Cruise Ship & Nautical Language - A word for almost everything!

Okay for some of our guests the big decision is now behind you! You have paid your deposit and you have a stateroom assignment...so perhaps it’s time to get familiar with your ocean home for the next 15 days on the Ruby Princess. But before exploring the ship and deck plans. I thought it would be fun to introduce you to some basic cruise lingo!  

Though not necessary to get around the ship, knowing the ship terminology makes it fun and kind of an authentic seafaring experience. Here are a few terms that will make you look like you’re a seasoned cruiser as well as getting you familiar with your floating home to your Hawaiian getaway…let's see how many of these terms you know? 

Aft - Towards the rear of the ship

Amidships - Towards or at the middle of the ship

Astern - Behind the ship

Beam - Ship’s width at the widest point

Below - The area below the “Main Deck”

Berth - Quay, dock or pier where the ship ties up or the act of so doing. Also a term used aboard ship for a sleeping point or bed.

Bilges - The lowest part of the ship

Boat Station - The place taken by passengers during lifeboat drill

Bow - The forward pointed part of the ship which acts as a control center

Bridge - The forward and upper part of the ship where the Captain controls the ship

Bulkhead - Interior partition or wall aboard ship

Cabin - Passenger’s room, otherwise known as a stateroom

Captain - Overall commander of the ship

Chief Engineer - Officer responsible for mechanical well being of the ship

Course - Ship’s passage in a given direction expressed in degree

Cruise Director - Individual in charge of entertainment and on-board activities

Disembark - To get off the ship

Embark - To join a ship for a voyage

Fantail- The rear, overhanging part of the ship

Fore- Front part of the ship

Galley- Ship’s kitchen

Gangway- The passageway or stairway that links the ship to the quayside

Hotel Manager- Officer in charge of passenger service

Launch- A small boat that transfers passengers from ship to shore when the vessel is unable to berth

Leeward- The side of the ship that is sheltered from the wind

Lifeboat- A small boat that transfers passengers to a rescue ship during emergencies

Lifejacket- An inflatable jacket that allows the wearer to float in water

Muster Station- Assembly point in an emergency

Passenger/ The number of passengers divided by the number of crew gives the ratio.

Crew ratio- The lower this Crew ratio figure, the better the on-board service will be

Port-The left-hand side of the ship, when facing forward

Purser- Officer in charge of finance

Stabilizer- A retractable device that protrudes from the hull below waterline to provide stability when the ship is moving

Staff Captain- The second in command of the Captain

Starboard- The right hand side of the ship, when facing forward

Stateroom- Passenger’s room, otherwise known as the cabin

Stern- The rear flat part of the ship, opposite the bow

Tender- A small boat that transfer passengers from ship to shore when the ship is unable to berth

Windward- The side of the ship that is not sheltered from the wind

Nautical terms provided by DK Eyewitness Travel Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean

Why Should I Sign-Up with the "DAVIS" Group?

Traveling with Friends is comforting! 

So the question proposed is “Why should I sign-up with the Davis Group?” 

Great question...

Although many of you have traveled with our group before there are others who may be new or perhaps still for those not signed up yet, may want to utilize their own travel agent.  Quite simply put... you can use whoever you like, HOWEVER,  doing so will allow you to book the 15 day Hawaiian Cruise on the Ruby Princess but NOT get you into the exclusive speciality of being a part of our Davis Renewal Group AND "all it’s celebratory information, personal attention, events, group discounts, activities and other potential cruise benefits" liked those who have chosen to sign-up with Alex at Innovative Travel Planners.    

Roger and I have decided that we will be renewing our vows on board the ship and the invitation will be exclusive to those signing up through Alex. We are very please, to have Alex as part of our renewal party because we know she and her company have always gone the extra mile for us . Alex started with us at our 15th Anniversary and now we are the lucky ones to have her not only as our travel agent but also along with her husband Ted, have become very good friends.  Alex brings to the team over 40 years of professional travel agency experience as well as being an avid traveler herself. We have the utmost respect for her and appreciate all she has done for our travel groups. 

During this cruise you will have exclusive benefits for being a part of “Our Group”. This is not to say that you have to be with “The Group”.  If you care to have a more solo cruise experience, the choice is absolutely there for you. With our group, you can embark and disembark to your liking. But being affiliated with a group such as ours, can only provide you with a bit more personal attention as well as optional fun activities, familiar camaraderie beyond just boarding the mega Princess Cruise Line as well as other potential perks which may include any discounts or price reductions that we can only hope to get through Princess Cruises. Again let me reiterate that participation in the activities and events is totally optional. Our goal is for you to enjoy your cruise and have a good time. We only ask that you simply respect and honor other guests with consideration and reflect a positive attitude, after all no one likes a whiner. Or as Roger says, if you don’t enjoy having a laugh or two then perhaps we are not the group for you!    

