How To Read a Deck Plan | Little Cruise Guide

Understanding Deck Plans

A cruise ship deck plan is basically a map of the ship. It shows where cabins, restaurants, pools, theaters, elevators, and other spaces are located—and it can tell you quite a bit about a cabin before you choose it.

Deck Number
Location
Cabin Number

What's Nearby
What's Above & Below

IN THIS GUIDE

At first glance, all those tiny boxes, numbers, colors, and symbols can look confusing. Once you know what to look for, though, deck plans are pretty easy to navigate.

Start With the Deck Number

Cruise ships are divided into numbered and sometimes named decks. Lower-numbered decks are closer to the bottom of the ship, while higher-numbered decks are closer to the top.

Not every deck contains cabins. Some may be almost entirely restaurants, entertainment venues, pools, or other public spaces.

When looking at a cabin, check the deck it's on as well as what's on the decks directly above and below it.

Find the Front, Middle, and Back of the Ship

You'll often see these terms on deck plans:

Forward — the front of the ship
Midship — the middle
Aft — the back

You'll also see:

Port — the left side when facing forward
Starboard — the right side when facing forward

Knowing these terms makes it much easier to understand where everything is located.

Find Your Cabin Number

Cabins are usually shown as small numbered spaces running along the ship.

The numbering system varies by cruise line and ship, so don't assume a particular number tells you exactly where the cabin will be. Find the actual cabin on the deck plan.

Once you've found it, zoom out and look around it.

That's where the deck plan becomes really useful.

Look at What's Nearby

Check for elevators and stairs first. Being close to them can make getting around a large ship much easier.

Then look for nearby public spaces such as:

Restaurants and bars
Theaters and lounges
Kids clubs
Pools
Fitness centers
Casinos
Nightclubs
Laundry rooms
Crew or service areas

Being close to the places you'll use frequently can be convenient. Being directly beside, above, or below a busy venue may be less appealing if you're sensitive to noise.

Don't Forget the Deck Above and Below

This is one of the easiest things to miss.

Your cabin may look perfectly located on its own deck, but there could be a pool deck directly above it or a theater underneath it.

If having a quieter cabin matters to you, cabins with other cabins above and below them can be worth considering.

That doesn't guarantee silence, but it removes some potential sources of public-area noise.

Pay Attention to Colors

Cruise lines often use colors to identify different cabin categories.

Two cabins that look almost identical on the map may have different category codes because of their location, view, capacity, or other features.

Don't rely on color alone. Check the deck plan's legend or key to see what each color represents.

Check the Symbols

Those tiny triangles, squares, circles, stars, and other symbols next to cabins actually matter.

Depending on the cruise line, they may indicate things like:

A sofa bed
Pull-down beds
Connecting cabins
Accessible cabins
Obstructed or partially obstructed views
Different bed arrangements
Cabins that accommodate additional guests

Every cruise line uses its own symbols, so always check the legend for the specific deck plan you're viewing.

Look for Obstructed Views

An ocean-view or balcony cabin doesn't always mean a completely clear view.

Lifeboats, ship structures, equipment, or other features may partially block the view from certain cabins.

Deck plans sometimes identify these cabins with a symbol or category, but it's worth checking the cabin description as well.

Think About How You'll Use the Ship

There isn't one perfect cabin location for everyone.

If you expect to spend most of your time around the pool, being several decks away may not bother you—or you may love being just one staircase away.

If you plan to spend evenings at shows and restaurants, another part of the ship might be more convenient.

And on a very large ship, location can make a noticeable difference in how much walking you do every day.

Little Cruise Tip

Before choosing a cabin, check three deck plans: your deck, the deck above, and the deck below. Then look at the cabin's symbols and category description. Those few extra minutes can tell you much more than the cabin number alone.