Just as you learn a few phrases in the language of a destination you plan to visit, you can learn (or brush up on) cruise lingo before you get on a cruise ship. Once you’re on board, the crew will be happy to explain any terms or procedures you don’t understand, but wouldn’t it be nice to set sail feeling familiar with the vernacular? Here are some of the basic terms to know:
Onboard Places
Ship.
This one is important: when you cruise, you’re on a ship, not a boat (boats are
much smaller than ships).
Gangway:
A set of stairs or a ramp that connects the ship to a pier.
Cabin:
A sleeping compartment, also called a “stateroom.”
Bridge:
An upper deck where the captain and other officers navigate and steer the ship.
Atrium:
The central area of the ship, similar to a hotel lobby.
Galley:
A ship’s kitchen.
Lido
Deck: The pool
deck (often the location of a casual buffet or restaurant, too).
Onboard Directions
Bow:
The front of the ship, also called the “fore.”
Aft:
The back of the ship, also called the “stern.”
Starboard:
The right side of the ship, when you’re facing the bow. This bit of lingo isn’t
related to the stars, though. It comes from the Old English word “steorbord,”
or “steer side,” because the oar (or rudder) used to steer a ship was usually
on its right side.
Port: The left side of the ship, when
you’re facing the bow. This evolved from “larbord,” or “load side,” because a
ship’s left side was most often used for docking, loading, and unloading. If you
mix up starboard and port, remember that “port” and “left” both have four
letters.
Crew Members
Captain:
The officer in command of the ship.
Cruise Director: The officer in charge of onboard entertainment and
social activities.
Purser:
The officer in charge of passenger services and billing.
Cabin
Steward: A crew
member who cleans and refreshes cabins and provides other guest services.
Safety Terms
Muster Station: A specific location where you should gather (or
muster) if there’s an emergency.
Muster
Drill: A mandatory
drill that teaches passengers where to go and what to do in an emergency.
There’s much
more to cruise lingo, but this list gives you a start. To book a cruise where
you can use the lingo (and learn more), talk with Anita, your professional
travel advisor.
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