Another benefit for those who enjoy socialization is that being a part of our group allows for special camaraderie and comfort whether you choose to bring a friend or come solo. Many of our friends, have through the years, connected and gotten to know one another and now look forward to being with this group. Knowing that you are a part of this group and guided by both Alex and Diana is also another major perk and I know appreciated by many returnees.   

Alex is very efficient in covering your cruise and ship board needs while Diana makes sure

that the group receives the best benefits possible during this cruise. These may include seeking cruise discounts and benefits whenever possible, private shore excursions, communicating details of cruising, sharing destination information, highlighting the joys of our sea home & lifestyle during our cruise, the comfort of having familiar faces, assisting with personal questions and concerns during this group cruise, and introducing our group cruisers who also bring a number of laughs, stories and experiences to share. 

So join us and c’mon aboard WITH US...its time to begin your cruise with Roger and Diana!  

Wow, What a Great Group of Sign-Ups!

WELCOME ABOARD...allow us to be the first to welcome you on our Hawaiian Islands 25th Anniversary Renewal Cruise. Thank you so much for signing up and taking advantage of this special promo sign-up for our group. Because you took the step to do this you were able to get the best possible selection of stateroom as well as guarantee your voyage on this cruise. Congratulations!

Listed on our cruise blog here on the left side column towards the bottom you will see our cruiser roster. During the year as family and friends sign-up and place a deposit I will be placing their names on this list. I have already updated the list from Alex since our promotional sign-up. So check out who’s coming, including your name and your cabin mate if you have one!  

So you are wondering what should I do now? Well for sure add our cruise blog link to your favorite/bookmark folder so you can reference us. Another option is to add your email name to the FOLLOW BY EMAIL widget above the list of cruisers. Once you submit your email address and follow the process which includes confirming an email that will be sent to your Inbox. Every time an article is posted or a comment is made, you will receive it directly in your Inbox. This makes it very handy and doesn’t require you to reference the blog. You can also cancel and unsubscribe at anytime, just check one of the articles on the bottom portion and click on the unsubscribe notation.

Again Roger and I are thrilled to have you join us and we so look forward to having you celebrate with us. If this is your first time with us, please keep in touch as half of the fun is the journey of getting there. Let me close with this quote below...thanks again for taking the first step with us! 

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” 

                                                                – Lao Tzu

A Quick Update from Diana

Well this is the week that many of you may have been waiting for...The Special Promotional Deposit Sign-Up for our upcoming 2015 Hawaiian Island Cruise. Yes, it’s here and the deadline is this Friday 

(November 14) at 5pm. 

Thank you so much for your patience and your messages for Alex. I have spoken to Alex this past Monday and she has been very busy coordinating with Princess Cruises.  In fact I can vouch that at one time she had me on one-line and Princess Cruises Rep on the other. What a gal! 

For those who have signed up, thank you so much! Alex will be forwarding to me an updated participant list after this week with their assigned stateroom. Will be looking forward to that and adding more cruiser names to our cruise blog.

Please know that those who have taken advantage of this special group promo have made a wise choice. You now can begin to relax and enjoy the anticipation of embarkation day and dream of the beautiful islands that you will be visiting! 

In the months to come check our cruise blog as I hope to share with you some helpful tips and ideas to make your journey not only fun but comfortable...know that Alex and I are here to answer questions and concerns if you have any. All you need to do is either email-text or call  ... we are here for you!

IMPORTANT: THIS IS THE WEEK - Don’t Miss this Great Deal!!

This is a special promotional opportunity just for our group.

Monday, November 10th through Friday, November 14, 2014

9am to 5pm  

Innovative Travel Planner, Phone 949-756-3223

You can’t wait anymore...it’s your last chance to come on board with this fantastic group promo deal, $100 per person, double occupancy per stateroom. Don’t miss out! 
This is the week for you to sign-up. 

Take advantage of this group benefit and join us TODAY.

CALL ALEX THIS WEEK - don't delay!

IMPORTANT: Don’t Miss This Group Cruise Sign Up !!

This is a special promotional opportunity just for our group.

Monday, November 10th through Friday, November 14, 2014

9am to 5pm  

Innovative Travel Planner 

Phone 949-756-3223

Sign-Up and join Roger and Diana on their 25th Anniversary Renewal Cruise to the Hawaiian Islands for October 2105. All you need is Credit Card for a $100 per person, double occupancy per stateroom.

Don’t miss this window to sign up.

- Limited Time Opportunity -

Call Alex now and secure your spot!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Got Cruise? Got Fun? Got Hawaii?

This is a special promotional opportunity just for our group.

Monday, November 10th through Friday, November 14, 2014

9am to 5pm  

Innovative Travel Planner, Phone 949-756-3223

Got Cruise?
Got Fun?
Got Hawaii?

Not until you make that call to Alex at Innovative Travel Planner...
Limited time...don’t miss out..

or miss the boat!
Make the call and $100 per person deposit to secure your getaway.Based on double occupancy!