When you are cruising for the first time it is easy to get confused about what everything means. The good thing is that when you are cruising, it is the cruise line’s job to make you feel as comfortable and welcome as possible (meaning that you probably won’t NEED to know many cruise terms). BUT for those who like to know a little something extra, and/or want to know “the language of cruising” here are some terms that are commonly used on cruise ships:
1. Forward: This is the “most forward” part of the ship (or the very front of the ship)
2. Aft: The aft is the opposite of the forward–that is–the back of the ship.
3. Midship: The most middle part of the ship (this one is pretty self explanatory)
CRUISE TIP: When booking cabins with a travel agent or a cruise line; they will often ask you if you have a preference of where your cabin is. Cabins toward the forward and aft tend to be lower in price whereas midship cabins are higher in price. Most people prefer midship cabins because when and if the ship is doing a lot of rocking, midship is often the most stable part of the ship.
4. Port: The port side of the ship is the left side of the ship when you are facing toward the forward of the ship. A port is ALSO a destination that the ship docks in (for example Ocho Rios, Jamaica). Usually when you are on the port side of a ship, that is the side that the exit for the ports is on.
5. Starboard: Starboard side is the right side of the ship when you are facing forward toward the forward of the ship.
6. Embark (Embarkation): To embark is to get on board the ship.
7. Disembark (Disembarkation): To disembark is to exit the ship.
8. Knots: Knots are how many miles per hour that the ship is traveling at.
9. Gangway: The gangway is the bridge that you walk across to get on board the ship when you first arrive.
10. Bridge: The bridge is the control room for the ship where the Captain controls the ship.
Well, I hope that this list helped you to learn some cruise terminology. Happy sailing!
