A

aboard

Onboard, or on the ship; the opposite of ashore. Used when referring to being or doing something on the ship.

about

To turn the ship around.

abreast

Alongside something, usually another ship or a dock.

add-on

An additional charge to the cruise fare. This can refer to airfare, transfers, land tours, or any additional item not included in the base cruise fare.

adult-only cruise

A cruise ship or sailing that does not allow children onboard.

adventure cruise

A specialized cruise to remote or rugged destinations (such as Antarctica, Galapagos, or the Arctic) featuring zodiac landings and expedition activities.

aft

The back of the ship.

air/sea package

A package deal that includes the cruise price, airfare, and typically the transfers between the airport and the ship.

all aboard

The final time passengers must be back on the ship before it departs from a port (also called all aboard time).

all hands

All the crewmembers working aboard the ship.

all-inclusive

A cruise fare that typically includes beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), gratuities, specialty dining, and sometimes Wi-Fi or shore excursions (common on luxury lines).

alternative restaurant

A smaller onboard restaurant where guests can choose to eat, often for a small fee.

amidships

The middle section of the ship.

anti-rebating

A cruise line policy that prevents travel agents from offering discounts or rebates below the published fare.

anytime dining

Flexible dining where passengers can eat at any time and choose their own table (also called open seating).

ashore

On land; the opposite of aboard.

assigned seating

Pre-assigned tables and dining times in the main dining room.

astern

Toward the aft (back of the ship), or behind the ship.

atoll

A ring-shaped coral reef or island that encloses a lagoon.

atrium

The open, multi-deck central lobby area of the ship, often featuring shops, bars, guest services, and entertainment.

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B

B2B

Is a back-to-back cruise. Two cruises in a row. See back-to-back.

B2B2B

Is a back-to-back-to-back cruise. Three cruises in a row. See back-to-back-to-back.

back-to-back

One cruise, then another cruise, one after the other. Two cruises in a row.

back-to-back-to-back

One cruise, then another cruise, then another cruise, one after the other. Three cruises in a row.

balcony cabin

A stateroom with a private outdoor balcony (see verandah).

beam

The width of the ship at its widest point, usually right across the middle section of the ship.

bearing

The compass direction the ship is sailing, expressed in degrees.

berth

A bed; or the place where the ship is docked in port.

boat

Cruisers often refer to the entire ship as a "boat" — technically incorrect, but very common slang.

BOGOHO

Buy One Get One Half Off — a popular cruise promotion where the second guest in a cabin pays roughly half price.

booze cruise

A cruise or excursion focused on alcohol and partying (sometimes used informally).

bow

The front part of the ship.

bridge

The location where the captain and crew controls the ship — where navigation and steering occur.

bulkhead

The structural wall in the interior of the ship.

buoy

A marker or float used to identify navigational landmarks or channels.

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C

cabin

A passenger room onboard the ship; sometimes referred to as a stateroom.

cabin steward

The person who cleans the cabin.

cancel-for-any-reason insurance

A premium travel insurance option that allows cancellation for any reason (usually more expensive).

Capers

Previous name for Carnival's daily activities publication, now known as the Carnival Fun Times.

captain's table

A special dinner hosted by the ship's captain for selected guests.

cast off

To release the ship from her mooring.

category

The price level of a cabin based on location, size, and amenities.

cay

A small, low sandy island on a coral reef (pronounced "key").

cenote

A natural swimming hole formed by collapsed limestone bedrock, common in the Yucatán Peninsula.

chair hog

A person who reserves lounge chairs early in the morning with towels or personal items and does not return for hours (a common source of frustration on sea days).

channel

The deepest part of a river or harbor.

charter

A group booking that reserves all or part of a cruise ship for a private group.

christmas market

River cruise itineraries that visit European towns during the holiday season featuring traditional Christmas markets.

