Ten Forward is situated on deck ten at the extreme forward end of the saucer section and is designed with several large windows, which offer a spectacular view of space ahead of the vessel. The room is accessed by two doors, on the port and starboard sides at the rear of the room. The location serves as the social center of the ship and is equipped with a number of recreational activities such as three-dimensional chess, Terrace and Strategema, tables and seating, and a bar which serves several alcoholic and syntheholic beverages. Two replicator terminals behind the bar are able to produce other food and drinks.


There is also a dedicated wait staff which serve patrons both at the bar and at the tables. They are generally civilian members of the crew and wear uniforms with a green color palette.


Ten Forward can also be used for many official shipboard functions, such as weddings, diplomatic gatherings, the change of command ceremony, birthday and other parties for individual ship personnel, concerts, poetry readings, and funerals.

Children are not usually allowed in Ten Forward unless accompanied by an adult.

In case of low-power or emergency situations, Ten Forward is a designated emergency environmental support shelter. (TNG: "Night Terrors", "Disaster")