A cruise is a great way to explore the world and they seem to be ever-growing in popularity – in fact, experts said the last year has seen a 30 per cent rise in searches for “what to know before your first cruise”.
So if you are preparing for your first cruise, knowing the right lingo can be particularly useful for your holiday.
Experts at Planet Cruise listed the most common cruise terminologies and what they mean, so you know what to listen out for on board your ship.
While some seem simple, knowing others could help you out during your cruise holiday, especially if it is your first time.
Knowing the terminology for dining can help you pack for the dress code
GETTY
Accommodation
The very first thing to master is the types of accommodation, as this will help you to make informed decisions on which type of room you want when booking your holiday. The experts outlined the below.
Interior cabin: A room with no windows, usually the most budget-friendly option. Good for travellers who don’t mind less natural light.
Junior suite: A mid-tier cabin offering more space and amenities than a standard room. Ideal for guests wanting a bit more comfort.
Stateroom: Another word for your cabin or room on the ship. You’ll see this term used in booking and onboard directories.
Cabin steward: The crew member assigned to clean and maintain your cabin. Important for daily service, towel animals, and special requests.
Dining and Lifestyle onboard
Next, certain phrases on your itinerary will inform you of the dress code, helping you pack well and get dressed when on the ship. Lifestyle terminology will also be useful when deciding where to go for dining.
Cruise casual: The dress code for most onboard meals is relaxed but neat attire. Important for packing appropriately.
Formal night: An evening when guests dress up for dinner and events. Great for photo ops and special occasions.
Lido deck: The deck where the pool and buffet are typically located. It’s a central hub for casual dining and relaxing.
Open dining: A flexible meal plan allowing guests to eat at different times and with different people. Useful for those wanting a casual, no-schedule dining style.
Events and procedures
These terms explain what will be happening day-to-day during your holiday.
All aboard: The time passengers must be back on the ship before departure from a port. Missing it can mean being left behind.
Embarkation: The process of boarding the ship at the start of your cruise. Knowing the timeline and procedure helps you arrive prepared.
Excursion: An organised activity or tour off the ship during port stops. Booking early ensures you get your preferred adventure.
Sea day: A day spent entirely at sea with no port visits. It’s when you’ll explore the ship, enjoy amenities, and relax.
Cruise director: The staff member who oversees entertainment and activities. They keep the energy high and ensure everyone’s having fun.
Ship layout and sailing port terminology
Finally, it is worth knowing the sailing terms that might come up during your trip. While these are unlikely to affect your journey, the experts suggested knowing this lingo can really help you immerse yourself in sea life.
Some days have excursions while others are spent at sea
GETTY
Bow: The front of the ship, important for orientation when navigating the vessel. Knowing this helps you understand directions like “forward” or where your cabin is in relation.
Aft: The rear of the ship; used in location references such as “aft-facing cabin”. It’s useful for finding your way and choosing cabins based on movement or views.
Bridge: The command centre of the ship, where navigation and ship operations are managed. It’s usually off-limits to passengers, but sometimes is toured on special excursions.
Crow’s nest: A high observation area on the ship, typically used for scenic views. It’s great for photography or spotting land.
Knot: A unit of speed used at sea, equal to one nautical mile per hour. You’ll see this used in daily cruise updates and itinerary times.
Port: The left side of the ship when facing the bow. Important for orientation and during docking instructions.
Quay: The dock or platform where the ship ties up at port. Knowing this helps when disembarking for excursions.
Gangway: The ramp or stairs used to board or leave the ship. Essential for embarkation and shore excursions.
Post comments (0)