How Far Off the Water Is the Deck of a Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

The deck of a cruise ship is usually located quite close to the water, but how close depends on the type of vessel and the size of the waves. In general, a large cruise ship will have decks that are slightly farther away from the water than smaller vessels.

The shape and design of a cruise ship’s hull also play an important role in determining how far off the water its decks are. A tall and slim hull will be farther away from the water than a shorter and wider one, as the latter allows for more interior space while still providing stability in rough seas.

Cruise ships typically have multiple decks that are located at various heights above the waterline. The uppermost decks are usually at least 25 feet above sea level, while those lower down may be only 5 or 10 feet off the water. The distance between decks varies among different ships, with some vessels having wider stairwells than others.

The amount of time spent in port can also affect how far off the deck is from the water. During port stops, many ships lower their gangways to allow passengers to board or disembark more easily. This lowers their overall height above sea level and brings their decks closer to the surface of the ocean or river.

Safety Considerations

The distance between a cruise ship’s deck and the water is also affected by safety considerations. On some vessels, there may be additional measures taken to ensure that passengers don’t accidentally fall overboard while on board, such as railings or higher walls along walkways that lead directly to the ship’s edge.

Conclusion

How far off a cruise ship’s deck is from the water can vary depending on its size, shape, and where it is located at any given time. Generally speaking, larger vessels will have decks that are slightly farther away from the ocean surface than smaller ones, though safety considerations can also come into play when determining how close passengers can get to open waters during their voyage.