Cruising Lingo 101 | Words Every First-Time Cruiser Should Know - Part 1

If you’re preparing for your first cruise, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and maybe a little bit of uncertainty about what to expect. Don’t worry—cruising is all about enjoying your time on the water, and once you get the hang of the lingo, it’ll feel like a breeze! I’ve put together a list of essential terms every first-time cruiser should know so you can navigate your cruise like a pro.

The Odyssey of the Seas

1. Starboard

When you’re on the ship, starboard refers to the right-hand side when you’re facing forward (towards the front of the ship). If someone says, “Head to starboard,” now you’ll know where to go!

2. Portside

Now, the portside is the opposite of starboard—it’s the left side of the ship when you're facing forward. If you want to enjoy a sunset over the ocean, the portside may be the place to be depending on your sailing route!

3. Port

When cruising, port doesn’t refer to the left side of the ship; it’s the term for the destinations or cities you’ll visit during your trip. Think of it as the spots where you'll get to step off the ship, explore, and take part in fun shore excursions.

Royal Caribbean's private island CocoCay in the Bahamas is a popular port of call for Royal Caribbean cruises.

4. Aft

The aft is simply the back or rear part of the ship. If you hear someone mention heading to the aft, they’re directing you towards the back of the boat.

5. Mid

The mid refers to the middle part of the ship. If you like being close to everything but don’t want to be too far forward or aft, this is the spot for you. Midship often has easy access to key areas of the ship, like dining rooms and entertainment venues. Many people often find mid-ship their preferred placement for their stateroom as many say they feel less movement towards the middle of the ship.

6. Forward

On the opposite end from aft, forward refers to the front of the ship. If you’re looking for a place to catch a beautiful view of the ocean or enjoy a morning sunrise, the forward part of the ship is usually your best bet.

7. Hull

The hull is the main body of the ship—the part that keeps everything floating. It’s important to know because, if you're ever wondering how the ship stays upright or how large it is, the hull is the structure holding it all together.

8. Muster Drill

Before setting sail, you’ll participate in a muster drill. This is a mandatory safety briefing where all passengers gather at designated assembly points to receive instructions on what to do in an emergency. It’s quick, easy, and required, so don’t skip it!

The Central Park neighborhood aboard the Wonder of the Seas

9. Gangway

When it’s time to get on or off the ship, you’ll walk across the gangway—the covered bridge connecting the ship to land. It’s a bit like a walkway that makes boarding and disembarking safe and easy.

10. Deck

Each floor of the ship is referred to as a deck. If someone tells you your cabin is on Deck 6, you’ll know exactly where to head. You’ll also hear about different decks when it comes to dining, entertainment, pools, and more!

Now that you have these these basic terms under your belt, you’ll feel more confident and ready to enjoy every moment of your cruise! Cruising is all about relaxation, adventure, and discovering new places, so the more you understand before you even step foot on the ship, the more enjoyment you'll get out of your overall journey!

At CRUISE with PIE, I’m here to guide you every step of the way — from the first steps of dreaming of your perfect vacation to actually setting sail. Ready for your next adventure? Let’s chat about your dream cruise!! Email me at cruisewithpie@gmail.com and tell me what kind of cruise you are looking for, and I will begin searching for your perfect vacation!