Cruise glossary

165 cruise terms in plain English, from “aft” to “Zodiac”, so booking pages and ship daily programs make sense.

A

Accessible cabin: A cabin designed for guests with mobility needs, with features such as wider doorways, a roll-in shower, grab bars and more turning space. Numbers are limited, so book early and confirm the exact features of the cabin you’re assigned.See also: Cabin category, Tender port
Adjoining cabins: Cabins that sit side by side without an interior door between them, though on some ships the steward can open the divider between their balconies. They’re often confused with connecting cabins, which do have a door inside.See also: Connecting cabins, Balcony cabin
Adults-only area: A space on board reserved for adult guests, such as a quiet pool, sun deck or lounge, with a minimum age set by the cruise line. On private islands, lines often set aside an adults-only beach as well.See also: Lido deck, Private island
Aft: Toward the back, or stern, of the ship. Aft cabins often have wake views, and aft-facing balconies are popular, though on some ships you may feel more engine vibration there.See also: Stern, Forward, Wake
Air/sea: A package in which the cruise line arranges your flights along with the cruise, sometimes with transfers included. It simplifies planning and can mean help from the line if a delayed flight affects your sailing, though prices and flexibility vary.See also: Cruise-only fare, Open-jaw
All aboard time: The deadline for passengers to be back on the ship in port, usually 30 minutes to an hour before departure. Ships can and do leave without late passengers, especially those on independent tours.See also: Pier runner, Ship time, Shore excursion
Atrium: The central open space rising several decks on many ships, usually near guest services, with bars, shops and live music. It’s a handy landmark and meeting point when you’re finding your way around.See also: Guest services, Deck plan

B

Back-to-back: Booking two or more consecutive cruises on the same ship so you stay aboard between sailings. Lines usually streamline the turnaround day for in-transit guests, but some combinations aren’t permitted under the Passenger Vessel Services Act.See also: Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), Segment
Balcony cabin: A cabin with its own private outdoor balcony, typically furnished with two chairs and a small table. Lines also call it a verandah or veranda stateroom.See also: Verandah, French balcony, Obstructed view, Oceanview cabin
Beam: A ship’s width at its widest point. Beam affects stability and determines whether a ship fits through older locks, such as the original Panama Canal locks.See also: Draft, Gross tonnage, Panama Canal transit
Berth: Either a bed in a cabin, especially a bunk, or the spot where a ship ties up in port. A cabin listed as having four berths can sleep four people.See also: Upper berth, Docking
Beverage package: A prepaid drinks plan for the cruise, ranging from soft drinks only to cocktails, wine and premium spirits. Many lines require every adult in a cabin to buy the same alcoholic package and add a service charge to its price.See also: Service charge, Corkage fee, Onboard account
Bow: The front of the ship. Cabins near the bow can feel more pitching in rough seas, while forward-facing lounges often have the best views.See also: Forward, Stern, Stabilizers
Bridge: The ship’s command center, usually high up at the front, where officers navigate and control the vessel. Some lines sell behind-the-scenes tours that include a bridge visit.See also: Captain’s table, Wheelhouse
Buffet: The casual self-service restaurant, usually on the pool deck, open for breakfast, lunch and often dinner at no extra charge. Each line gives its buffet its own name.See also: Lido deck, Main dining room (MDR)

