Often in documents and information found on online booking engines, the cruise industry uses "insider" terms that you may or may not be familiar with. To help you better understand what they mean, click on the  next to the word below to see its definition.
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Embarkation:
The first time a passenger boards a ship at the originating port.
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Disembark:
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Transfer:
A service to move passengers and their luggage between a local airport or hotel and their ship.
Usually by van or chartered bus.
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Tender:
A small boat used to transport passengers from the ship to shore when the harbor is not deep enough for the
ship to dock.
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Port of Call:
A port where the ship stops and passengers are allowed to go ashore.
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Gov’t Fees/taxes:
Government imposed charges paid by each passenger.
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Port Charges:
Combined fees charged by local governments for use of docking facilities. Includes, among others,
tug boats and sanitation services, per passenger fees and customs and immigration services.
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Category:
A group of cabins sold at the same fare which offer similar or identical features. Sleeping accommodations
within a category include upper and lower(bunk)beds; two lowers, a double, and a queen. Some cabins will offer a sleeper-sofa
that converts to a twin and may also accommodate a folding cot. Fares vary depending on the category.
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Cabin Types:
Designed to accommodate a maximum of 4 people, these include inside cabins; outside/balcony/veranda cabins; and
suites. A few newer ships offer family cabins which comfortably accommodate 5 or 6 people and sometimes have a separa1te sleeping
area for children.
Most ships have at least 1 cabin designated and designed to accommodate persons with physical limitations.
Doorways are wider with lower or no threshold and showers are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.
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Guarantee:
A category or fare is purchased without a cabin assignment. The passenger is "guaranteed" to receive a
cabin whose value is at least the one purchased or higher.
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Upgrade:
Assignment of a cabin in a category higher than originally purchased. Cruise lines offer upgrades
when there is a high demand for a category that is sold out to avoid the loss of a sale.
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Cruise Only:
A cruise fare that does not include air, land and pre- or post-cruise arrangements.
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Air/Sea Package:
A combination of airfare and cruise cost, often including transfers between the two.
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Cruise Tour:
A combination of a traditional cruise with a 2 or more day land tour.
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Pre- or Post-cruise Package:
Optional short stay either just prior to a cruise or immediately following. Packages may be offered by the
cruise line or reservations can be made independently.
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Singles Program:
Allows passengers traveling alone to save on the cost of passage by agreeing to share a cabin with another
person, of the same sex, assigned by the cruise line. Policies vary among cruise lines.
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Single Supplement:
Adjusted fare paid by passengers traveling alone, who do not wish to share a cabin. Varies by cruise line
from one and one-half times to 200% the normal category fare.
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Cruise Documents:
Set of papers including cruise and air tickets, luggage tags, shore excursion information and other
informative items that vary between cruise lines.
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Lifeboat Drill:
Passengers and crew assemble on deck at a designated location determined by cabin number.
Instructions on procedures in the event of an emergency are reviewed. Participation is mandatory.
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Itinerary:
The combination of originating and terminating ports, ports-of-call, days at sea and the
time and order in which these occur.
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Cruise to Nowhere:
A cruise, usually from 1 to 2 days, which leaves and returns to the same port without stopping in any other.
Enjoyed as an offshore alternative to a weekend getaway with all the benefits of a traditional cruise.
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Shore Excursion:
Optional trips usually offered by independent tour operators. Can be purchased at the beginning of the
cruise and often, in advance. Prices vary and are influenced by the activity, duration, and number of participants.
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Tipping/Gratuities:
To show appreciation to ship’s personnel, such as your cabin steward, dining room waiter and Maitre d’,
who have made your cruise special. Policies vary among cruise lines, however, guidelines are generally included with
cruise documents.
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Onboard Credit:
A specific amount available to a passenger for purchases onboard the vessel.
Usually offered as a sales promotion by the cruise line.
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Cashless System:
A personalized “smart card” eliminates a passenger’s need to carry cash for onboard purchases.
Instead, purchases are transferred to a credit card or cash account established at the beginning of the cruise.
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Dining:
- First or Early Seating: One of two options for assigned or reserved seating in the main dining room.
Seating generally begins at 6:00 or 6:30pm. May also apply to early breakfast and lunch seating in the dining room.
- Second or Late Seating: One of two options for assigned or reserved seating in the main dining room.
Seating generally begins at 6:00 or 6:30pm. May also apply to early breakfast and lunch seating in the dining room.
- Open Seating: Allows passengers to dine at the time and seating arrangement of their choice.
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Attire on a Cruise:
Generally considered to fall into one of three categories, casual, informal and formal.
Casual dress, shorts, slacks, collarless or sleeveless tops, sandals and tennis shoes. is appropriate for day
- Casual:Evening casual includes slacks, sport shirts, skirts and sandals or tennis shoes.
- Informal:Evening informal includes a jacket or suit and tie for men and equivalent dress or slacks and top for women.
- Formal:Evening formal includes a dark suit for men and cocktail dress for women. On higher end cruises a tux or
evening gown would be appropriate.
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