Why Is It Called the Lido Deck on a Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

The Lido Deck is a prominent feature of many cruise ships and is aptly named after the famous seaside area in Venice, Italy. The term ‘Lido’ itself is derived from the Latin word ‘litus’ which means ‘shore’ or ‘beach’.

This makes perfect sense as the Lido Deck typically includes outdoor swimming pools and sunbathing areas – features which are synonymous with a day at the beach.

The term was first used in association with cruise ships in the 1950s when such vessels began to offer more comprehensive on-board facilities for their passengers. In particular, it was common for upper decks to be fitted out with a pool and other recreational areas such as snack bars and lounges. It was thus thought appropriate to name this area of the ship after an iconic beach resort – hence the birth of the Lido Deck.

Since then, cruise ships have become ever larger, offering more luxurious amenities than ever before. As such, modern day Lido Decks are often equipped with multiple pools, Jacuzzis, bars and eateries as well as expansive sun decks and lounge areas. Passengers can therefore enjoy all of these facilities whilst still soaking up some glorious sunshine.

In conclusion, it is clear why the upper decks of cruise ships are referred to as Lido Decks – they provide an enjoyable experience reminiscent of a day spent at an iconic beach resort. With their wide array of recreational activities, they have become increasingly popular amongst passengers who wish to make the most out of their time on-board.