C

Cabana: A shaded private seating area rented for the day, either on the pool deck or ashore at a private island. Cabanas often include towels, drinks or an attendant, and they sell out on busy sailings.See also: Private island, Lido deck
Cabin: Your room on a ship, also called a stateroom. Cabins come in broad types, such as interior, oceanview, balcony and suite, which are divided into more detailed categories by size and location.See also: Stateroom, Cabin category, Interior cabin, Suite
Cabin category: The specific grade a cruise line assigns to a group of cabins, identified by a code and based on size, location and features. Two balcony cabins in different categories can differ in deck, position and price.See also: Cabin, Guarantee cabin, Deck plan
Cabin steward: The crew member who cleans and tidies your cabin, usually twice a day on mainstream lines. Also called a stateroom attendant or room steward.See also: Gratuities, Cabin
Cancellation penalty: A charge that applies if you cancel after a set date, usually increasing as departure approaches until it equals the full fare. Each line publishes its own schedule, which is often stricter for suites, holiday sailings and long voyages.See also: Deposit, Final payment date, Travel insurance
Captain’s table: A traditional honor in which selected guests are invited to dine with the captain or senior officers. On modern ships it happens rarely, usually by invitation for loyal past guests or suite guests.See also: Formal night, Bridge, Main dining room (MDR)
Closed-loop cruise: A cruise that begins and ends at the same US port. US citizens on closed-loop cruises can often sail with a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID instead of a passport, though a passport is still recommended in case you need to fly home from abroad.See also: Round trip, Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), Open-jaw
Connecting cabins: Two cabins joined by an interior door, so a family or group can move between them without going into the hallway. They’re limited on every ship and should be requested at booking.See also: Adjoining cabins, Cabin, Third and fourth guest
Corkage fee: A charge for drinking your own wine in a ship’s dining room or bar. Many lines let adults bring a limited amount of wine aboard at embarkation and charge corkage if a bottle is opened outside the cabin.See also: Beverage package, Embarkation
Cruise card: The card issued to every passenger that serves as a room key, onboard charge card and ID for leaving and reboarding in port. Each line has its own name for it, and some use wearable devices instead.See also: Onboard account, Embarkation
Cruise director: The officer in charge of onboard entertainment and activities, and often the voice of the daily announcements. The cruise director’s team runs trivia, games, parties and shows.See also: Daily program
Cruise fare: The price of the cruise itself per guest, usually covering your cabin, most meals, basic drinks, entertainment and many activities. Taxes and fees, gratuities and optional extras are normally charged on top.See also: Taxes and fees, Non-commissionable fare (NCF), Cruise-only fare
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA): The cruise industry’s main trade association, representing cruise lines and travel agencies. It runs agent training and the Accredited Cruise Counsellor, Master Cruise Counsellor and Elite Cruise Counsellor certifications.See also: Travel advisor
Cruise to nowhere: A cruise that leaves port and returns without calling anywhere else, spending the whole trip at sea. They’re short and uncommon, usually sold as quick getaways or themed events.See also: Sea day, Round trip
Cruise-only fare: A fare that covers just the cruise, without flights, hotels or transfers. It’s the most common way North Americans book, especially when sailing from a drive-to port.See also: Air/sea, Cruise fare, Drive-to port
Cruisetour: A package combining a cruise with an escorted land tour run by the cruise line, typically including hotels, rail or motorcoach travel and sightseeing. Alaska cruisetours into Denali National Park are the best-known example.See also: Inside Passage, Open-jaw

D

Daily program: The schedule for the next day’s activities, shows, dining hours and port information, delivered to your cabin or posted in the ship’s app. Lines give it their own names.See also: Cruise director, Ship time
Deck plan: A floor-by-floor map of the ship showing cabins, public rooms and facilities. Studying it before you book helps you avoid cabins under the pool deck, beside elevators or next to late-night venues.See also: Cabin category, Midship, Obstructed view
Deposit: The initial payment that secures your cabin, with the remaining balance due by the final payment date. Depending on the fare you choose, it may be refundable or non-refundable.See also: Refundable deposit, Non-refundable deposit, Final payment date
Disembarkation: Leaving the ship, either at the end of the cruise or to go ashore in port. On the final morning guests leave in assigned groups or carry their own bags off early, and most are ashore by mid-morning.See also: Embarkation, Self-assist disembarkation, Gangway
Docking: Tying the ship up alongside a pier so passengers can walk ashore over a gangway, rather than anchoring offshore and using tenders. River ships dock in or near town centers at most stops.See also: Tender port, Gangway, Rafting
Draft: How deep a ship sits below the waterline. Draft limits which harbors and rivers a ship can enter, which is one reason small ships can reach ports that big ones can’t.See also: Beam, Gross tonnage
Drake Passage: The stretch of ocean between the southern tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula, known for sometimes rough seas. Most Antarctic voyages cross it, which takes about two days each way.See also: Fly-cruise, Expedition cruise, IAATO
Drive-to port: A homeport within driving distance for many travelers, such as Galveston, Baltimore, New Orleans or Port Canaveral. Sailing from one saves on airfare and lets you pack more luggage.See also: Homeport, Cruise-only fare
Dry dock: A scheduled period when a ship leaves service for maintenance and refurbishment, often gaining new venues or updated cabins. Sailings scheduled around a dry dock are occasionally changed or canceled.See also: Ship class, Sister ship
Dry landing: Stepping from a Zodiac or tender directly onto a dock, jetty or rocks without getting your feet wet. Expedition teams tell you before each outing which kind of landing to expect.See also: Wet landing, Landing, Zodiac

