What is an atrium?

I'll admit that I'm having a hard time with understanding what exactly an atrium is. We'll be on the Elation in Sept. 2011 and I'm just curious now as to what it is. I looked it up in the dictionary and I picture it as an open area that looks up to the different decks of the ship. Am I way off? Thanks

That's about it, with balcony rails all around. You spend your time either looking up, or down. Then you move on.

click to enlarge

You right on. When you come onto the ship the 'main lobby area' there a large

atrium which there a small bar in the center. You can look up to the open area

to the decks above you.

The atrium is like my head. It is a big empty space with bubble elevators going up and down.

Thanks everyone, I felt silly asking. It seemed like such a "DUH" question to me but I just didn't know for sure.:o

I love when atruims knock my socks (or flip flops) off with how grand they are!

Ashley :)

Here is the reflection of the atrium ceiling of the Imagination in my blue moon martini!

Atrium on Imagination

I recall the Elation atrium being rather well done. Small but classy.

I remember on my first cruise on the ecstasy..wow was I ever blown away

the one on the triumph was nice too.

and I love the miracle, but that one didn't have the wow factor for me

just my opinion but I did love the miracle so much I'm going back on her in sept

Splendor Atrium

Here is the Carnival Glory.

The Carnival Liberty