Add onAn additional charge to the cruise fare that usually refers to airfare, transfers, or pre/post hotel packages.AftNear, toward, or in the back (stern) of the ship.Air/sea packageA package consisting of the two forms of travel, i.e., air to and from the port of embarkation as well as the cruise itself.Alternative diningDining venues offered as an alternative to the main dining room(s), usually including a buffet, other casual dining options and specialty restaurants.
Balcony/Veranda cabinA cabin having an open-air balcony, usually with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, to offer a view of the sea.BeamThe width of the ship at the widest point.BridgeNavigation and command center of the cruise ship. On occasion, ships may offer bridge tours for passengers.
Cabin categoryA rating of each cabin or stateroom based on size and location on the ship.Cruise fareThe actual cost of the cruise vacation, excluding all extras such as taxes, airfare, gratuities, and the like.CruisetourA vacation package consisting of a cruise combined with a land tour, offering interior land exploration (by motorcoach and/or train) in addition to the cruise ports of call. The land portion can take place either before or after the cruise.
Debarkation/DisembarkationExiting from the ship.Deck planAn overhead diagram illustrating cabin and public room locations in relation to each other.
Early/Main/First SeatingThe earlier of two traditional meal times in the ship's main dining room(s), usually 6:00pm or 6:30pm.EmbarkationEntering or boarding the ship.
ForwardToward the fore or bow (front) of the ship.
GalleyThe ship's kitchen. On occasion, ships may offer galley tours for passengers.GangwayThe ramp used to enter and exit the ship during embarkation, disembarkation and port of call visits.GratuitiesThe passenger's personal expression of thanks (tips) to the ship's service personnel for services received.
Inside/Interior cabinA cabin having no windows, no portholes or balcony to offer a view of the sea.
Late/Second SeatingThe later of two traditional meal times in the ship's main dining room(s), usually 8:00pm or 8:30pm.LeewardThe side of the ship sheltered from the wind. (Opposite: Windward)
M.S.Abbreviation for "Motor Ship"; a designation for many cruise ships. (e.g., "ms Seven Seas Mariner")MidshipIn or toward the middle of the ship; the longitudinal center portion of the ship.Muster drillA mandatory safety demonstration in which all passengers and crew are required to participate, usually shortly before or after the ship leaves dock on the first evening.Muster stationsStations (usually public areas of the ship) where passengers are asked to congregate in the case of an emergency. Passengers will be asked to proceed to their muster stations during a mandatory muster drill on the first day of the cruise.
Open seatingFree access to unoccupied tables in the ship's dining room, as opposed to specific table assignments.Outside/Oceanview cabinA cabin having window(s) or porthole(s) offering a view of the sea.
Port chargeAn assessment collected by the line and paid to a local government authority.Port of callA city, town, country or island stopover where the ship is docked or anchored, allowing passengers to visit attractions and/or participate in shore excursions.Port/PortsideThe left side of the ship when facing forward.PortholeA circular "window" in the side of the ship's hull or superstructure.Pre/Post hotel packageNot a cruisetour, but extended hotel stays at the port(s) of embarkation and debarkation that can be purchased.
Shipboard/Onboard accountA personal onboard account for each sailing guest that keeps track of all shipboard expenditures and requests. A shipboard keycard is issued to each passenger and is to be used in place of cash, checks and credit cards, in addition to providing access to a passenger's cabin.Shipboard/Onboard creditCredit, or spending money deposited into a guest's shipboard account. Shipboard credit can be used for any onboard purchases, including spa services, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.Shore excursionsOff-the-ship tours at cruise ports of call for which an extra charge is usually applied. Not to be confused with cruisetours, shore excursions are purchased after booking a cruise vacation, and are only available for ports visited in the cruise itinerary.Single occupancySole occupancy of a cabin which is designed to accommodate two or more passengers, in which instance a premium is ordinarily charged.Space ratioA measurement of cubic space per passenger. Gross Registered Tonnage divided by number of passengers (double occupancy) equals Space Ratio (rounded to the nearest whole number).Specialty restaurantsOften more intimate restaurants the offer upgraded dining experience, and an alternative to the main dining room(s). Reservations are required in advance and there is usually a cover charge and/or a la carte pricing.StarboardThe right side of the ship when facing forward.StateroomAlso known as the passenger's room, cabin or personal accommodation.SuiteThe most luxurious passenger accommodation onboard the ship, usually consisting of upgraded amenities plus a separate bedroom and living area. A suite may include a private veranda or floor-to-ceiling windows.
TenderA smaller boat used to transport passengers between the ship and shore when the ship is at anchor. Typically, tenders are used when the harbor at a port of call is not deep enough for the ship to dock.Third and fourth guestThe third or fourth guest sharing the same stateroom or suite as the first and second guests, usually traveling at a greatly reduced cruise fare. Port charges and government taxes are still applicable.TransfersTransportation between the ship and other modes, such as airports, hotels or departure points for shore excursions.
WaitlistNot a guarantee, but the cruise line's endeavor to obtain accommodation for passengers on a first-come, first-served basis when all cabins are presently either sold, under deposit, or under option.WindwardFacing into or the direction from which the wind is coming. (Opposite: Leeward)