E

Early seating: The earlier of two fixed dinner times in the main dining room under traditional dining, usually in the early evening. It suits families with young children and people who want to catch a later show.See also: Late seating, Traditional dining, Main dining room (MDR)
Embarkation: Boarding the ship at the start of a cruise, including check-in, security screening and walking aboard. Lines assign arrival times to spread out crowds, and cabins are often not ready until early afternoon.See also: Disembarkation, Homeport, Priority boarding
Expedition cruise: A voyage to remote regions such as Antarctica, the Arctic or the Galapagos on a small ship with an expedition team, Zodiac landings and a daily plan that bends to weather and wildlife. Comfort ranges from simple to luxurious.See also: Expedition team, Zodiac, Landing, Polar Class
Expedition team: The naturalists, scientists, historians and guides who lead landings, Zodiac outings and lectures on an expedition ship. Their knowledge shapes much of the experience.See also: Expedition cruise, Zodiac, Landing

F

Final payment date: The date by which the full balance of your cruise is due, often around 75 to 90 days before sailing on mainstream lines and earlier for long voyages, suites or holidays. Cancellation penalties usually begin around the same time.See also: Deposit, Cancellation penalty, Price drop
Flag state: The country where a ship is registered and whose laws and safety rules it sails under. Many large cruise ships are registered in places such as the Bahamas, Panama, Malta or Bermuda, which affects how US cabotage law applies to them.See also: Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), Jones Act, SOLAS
Flexible dining: A main dining room option that lets you eat at a time you choose within set hours rather than at a fixed seating. Lines brand it differently, and reservations can help you avoid waits at peak times.See also: Traditional dining, Main dining room (MDR)
Fly-cruise: An expedition itinerary that replaces a sea crossing with a flight, most often flying from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island to avoid the Drake Passage. The flights depend on weather and can be delayed.See also: Drake Passage, Expedition cruise
Formal night: An evening when guests are invited to dress up for dinner, usually once or twice a week on longer sailings. Many lines now call it an elegant or chic night, and dress codes are more relaxed than they used to be.See also: Captain’s table, Main dining room (MDR)
Forward: Toward the front, or bow, of the ship. Forward cabins can feel more motion in rough water but are often quieter at night than cabins near entertainment areas.See also: Bow, Aft, Midship
French balcony: Floor-to-ceiling doors or windows that open for fresh air, with a railing but no outdoor space to step onto. They’re common on river ships and appear on some ocean ships.See also: Balcony cabin, Verandah, River cruise
Funnel: The ship’s smokestack, often painted in the cruise line’s colors or logo. On many ships, the decks around it hold sports courts, sun loungers or waterslides.See also: Lido deck
Future cruise credit: A credit you can apply to a later sailing, usually issued when the line cancels or changes a cruise, or under some cancellation policies when you cancel. It typically expires and comes with rules on how it can be used.See also: Cancellation penalty, Onboard booking, Non-refundable deposit

G

Galley: The ship’s kitchen. Large ships have several galleys serving the dining rooms and buffet, and some lines offer guided galley tours.See also: Main dining room (MDR), Buffet
Gangway: The ramp or covered walkway that links the ship to the pier, used for boarding, leaving and going ashore in ports where the ship docks. In tender ports, it leads down to the tender platform instead.See also: Docking, Embarkation, Tender
Gratuities: Tips for the crew, usually added automatically to your onboard account as a daily amount per guest. Many lines let you prepay them or adjust them at guest services, and some fares include them.See also: Service charge, Onboard account, Cabin steward
Gross tonnage: A measure of a ship’s enclosed internal volume rather than its weight, used to compare ship sizes. The largest cruise ships now exceed 200,000 gross tons.See also: Beam, Draft, Ship class
Group rate: A special fare available once a booking reaches a cruise line’s minimum group size, often around eight cabins. Group space can bring flexible deposits, amenities or a tour conductor credit.See also: Tour conductor credit, Deposit
Guarantee cabin: A booking in which you choose a cabin category, or a minimum category, and the line assigns the actual cabin later, sometimes shortly before sailing. It can cost less and occasionally brings an upgrade, but you give up choosing the location.See also: Cabin category, Obstructed view, Upgrade bid
Guest services: The ship’s front desk, usually in the atrium, for billing questions, lost property and general help. Some lines still call it the purser’s desk.See also: Atrium, Onboard account

