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Of all the features on a cruise ship (the pools, theatres, restaurants and rooftop lounges) the traditional promenade deck is still my favourite place onboard. It is simple, but it offers something most of the flashier venues can’t – a quiet space, without distractions, sea air and a space to have a nosey at some of the behind-the-scenes workings of a cruise line. Give me a wraparound prom deck and I’m happy – let me tell you why
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What Is a Promenade Deck?
A promenade deck (or Prom deck) is an exterior deck on a ship that’s designed for passengers to walk or relax and take in the sea views and fresh air. There’s often places to sit and take a break or relax a little longer, grab drink or even have a meal. Some Prom decks also have deck games such as quoits and shuffleboard.
Do All Cruise Ships Have a Promenade Deck?
There are different forms of a promenade deck, depending on the ships design.
Some ships feature a full wrap-around promenade that allows you to walk entirely around the ship (such as Queen Anne, Holland America Line ships, and Fred Olsen Cruise line ships and the only ocean liner still sailing – The Queen Mary 2) – there’s nothing else here, no bars or restaurants – this is what I consider a ‘proper, traditional promenade deck’ and what I love most.
Others may have a partial promenade deck that spans some of the ship by doesn’t wrap arou d the whole of the ship and is obscured by crew areas or the ship’s super structure (such as MSC Virtuosa, Sky Princess, P&O Cruises Britannia, Ventura and Azura, and Celebrity Silhouette)
Some ships have an interior promenade which is designed to resemble an outdoor space with shops, cafés and entertainment venues (such as Royal Caribbean’s Royal Promenade).
Some ships have a wraparound deck but with bars and restaurants (such as Virgin Voyages, P&O Arvia and Iona, Some of the Carnival Ships such as Carnival Celebration, and NCL ships with The Waterfront).
What I Love Most About a Traditional Promenade Deck
While most of these characteristics will apply all forms of promenade deck – only a traditional prom deck has all the things I love below.
It Feels Like Your’re Properly at Sea
There is something reassuringly traditional about a wraparound, wooden, wide promenade deck. Walking its length, hearing the waves against the hull, and watching the horizon really brings home the fact that you’re travelling at sea. Ok, you can get this to a certain extent elsewhere on board. But while the upper pool decks feel more like a resort terrace with a sea view, the traditional promenade deck with no distractions reminds you that you are genuinely on a ship, at sea.
It’s a Peaceful Escape from the Crowds
On busy sea days, pool decks are lively, music-filled and often crowded. The traditional prom deck is a much calmer place to be. Early mornings are especially magical. The fresh air, the sunrise, and the knowledge that you’re part of perhaps only a handful of fellow early birds on board.
Not an early bird? Night owls get a share of the magic too: In the evening, after dinner it’s just as serene – just the sound of the sea and a gentle breeze (if the weather is good).
It’s Perfect for Gentle Exercise
Cruising can – and will – involve indulgence: generous breakfasts, second breakfasts, po-tay-toes, afternoon tea, and multi-course dinners, plus snacking in between all of these. The promenade deck offers an easy way to balance that without ever setting foot in the gym. (I only step foot in the gym to film it for a ship tour)
The Prom deck is you friend when it comes to exercise – you HAVE done exercise by walking a few laps per day, but it didn’t FEEL like exercise as you had a natter and expansive sea views to distract you, but you can now have that extra treat because you STILL did exercise.
Many ships mark the distance of one lap, making it simple to set a goal. A relaxed stroll while watching the ocean is heavenly. Plus when you walk in the direction the ship is facing – you can feel like you have superhuman walking speed.
It’s The Perfect Place to Switch Off
This is where a traditional prom deck (whether wraparound or partial) comes into it’s own. Modern cruising can be activity-heavy, quizzes, shows, bars, dining and announcements. The traditional prom deck offers a slower pace. There is no pressure to do anything.
From spotting other ships, (and oil rigs in the North Sea) to spotting dolphins riding the bow wave or a sole sea bird battling the wind and spray. There’s also something about the steady motion of the ship and the open horizon that helps you detach from technology and its one of the few places on a ship where you can disconnect from screens, schedules and announcements. Leave your phone in your cabin – a promenade walk without distractions is wonderful.
It Offers a Glimpse into Cruise Ship Life
If you’re a nosey so-and-so like me, and love to see how things work, then the prom deck is a great place to get some insights into ship life. Walk around and you will spot things – where the cupboard of life jackets are, where the crew are carrying out maintenance checks, where the anchor is stowed.
In port, you can watch docking manoeuvres or the lowering of tender boats. On embarkation day you can see the cases being loaded, on disembarkation day (with tears in your eyes) you can watch them loading the food and drink for the next cruise (yes, it is THAT much). And if you can – linger a little longer after you sail away from port to spot the pilot leaving the ship James Bond Style.
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Helpful Tips to Get the Most Out of The Promenade Deck
Check wind direction: One side of the ship is often more sheltered depending on the breeze.
Check how far public areas go: don’t stray into crew only spaces – some prom decks are not wraparound ones and only go so far
Avoid peak fitness times: Mid-morning on sea days can be busy with walkers.
Be mindful of jogging hours: Some ships designate specific times for runners of there’s not a designated sports track on the ship.
Walk the right way: While you won’t be asked to walk the plank if you go in the wrong direction, keeping with the flow is cruise ship etiquette.
Use it during port days: When many passengers are ashore, it becomes wonderfully quiet.
Be aware of crew operations: Occasionally areas may be closed for maintenance or docking procedures.
Wear proper footwear. The deck can be slippery in damp weather, trainers make longer walks far more comfortable.
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