Planning a cruise vacation? When you go on a cruise ship for your holiday, you are not just paying for a mode of transport on the sea and a cabin to stay; you are reserving time to spend quality moments among a plethora of entertainment and leisure experiences. A cruise ship is a floating resort for the duration of the holiday, but you should also know where exactly you should go to enjoy the maximum on the ship. We suggest that you get acquainted with the cruise ship’s facilities and layout. It can be confusing and overwhelming, but looking at the different decks of the cruise ship you booked can ease your worry. A cruise ship has many layers, and if you look at the floor layouts of a cruise ship, you will find that each level of a ship has different sections. Apart from cabin decks, lobby decks, and shopping and dining decks, you will come across the term ‘Lido Deck’ prominently. If you aren’t familiar with it, read on to get a comprehensive idea about it.
What is a Lido Deck?
When you think about cruise vacations, instantly, you imagine the sprawling pools onboard with people having drinks at sidebars and lounging under the sun. That spot on the cruise is called a Lido Deck. Almost all popular cruise liner fleets have a Lido Deck. Interestingly, a Lido Deck is named ‘Lido’, inspired by the Venetian beach stretch, which was termed the first contemporary beach resort in Europe. ‘Lido’ means’ beach’ in Italian, and the Lido deck resonates with the leisure ambience of beach life in the Mediterranean. This deck is also the pool deck on a cruise ship and has an alfresco setting with outdoor vibes, thus exuding the beach life relaxation onboard the ship. Not just pools, the deck offers a plethora of leisure features that ensure you, as a guest, have the ultimate relaxation on a cruise under the sun. This deck is located on the upper floors of the ship so that there is room to incorporate lots of outdoor sections.
What are the Key Features of Lido Deck?
The features and facilities of Lido Decks vary from cruise to cruise. But mostly, it consists of the following facilities:
Swimming Pools
The main highlight of a Lido Deck is the expansive open-air swimming pools installed on the deck. The variety differs from cruise to cruise. While some cruises feature just one long swimming pool, many have dual pools or swimming pools fitted with hot tubs and whirlpools. The area near the pool is usually reserved for poolside bars. Some cruises have extended sundecks or a platform next to the swimming pool where live music, performances, themed deck parties, and sporting events can be organised.
Sunbathing Lounges
Sunbathing is the next best idea as a preferred way to relax onboard a cruise for many guests. Next to the pool area, you will find expansive sun decks for guests offering plenty of loungers, cabanas, and even infinity pools with breathtaking ocean views to bask in the sun and enjoy relaxation on the cruise. If you need to soothe and unwind more, cruises have fantastic spas on the Lido Deck as well. For the ultimate cruise ship relaxation, getting pampered in a spa overlooking an endless ocean view is quite the ideal option.
Bars
The Lido Deck ensures you have your refreshments just the way you like it at outdoor poolside bars and shaded bars. It is the perfect way to unwind for the day, gazing at the fiery horizon sea breeze on your face, sipping your favourite drink and enjoying a gorgeous sundowner moment. Here, you can enjoy the best mixology, blended to perfection or simply refresh yourself with iced mocktails and juices of your choice. Some cruises also host cocktail-mixing demos and drink-mixing competitions between bars as well.
Entertainment
Enjoy endless entertainment aboard your cruise vacation! The Lido deck is where all the outdoor fun takes place. It is the happening hotspot on a cruise where you can chill out and enjoy live music, take part in deck games, attend themed parties, and so much more. Some cruises have outdoor movie screenings as well.
Dining Arena
Right from casual dining and quick grab-and-go snacks to wholesome menus and dessert choices, the Lido Deck does not neglect your love for food. You can find a global palette on your plate during a cruise vacation on Lido Deck. This cruise floor has a dedicated space brimming with restaurants, cafes and food bars. You will be drawn to the flavoursome menus for fine-dining experiences at international cuisine restaurants. Have a hearty breakfast at buffet restaurants or satiate your tastebuds at food delis, pasta bars, pizzerias and more any time of the day. Then again, the variety and number of restaurants and food stalls change from cruise to cruise.
Additional Amenities
A cruise holiday is an idyllic way to pamper yourself. Apart from spas, the Lido deck is equipped with fitness centres, beauty salons, saunas and more. As mentioned earlier, each cruise has a different perspective for the Lido Deck, and some have unique facilities blended into it. For instance, Royal Caribbean Cruises has Solarium Bar – an adult-only space for sunbathing and swimming. Some of its fleet also have ‘Flowrides-surf simulators for guests to try surfing while on a cruise vacation. Celebrity Edge Cruises extends their Lido Deck experience with ‘The Magic Carpet’ – the world’s first cantilevered venue at sea, which is suspended on the starboard side of the ship. Apart from relaxation on a cruise, the Lido Deck focuses on entertainment and fun as well. Some Cruise liners also have Camps for younger kids, Playstations, video game arcades, and cinema under the star experience for their guests to enjoy onboard.
Tips to have a great time on the Lido Deck
- Arrive early to secure the best sun loungers and avoid crowds. It is best to head to the Lido Deck early in the morning.
- Stay hydrated. Remember to drink plenty of water, especially during hot weather.
- Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Take breaks from the sun and seek shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
- Follow the rules and respect other guests. Be mindful of others and maintain a respectful atmosphere. Don’t smoke or vape in public areas. Do so only if a designated spot is arranged in the Lido Deck. Maintain proper dressing and swimwear.
- If you want less crowd, consider staying back on the ship when the cruise docks at a port. This way, you will have the Lido deck all to yourself while other guests deboard to visit the port towns.
Conclusion
One of the main reasons vacationers go on a cruise holiday is for its relaxation quotient. Lido Deck on a cruise ship is where all the outdoor excitement happens. True to its name, Lido Deck is your makeshift beach getaway on the cruise experience and gives you plenty of options to stroll along and enjoy sea views, get a sun-kissed tan, splash off your worries and relax with a refreshing swim in the grand swimming pools. That’s not all, the Lido deck also ensures you are having fun every minute you spend on this deck with plenty of entertainment, shows, food and recreational and entertainment activities. This is a glimpse of the enjoyment and leisure Lido Deck has to offer. A cruise ship has more such decks filled with recreational wonders. Imagine what a wonderful journey it would be!