H

Homeport: The port where a cruise begins and ends, also called the departure or embarkation port. Major US homeports include Miami, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston and Seattle.See also: Drive-to port, Embarkation, Port of call
Hump cabin: A cabin, usually a balcony, located where the hull bulges outward midship on certain ships, most famously Royal Caribbean’s Freedom-class ships. The extra width gives some of these cabins larger balconies or wider side views.See also: Balcony cabin, Midship
Hurricane season: The Atlantic storm season, officially June 1 through November 30. Storms are most frequent between August and October, and because ships steer around them, itinerary changes are more likely then.See also: Itinerary, Shoulder season, Travel insurance

I

IAATO: The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, which sets visitor guidelines for Antarctica. Under them, ships carrying more than 500 passengers don’t make landings, and no more than 100 people may be ashore at one site at a time.See also: Expedition cruise, Landing, Drake Passage
Inside Passage: The sheltered coastal route through the islands of British Columbia and Southeast Alaska, followed by most Alaska cruises. Calmer water and towns like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway make it the classic Alaska itinerary.See also: Scenic cruising, Cruisetour
Interior cabin: A cabin with no window, usually the least expensive type. Interiors are completely dark with the lights off, which many people like for sleeping, and some ships offer virtual windows or views onto an indoor promenade.See also: Oceanview cabin, Virtual balcony, Cabin
Itinerary: The schedule of ports, sea days and scenic cruising on a voyage. Lines can change it for weather, port conditions or safety, and when a port is skipped they typically refund that port’s fees.See also: Port of call, Sea day, Hurricane season

J

Jones Act: A 1920 US law, part of the Merchant Marine Act, that requires cargo moved between US ports to travel on ships that are US-built, US-owned, US-flagged and largely US-crewed. It’s often blamed for cruise itinerary rules, but the law that governs passengers is the Passenger Vessel Services Act.See also: Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), Flag state

K

Kids club: Supervised activity programs for children on family-friendly ships, usually split by age group and included in the fare during set hours. Nurseries for babies and late-night group sessions may cost extra.See also: Connecting cabins, Adults-only area
Knot: A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, or about 1.15 miles per hour. Large cruise ships usually sail at around 18 to 22 knots.See also: Nautical mile

L

Landing: On an expedition cruise, going ashore at a remote site, usually by Zodiac. Weather, ice and wildlife determine whether a landing happens, so the expedition team decides on the day.See also: Wet landing, Dry landing, Zodiac, IAATO
Late seating: The later of two fixed dinner times in the main dining room under traditional dining. It suits guests who enjoy long port days or like to see an early show before dinner.See also: Early seating, Traditional dining, Main dining room (MDR)
Lido deck: The main pool deck, usually home to the outdoor pools, hot tubs, bars and the buffet. It’s the liveliest part of the ship on sunny sea days.See also: Buffet, Cabana, Sea day
Lifeboat: The enclosed boats carried along the sides of the ship for evacuation, which together with life rafts can hold everyone aboard. Cabins on decks beside or behind lifeboats may have obstructed views.See also: Obstructed view, Muster station, Tender
Lock: A chamber with gates that raises or lowers a ship between different water levels. Ships pass through locks on the Panama Canal and on European rivers such as the Danube and Main.See also: Panama Canal transit, River cruise
Longship: Viking’s name for its long, narrow river cruise ships built for European rivers. People also use the word loosely for modern river ships of a similar design.See also: River cruise, French balcony, Sun deck
Low and high water: River levels that can disrupt European river cruises. A dry spell can leave the water too shallow for ships, while heavy rain or snowmelt can raise it too high to clear bridges, leading to ship swaps, coach transfers or route changes.See also: River cruise, Lock, Wheelhouse
Loyalty program: A cruise line’s past-guest program, which awards points or credits for nights sailed or money spent and unlocks perks by tier. Examples include Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society and Princess’s Captain’s Circle.See also: Past-guest rate, Status match, Priority boarding

