Duncan Millar

My Kind of Cruise

Cruising Confusing - We translate the cruise lingo that leaves landlubbers at a loss!

Want to know what the confusing cruise lingo means? Become and instant sailor, with our comprehensive guide to cruise language.

Aft- The back of the ship All Inclusive- Cruises and cruise packages that include a large selection of beers, wines by the glass, cocktails and some spirits and sparkling wines throughout the cruise. There are many different levels of all inclusive between cruise lines and even per ship, so read up on the inclusions to make sure you get what you want. On some cruise lines, all inclusive can also mean shore excursions and other activities are included, giving amazing value for money! Atrium- The main area, usually at the centre of the ship, where you will find facilities like guest services - like a hotel front desk area but also an activity hub boat smaller seafaring vessel than your cruise ship Bridge- Area where the crew steer, navigate and monitor, usually higher up the decks at the front of the ship Cabin- your room or stateroom on the ship Citybreak- Add nights in a hotel before you cruise - perhaps 3nts in Barcelona or Rome? Debark- Get off your ship Deck- the floor and also level of the ship, eg deck 7, deck 8 - check out the 'deck plan' to find your way around Deck plan- a map of the ship to find your way around Dining package- It might be possible to pre-purchase a package which gives you the opportunity to try several speciality restaurants onboard at a discounted rate Disembark- Get off your ship Drinks package- Many ships are full board, with food included but not alcoholic drinks and speciality beverages. In this case you can often purchase an upgrade which includes various types or brands of drink, eg soft drinks package, all inclusive package or premium drinks package. Compare these carefully! Embark- Get on board your ship Ex UK- Cruises sailing from the UK, usually returning to the UK, with no flights involved. Check the itinerary if in doubt! Fly Cruise- A cruise that includes flights within the package to get you to and from the beginning and end of your cruise. Might also include your transfers, a hotel before and/or after your cruise (imagine a city break and cruise) or even a tour to explore! Fly Cruise Tour- A cruise that includes flights within the package to get you to and from the beginning and end of your cruise. Might also include your transfers, a hotel before and/or after your cruise (imagine a city break and cruise) or even a tour to explore! Fore- The front of the ship Fun day at Sea- As you travel to your next amazing port of call, take some time to relax and explore the fantastic facilities aboard your ship! Gangway- The route from the ships deck to the dockside for access (not to be confused with walking the plank!) Gratuities- Tips for the staff on board servicing all your needs, paid in person onboard, direct to staff, or pre-paid before boarding Guarantee cabin grade- A cruise fare where your exact grade and cabin number is picked by the cruise line after booking. Do this to get a better price and a better chance of an upgrade Itinerary- The route for your holiday; where the ship will sail to, the ports you will call at and the dates and times of arrival and departure Lifeboat drill- Safety practice so you know where to find your lifejacket and which lifeboat position to go to in case of an emergency Midships- The middle of the ship Muster- Safety practice so you know where to find your lifejacket and which lifeboat position to go to in case of an emergency

My Time Dining- Dining where you don't have to choose early or late sitting in the main dining room, but turn up between the restaurant opening and closing times whenever you want to dine. You can still make a reservation onboard though, so your table will be ready for you. Non converting twins- This is a twin room, where the two single beds can't be moved together as a double. Sometimes described as an L-shaped twin Onboard Credit (or OBC)- Credit in the onboard currency that is added to your account as a bonus promotion, to spend onboard Port- The Left side of the ship, as you face the front (four letters in port and left ;-) Port transfer- Transfer may be available from your ship to/from the airport or hotel at the beginning/end of your cruise Repositioning cruises- Cruises departing from one port but returning to another, often in a different country or even continent! Often longer durations, with more days at sea to relax and giving you incredible value for money! Arrrrgghhh!- A Pirates favourite letter of the alphabet Sailaway- The beginning of your cruise! When the ship leaves the embarkation port - sometimes with a party! Sea- Some people think it be the sea, but actually its the aaarrrrgh! (See Arrrgghhh!) Sea Day- When the ship travels between ports over a day as well as a night you get the chance to relax and explore the facilities! Ship- Your floating hotel and entertainment venue for the duration of your holiday. Call your cruiser a ship, not a boat (You can put a boat on a ship, but you can't put a ship on a boat)! Shore Excursions- In every port you visit, there are opportunities to book sightseeing trips and activities with My Kind of Cruise, or the cruise line, to see as much as you can in your time ashore. Alternatively you can normally do your own thing, but be sure to be back on board by sailaway time! Spa- Just like on land, luxurious spas exist onboard some ships, to pamper your days away relaxing and enjoying soothing treatments Speciality Dining- Alternative to the main restaurant, many ships have several themed restaurants to try, for which a cover charge often applies. Usually reservations are required Speciality Restaurant- Alternative to the main restaurant, many ships have several themed restaurants to try, for which a cover charge often applies. Usually reservations are required Starboard- the Right side of the ship, as you face the front Stateroom- your room or cabin on the ship (to) Tender- Take a boat to and from the shore to explore Tender boat- this is a small boat, usually lowered from your cruise ship, to take you to and from the shore when the ship cannot come into the dock Tour- An addition to your holiday to explore before or after your cruise - imagine a safari, visit the Taj Mahal, soak up Sydney and New Zealand or take a rail trip through the Rockies! Your Time- Dining where you don't have to make a booking, but turn up between the restaurant opening and closing times whenever you want to dine