Cruising can be a fantastic way to travel and explore the world, but if you’re new to cruising, it can be overwhelming to navigate the many terms and phrases that are unique to the industry. From deck plans to shipboard amenities, there’s a lot to learn before you set sail on your first cruise.
In this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive glossary of cruise terms and lingo that will help you become an expert in no time.
Embarkation: The process of getting on board the ship.
Disembarkation: The process of leaving the ship at the end of the cruise.
Stateroom: The nautical term for a passenger cabin.
Cabin Category: The class of stateroom you choose to book, which determines the size, location, and amenities available in your cabin.
Balcony: A private outdoor space attached to a stateroom, usually with chairs or loungers for relaxation.
Inside Cabin: A cabin without a window or balcony, located inside the ship.
Oceanview Cabin: A cabin with a window or porthole providing a view of the ocean.
Suite: A larger, more luxurious stateroom with additional living space and amenities.
Cruise Director: The person in charge of onboard activities and entertainment.
Muster Drill: A safety briefing that takes place before the ship sets sail.
Port of Call: A scheduled stop on the cruise itinerary.
Shore Excursion: A pre-arranged tour or activity offered by the cruise line at a port of call.
Tender: A small boat used to transport passengers to and from the ship when it cannot dock at a port.
Cruise Fare: The cost of the cruise itself, not including additional expenses such as shore excursions, gratuities, and onboard purchases.
Gratuities: Tips given to the ship’s crew for their services.
Onboard Credit: A monetary credit added to your onboard account that can be used to pay for onboard expenses.
Port Charges: Fees paid by the cruise line to the port authority for the use of the port facilities.
Cruise Line Loyalty Program: A program that rewards frequent cruisers with perks and benefits such as priority embarkation, onboard discounts, and free amenities.
Specialty Dining: Restaurants on board the ship that require an additional fee to dine.
Open Seating: A dining option that allows passengers to eat when and with whom they choose.
Assigned Seating: A dining option that assigns passengers to a specific table and dining time for the duration of the cruise.
Deck Plan: A map of the ship showing the location of cabins, restaurants, bars, and other onboard amenities.
Onboard Activities: A variety of activities offered on the ship, including fitness classes, pool games, trivia contests, and more.
Entertainment: Live performances such as music, comedy shows, and Broadway-style productions.
Cruise Staff: The crew members responsible for organizing and running onboard activities and entertainment.
Shipboard Amenities: Facilities and services available on the ship, including pools, spas, gyms, and shopping.
Tender Ticket: A ticket or pass distributed to passengers for use when disembarking the ship by tender.
Cruise Contract: The legal agreement between the passenger and the cruise line that outlines the terms and conditions of the cruise.
Now that you have a better understanding of the cruise lingo and terminology, you’ll be well-prepared to book and enjoy your next cruise. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification if you’re unsure about anything during your cruise – the crew is there to help you have the best experience possible.
We hope that this glossary of cruise terms and lingo has been helpful in making you feel like a cruise expert! Of course, there are always new terms and phrases popping up in the world of cruising, so we encourage you to continue learning and exploring. Do you have any favorite cruise terms that we didn’t include in this list? Or perhaps you have a funny or interesting story about a particular cruise term or experience? Please feel free to share them in the comments below – we would love to hear from you!