M

Maiden voyage: A ship’s first sailing with paying passengers. Maiden voyages draw enthusiasts but can come with teething problems and, occasionally, delays.See also: Sister ship, Ship class
Main dining room (MDR): The ship’s largest restaurant, included in the fare, serving multi-course meals with table service. Often shortened to MDR, it may use fixed seating times, flexible dining or a mix of both.See also: Specialty dining, Traditional dining, Flexible dining
Medical center: The ship’s infirmary, staffed by doctors and nurses who treat illness and injury at sea. Care is charged to your onboard account and often isn’t covered by US health insurance, which is one reason travel insurance matters.See also: Travel insurance, Onboard account
Midship: The middle section of the ship, roughly halfway between bow and stern. Midship cabins on lower decks feel the least motion, which makes them a good pick for anyone prone to seasickness.See also: Bow, Stern, Stabilizers
Mini-suite: A larger-than-standard balcony cabin with a separate sitting area and sometimes a bathtub, but usually fewer perks than a full suite. Some lines call it a junior suite.See also: Suite, Balcony cabin
Muster drill: The mandatory safety briefing held at the start of every cruise under international maritime rules. It explains what to do in an emergency and where to report.See also: Muster station, Safety drill, SOLAS
Muster station: Your assigned assembly point in an emergency, shown on your cruise card or cabin door. You check in there during the muster drill, and it may be a lounge, theater or open deck near the lifeboats.See also: Muster drill, Lifeboat

N

Nautical mile: The unit of distance used at sea, equal to about 1.15 statute miles (1.852 km). Ship speeds in knots are nautical miles per hour.See also: Knot
Non-commissionable fare (NCF): A portion of the cruise fare on which the cruise line doesn’t pay travel agent commission. It’s part of the fare rather than a tax, and it sometimes appears as its own line on booking breakdowns.See also: Cruise fare, Taxes and fees, Travel advisor
Non-refundable deposit: A deposit you forfeit if you cancel, although some lines let you convert it to a future cruise credit, sometimes minus a fee. Fares with non-refundable deposits are often cheaper than refundable ones.See also: Refundable deposit, Deposit, Future cruise credit

O

Obstructed view: A cabin whose window or balcony view is partly or fully blocked, usually by lifeboats, tenders or parts of the ship’s structure. These cabins cost less, and lines note the obstruction in the category description.See also: Lifeboat, Guarantee cabin, Cabin category
Ocean liner: A ship built for point-to-point ocean crossings, with a stronger hull and higher speed than a typical cruise ship. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is the only ocean liner in regular service today.See also: Transatlantic
Oceanview cabin: A cabin with a window or porthole but no balcony. It’s a step up from an interior cabin in natural light and usually in price.See also: Interior cabin, Balcony cabin, Obstructed view
Onboard account: The cashless account, sometimes called a folio, linked to your cruise card, where every onboard purchase and charge is recorded. You attach a credit card or leave a cash deposit at the start of the cruise and settle the balance at the end.See also: Cruise card, Onboard credit, Gratuities
Onboard booking: A future-cruise offer sold on the ship, where you pay a deposit toward a later sailing in return for perks such as a reduced deposit or onboard credit. Many lines let you transfer these bookings to a travel advisor afterward.See also: Future cruise credit, Travel advisor, Onboard credit
Onboard credit: Money placed on your onboard account to spend on things like drinks, specialty dining or spa treatments, often abbreviated OBC. It usually can’t be cashed out and expires at the end of the sailing.See also: Onboard account, Onboard booking
Open-jaw: A trip that starts in one place and ends in another, such as a cruise from Vancouver to Seward, or flying into one city and home from another. Open-jaw trips cover more ground but need careful flight planning.See also: Round trip, Cruisetour, Repositioning cruise
Overnight: A port call where the ship stays docked overnight, giving you an evening and often the next morning ashore. Overnights are common on Bermuda cruises, longer European itineraries and river cruises in major cities.See also: Port of call, Itinerary

