Cruise ship terms

Ship Terms

Bow - The front of the ship.
Stern - The rear of the ship.
Bridge - The location on the ship where the Captain and senior officers navigate the ship. Located forward, on a high deck.
Galley - A cruise ship’s kitchen. Large, modern cruise ships have multiple restaurants and galleys.
Gangway - The ramp connecting the ship to the port. Remember, you don’t walk the plank on a cruise holiday! A pirate ship has a gangplank; cruise ships have a gangway.

Decks - The various levels of the cruise ship.

Helm - The helm is the area of the bridge on which the steering wheel is located and used by the crew only.

Hull - The hull is the outside of the ship.

Keel - The keel is the ship’s bottom centre.

Leeward and Windward - Leeward means downwind, or the side of the ship that is facing away from the wind. Windward is upwind or the side that is facing the wind.

Lido - This is the deck where you will find the outdoor pools, and where the sail-away party and other entertainment takes place. 

Midship - The middle of the ship. 

Port - This is the left side of the ship.

Starboard - This is the right side of the ship.

Stern/aft - The rear of the ship.
Upper Deck - This is the topmost deck on the ship.
Knot - Cruise ship speeds are reported in Knots. One Knot = 1.15 Miles Per Hour.
Mooring - A place where a ship is tied, such as the dock when in port.
Wake - The trail of water created at the back (stern) of the ship as it moves forward in the water.

Meet the crew

Cabin Steward - Crew member responsible for the housekeeping of your cabin.

Captain - Crew member in charge of the cruise ship, responsible for the crew and passenger safety.

Cruise Director - Crew member who organises the ship’s activities and entertainment and is often the emcee for onboard events.

Maître D’ - Crew member responsible for the dining room.

Porter - A crew member on land to help you with your luggage curbside before you embark the ship.

Purser - Crew member in charge of onboard billing and monetary transactions.