When a cruise ship sets sail, we imagine luxury and beautiful views. One special place on the ship is the Lido Deck. But what is a Lido Deck on a cruise ship?
Lido Deck is known for relaxation, fun, and great views. The Lido Deck is a top deck where people can sunbathe, eat, and have fun. It’s a place to escape and enjoy the sea.
Let’s explore the Lido Deck and all its wonders, where every moment is special on the ocean.
Lido Deck Meaning
The word “Lido” comes from Italian and means beach. It is also referred to as a beach resort area. The Lido deck on a cruise ship is named after these beach resort areas and serves as the ship’s outdoor recreational area.
What is a Lido Deck on a Cruise Ship?
The Lido deck on a cruise ship is called Ponte Lido or simply Lido in Italian. A Lido deck on a cruise ship is a sunny area for outdoor fun. It’s on a high deck offering panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding scenery and feature amenities like swimming pools, whirlpools and hot tubs, outdoor bars and grills, sun loungers, and shaded areas.
The Lido deck is designed to provide passengers with an outdoor recreational area that mimics a beach resort. Guests can relax, swim, and enjoy the sun while the ship sails. On big ships, the Lido deck can have multiple levels with water parks and sports courts. It’s the main place for outdoor relaxation and activities on a cruise.
The Lido deck is a central gathering place for passengers to socialize and enjoy outdoor activities during their cruise vacation.
What Other Names are Commonly used for the Lido Deck?
The Lido deck on cruise ships is also commonly referred to by a few other names:
Pool Deck
This is one of the most common alternative names, as the main pools and whirlpools are typically located on a lido deck.
Sun Deck
The Lido deck is designed for sunbathing, so it is called the Sun Deck by many cruise lines.
Resort Deck
Some cruise ships call the lido deck area the Resort Deck to make it feel like a resort with outdoor activities.
Outdoor Recreation Deck
Lido deck is also called the Outdoor Recreation Deck because it offers more than just sunbathing. It has various outdoor activities and amenities for guests to enjoy.
Where is the Lido Deck on a Cruise Ship?
The Lido deck on a cruise ship is usually on the higher decks of cruise ships.
Location
The Lido deck is on the top deck, near the sports deck or navigation bridge. On big ships with many decks, the Lido deck can cover 2 to 3 deck levels.
Access
Guests can reach the Lido deck using elevators or stairs from the interior promenade decks below. Sometimes there are outdoor stairs that go up to the Lido deck from other outdoor deck areas.
Surrounding Areas
Casual dining venues like buffet restaurants and grill stations are commonly found on the Lido deck of cruise ships. Bars, outdoor lounges, and shaded seating areas are located around the edge.
Outdoor play areas for kids may be adjacent to the main Lido space.
Orientation
The Lido deck is in the middle of the ship on a higher deck for more sun exposure. It has open areas and some shaded parts. The pools are in the middle of the Lido deck.
What Activities are Offered on Lido Deck?
The Lido Deck on a cruise ship has many fun things for guests. Here are some common activities and features you can find there:
Swimming Pools
The Lido deck has one or more big swimming pools with different depths and designs like beach entry and infinity edge. There are also separate pools for kids and splash pads. Guests can find hot tubs near the pools for relaxing.
Sunbathing and Relaxation
The Lido deck of a cruise ship has sunbathing and relaxation areas. These areas have sun loungers and deck chairs for sunbathing. There are shaded areas with umbrellas coverings. Cabanas can be rented for private relaxation spaces with amenities like day beds and TVs. Relaxation zones have plush day beds and hammocks for quiet lounging.
Food and Beverage
The Lido deck on a cruise ship offers various food and drink choices. The main buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a wide selection of foods like salads, meats, pizza, and pasta. There’s also a grill serving burgers and hot dogs, a Mexican station for tacos and burritos, a pizza place, and an ice cream counter. The deck has bars offering drinks like cocktails, beer, and wine, and a coffee bar for specialty drinks and snacks.
Entertainment
The Lido deck on a cruise ship offers entertainment like Live bands, musicians, and DJs perform on stage, playing different types of music and Outdoor dance floors for dancing under the stars. It also has Game areas like giant chess and shuffleboard. The Lido deck becomes the ship’s activity hub during the day, providing lively entertainment for guests on a cruise vacation.
Kid’s Areas
Children’s areas on the Lido deck of cruise ships typically include kids’ pools, play areas, and water parks. Kids’ pools are shallow and safe for younger children to swim and play. They often have fun themes and interactive water features.
Play areas have playground equipment like slides, climbing structures, and swing sets. Some may also have splash pads for water play. Water parks on newer cruise ships have larger waterslides, splash zones, and child-friendly rides.
Water Sports and Activities
Many cruise ships, especially those catering to families, have fun activities like water slides, splash pads, aqua parks and rock-climbing walls on the Lido deck. Guests can also play basketball, volleyball, or tennis on the lido deck and there are jogging and walking tracks too. Some ships have mini-golf courses for leisure. There are also Large Outdoor screens or theaters for movies, live performances, or other entertainment.
Lido Deck Amenities
Most of the Cruise Lines have fun things on their Lido decks like pools, outdoor dining, and bars. They also have areas just for adults to relax. The Lido deck is made for guests to have a good time outside and do activities during their cruise.
Here are some common amenities found on the Lido decks of Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises:
Carnival Cruise
Carnival Cruises offer resort-style pools, water parks with waterslides. splash zones, and kids’ areas, and an outdoor sports area with basketball and volleyball.