P

Panama Canal transit: Sailing through the Panama Canal between the Atlantic and Pacific. A full transit crosses the entire canal, usually on a longer or repositioning voyage, while a partial transit enters through the locks and returns the same way.See also: Lock, Repositioning cruise, Beam
Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA): An 1886 US law that bars foreign-flagged ships from carrying passengers solely between two US ports. It’s why round trips from US ports on foreign-flagged ships stop at a foreign port, and why one-way cruises between two US ports must include a distant foreign port, such as Cartagena in Colombia.See also: Closed-loop cruise, Jones Act, Flag state, Back-to-back
Past-guest rate: A fare or offer reserved for people who have sailed with a cruise line before, often linked to its loyalty program. Perks can include exclusive discounts, onboard credit or reduced deposits.See also: Loyalty program, Status match
Pier runner: Cruise slang for passengers seen racing down the pier to make it aboard before the ship leaves. Watching them from the top deck is a well-known sailaway pastime.See also: All aboard time, Sailaway
Polar Class: A rating system for ships built to operate in ice, from Polar Class 1, the strongest, to Polar Class 7. Many purpose-built expedition ships hold a Polar Class rating, often PC6, suited to summer polar conditions.See also: Expedition cruise, Drake Passage
Polar plunge: A brief, voluntary dip into icy polar water, offered on many Antarctic and Arctic voyages with crew supervision. It’s a popular bragging-rights moment, usually optional and over in seconds.See also: Expedition cruise
Port day: A day when the ship calls at a port and you can go ashore, often from morning until late afternoon. Port days are busy for excursions but quiet on board, which makes them a good time for the spa.See also: Sea day, Port of call, All aboard time
Port fees: Charges set by ports and governments for each passenger, covering items such as docking, terminal use and local taxes. They’re usually listed with taxes and fees rather than included in the cruise fare.See also: Taxes and fees, Cruise fare, Itinerary
Port of call: A destination the ship visits during the cruise, as opposed to the homeport where it starts and ends. A typical seven-night Caribbean cruise includes three or four ports of call.See also: Homeport, Port day, Tender port
Port side: The left side of the ship when facing forward toward the bow. Sailors say port and starboard instead of left and right because the terms don’t change with the direction you face.See also: Starboard, Bow
Port-intensive: Describes an itinerary with few or no sea days, as on many Mediterranean and Southern Caribbean cruises. These trips pack in sightseeing but can be tiring.See also: Itinerary, Sea day
Price drop: A reduction in the fare for your cabin type after you’ve booked. Depending on the line and fare type, you may be able to have the booking repriced before final payment, receive onboard credit instead, or not benefit at all.See also: Final payment date, Repricing, Wave season
Priority boarding: A perk that lets you check in and board ahead of most guests. It’s typically included for suite guests and top loyalty tiers, and some lines sell it as an add-on.See also: Embarkation, Loyalty program, Suite
Private island: A beach destination owned or leased by a cruise line for its guests, such as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Disney’s Castaway Cay or MSC’s Ocean Cay. Basics are included, while cabanas, waterparks and some activities cost extra.See also: Cabana, Port of call, Adults-only area
Promenade deck: Traditionally, an outdoor deck that runs around all or part of the ship, popular for walking and watching the sea. On some large ships, the word also describes an indoor street lined with shops and bars.See also: Lido deck, Atrium

R

Rafting: Mooring river ships alongside one another when a town’s dock space is limited. You may cross through a neighboring ship to get ashore, and your cabin window can end up facing another hull.See also: Docking, River cruise
Refundable deposit: A deposit returned in full if you cancel before the line’s penalty period begins, usually around final payment. Refundable fares generally cost more than non-refundable ones.See also: Non-refundable deposit, Deposit, Cancellation penalty
Repositioning cruise: A one-way sailing that moves a ship between regions as the seasons change, such as from the Caribbean to Europe in spring or from Alaska to warmer waters in fall. These voyages have many sea days and are often good value.See also: Transatlantic, Open-jaw, Sea day
Repricing: Asking the cruise line to apply a lower fare or better promotion to an existing booking, usually before final payment. Whether it’s allowed, and whether you get a refund or onboard credit, depends on the line and the fare rules.See also: Price drop, Final payment date
River cruise: A cruise on a small, narrow ship along inland rivers such as the Danube, Rhine or Douro, docking in town centers with guided excursions often included. European river ships typically carry around 200 guests or fewer.See also: Longship, Lock, Low and high water
Room service: Food and drinks delivered to your cabin. Continental breakfast and some items are included on many lines, while others add a delivery fee or charge menu prices.See also: Cabin steward, Service charge
Round trip: A cruise that starts and ends at the same port, such as a seven-night sailing from Miami back to Miami. Round trips from US ports are also called closed-loop cruises.See also: Closed-loop cruise, Open-jaw, Homeport

