Many holiday goers will be off on their first cruise this summer, with searches for ‘What to know before your first cruise’ up by 30% in the last 12 months1, its evident cruise goers are trying to get ahead with the ‘lingo.’ Including what to wear for each cruise event, what to pack and key terms for making your way around the ship.
To help with any confusion for the first time cruises, the experts at Planet Cruise have listed some of the most used ‘cruise terminologies’ and have broken the meaning down and let you know when and where to look out for the saying when cruising this summer.
Ship layout and navigation
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 sometimes toured on special excursions.
Crow’s Nest: A high observation area on the ship, typically used for scenic views. It’s great for photography or spotting land.
Sailing and port termination
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.
Accommodation
Interior cabin: A room with no windows, usually the most budget-friendly option. Good for travellers who don’t mind less natural light.
Junior suite: A mid-tier cabin offering more space and amenities than a standard room. Ideal for guests wanting a bit more comfort.
Stateroom: Another word for your cabin or room on the ship. You’ll see this term used in booking and onboard directories.
Cabin Steward: The crew member assigned to clean and maintain your cabin. Important for daily service, towel animals, and special requests.
Dining and Lifestyle onboard
Cruise casual: The dress code for most onboard meals relaxed but neat attire. Important for packing appropriately.
Formal night: An evening when guests dress up for dinner and events. Great for photo ops and special occasions.
Lido Deck: The deck where the pool and buffet are typically located. It’s a central hub for casual dining and relaxing.
Open dining: A flexible meal plan allowing guests to eat at different times and with different people. Useful for those wanting a casual, no-schedule dining style.
Events and Procedures
Cruise director: The staff member who oversees entertainment and activities. They keep the energy high and ensure everyone’s having fun.
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.
Excursion: An organised activity or tour off the ship during port stops. Booking early ensures you get your preferred adventure.
Sea day: A day spent entirely at sea with no port visits. It’s when you’ll explore the ship, enjoy amenities, and relax.