There is also a Serenity Adult-Only Retreat area with hot tubs and loungers, as well as outdoor bars BlueIguana Tequila Bar serving Mexican-inspired drinks and RedFrog Rum Bar serving Caribbean-style rum. There is an outdoor venue like Guy’s Burger Joint by celebrity Chef Guy Fieri serving burgers and fries.
Royal Caribbean Cruise
Royal Caribbean Cruises have large pools and whirlpools for swimming. Guests can try surfing or bodyboarding on the FlowRider. There are rock-climbing walls for adventurous guests. Mini-golf courses with unique designs and themes are available. The Solarium is an adults-only area with pools, hot tubs, and a relaxing atmosphere. The Lime & Coconut is a poolside bar serving tropical drinks. The Windjammer Cafe is an indoor-outdoor buffet venue with various food stations. Thrilling waterslides like the Ultimate Abyss are available on select ships.
Sailaway Party on a Lido Deck
The Sailaway Party is a fun event on the Lido deck of cruise ships as they leave the port. It’s a lively celebration that starts the cruise journey. Different cruise lines have their own version of this event. Here’s a guide to the Sailaway Party on various cruise ships.
Carnival Cruise Line
The Sailaway Party on Carnival ships is famous for its fun music and lively vibe. A DJ or live band usually plays upbeat songs on stage to get passengers dancing. The cruise staff leads dances and interactive activities to engage guests. Themed parties like a Caribbean party or deck party are common during the Sailaway. Drinks and snacks are served at outdoor bars and grills on the Lido deck.
Royal Caribbean International
The Royal Caribbean’s Sailaway Party is a fun event with music, dancing, and entertainment. The cruise director and entertainment team host games, contests, and line dances on the Lido deck. Guests can enjoy live music or DJs playing popular songs and party music. Interactive items like beach balls, glow sticks, or colorful flags may be given out. Themed parties, like a Belly Flop contest or a Sail Away Glow Party, make the event even more exciting.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian’s Sailaway Party happens at the main pool area on the Lido deck. Live music or DJs play, getting guests to dance and sing. The cruise staff organizes activities like lip-sync battles, dance-offs, and pool games. Themed parties, such as White-Hot Party or Glow Party, make the atmosphere lively. Guests can easily get drinks at poolside bars with special offers during the party.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney’s Sailaway Party includes appearances by favorite Disney characters. The celebration features music, dancing, and interactive activities led by the cruise staff.
Guests can meet the characters, take photos, and dance with them on the Lido deck. Themed parties, such as a Pirates IN the Caribbean party, enhance the Disney experience.
Why is the Lido Deck so Important?
The Lido deck is a crucial and important part of a cruise ship experience for many reasons. Below given points explain why the Lido deck is so important:
Outdoor Recreation and Relaxation
The Lido deck is the main outdoor area on a cruise ship for fun and relaxation. It has swimming pools, hot tubs, and places to lounge in the sun. Passengers can enjoy the stunning ocean views, sunshine and fresh air while taking a break from being inside the ship.
Social Hub
The Lido deck acts as a social hub. It is a fun place where passengers hang out together in a lively atmosphere. There are Poolside bars, outdoor grills, and seating areas which encourage social interaction and create a sense of community among passengers. Activities like live music, dance parties, and games make it a lively and exciting place and foster a festive and engaging environment.
Family-Friendly Amenities
The Lido deck is a crucial area for families traveling with children because it has special pools, water slides, splash pads, and play areas just for kids. These amenities provide a safe and enjoyable environment for children to have fun while parents can relax close by.
Health and Wellness
The Lido deck helps passengers stay active and healthy with jogging tracks, sports courts, and outdoor fitness classes. They can exercise and have fun while breathing in fresh ocean air and enjoying the view.
Dining and Refreshments
Most cruise ships have outdoor grills, snack bars, and casual dining options on the Lido deck. Passengers can easily get food and drinks without going inside, making their experience better.
Sailaway and Destination Experiences
The Lido deck is the focal point for Sailaway parties and celebrations as the ship departs from ports. It’s also a great spot to see beautiful views like sailing through fjords or approaching pretty destinations.
Memorable Moments
The Lido deck on a cruise ship is a lively and beautiful place with ocean views and lots of things to do. Passengers make special memories and have fun with loved ones there during a cruise vacation.
Things to Avoid on Cruise Ship Lido Deck
The Lido deck on a cruise ship is a favorite spot for fun, relaxation, and meeting people. There are certain things you should avoid doing on the Lido deck to ensure a pleasant experience for yourself and others. Here are some things to avoid on a Lido deck:
- Do not save deck chairs because it stops others from using them. Cruise staff will take away any items saving chairs.
- Do not hog the Hot Tub as the Hot tubs are for everyone, so be considerate of others. Don’t stay too long, as it can be annoying for those waiting.
- Adult pools on cruise ships are for adults only so don’t Bring Kids in the Adult Pool.
- Do not smoke in areas where smoking is not allowed on the cruise ship.
- Do not put lounge chairs on the jogging track on cruise ships. The track on the Lido deck is for jogging or walking. It is important to keep the track clear for safety.
- Most cruise lines do not allow topless sunbathing on the Lido deck or other public areas of the ship. Avoid going topless on the Lido deck as it may offend other guests on family-friendly cruises.
FAQs – What is the Lido Deck on Cruise Ship
Do all Cruise Ships Have Lido Deck and What Do They Call it?
Most Cruise lines have a lido deck, but it may be named differently. Carnival Cruise line call it a Lido deck, while Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Disney Cruise Line call it the Sun Deck.