closed-loop cruise

A cruise that begins and ends at the same port (most common for cruises departing from the United States, especially Caribbean and Alaska itineraries).

companionway

A stairway inside the ship that connects the deck levels.

concierge

A premium service, often included with suites or higher categories, that provides priority boarding, reservations assistance, special lounge access, and personalized service.

corkage fee

A fee charged by some cruise lines if you bring your own wine or champagne to drink in the dining room.

course

The ship's route from one port to the next.

crossing

A transoceanic voyage, such as a transatlantic or trans-Pacific cruise (often part of repositioning itineraries).

crow’s nest

A lookout point high on the ship, often used as a lounge or observation area.

cruise card

On most cruise ships, you’ll be given a cruise card which will act as your room key, ID and your method of payment when on your cruise.

cruise casual

The standard evening dress code on most nights: collared shirts and slacks for men, casual dresses or pants for women.

cruise contract

The terms and conditions that cruise passengers agree to. When booking a cruise you’ll need to agree to a cruise contract.

cruise director

Head of the ship's entertainment staff, often emcees events.

cruise elegant

A suggested dressier night where men wear dress slacks and sport coats (ties optional) and women wear cocktail dresses or nicer outfits.

Cruise To Nowhere

Any cruise in which there are no ports of call; the ship embarks and debarks from the same port without making any stops in between.

cruise tour

A cruise that is preceded or followed by a bus tour, operated by the cruise line.

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D

davit

A steel structure that hoist lifeboats over the side of the ship.

days at sea

Full days during a cruise when the ship does not stop at any port.

debark

To go ashore.

deck

Each level (floor) of the ship.

deck plan

A diagram or map showing the layout of all decks, cabins, and public areas on the ship.

deck plans

A map of all the cruise ship decks.

dinner seating

The time a passenger is assigned to a particular dining venue on the ship.

disembark

To leave the ship and go ashore.

dock

A place to moor the ship.

double occupancy

Two people to a cabin. A cruise fare is typically based on double occupancy as a standard.

draft

The depth of water needed to sail so that the ship doesn't touch the ocean floor.

dress code

Cruise lines have suggested dress codes, ranging from very casual to more formal.

dry dock

A period when the ship is taken out of service for maintenance, repairs, or refurbishments.

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E

embark

To go aboard the ship.

embarkation port

The port where the cruise begins and passengers board the ship (also known as home port or departure port).

emuster

A new way to muster drill. Emuster is typically done partially or in whole by using the cruise lines phone app.

expedition cruise

A specialized cruise to remote or adventurous destinations such as Antarctica, the Galapagos, or the Arctic, usually on smaller ships with zodiac landings and expert guides.

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F

fantail

The rear overhang of a ship (shaped like a duck's bill).

fathom

Measurement of water depth. One fathom equals six feet.

first seating

The earlier of two meal servings in the ship's main dining room.

fleet

A number of ships under the same ownership.

FlowRider

Onboard surf pool on Royal Caribbean ships.

fore, forward

The area toward the bow of the ship.

formal night

A tradition on many cruise ships, the formal night is a night to dress up.

Freestyle Cruising

Norwegian Cruise Line's style of cruising, featuring casual dress and no set dinner times.

French balcony

A small balcony with a full-length sliding glass door but no actual outdoor space — the railing sits flush with the hull.

Friends of Bill

A term referring to recovering alcoholics. It is used typically in reference to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings onboard.

Friends of Dorothy

An older term for people who identify under the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Fun Ships

Name for Carnival's cruise ships.

Fun Times

Carnival's daily activities publication, previously known as the Carnival Capers.

funicular

A cable railway or inclined elevator used on some ships or in ports to transport passengers between different levels.

funnel

The ship's smokestack.

future cruise credit

A credit (often received as a perk, promotion, or compensation) that can be applied toward the cost of a future cruise booking.

