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What are some commonly used cruise terms I should know?

A few of the commonly used terms to get you ready to set sail.

  • Aft - the back or near the back of the ship
  • Atrium - the central court (or center area) of a cruise ship, usually rising through more than one story of the ship's interior
  • Berth - a built-in bed or bunk, as in a ship's cabin or stateroom
  • Bow - the very front of the ship
  • Bridge - the navigational control center
  • Cabin or Stateroom Steward - a person whose work is to take care of the guests aboard a ship.
  • Captain - the person in command of a ship
  • Courtyard area - another Norwegian exclusive that offers privacy and luxury for our Suites and Villas guests. You will enjoy a private pool, hot tub, sundeck with Balinese lounges, a fitness area and aboard Norwegian Epic, two private restaurants and a bar.
  • Deck Plan - an overhead diagram of the cabins and the public rooms
  • Disembark - to unload (passengers or goods) from a ship
  • Dock - where your ship 'parks' when in port
  • Family Villa with Balcony (2 bedroom) - Exclusive to our Jewel Class ships, these spacious suites sleep six with a private master bedroom and bath as well as a guest bedroom with bath and living and dining area.
  • Forward - faces the front of the boat
  • Gangway - allows you access on and off the ship
  • Garden Villa (3 bedroom) - The largest suites at sea with up to 5,000 square feet of living space at the top of the ship.
  • Knot - a nautical mile (see Nautical below)
  • Leeward - the side of the ship that is out of or away from the wind
  • Midship - the middle of the ship
  • Muster - to come together or assemble aboard ship for inspection or roll call
  • Muster Station - a specific location on ship to gather, based on stateroom assignment
  • Nautical - of or having to do with sailors, ships, or navigation. A unit of speed of one nautical mile (6,076.12 feet or 1,852 meters) an hour: abbrev. kn or kt [to average a speed of 10 knots]
  • Pier - a structure built out over the water and supported by pillars or piles: used as a landing place.
  • Port - the left-hand side of a ship as one faces forward: opposed to starboard. Port - so named because the side toward the port (dock), since the steering oar (see starboard) prevented docking to the right.
  • Port of Call - regular stopover(s) on a cruise itinerary.
  • Purser - a ship's officer in charge of accounts, freight, tickets, etc., esp. on a passenger vessel. Important to you - a Purser takes responsibility for all money, transactions.
  • Port - the left hand side of the ship while facing forward (bow). Easy to remember since "port" and "left" each have four letters.
  • Ship - You always cruise on a "ship," never a "boat"
  • Spa Suite - A luxurious suite only found aboard Norwegian Epic that features an ocean view whirlpool tub, balcony, complimentary, nearby access to the Thermal Suites at Mandara Spa and keycard access to the private Courtyard area
  • Starboard - the right side of the ship while facing forward (bow).
  • Stateroom - your cabin or berth
  • Stern - the very back of the ship
  • Studios - Norwegian Epic's private keycard access complex comprised of staterooms designed and priced for the solo traveler. Also includes access to the private Studio Lounge.
  • Studio Lounge - A private lounge aboard Norwegian Epic reserved exclusively for Studio guests. This is a place to relax, watch TV, have a drink and meet fellow Studio guests.
  • Tender - a boat for carrying passengers to or from a ship close to shore.
  • Windward - on the side of the ship from which the wind blows; toward the wind