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
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