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G

galley

The ship's kitchen.

gangway

Ramp or stairway between the ship and the shore while the ship is docked.

godmother

A celebrity or notable figure who traditionally christens a new ship by breaking a bottle against the hull.

gratuities

Gratuities or tipping is customary on a cruise. A per person service fee or gratuity will be charged daily to your cabin.

gross registered ton (grt)

A measurement of enclosed passenger space, including the space in cabins, lounges, showrooms, and dining rooms.

guarantee

A cruise reservation in which one pays for a certain category cabin, but is not given a cabin number.

guest services

The onboard front desk for passenger inquiries, accounts, lost items, and general assistance.

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H

hand

A crewmember.

head

A bathroom.

helm

The ship's steering equipment, located in the bridge.

hold

The ship's cargo area.

hotel manager

Shipboard director of hotel operations such as housekeeping and passenger services.

hull

The outside shell of the ship from the main deck down to the keel.

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I

inside cabin

A stateroom that does not have a porthole, window, or balcony.

interior stateroom

A stateroom with no window, porthole, or balcony.

itinerary

The scheduled route of the cruise, including ports of call, sea days, and arrival/departure times.

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K

keel

The chief structure of the ship that extends lengthwise along the center of the ship's bottom — the ship's backbone.

knot

The measurement of the ship's speed. One knot is one nautical mile per hour.

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L

land legs

The wobbly feeling many people experience after returning to land following a cruise.

lanyard

Used by many cruisers to hang a cruise card around their neck for convenience.

latitude

The distance north or south of the equator expressed in degrees.

league

A unit of measurement equal to 3.45 nautical miles.

leeward

The side of an island or ship that is sheltered from the wind.

lido deck

The pool deck. For ships with multiple pools it is typically the top open deck with the largest pool.

lines

The ropes used to tie up the ship while it is at the dock.

longitude

The distance east or west of the prime meridian expressed in degrees.

lower berth

The standard fixed bed in a cabin (as opposed to an upper berth).

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M

maiden call

The first port-of-call on the ship's maiden voyage.

maiden voyage

The first voyage of a new ship.

maître d’

The head waiter in charge of the main dining room.

master

The person who is in charge of the ship; the captain.

MDR

The main dining room of the ship.

midship

The central area of the ship (between forward and aft).

mini-suite

The smallest, most affordable suite on a ship, often with just a curtain dividing the living and sleeping areas.

moor

To hold the ship in place with lines at a berth.

mooring

The process or location where the ship is secured to the dock or pier.

muster

To assemble the passengers and crew.

muster drill

A mandatory event where passengers assemble in a specific location and receive instructions on what to do in an emergency.

muster station

A meeting place onboard the ship that usually refers to the area where one would go to get into the lifeboats in case of an emergency.

mytime dining

Norwegian Cruise Line’s version of flexible dining where guests choose when and where to eat without assigned seating.

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N

nautical mile

A unit of measurement equal to one-sixtieth of a degree of the earth's circumference.

norovirus

A common gastrointestinal illness that can spread quickly on cruise ships.

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O

OBC

Acronym for onboard credit.

ocean view stateroom

A stateroom with a window or porthole that offers a view of the ocean.

oceanview cabin

An outside cabin with a large porthole window or a verandah.

onboard

Located on the ship; carried or used on the vessel.

onboard booking

Booking your next cruise while still onboard your current cruise.

onboard credit

A credit added to your onboard account, either as a perk of booking or as compensation for an unforeseen event.

open seating

A dinner seating in which tables are not assigned.

open-jaw cruise

A cruise itinerary that starts in one port and ends in a different port (also called a one-way or repositioning cruise).

outside cabin

A stateroom with a porthole, window, or balcony that overlooks the ocean.

