Never miss the ship or fall foul of buffet etiquette with our A-B-Sea of cruising

New to cruise holidays? There are a few terms and tips you’ll need to know before you set sail, so check our guide to nautical nomenclature.

All aboard

This is the time you must be back on board when the ship is in a port. It’s widely announced and displayed and it’s imperative you are not late back on board or the ship could leave without you.

Remember that time zones may have changed overnight.

Tip: take a photo of the poster with the time on at security when you disembark, and then set a reminder alarm on your phone.

Bridge

The command centre of the ship’s navigation and safety (the hotel aspect is run separately, with a hotel director in charge).

It’s staffed 24/7 and tours are sometimes available to see a hi-tech area that looks like it’s escaped from Star Trek. But, reassuringly, the good old Mark One Human Eyeball still plays an important part!

Cabin

Your room (sometimes called a stateroom). They range from smaller, cheaper inside ones with no windows to vast suites.

Many ships now have fewer inside ones and more with a balcony (generally the most popular choice). Whatever standard you choose, they are always comfortable and well-appointed.

Decks

As you’d expect, a cruise ship is divided into decks with larger ships going up to as much as Deck 21. Nautical superstition means there is usually no 13.

The open decks at the top generally have the pools and sports facilities, plus the fancier suites and some dining options.

The lower decks usually have the lower priced cabins and the bulk of facilities such as the main restaurants, theatre, spa, guest services, access to the gangways and also the medical centre.

Excursion

Or shore excursion. An organised paid-for trip off the ship when it’s in port. Typically the cruise line arranges these, but private firms also run them.

Be warned, if the excursion is late for the ship’s departure, the Captain must wait for a cruise line one, but not for a private one or passengers who have explored by themselves and are late.

Formal night

Dressing up in your finest for an evening on board. They are less common than they used to be, but you’ll still see some passengers sporting a tux or glamorous dress on what may be termed a “gala” or “dress to impress” night.

If it’s not for you, you can quite easily avoid, nobody will judge you.

Gangway

A metal walkway to get on and off the ship from the dock. It’s not a gangplank, they are for pirates!

Hygiene

An important aspect of cruising way before Covid; hand sanitisers are widely placed, as are paper towels by toilet doors to use to open the handles.

Some ships have servers at buffets to stop passengers handling food utensils.

Internet

While some of us go on holiday to escape the 24/7 digital world, others cannot bear to be off the grid, so worry not – most cruise ships now have wi-fi.

It’s free with some lines, or can be paid for in various kinds of packages on others. The signal is variable and can be a little flaky at sea when coming via satellite.

Jogging track

Cruisers looking to keep in shape are usually well catered for with a jogging/walking track on the open deck and a gym, often with the latest hi-tech equipment and helpful instructors.

Or you can just lie on a sunlounger all week. Your choice.

Knot

The unit of measurement for the speed of a ship (or aircraft). One knot is one nautical mile per hour; about 1.15mph.

The Captain’s daily Tannoy report (usually at noon) will mention knots and nautical miles.

Launderette

Many ships have a couple on each passenger deck and it’s cheaper to wash your clothes than use the ship’s laundry service.

On a one-week cruise you shouldn’t need to do any laundry, but on longer cruises (some can last more than three months), it’s a good option, and savvy sailors take their own washing powder.

Musters

It’s a legally required safety briefing held after everyone is on board on the first day to show passengers what to do in case of an emergency and where their assembly point is.

Nowadays, it’s often done via a video in your cabin.

Nightlife

Something for everyone. West End and Broadway quality stage shows, casinos, discos, live rock or blues bands, DJ sets, movies under the stars, even a sexologist forum! Or just chill in a lounge or bar.

Onboard account

You will have a cruise card (credit card sized) or a wearable device which acts as your payment on board.

Cash or personal credit or debit cards are not used and your account is settled at the end with the card you provided at check-in.

Plates = pounds

Don’t overfill at the buffet or you’ll risk putting on some timber. And ludicrously full plates combining a curry, slices of pizza and roast beef with Yorkshires are never a good look.

Nobody ever starved on a cruise and you can always go back for more.

Quick change

If you’ve flown from chilly Britain in the winter to a warm climate port put shorts, flip flops, sunnies and hat etc in a carry-on bag so you can change from your travel clothes.

Your case may not arrive in your cabin for an hour or two before the ship departs.

Restaurants

Food is a highlight of cruising and the array of cuisines you can find on board is extraordinary – from Mexican to Indian via Korean and tapas to surf ’n’turf and good old fish and chips.

You’ll discover innovative menus and fine dining created by internationally recognised and Michelin-star chefs. Most upscale venues have a cover charge.

Sailaway

Simply when the ship sails from a port, often a key part of a journey with a party on board (weather permitting) and passengers lining the decks to watch the departure.

Some sailaways can be spectacular, such as Vancouver, New York City, Stockholm, Naples and Santorini.

Sea Day

As it suggests a day sailing, not in a port. A chance to enjoy the many facilities of the ship and sea air.

Tender

When a port is too small to handle a ship, or there are more ships than berths, the Captain will anchor offshore and you’ll tender to the port on one of the lifeboats. It’s straightforward.

Underwater

Not normally something you’d want to associate with a cruise but on ultra-luxe Scenic Eclipse there are two helicopters and a seven-person sub capable of taking passengers to depths of 650ft.

Visa and passport

Like any other holiday, do check for visa requirements for countries the ship will visit. If, for example, you are on a Caribbean trip departing from an American port such as Miami, you will require a US Esta (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

However, you are not normally required to pass via immigration at every port on your voyage, as you will have already supplied your passport details at the embarkation terminal.

Some countries do require passport inspection, and often this is done on board the ship, and sometimes the day before arrival.

Wildlife

From the ship you may spot marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, orca and the likes of seals and sealions.

In relevant destinations there are wildlife-spotting excursions to see anything from bears to blue-footed boobies and lemurs to lions. Pack your binoculars.

Yacht Club

The super swanky area for premium passengers on MSC ships.

Zzzs

There can be some engine noise on ships when they sail at night, so earplugs can be a wise item to pack. If there’s a bit of a swell, coat hangers can rattle so push them together at night to prevent it.

If you’re in a cabin under a sun deck you may hear sunloungers being put out early in the morning, but it’s rarely intrusive and ships are peaceful.

Bon voyage!

More info: cruising.org/en-gb