Cruisers might lie along this front, playing cards (9,4)
I believe the answer is:
promenade deck
'cruisers might lie along this' is the definition.
'front playing cards' is the wordplay.
'front' becomes 'promenade'.
'playing cards' becomes 'deck'.
'promenade'+'deck'='PROMENADE DECK'
(Other definitions for promenade deck that I've seen before include "Upper level of a liner" , "Ship's upper area" , "Public open space on ship" , "Ship's upper walkway" , "Ship's passenger amenity" .)