S

Safety drill: Another name for the muster drill, the required safety briefing at the start of each cruise. Many lines now let you watch the safety video in the app or on your cabin TV and then check in at your muster station.See also: Muster drill, Muster station, SOLAS
Sailaway: The moment the ship leaves port, often celebrated with music and drinks on the top deck. Sailaways from scenic harbors such as New York, Vancouver or Sydney are a highlight of those cruises.See also: Pier runner, Lido deck
Scenic cruising: Time spent sailing slowly through a scenic area, such as a glacier fjord, without stopping or going ashore. Glacier Bay in Alaska and the Norwegian fjords are classic examples.See also: Inside Passage, Itinerary, Balcony cabin
Sea day: A day spent entirely at sea with no port stop. Sea days are for relaxing and enjoying the ship, and they’re when pools, the spa and specialty restaurants are busiest.See also: Port day, Repositioning cruise, Lido deck
Segment: A shorter section of a longer voyage, such as a world cruise, that can be booked on its own. Segments let you sample a long voyage without spending months away.See also: World cruise, Back-to-back
Self-assist disembarkation: An option on the final morning that lets you leave the ship early by carrying all of your own luggage off, instead of putting bags outside your cabin the night before. Lines use different names for it.See also: Disembarkation
Service charge: A mandatory fee added to purchases such as drinks, beverage packages and spa treatments. Many lines also use the term for the automatic daily crew charge that replaces traditional tipping.See also: Gratuities, Beverage package, Onboard account
Ship class: A group of ships built to the same basic design, such as Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class or Carnival’s Excel class. Ships in a class share layouts and features, though newer ones often add upgrades.See also: Sister ship, Gross tonnage, Maiden voyage
Ship time: The official time on board, set by the captain, which may differ from local time in port. All aboard deadlines are given in ship time, so check it before going ashore.See also: All aboard time, Daily program
Ship-within-a-ship: A private, keycard-access complex for suite guests on a large ship, with its own lounge, restaurant and sundeck. Norwegian’s The Haven and MSC’s Yacht Club are well-known examples.See also: Suite, Priority boarding
Shore excursion: A tour or activity in port, booked through the cruise line or independently. Excursions sold by the ship are timed around its schedule, and if one runs late the ship generally waits, which isn’t guaranteed on independent tours.See also: All aboard time, Port day, Tender ticket
Shoulder season: The weeks just before or after a region’s peak season, such as May and September in Alaska or April and October in the Mediterranean. Fares and crowds are often lower, though the weather is less predictable.See also: Wave season, Hurricane season
Single supplement: An extra charge a solo traveler pays to occupy a cabin priced for two, often a large share of the second guest’s fare. Studio cabins and occasional promotions reduce or remove it.See also: Studio cabin
Sister ship: A ship built to the same design as another in its class. Sister ships share most features, so reviews of one often apply to the others.See also: Ship class, Maiden voyage
SOLAS: The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the main international treaty on ship safety. It sets rules for lifeboats, fire protection, construction and passenger safety drills.See also: Muster drill, Lifeboat, Flag state
Spa cabin: A cabin near the spa that comes with spa-related perks, such as access to a thermal suite or relaxation area and sometimes a dedicated restaurant. Each line brands these cabins differently.See also: Cabin category, Suite
Specialty dining: Restaurants on board that charge an extra fee or set price, such as steakhouses, sushi bars and Italian trattorias. Many lines sell dining packages, and popular venues fill up on sea days.See also: Main dining room (MDR), Beverage package, Sea day
Stabilizers: Fins that extend from the hull below the waterline to reduce a ship’s rolling in rough seas. They improve comfort considerably, though they can’t remove motion entirely.See also: Midship, Draft
Starboard: The right side of the ship when facing forward toward the bow. At night, a ship shows a green navigation light on its starboard side and a red one on its port side.See also: Port side, Bow
Stateroom: Another word for a cruise cabin, used by many lines in their official category names. Stateroom and cabin mean exactly the same thing.See also: Cabin, Cabin category
Status match: When a cruise line grants loyalty status equivalent to the tier you’ve earned with another line. Some lines offer it as a standing promotion, and some sister brands share status automatically.See also: Loyalty program, Past-guest rate
Stern: The rear of the ship. Stern-facing cabins and lounges look out over the wake, and on some ships the stern has the most sought-after balconies.See also: Aft, Bow, Wake
Studio cabin: A compact cabin designed and priced for one person, so there’s no single supplement. Norwegian Cruise Line popularized them, and they often come with access to a shared lounge for solo travelers.See also: Single supplement, Interior cabin
Suite: The largest cabin type, with separate living space and perks such as priority boarding, concierge help or a private lounge. Suite sizes and benefits vary enormously between lines and categories.See also: Mini-suite, Ship-within-a-ship, Priority boarding
Sun deck: The open top deck of a river ship, with seating, shade and sometimes a walking track or small pool. It may close temporarily when the ship passes under low bridges.See also: Wheelhouse, River cruise, Longship

