Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

I am proud to be certified by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) as an Elite Cruise Counselor. The Cruise Counselor Certification Program is CLIA's most comprehensive training which requires agents to successfully complete a number of compulsory training courses and exams, attend cruise conferences, and conduct ship inspections. Anita Thompson, Attheta Travel, dba Cruise Holidays.

Monday, January 24, 2022

A Quick Glossary of Cruise Ship Terminology


If you’ve spent some time at sea, you probably know your bow from your aft. But for first-time cruisers – and those who haven’t cruised for a while – here’s a quick list of seafaring terms that may help you navigate around the ship.

Aft (also “stern”) – Near or at the rear of the ship.

Bow (also “fore” or “forward”) – Near or at the front of the ship.

Bridge – The command center where the crew navigates the seas and steers the ship; it’s often high up and toward the bow, and usually off-limits to passengers.

Cabin (also “stateroom”) – A living/sleeping room or suite occupied by passengers.

Captain – The top officer, in command of the ship and crew.

Cruise Director – The officer in charge of onboard entertainment and social events for passengers.

Cruise Terminal – A facility where cruise ships begin and end passenger cruises, similar to an airport terminal for planes or a station for trains.

Deck – A floor or level within a cruise ship.

Gangway – A walkway you’ll use to enter and exit the ship.

Galley – The main kitchen on the ship.

Lido – The deck where the pool is located, and often a casual restaurant as well.

Muster Station – The place you gather with other passengers in the very rare event of a ship evacuation; each cruise includes a “muster drill” to show you where your muster station is.

Port – The left side of the ship as you face the bow or front.

Port of Call – A place your ship visits during your cruise.

Purser – The officer in charge of the finances of the ship and cruise, who also oversees the guest services desk.

Sea Day – A day the ship does not visit a port of call (a perfect time to enjoy the ship’s pool, spa, gym and other amenities).

Shore Excursion – Tours and other activities to enjoy onshore while the ship is visiting a port of call.

Starboard – The right side of the ship as you face the bow or front.

Steward (also “cabin attendant”) – A crew member who cleans and refreshes your cabin twice a day.

Tender – A small boat used to shuttle passengers between the ship and a dock; used when a ship can’t access a port of call directly and must anchor a short distance from the dock.

As you plan your next cruise, if you come across any unfamiliar terminology, just ask Anita, your professional travel advisor to translate for you.

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