Explanation of Cruise Terminology

Explanation of Cruise Terminology

We know there's lots of lingo in the world of cruising, which as a new to cruise guests can be a little confusing or even overwhelming.

So, we've created this handy glossary of terms to help you be in the know and cruise like a pro!

Ship, Safety, Directional & accommodation terms
  • Embarkation – Boarding the ship at the start of the cruise.
  • Disembarkation – Leaving the ship at the end of the cruise.
  • Muster Drill – Mandatory safety briefing before departure.
  • Gangway – The walkway used to board or leave the ship.
  • Port Side – Left side of the ship when facing forward.
  • Starboard Side – Right side of the ship when facing forward.
  • Aft – Rear of the ship.
  • Forward – Front of the ship.
  • Cabin – Your room, think of it like a hotel room
  • Inside Cabin – A cabin without windows or a view.
  • Ocean view Cabin – A cabin with a window or porthole.
  • Balcony Cabin – A cabin with a private balcony.
  • Suite – A larger, more luxurious cabin, often with extra amenities.
  • Deck – A level or floor of the ship.
Dining & Food
  • Main Dining Room (MDR) – The primary sit-down restaurant included in your fare.
  • Specialty Dining – Restaurants which require an extra charge to use
  • Fixed Seating / Traditional Dining – Assigned dining time and table for the entire cruise.
  • Formal Night - An evening where guests dress up in their finest evening wear (more details below)
On board / On Shore Activities
  • Shore Excursion / Tour – Organised tours or activities at ports of call.
  • Sea Day – A day spent entirely at sea without visiting a port.
  • Tender Port - A port where we anchor off shore as the ship is unable to dock / no dock is available 
  • Tender / Tender Boat – A smaller boat used to transport guests to shore when the ship cannot dock directly.
Payments & Packages
  • Gratuities – Tips for crew members, often automatically added to your account (we're including these from 2026)
  • On board Account – All purchases on board will be in £GBP and are made via your key card. They will be added to your on board account, settled at the end of your cruise via the card you registered at check-in
  • Drink Package – Prepaid plan for beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).

Related articles:
  1. Want a list of common questions asked by new to cruise guests? Click here
  2. Want to know about what's included in the cost of your cruise? Click here
  3. Want to know more about how the cabins we offer? Click here
  4. Want more details on formal nights? Click here
  5. Want to know more about our cabin types? Click here