T

Taxes and fees: Government taxes, port charges and other mandatory per-guest costs added on top of the cruise fare. They vary by itinerary and are usually shown separately from the fare when you book.See also: Port fees, Cruise fare, Non-commissionable fare (NCF)
Tender: A small boat that ferries passengers between the ship and shore when the ship anchors offshore. Many cruise ships use some of their own lifeboats as tenders.See also: Tender port, Tender ticket, Lifeboat
Tender port: A port where the ship anchors offshore and tenders carry passengers ashore, usually because the harbor is too small or shallow for the ship to dock. Grand Cayman and Santorini are well-known examples, and tendering can add waiting time.See also: Tender, Tender ticket, Docking
Tender ticket: A numbered ticket or group assignment that sets when you board a tender in port, used to manage crowds at busy times. Guests on ship excursions and in suites often get priority.See also: Tender, Tender port, Shore excursion
Third and fourth guest: Additional passengers sharing a cabin with two full-fare guests, usually at a reduced rate. Taxes, fees and gratuities still apply to every guest.See also: Cruise fare, Upper berth, Connecting cabins
Tour conductor credit: A group perk in which a cruise line awards a complimentary or discounted berth once a group reaches a set number of paying guests. The organizer can keep it or share its value with the group.See also: Group rate
Traditional dining: A dining style with an assigned table and a set early or late seating time each evening in the main dining room, so you see the same servers and often the same tablemates every night.See also: Early seating, Late seating, Flexible dining
Transatlantic: A crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, usually as a repositioning cruise between Europe and the Americas in spring or fall, or aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. Expect a week or more with many consecutive sea days.See also: Repositioning cruise, Ocean liner, Sea day
Travel advisor: Another name for a travel agent, widely used because so much of the job is advice and planning. Cruise specialists are advisors who focus mostly on cruises and are usually paid commission by the cruise line.See also: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Non-commissionable fare (NCF), Onboard booking
Travel insurance: Coverage you buy to protect against trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, delays and lost luggage. It matters on cruises because US health insurance and Medicare often provide little or no coverage abroad or at sea.See also: Cancellation penalty, Medical center, Hurricane season

U

Upgrade bid: A program on some lines that lets you offer an amount to move into a higher cabin category before sailing. If your bid is accepted, you pay it; if not, you keep your original cabin.See also: Cabin category, Guarantee cabin
Upper berth: A pull-down bed or bunk mounted on the wall or ceiling of a cabin for a third or fourth guest. Cabins with upper berths are popular with families on a budget.See also: Berth, Third and fourth guest

V

Verandah: A cruise line term for a private balcony, also spelled veranda, used in cabin category names by lines such as Holland America, Celebrity and Viking. A verandah stateroom and a balcony cabin are the same thing.See also: Balcony cabin, French balcony
Vessel Sanitation Program: A US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention program that inspects cruise ships calling at US ports for food safety, water quality and cleanliness. Ships are scored out of 100, and a score of 85 or lower is a failing grade.See also: Medical center
Virtual balcony: A large screen in an interior cabin showing a real-time view from outside the ship, found on some Royal Caribbean ships. Disney offers a similar feature it calls virtual portholes.See also: Interior cabin, Balcony cabin

W

Wake: The trail of churned water a moving ship leaves behind it. Aft-facing cabins and stern lounges have wake views, which many cruisers find relaxing.See also: Aft, Stern
Wave season: The stretch from roughly January through March when cruise lines run some of their biggest promotions and many travelers book the year’s cruises. Offers often feature added perks rather than just lower fares.See also: Price drop, Shoulder season, Past-guest rate
Wet landing: Going ashore from a Zodiac by stepping into shallow water at the beach, usually no deeper than your shins. Waterproof boots, often loaned by the expedition line, make it easy.See also: Dry landing, Landing, Zodiac
Wheelhouse: The navigation room on a river ship, the river equivalent of an ocean ship’s bridge. On many European river ships, it can be lowered to pass under low bridges.See also: Bridge, Sun deck, Low and high water
World cruise: A long voyage, often three months or more, that circles much of the globe and usually departs in January. Many world cruises can be booked in shorter segments.See also: Segment, Transatlantic

Z

Zodiac: A brand of rigid inflatable boat whose name is used generically for the small boats that carry expedition guests ashore and close to wildlife and ice. Each holds about a dozen passengers plus a driver.See also: Expedition team, Landing, Wet landing, Dry landing