How Are Decks on a Cruise Ship Numbered?

By Anna Duncan

Cruise ships are an increasingly popular form of travel for tourists, offering passengers the opportunity to explore multiple destinations without ever having to unpack their bags. With modern cruise ships featuring many decks, it can be difficult to keep track of where you’re going and which deck you’re on. Understanding how cruise ships are numbered can help make navigation easier.

Forward-Backward System
Most cruise ships use a forward-backward numbering system when it comes to decks. The highest deck is the first one, or Deck 1.

This is followed by Deck 2, 3, 4, and so on until the lowest deck (usually the Lido Deck). The next deck up from the Lido Deck is then referred to as Deck 11, with 12 being above that, until the highest numbered deck on the ship. This pattern continues down from there.

Deck Naming Conventions
Cruise lines may also assign names to each of their decks rather than just numbering them. These names will usually reference a particular theme or activity associated with that deck. For example, one of the most common themes used for decks is colors – so you may find decks named after colors such as Red Deck or Blue Deck.

Upper Decks
If a ship features more than one upper deck (usually two), they will be referred to as Upper 1 and Upper 2 respectively. These upper decks are typically home to some of the most desirable cabins on board and provide passengers with an elevated view of their surroundings.

Conclusion

The system used for numbering decks on a cruise ship may vary depending on the cruise line but generally follows either a forward-backward system or uses themed names. Understanding this system can make navigation much easier while onboard and help ensure that passengers get to enjoy all areas of their ship and its unique amenities.