Cruise Terminology
Cruising has its own vocabulary, and some of it isn't obvious if you've never sailed before. Here's a quick guide to common cruise terms you'll hear before and during your trip.
Cruise Terminology: Common Cruise Terms Explained
A–D
All-Aboard Time
The time all passengers must be back on the ship before departure. This is earlier than the ship's scheduled departure time.
Atrium
A central public area of the ship, often spanning several decks.
Berth
A place where a ship docks. The word can also refer to a sleeping space or bed.
Cabin or Stateroom
Your room onboard the ship.
Closed-Loop Cruise
A cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port. The term is particularly important when researching travel-document requirements.
Deck
A level or floor of the ship.
Disembarkation
Leaving the ship at the end of your cruise.
E–M
Embarkation
The process of boarding the ship at the beginning of your cruise.
Folio
Your onboard account showing purchases, credits, gratuities, and other charges made during your cruise.
Gangway
The walkway used to get on and off the ship.
Itinerary
The cruise schedule, including ports of call and days at sea.
Muster Drill
A mandatory safety procedure that teaches passengers what to do and where to go during an emergency.
Muster Station
Your assigned emergency assembly location.
P–S
Port
The left side of the ship when facing forward.
Port of Call
A destination the ship visits during the cruise.
Sea Day
A day when the ship does not visit a port and passengers spend the day onboard.
Shore Excursion
An organized activity or tour taken while visiting a port.
Specialty Dining
Restaurants outside the ship's standard included dining options that may have an additional charge.
Starboard
The right side of the ship when facing forward.
T–Z
Tender
A smaller boat used to transport passengers between the cruise ship and shore when the ship cannot dock directly at the port.
Veranda
Another term commonly used for a private balcony.
CRUISE TIP: Don't worry about memorizing cruise terminology. You'll pick it up quickly once you're onboard. The important terms to recognize before sailing are things like all-aboard time, muster station, embarkation, disembarkation, and folio.
Keep Learning
Explore next: First-Time Cruiser Guide • What's Included in a Cruise Fare? • Cruise Gratuities Explained