What is the poop deck?

The poop deck is a raised deck at the rear of a ship, often above the main deck. It is typically located at the stern of the ship and is sometimes partially enclosed by a structure called a poop cabin. The poop deck is traditionally used by the ship's officers for overseeing the ship and navigation.

The term "poop deck" is derived from the Latin word "puppis," which means stern. It was originally used by sailors to refer to any elevated platform at the rear of a ship.

In modern ships, the poop deck is often used as a recreational area for passengers, with seating, lounging, and sometimes even a pool or bar. On naval ships, it is still used as a platform for navigation and command.

Overall, the poop deck is an important and distinctive feature of many ships, both historically and in modern times, serving various practical and recreational purposes.