Decoding the Language of Cruising
Jun 03, 2026
Published October 2024 | Updated October 2026
Cruise lingo can make cruising a bit intimidating for a cruise newbie. If you're a first-timer or still somewhat new to cruising, it can be helpful to learn the "language of cruising." Here are some common cruise-specific terms that will help you as you make your booking and once you set sail.
- Directions: aft = back, forward = front, port = left side, starboard = right side.
- Muster drill (not "mustard"): mandatory safety briefing before the ship departs. You cannot skip it.
- Port day vs. sea day: port day means the ship docks and you explore; sea day means no port and you stay onboard.
- Tender port: when the ship can't dock at a pier, small tender boats ferry you to shore.
- Stateroom = your cabin; steward = your cabin attendant who keeps everything clean and comfortable.
Aft and Forward, Port Side and Starboard
These are sections and directions of a cruise ship. Knowing these terms is crucial for navigating the ship. "Aft" refers to the back of the ship, while "forward" indicates the front. "Port side" is the ship's left side when facing forward, and "starboard" is the right side. Understanding these terms will make it easier to find your way around. For a deeper dive into these concepts, check out my post about understanding these terms and navigating a cruise ship.
It might sound silly, but the way I remember it is the "aft" is the "ass" of the ship. And for the sides, "port" and "left" both have four letters.
Disembarkation
Disembarkation is the process of getting off the ship. It happens both on port days, when you get off the ship to explore, and also reflects the final step of your cruise journey, the final disembarkation at the end of your cruise which involves getting yourself and your luggage off the ship and passing through customs. Read my post here to learn more about final disembarkation, what's involved with it, how long it takes, and the pros and cons of luggage handling options.
The term "debark" is synonymous with disembarkation, and both are commonly used in cruise lingo, although "disembarkation" is generally the more commonly used term.
Embarkation
Embarkation is the process of getting on the ship (you and your luggage). This involves checking in at the port, going through security, and finally boarding the vessel. The embarkation process can be exciting as it marks the beginning of your cruise adventure. It also can be a little chaotic, especially for a newbie, and feels like navigating TSA at an airport.
For tips about how to ensure a smooth cruise embarkation, and the pros and cons of carrying on your luggage yourself versus checking it, read this post.
Main Dining Room (MDR)
The Main Dining Room, or MDR, is the ship's primary complimentary sit-down restaurant, offering multi-course meals with table service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most cruise ships offer two MDR options: traditional dining (assigned seating times and table) and anytime dining (flexible hours, no reservation required). The MDR is included in your cruise fare.
Related: Learn the 5 Secrets to Maximizing Your MDR Experience.
Muster Drill
A muster drill (not "mustard") is the required safety briefing conducted by all cruise lines before the ship can set sail. During this drill, passengers are instructed on where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. Attendance is mandatory, and it's a crucial part of ensuring everyone's safety on board. If you try to skip it, the cruise line will hunt you down like a dog, so don't even bother trying.
Pro Tip
The muster drill is not optional. Every passenger must complete it before the ship departs. On most cruise lines today you can complete it via the app or at your designated muster station shortly after boarding, so get it done early and check it off your list.
Port Day
A port day is when your cruise ship docks at a port, allowing passengers to disembark and explore the destination. Port days are filled with excursions, sightseeing, shopping, and dining opportunities. Each port offers a unique experience, from cultural tours and historical sites to beach outings and adventurous activities. Port days provide a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the beauty of new places before returning to the ship for the next leg of your journey. Learn more about what to expect for port days, and how to prepare for them.
Sea Day
A sea day is a day during your sailing when your ship does not call on a port and you do not leave the ship. Sea days offer the perfect opportunity to explore the ship's amenities, relax by the pool, indulge in spa treatments, or participate in onboard activities and entertainment.
Stateroom
Your cruise room isn't just a "room"; it's a stateroom, sometimes called a cabin. Staterooms come in various categories, from inside cabins with no windows to luxurious suites with private balconies. No matter the type, your stateroom will be your cozy home away from home during your cruise, although some staterooms may be better for some people than others. In my post here, I explain the differences between various stateroom types and categories.
Steward
This is your stateroom attendant, sometimes mistakenly called a "Stewart." A steward is a crucial part of the great cruise experience. They provide personalized service and ensure your stateroom is clean and comfortable. Stewards often go above and beyond to make your stay special, learning your preferences and addressing your needs promptly.
Tender Port
Due to narrow channels or shallow water, large cruise ships cannot always navigate to a pier. In these cases, they anchor in the ocean and use smaller boats, or "tender boats," to transport passengers from ship to shore. Tendering can add an element of adventure to your port visits and offers a unique perspective of your destination from the water.
