Glossary of Shipboard Terms

Aft

Near, toward, or in the rear of a ship

Atrium

Like the lobby of a hotel, this is the central hub of the ship, where you will find the reception desk, and other guest services, such as a desk where you can book shore excursions.

Beam

The extreme width of a ship at its widest point

Berth

A bed on a ship
Where a ship is positioned on a dock or pier

Bow

Front or forward part of the ship

Bridge

Navigational and command control center of the ship.

Cabin Type

The category of stateroom you book. Most ships offer different sized cabins with varying amenities and views. E.g. inside staterooms; balcony rooms.

Cay

[pronounced 'key'] A small island, usually above a coral reef.

Crossing

When a cruise sails across the Atlantic or Pacific oceans.

Debarkation

The process of disembarking guests from the ship.

Deck

A floor on the ship.

Deck Plan

Diagrams of each cruise ship, showing the different levels and the locations of staterooms, restaurants, shops and other amenities onboard. Useful for booking.

Double occupancy

Two people sharing one cabin. The basis of most cruise fares.

Dry-Dock

When the ship is taken completely out of the water for overhaul, maintenance and
repairs. Usually done every two years.

Duty Free

Merchandise purchased in a foreign port that is U.S. tax-exempt.

Embarkation

The process of checking-in guests prior to sailing from the homeport.

Forward

Toward the front or bow of the ship.

Fun Times

The name of our shipboard newsletter delivered to each cabin every evening which outlines the next day's activities and entertainment.

Funnel

The smokestack of the ship.

Galley

The ship's kitchen.

Gangway

The opening through the ship's side and the ramp by which the guests embark and debark the ship.

Gratuities

A more formal word for tipping, used in reference to customary tips for busboys, waiters and cabin stewards.

Gross Ton

Measure of the ship's volume.

Interior Stateroom

Cabin with no picture window.

Itinerary

The schedule of what you can expect each day of your cruise, including sea days and the ports you can visit.

Knot

1 nautical mile per hour, equals to 1.15 land miles per hour.

Leeward

The side of a ship or an island that is most sheltered from the wind. Often where you will find the best beaches.

Lido Deck

The deck where you will find the pool (and loads of fun!)

Midship

The midpoint or middle area of your cruise ship

Muster Station

The area on the ship where passengers assemble for a safety drill or in case of an emergency.

Portside

The left side of your cruise ship (when you are facing forward)

Repositioning Cruise

A one-way cruise where you will disembark in a different port from the one where you embarked. ('Repositioning' refers to the periodic movement of the ship from one home port to another.)

Sea Day

A day when your ship is sailing at sea, with no calls at a port.

Shore-X

The abbreviation of Shore Excursion. These are tours or activities you can book for fun when the ship is docked in a port. Many shore excursions can be booked in advance, or once you board your cruise ship.

Single supplement

The extra charge incurred when just one person stays in a stateroom.

Starboard

The right side of the ship (when facing forward). The opposite of portside.

Stern

The very back part of the ship

Tender

A smaller boat you take from your cruise ship to shore, used when a ship cannot dock at a pier due to the water depth or size of the ship.

Transfer

Typically the bus ride from the airport to your cruise ship or from your ship to a hotel once your cruise has ended.

Windward

The side of the ship against which the wind blows - or the winder side of an island.

Shipboard Personnel

Maitre'd

Individual responsible for the dining room operations.

Captain

Master of the vessel, with complete responsibility and command of the ship.

Cruise Director

Master of Ceremonies for onboard entertainment and guest activities. He and his staff are on hand to see that our guests have a good time.

Hotel Director

An official on the ship responsible for the hotel operations.

Purser

The officer onboard the ship in charge of accounts.