck plan if you need help finding the lido deck.
If you forgot to bring a towel, there’s no need to worry. You can rent a towel for free from the nearby booth. Simply show the attendant your cruise card and return the towel when you are finished.
Just make sure you return the towel by the end of your cruise, or the cruise line will charge you for the towel.
What Can I Do on the Lido Deck?
The amenities vary by the cruise line. However, you’ll find the lido deck on cruise ships has several standard features.
Here are some common things to do on a cruise ship lido deck:
Relax at the Poolside
Every cruise ship has a pool on the Lido deck. That makes sense considering the word “lido” itself means an outdoor pool or beach. But while a swim sounds great on a hot sea day, cruise ship pools are famously small.
Around the pool, you’ll find loungers, daybeds, and sunchairs. It’s a great spot to read, savor a cold drink, or simply relax in the sun.
On some ships, the pool sits in the center of the deck. The largest cruise ships may have multiple pools and a dozen or more hot tubs.
That said, finding a spot can be tough.
Many passengers wake up early to claim loungers using towels or personal items, even if they don’t plan to return for hours. It’s a common frustration, and one cruise lines still struggle to manage.
Take a Dip in the Hot Tub
After a day filled with activities, there’s nothing more relaxing than soaking in a hot tub. Lido decks have several hot tubs where you can unwind, relax, and let the bubbles massage away any fatigue
If you’re sailing in a cooler climate such as Alaska, taking a dip in the hot tub is an excellent way to escape the cold air.
The whirlpools are also a romantic spot to enjoy a tranquil evening under the stars with your partner.
Watch a Movie Under the Stars
Many cruise ships offer large outdoor movie screens on the Lido Deck, where you can watch a movie under the stars.
At night, enjoy new releases or classic movies while taking a break from the hustle and bustle of cruising. After a full day of hiking, walking, and touring the local port, watching a movie under the stars is a refreshing break.
Bring along a blanket or find a cozy lounger, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the show. Or grab your bathing suite and watch the movie while floating in the pool or relaxing in one of the whirlpool hot tubs.
Grab a Drink at the Bar
No lido deck would be complete without a bar.
The Caribbean sun, open-air, and poolside loungers make the sun deck the perfect spot to enjoy Piña Coladas and pineapple mojitos.
The bars on the pool deck provide a relaxed, open-air setting to enjoy a drink. Whether you fancy a tropical cocktail, a cold beer, or a fine glass of wine, the poolside bars have what you need.
You’re sure to find at least one bar near the pools.
Enjoy the Buffett
Most cruise ships situate the buffet close to the lido deck. The nearby buffet is super convenient for grabbing a quick snack without changing out of your bathing suit or giving up your sun loungers.
Some ships offer self-serve ice cream by the pool.
Play a Round of Miniature Golf
Many cruise ships feature miniature golf courses on the Lido Deck or nearby. It’s a fun and leisurely activity that everyone can enjoy.
Challenge your family or friends to a friendly game and enjoy some lighthearted competition amidst the cool sea breeze.
Mini golf is just one of the fun sports you can play on a cruise ship.
Try a Waterslide
Waterslides are a staple on cruise ships. If you’re looking for a splash of adrenaline, the waterslides on the Lido Deck offer just that.
Twist and turn down exciting slides that often extend over the edge of the ship, providing a thrilling ride with fantastic views.
Of course, not every cruise ship has a water slide, but the ones that do go above and beyond.
Cruise ships are pushing the boundaries of at-sea thrills with drop slides, tube slides, and transparent slides that extend beyond the ship, bringing you several stories above the ocean.
Take Your Kids to the Splash Park
For families with young children, the splash parks on the Lido Deck are a paradise. With water fountains, mini slides, and interactive water play areas, it’s a safe and fun environment for kids to burn off some energy.
New cruise ships seem to be in an ever-increasing competition to build the largest water parks.
The splash parks are perfect for cruising with kids, providing endless entertainment on sea days. Splash parks have quickly become a new cruise ship staple, from dizzying waterslides to tipping buckets.
Take in the Sights
One of the best features of the lido deck is the incredible view. The elevated position of the Lido Deck provides panoramic views of the ocean and the ship’s surroundings. Whether you’re sailing through scenic fjords or docking at an exotic port, the views from the Lido Deck are often breathtaking.
Bring your camera. The lido deck is a photographer’s dream and a romantic spot to watch the sunset.
The view is especially thrilling on sea days when you can see the endless blue horizon stretching in every direction.
Just be sure to keep a tight hold on your belongings. You don’t want to drop a smartphone or camera into the ocean.
Soar Above the Sea (North Star and Seawalk)
If you’re looking for an unbeatable view of the seas, you’ll want to check out Royal Caribbean’s North Star or Princess Cruises Seawalk.
The North Star is a small pod that rises over 300 feet above the ocean. The pod provides unbeatable 360-degree views. If you’re not afraid of heights, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thrill you won’t want to miss.
North Star is available on Royal Caribbeans Quantum-class ships.
Princess Royal class ships provide a different heart-racing way to view the ocean.
Hovering 128 feet above the sea, SeaWalk is a glass-floor walkway that extends 28 feet off the ship’s side. Those daring enough to step out onto the platform are greeted with a top-down view of the ocean and a panoramic view of the horizon.