More Cruise Terms You'll Hear on Board
Bow and Stern
The bow is the very front of the ship and the stern is the very back. You'll hear these used interchangeably with forward and aft.
Midship
The middle of the ship. Midship cabins on lower decks tend to feel the least motion, which is why they're often recommended for anyone worried about seasickness.
Deck
A floor of the ship. Deck 5 is the fifth floor. Your cabin number usually tells you which deck you're on (cabin 8254 is on deck 8 on most ships).
Lido Deck
The pool deck, usually home to the main pool and the buffet.
The Bridge
Where the captain and officers navigate the ship. Some lines offer bridge tours as a paid experience.
Galley
The ship's kitchen.
Gangway
The ramp or walkway you use to get on and off the ship.
All Aboard Time
The time you have to be back on the ship on a port day. It's earlier than the departure time, and the ship won't wait for you if you're late.
Muster Station
Your assigned meeting spot in an emergency. You'll find it on your cruise card or in the cruise line's app.
Cruise Card
Your room key, ID, and onboard credit card all in one. Royal Caribbean calls it a SeaPass card and Carnival calls it a Sail and Sign card.
Homeport and Port of Call
Your homeport is where the cruise starts. A port of call is any stop along the way.
Shore Excursion
A tour or activity on a port day. You can book through the cruise line or independently, and there are real pros and cons to each.
Onboard Account (Folio)
Everything you charge to your cruise card goes to your onboard account, sometimes called your folio. You settle it with the card you put on file at check-in.
Auto-Gratuities
The daily service charge most lines add to your onboard account automatically. Here's how much to tip on a cruise and whether you should remove auto-gratuities.
Onboard Credit (OBC)
Money credited to your onboard account that you can spend on things like drinks, specialty dining, and the spa. The rules for leftover credit vary by line, so read the fine print.
Specialty Dining
Restaurants that cost extra, as opposed to the Main Dining Room and buffet, which are included in your fare.
Guarantee Cabin (GTY)
You book a cabin category, and the cruise line picks your specific cabin later. It's usually cheaper, but you give up control over location. More on that in my guide to choosing a cruise cabin.
Obstructed View
A cabin where something blocks part of your window or balcony view, like a lifeboat.
Closed-Loop and Open-Loop
A closed-loop cruise starts and ends at the same U.S. port. An open-loop cruise starts in one port and ends in another. This one matters a lot for passport rules.
Repositioning Cruise
A one-way sailing that moves a ship from one region to another between seasons, like from Alaska to the Caribbean. They're often long and often a good deal.
Back-to-Back
Booking two cruises in a row on the same ship without going home in between.
Decoding the Secret Language of Cruising
By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you'll feel more confident and prepared as you embark on your cruise adventure.
Cruise Lingo FAQ
What does "aft" mean on a cruise ship?
Aft refers to the back of the ship. The opposite is "forward," which refers to the front. Port side is the left side when facing forward, and starboard is the right side.
What is a muster drill on a cruise?
A muster drill is the mandatory safety briefing that all passengers must complete before the ship sets sail. During the drill, passengers learn where to go and what to do in an emergency. It is not optional, and the cruise line will track you down if you try to skip it.
What is the difference between a port day and a sea day?
A port day is when the ship docks at a destination and passengers can disembark to explore. A sea day is a day when the ship is sailing between ports and does not stop, so you spend the day enjoying onboard amenities.
What is a tender port?
A tender port is a destination where the cruise ship cannot dock directly at a pier due to shallow water or narrow channels. Instead, the ship anchors offshore and smaller "tender boats" ferry passengers back and forth to shore.
What is a stateroom on a cruise ship?
A stateroom is your cabin or room on the cruise ship. Staterooms range from inside cabins with no windows to balcony cabins to full suites. Your stateroom is your home base for the entire voyage.
Who is the steward on a cruise?
The steward (sometimes called the room steward or stateroom attendant) is the crew member who maintains your cabin. They clean your room, replenish towels and toiletries, and often go above and beyond to make your stay comfortable.
Is aft the front or the back of a cruise ship?
Aft is the back. Forward is the front.
Which side is port on a cruise ship?
Port is the left side when you're facing forward. Starboard is the right. Both "port" and "left" have four letters.
What does MDR stand for on a cruise?
MDR stands for Main Dining Room, the ship's included sit-down restaurant.
What is the MDR on a cruise?
MDR stands for Main Dining Room, the ship's primary complimentary sit-down restaurant offering multi-course meals with table service. Most ships offer traditional dining (assigned time and table) and anytime dining (flexible hours). The MDR is included in your cruise fare.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Professor Melissa!
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