Cruise Ship Terminology Part Two: Lido, Promenade and More
Daily programmes and deck plans assume you know these names. Here's what the common venue and deck terms mean, plus the places where lines use the same word for different things. For port, starboard, aft and the other basics, start with cruise terminology decoded.
Open decks
Lido deck
The main pool deck: pools, hot tubs, sun loungers, outdoor bars, and usually the casual buffet and grill. The name comes from the Lido beach near Venice. On sea days it's the busiest place on the ship.
Promenade deck
Traditionally a lower outdoor deck where you can walk along the side of the ship, sometimes all the way round. Holland America ships are known for wraparound teak promenades with deck chairs. On ships without one, the jogging track on a top deck does the same job.
Sun deck and sports deck
The highest open decks, usually with loungers, a jogging track, sports courts or mini golf. Windier than the lido, quieter too.
Solarium
A glass-roofed pool area, often adults-only. It's warm on chilly days, which makes it popular on Alaska and northern Europe sailings. The free and paid adults-only options are compared in adults-only areas on mainstream ships.
Indoor venues
- Atrium: the central multi-storey lobby with guest services, glass lifts and often live music. Princess calls its version the Piazza.
- Royal Promenade: Royal Caribbean's indoor shopping and bar street, not an outdoor deck.
- Main dining room: the included sit-down restaurant, sometimes split across two decks.
- Specialty restaurants: paid dining venues such as steakhouses (see main dining, buffet and specialty restaurants).
- Observation lounge: a forward-facing lounge high up, great for scenic cruising.
Practical terms you'll hear
- Muster station: your assigned emergency assembly point, explained in what happens at the muster drill.
- Gangway: the walkway between the ship and the pier.
- Tender: a small boat that ferries you ashore when the ship anchors; see cruise tenders explained.
- Midship: the middle section of the ship, where motion is gentlest.
- All aboard: the time you must be back on the ship in port, usually 30–60 minutes before sailing.
- Guest services: the front desk, usually in the atrium.
The deck plan reading guide shows how these names appear on a plan, and getting around a big ship helps on day one.
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Ask a cruise expert →Getting comfortable with ship vocabulary quickly
Learn lido, atrium and muster station before you board and the daily programme makes sense straight away. The rest you'll pick up by the second sea day.
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Get a quote or book online →Frequently asked questions
What is a lido deck on a cruise ship?
The open deck with the main pool, hot tubs, sun loungers, outdoor bars and usually the casual buffet. The name comes from the Lido, a beach resort island near Venice. Holland America even calls its buffet the Lido Market.
What is a solarium on a cruise ship?
A pool area under a glass roof, usually quieter than the main pool and often adults-only. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity both use the name, and it's a good spot on cool days or rainy Alaska sailings.
What is the difference between a promenade deck and the Royal Promenade?
A traditional promenade deck is an outdoor walkway, sometimes wrapping right around the ship, lined with loungers. Royal Caribbean's Royal Promenade is an indoor street of shops, bars and cafés running down the middle of the ship.
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