If you’re new to cruising, you might hear terms like aft, tender, or muster drill and wonder if you’ve just stepped into a different language. Don’t worry – we’ve all been there. Cruise ships have their own unique lingo, and getting familiar with it can make your first voyage smoother (and more fun).
Whether you’re deciding where to dine, choosing the perfect cabin, or learning what to expect on embarkation day, this glossary simplifies the most common cruise terminology with easy-to-understand definitions.
A
- Aft: The rear (back) of the ship
- Atrium: The central area of the ship, often a multi-level open space with shops, lounges, or guest services
B
- Balcony cabin: A room with a private balcony overlooking the ocean
- Beam: The widest part of the ship
- Bow: The front of the ship
- Bridge – The control room where the captain and officers navigate the ship
C
- Cabin: A passenger’s room onboard the ship. Also called a stateroom
- Cabin grade: Each cabin is categorised, with categories varying in size, features and location of the ship.
- Captain’s dinner: A formal dinner hosted by the ship’s captain, usually early in the cruise
- Cruise card: A plastic card used for everything onboard: room access, purchases, and identification
D
- Debarkation (disembarkation): Leaving the ship at the end of the cruise
- Deck plan: A map of the ship showing where cabins and amenities are located
- Double occupancy: Pricing based on two people sharing a cabin
E
- Embarkation: The process of boarding the cruise ship at the start of the cruise
- Excursion: An organized tour or activity offered at a port of call
F
- Fly/cruise: A fly/cruise is a type of cruise package that includes both flights and the cruise itself, often departing from an overseas location. Fly/cruise packages are usually bundled together by the cruise line or a travel agent
- Forward: Toward the front of the ship
- Formal night: A night during the cruise when passengers are encouraged to dress up for dinner and events
G
- Galley: The ship’s kitchen
H
- Hull: The outer shell or structure of the ship
I
- Inside cabin: A room with no windows, usually the most budget-friendly option
L
- Lido deck: A deck that often includes the pool area, buffet, and casual dining
- Life boat drill (muster drill): A mandatory safety exercise showing guests where to go in an emergency
M
- Maître d’: The head of the dining room staff
- Muster station: The designated area where passengers gather during emergencies
O
- Oceanview cabin: A cabin with a window or porthole facing the ocean
P
- Port: The left side of the ship when facing forward; also refers to a destination stop
- Port of call: A destination where the ship docks during the cruise
- Purser: The ship’s guest services manager or front desk staff
S
- Sailing: Another term for the cruise or voyage
- Sea day: A day when the ship doesn’t stop at any port and remains at sea
- Shore excursion: A planned activity or tour off the ship at a port destination
- Starboard: The right side of the ship when facing forward
- Stateroom: Another word for your cabin or room on the ship
T
- Tender: A small boat that transports passengers to shore when the ship can’t dock directly
W
- Wake: The trail of waves left behind by the moving ship, visible from the aft
Now that you’ve got the most commonly used cruise terminology down, you’re ready to sail like a pro. From booking to disembarkation, knowing the common cruise terminology makes everything on board a little easier – and a lot more enjoyable. And if you’re ready to put your cruise knowledge to the test, check out our latest cruise options here. Happy sailing!
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