What does that mean? All the cruise jargon you need to know before setting sail
Your first time on a cruise ship can be a confusing experience.
Seasoned cruisers, as well as crew, may be dropping words you have never heard before from the time you embark (that means get on).
So getting familiar with the jargon before you set sail will make the holiday less confusing.
DEAL: Get 30 per cent off a stay at Discovery Parks in huge sale
Your first time on a cruise ship can be a confusing experience. Getty
According to travel firm Planet Cruise, holiday makers are increasingly searching the internet for help.
With the help of experts from the site, as well as our own experience, here are some of the basics to wise up on.
READ MORE: The best cabin to choose on a cruise ship, according to Cruise Director Eversen Bevelle
Ship layout and navigation terms
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 can sometimes toured on special excursions. The captain and his officers are at the helm.
The ship's bridge, where the vessel is commanded from. Getty
Sailing and port terms
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. Sometimes these are connected to a terminal, like an airport, but often they're just on the quay.
Tender: A boat used to take passengers to shore when the ship can't dock directly on the quay.
READ MORE: Best cruise lines for solo travellers to avoid 'dreaded' fee
The gangway of a ship is how you get on and off. Getty
Cruise accommodation
Interior cabin: A room with no windows, usually the most budget-friendly option. Good for travellers who don't mind less natural light.
Stateroom: Another word for your cabin or room on the ship.
Cabin Steward: The crew member assigned to clean and maintain your cabin. Important for daily service and special requests.
Cruise card: The credit-card style card which you must take everywhere. It opens your cabin door and allows items to be charged to your account. Most cruisers wear it on a lanyard to keep it handy. Some companies have their own versions: Virgin Voyages has a bracelet, Princess Cruises has a medallion.
READ MORE: Unexpected kitchen item travel expert swears by during plane turbulence
A cabin on Cruise ship Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas. Michel Verdure/ RCCL
Dining and dress on a ship
Cruise casual: The dress code for most onboard meals relaxed but neat attire. Check with your cruise line for specific details as some restaurants might require a jacket, or ban shorts.
Formal night: An evening when guests dress up for dinner and events. There may be a theme, such as white.
Lido Deck: The deck where the pool and buffet are typically located. It's a central hub for casual dining and relaxing.
READ MORE: Little-known rule about alcohol on cruise ships
Other cruise essentials
Cruise director: The staff member who oversees entertainment and activities. Most cruise lines have one, while some, such has Virgin Voyages have their own versions.
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.
READ MORE: Stunning private island you can actually book a stay at - but at what cost?
Great Stirrup Island is private for NCL guests. Nine
READ MORE: 'If there's a place that could transform someone into a winter person, it's Tasmania'
Disembarkation: Getting off the ship
Excursion: An organised activity or tour off the ship during port stops. The benefit is if you book via the cruise line, the ship will wait if you're delayed.
Sea day: A day spent entirely at sea with no port visits. It's when you'll explore the ship, enjoy amenities, and relax.
Muster: A mandatory safety drill that takes place at the beginning of each cruise. Usually you must watch a video in your cabin before visiting your muster station to be checked off a list.
Private Islands: Many cruise lines have use of a private or semi private destination just for passengers. It's common to spend a day there, with the destination an extension of the ship. Some have lavish attractions such as waterparks.
READ MORE: Lord Howe Island Accommodation: Where to stay depending on your budget
