The ship is equipped with multiple toilets called ‘heads’ along with showers for the officers and crew. All are functional and the heads can be used as needed by visitors today. The Master and Chief Engineer enjoyed a head and shower within their quarters whereas the other officers and crew had access to shared heads.
Above each door is an original plaque that states who among the crew was assigned to that facility. Officers had a sink in their quarters while the crew only had sinks for hand washing in the heads, which were often cramped.
Currently, all ‘gray water’ flows into a small processing plant before discharge. Sewage is collected in a holding tank and then pumped through a line that connects to the city’s sewer system. During cruises, portable toilets are brought aboard for public use.
You may have encountered the term ‘poop deck’ in reference to the heads, however, this term does not refer to any sanitary function aboard a ship. It refers to the aftermost and highest deck of a ship, typically the roof of a cabin at the stern. It is derived from the Old French word pupe which comes from the Latin word puppis meaning ‘stern’.
Explore this Station's Gallery
Turn right to start exploring several of the many Crew Quarters on this deck. Notice within the House, above each door sill, is a plaque designating the cabin's use or its occupants.