Cruises have become a popular vacation option for people looking for a luxurious getaway with an array of modern amenities. Whether you’re a first time cruiser or seasoned traveler, it’s important to know the parts of a cruise ship before sailing off. From booking your trip and planning your itinerary to exploring the fitness center and dining options, there are many aspects of a cruise that can help make your voyage more enjoyable. In this article we will explore basic terms you should know for your cruise experience.

What is the difference between stern and bow?

The stern is the rear of the ship, while the bow is the front of the vessel. The stern is where the bridge is located, and the ship’s wake can be seen when it moves. The bow is the part of the ship that is the furthest away from the stern.

A bulbous bow is a protrusion that extends from the front of a ship’s hull below the waterline. It reduces wave-making resistance, which in turn reduces fuel consumption as well as other benefits. The bulbous bow creates a wave in front of the ship that partially cancels out the wave created by the hull, thus reducing drag.

What is the difference between forward and aft?

The forward and aft describe a ship’s orientation relative to its direction of travel. The forward is the direction that the boat is heading, while the aft is the ship’s rear.

What are port and starboard?

Port and starboard refer to the left and right sides of the ship, respectively. The port side is the ship’s left side when you are facing the bow (the front), while the starboard side is the right side of the ship when you are facing the bow. These are significant terms to remember when docking or giving directions onboard the ship.

What is midship?

Midship is the middle of the ship. It is the widest part of the ship, and it is located between the bow and the stern. The term midship can also refer to the area of the ship in the middle of the deck, called the midship deck. The midship deck is often used for the ship’s entertainment and activities.

What is the Lido Deck?

The Lido Deck is an outdoor deck located on the top of the ship. It is typically the highest deck and the main area used for sunbathing, swimming, and other recreational activities. The Lido Deck typically includes a pool, a bar, lounge chairs, and sometimes a restaurant. The Lido Deck is sometimes referred to as the sun or pool deck. It is a great place to watch the scenery around the vessel.

What is the Hull?

The hull of a cruise ship is the bottom and sides of the ship that are below the waterline. The hull is an essential part of the ship’s design and construction as it is responsible for keeping the ship afloat and providing the foundation for the superstructure. The hull also protects the ship from elements like waves and wind.

What is the bridge on a Cruise ship?

The bridge is the area of the ship that contains navigation equipment and controls the ship’s movement. The bridge is where the captain and officers direct the ship’s course, speed, and other navigational tasks. It is usually located on the upper deck in the forward part of the ship because it provides the best view of the surrounding area. This allows the crew to have a better view of the direction the ship is heading.

What is a galley?

A cruise ship galley is a kitchen area on a cruise vessel, responsible for providing meals to passengers and crew. The size of the galley can vary depending on the size of the cruise ship, but they are usually quite large and equipped with all the latest technology. A typical galley will have multiple cooking stations operated by chefs and their assistants. 

The space is often designed with efficiency in mind, preparing food quickly to feed thousands of passengers. Galleys typically include refrigeration units, ovens, stoves, and microwaves. They may also have industrial-size dishwashers and other equipment used to clean dishes and utensils afterward. 

What is the gangway?

A gangway is an essential feature of a cruise ship that helps passengers safely embark and disembark the vessel. It is typically a movable bridge that links the ship to an outside pier or dock, allowing passengers to enter and leave quickly. They are designed with safety in mind, as they have guard rails and handrails for added security and non-slip surfaces for extra grip when walking across them.

What is a muster station?

A muster station is an emergency assembly location for passengers on a cruise ship. It is the designated area on board where passengers go in an emergency such as a fire. Crew members guide passengers during drills to ensure everyone onboard knows the location of their muster station.

Muster stations are usually near lifeboats with proper signage throughout the vessel. When notified of an emergency, passengers should proceed immediately to their assigned muster station, where they will receive further instructions from crew members or officers.

How do I get between decks?

Most cruise ships have multiple decks; to move between them, you will need to use the ship’s elevators or stairs. Elevators are typically located in the ship’s forward, midship, and aft areas and provide access to all decks. Staircases are also found in various locations, providing upper and lower deck access.

Smart elevators have been equipped with modern technology to make them more efficient. Smart elevators use sensors to detect when passengers are waiting and will direct them to the elevator car that will get them to their destination the quickest. They are becoming increasingly popular on cruise ships due to their efficiency and safety features.

The Rising Tide Bar is a unique bar located on the Harmony of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. The Rising Tide Bar is the first of its kind on a cruise ship, as it can transport passengers from one deck to another. The bar is a moving elevator that is enclosed in glass. 

Also, Magic Carpet is a unique feature found on Celebrity Cruise ships. It is an extension of the ship’s deck that can be moved up and down the side of the vessel and can serve as a bar, restaurant, and observation deck. It is located on the outside of the ship, and it can be raised and lowered depending on the occasion. It can be raised to provide a stunning view of the ocean and lowered to become a floating bar or restaurant.

How do I find my cabin on a ship?

The best way to find your cabin on a cruise ship is by locating the deck plan. This is typically located on interactive screens around the ship or can be found online. The deck plan will show the vessel’s layout, including all the cabins, public spaces, and amenities. Once you have located your cabin on the plan, you can easily follow the signs and directions to your cabin.

How do I know if I’m walking toward the front or back of the ship?

The easiest way to tell which direction you are walking in on a cruise ship is to look at the signs or arrows on the walls. These signs or indicators will indicate which direction is the front or back of the vessel.

Are there parts of the cruise ship I can’t access?

Yes, some parts of cruise ships are off-limits to passengers. These private areas are typically only accessible to crew members, such as the crew gym, crew cabins, and storage areas. Additionally, some areas may be off-limits for safety reasons or to protect guests’ privacy. It is essential to follow the crew’s instructions and avoid attempting to access any off-limit areas.

What are the rooms called on a cruise ship?

The rooms on a cruise ship are typically referred to as cabins. These cabins can be private staterooms, suites, or even dorm-style cabins. Some cruise ships also have specialty cabins, such as family cabins, connecting cabins, or cabins with balconies. The size, amenities, and cabin type will vary depending on the cruise line and ship.

The number of rooms on a typical cruise ship today is significantly higher than what was available during the Titanic era in the 1920s. There were 840 cabins on the Titanic, while modern cruise ships can have over 2,700 rooms. This increase is due to the larger size of modern cruise ships, typically much longer and wider than the Titanic. 

Do cruise ships have clinics?

Yes, most cruise ships have onboard medical clinics. These clinics have trained medical professionals and are equipped with basic medical supplies and equipment. Cruise ships usually have doctors and nurses on board to provide medical care and treatment to passengers and crew. The clinics are not equipped to handle major medical emergencies; hence if you experience a medical emergency during your cruise vacation, you should contact the ship’s staff or the medical clinic as soon as possible.