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P

parkview cabin

A cabin with a view overlooking an open central area (such as Central Park on Royal Caribbean ships).

passageway

A hallway inside the ship.

passenger space ratio

The number of gross registered tons (grt) divided by the total passenger capacity.

passenger to crew ratio

The total number of passengers divided by the total number of crewmembers.

pier runners

A cruise ship passenger who arrives back at the port late and is forced to run down the pier to catch their ship before it departs. Often caused by too many libations, misjudging time, transportation delays, or overstaying in port, these individuals run to avoid being left behind, often watched by onlookers from the balconies of nearby ships.

pitch

The forward and backward rise and fall of the ship as it moves.

poop deck

The highest deck on the stern (rear) of the ship — the name comes from the French word for stern (“la poupe”).

port

The left side of the ship when facing forward; also the harbor where a ship docks.

port fees / port taxes

Additional per-person charges added to the cruise fare for each port visited.

port-of-call

Port at which the ship anchors or moors, and the passengers are allowed to disembark.

porter

A crew member or port employee who assists with luggage handling at the terminal before embarkation.

porthole

A round window on a ship.

prepaid gratuities

When booking your cruise, you can prepay your gratuities.

promenade

An open deck that encircles a ship, often used for walking or jogging.

pullman bed

They are like bunk beds that come out of the wall or ceiling.

purser

The officer onboard who serves as a financial or administrative manager for guest services.

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Q

quad

A cabin that will accommodate four passengers.

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R

repositioning cruise, repo cruise

A one-way itinerary that brings a ship from one region to another.

roll

The side-to-side movement of the ship.

roll call

A group of people who chat online before a cruise, and may have some gatherings set up once on board.

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S

sailaway

The period of time that your Cruise Ship actually sails away from the shore.

screw

The ship's propeller.

sea day

A full day at sea when your cruise ship is not visiting a port.

seapass

Royal Caribbean's onboard ID card used for access, purchases, and as your room key.

second seating

The later of two meal servings in the ship's main dining room.

shore excursion

A tour or guided activity in which guests participate while ashore.

single occupancy

Refers to cruising solo.

single supplement

An extra charge solo travelers pay to have just one person in a cabin.

sister ships

Ships built of the same design.

specialty restaurant

A paid or reservation-required dining venue offering unique menus or experiences.

specialty stateroom

A themed or specially designed stateroom (such as spa, family, or accessible staterooms).

stabilizer

A retractable arm located below the waterline mid-ship, which can be extended to help reduce the ship's roll.

starboard

The right side of the ship when facing forward.

stateroom

A cabin.

stern

The back end of the ship.

suite

The largest class of stateroom; features separate living and sleeping areas.

suite stateroom

A larger, more luxurious stateroom that usually includes separate living and sleeping areas.

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T

TA

Is short for travel agent.

tender

A small boat used to transport passengers from the ship to the shore.

tender port

A port where the ship cannot dock directly at a pier and must anchor offshore.

tendering

The process of using small boats (tenders) to shuttle passengers from an anchored ship to shore.

transfer

Transportation from the airport or a hotel to the ship and vice versa.

triple

A cabin that will accommodate three passengers.

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U

underway

The act of sailing.

upgrade

A change in cabin assignment to a better category.

upper berth

A bed similar to a bunk bed, often folded or recessed into the wall or ceiling.

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V

verandah

A private balcony adjacent to the ship's stateroom.

virtual balcony

A large high-definition screen in an inside cabin that displays a live view from outside the ship.

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W

wake

The track left in the water at the stern created by a moving ship.

wake view

A cabin or area at the stern of the ship overlooking the ship's wake.

washy washy

Cruise ship slang for crew members who stand at the gangway or buffet entrance offering hand sanitizer while saying “washy washy”.

wave season

The period (typically January through March) when cruise lines offer their best promotions, discounts, and onboard credit deals of the year.

windward

The side of the ship against which the wind is blowing.

world cruise

A three- to four-month-long cruise that sails around the world.

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Z

zodiac

A small, rigid inflatable boat used for shore landings on expedition cruises, especially in remote areas like Antarctica or the Galapagos.

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