What is a poop deck?

The poop deck is an elevated deck located at the stern (rear) of a ship, usually above the main deck. It is typically the highest deck on the ship and is often used by the captain and crew for navigation and observation purposes. The name "poop deck" is thought to come from the Latin word "puppis," which means stern. The poop deck may also have been used historically as a platform for mounted guns or as a raised area for the captain to oversee the crew. Today, the poop deck is primarily used as a viewing platform for passengers or crew members to enjoy the scenery and activities on board.