Have you ever heard the phrase "poop deck" and wondered what it means? You are not alone!
They are not found as frequently on modern, motorized ships; however, you will find them on sailing ships!
So, what is a poop deck and what's its purpose? Keep reading to find out!
Poop deck definition
No, it has nothing to actually do with the restroom. According to Merriam-Webster, a poop deck is "a partial deck above a ship's main afterdeck."
They are located in the aft -- or back -- of a ship are are elevated in order to provide a high point for crew members to observe their surroundings and help navigate the ship.
The name originated from La Poupe, which is the French word for "the stern." The stern is the rearmost part of the ship and is opposite of the bow, which is the frontmost part.
Read more: Port vs. Starboard, Bow vs. Stern, and Forward vs. Aft: How to Find Your Way Around a Cruise Ship
What duties were performed on the poop deck?
No, the ship's crew members did not use the restroom on the poop deck! Instead, this was an important place for them to perform navigational and observational duties. Because of its raised position, officers were able to keep an eye on crew members to ensure that they were not slacking off.
Ever heard the phase “swabbing the poop deck?” If you think about it, you've probably heard it once or twice in a movie or television show at some point. It simply means mopping the poop deck in order to keep the wood damp, thus slowing decomposition.
Plus, with the number of cannons, guns, and gunpowder onboard, it was a way to reduce the risk of fire.
Poop deck versus quarterdeck
Usually, the poop deck was party of the quarterdeck, or the main deck area located behind the central part. This is where you would typically find the ship's wheel, as it was a little further forward and allowed the officers to direct the helmsmen on where to steer since they could see further when situated on the poop deck.
Where did sailors use the restroom?
Since the aft of the ship is where important officers worked, restroom facilities were not located close by. Instead, sailors would often relieve themselves at the front of the ship. Sometimes, they would even use a bucket and dump the waste over the side of the ship into the ocean.
Don't worry-- you won't be dumping anything overboard on your cruise. In fact, cruise ships have thousands of restrooms onboard. Every cabin has its own ensuite restroom, and there are public bathrooms available throughout the ship.
Standard cruise ship bathrooms include a standing shower, toilet, and sink. Some cruise ship suites feature a double vanity and jetted bathtub, giving you the ultimate luxury experience at sea.
Read more: 10 reasons to spend extra for a suite on a cruise
Do cruise ships have poop decks?
Today, navigational duties take place in the ship's Bridge, so you will not find poop decks on any cruise ships.
Rather than being located in the aft of the ship, the Bridge is located at the front. You can easily locate it by looking for the "wings" that extend out from both sides of the ship.
This is where the ship is commanded and where the captain and crew manage all things navigational, such as the speed of the vessel.
Because of the Bridge's existence, as well as cameras and other technological advancements, there was no need for poop decks. Instead, you'll find fun activities located at the back of the ship, like mini-golf, surfing simulators, and more.
Read more: This is how to drive a cruise ship
What was the last ship to have a poop deck?
The Titanic, the infamous ship that sank on her maiden voyage in 1912, was the last known ship to feature a poop deck onboard. It was an outdoor space for third class passengers, meaning that it was not used in its traditional sense.
Titanic's sister ship, the Britannic, was under construction when Titanic set sail, and this vessel did not contain a poop deck.
The poop deck on the Titanic was 128 feet long and, according to experts, was the last deck to disappear underneath the ocean's surface when the ship sank on April 14, 1912 because of its elevated position.
If you've ever seen the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, they can be seen holding onto the stern's railing before taking a deep breath and being submerged.
Read more: Titanic compared a cruise ship today
Other cruise ship deck terminology
While you don't need to know what a poop deck is for your upcoming cruise, there are some other words that you should be aware of that will help you navigate the ship like a pro, even if you have never step foot on one!
The lido deck, for instance, is where you will find the outdoor pool(s), hot tubs, and lounge chairs. Not all cruise lines, however, refer to it as the "lido" deck, and it may or may not be the highest deck of the ship.
For example, the lido deck on Carnival's Mardi Gras can be found on Deck 16. Yet, the ship is 19 decks high. The above decks are home to youth clubs, Guy's Burger Joint, the second floor of the RedFrog Tiki Bar, WaterWorks, Serenity adults-only retreat, SportSquare, the Ultimate Playground, and Loft 19 Pool and Cabanas, as well as BOLT: the Ultimate Sea Coaster.
Similarly, the Promenade Deck is a wide, outdoor deck that wraps around the entire ship. It usually is not a hub of activity and is meant to be a place for leisurely strolling to soak in the ocean views. On Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, for instance, you'll find the Promenade Deck on Deck 4. There is tons of outdoor seating, as well as shuffleboard, available for guests' enjoyment.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
