Cruise Terminology

To help you make the most of your experience onboard, we've compiled a list of terms and definitions that are commonly used on the ship and during your cruise.

* Dining Options *

Personal Choice Dining
Many cruises are beginning to offer dining programs where you have the option to choose between eating at a regular fixed time each night (Traditional Dining) or eating when, where and with whom you wish each night (Anytime Dining). Many other options are available including 24-hour buffet restaurants, a full selection of alternative restaurants, poolside lunches and snacks, patisseries, and 24-hour room service.

Traditional Dining
The main dining room option enabling passengers to dine at a set time each evening at an assigned table.

Anytime Dining
Restaurant-style main dining room option, in which passengers can dine whenever and with whomever they choose.

Alternative Restaurants
In addition to the main dining rooms, there are smaller restaurants to satisfy every craving. Whether it’s in a French Bistro, an Italian Trattoria, a hearty Steakhouse, or a tasty Sushi Bar, most ships can satisfy your every dining desire. Please be aware that dining in many of these specialty restaurants will cost an additional $15-$30 per person, and is not included in the cost of your cruise vacation.

* Port Lingo *

Port of Call (Port)
A city or destination where the ship stops, usually for a full day, to give passengers an opportunity to disembark and visit the area attractions.

Shore Excursion
Organized tours designed to make sightseeing easy and convenient for passengers during their time in port. Examples include Glacier Hiking, Horseback Riding, Snorkling and many other exciting adventures.

Tendering
When the ship cannot pull up directly to the dock, passengers are shuttled to shore via smaller tender boats.

Embark
To board the ship

Disembark
To leave the ship

Sea Day vs. Port Day
During a sea day the ship is sailing to its next destination, giving passengers a relaxing day to enjoy all of the amenities of the ship. Port days offer the opportunity to go ashore and explore the highlights of the ports of call.

* Cruise Preparation Terms *

Pre-Cruise Docs
Documents sent to booked passengers about 60 days or more in advance of their voyage. These documents include shore excursion information as well as necessary paperwork required before the passenger can board the ship.

Passage Contract
The legal contract between the Cruiseline and the passenger.

Inoculation/Immunization
Medical precautions that may be required based on where the cruise is going. Passengers are advised to check with their doctors regarding any health requirements of the ports they will be visiting.

Travel Care
Travel protection plans are available, featuring medical insurance as well as “cancel for any reason” vacation coverage.

PIF
Passenger Immigration Form – these must be filled out before passengers are allowed to board the ship, and include such things as passport, emergency contact and credit card information.

Government Fees and Taxes
Extra charges required by the government that are not included in the cruise fare.

Cabin Category
A rating of each stateroom based on size and location.

* Ship and Destination Related Terms *

Fleet
A group of ships under the same ownership.

Starboard Side
A nautical term for the right side of the ship, facing forward.

Fore
A nautical term meaning toward the front or bow of the ship.

Port
A nautical term for the left side of the ship, facing forward.

Aft
A nautical term meaning toward the rear or stern of the ship.

Deck
The levels or floors of the ship.

Stateroom
A passenger's cabin or hotel room.

Berth
The sleeping capacity of a stateroom. Most cabins feature two berths, but some are available with third or fourth berths.

Trade
The general destination in which the ship is sailing (for example, Alaska, Europe and Mexico are all trades).

* Onboard Crew Terms *

Cruise Director
The head of the ship’s entertainment department, the Cruise Director oversees all passenger activities, and can be found hosting many of them.

Passenger Services Director
The head of the hotel department, the Passenger Services Director (formerly known as a purser) is responsible for all passenger operations, including accommodations, public rooms and dining services. This job is similar to a general manager of a landside hotel.