Cruise Ship Lingo: A Beginner’s Guide to Nautical Terminology
Embarking on a cruise for the first time can feel like stepping into a different world, complete with its own unique language. While land-based vacations rely on everyday vocabulary, cruise ships utilize maritime terminology, a language understood by crew members but often foreign to novice travelers. This nautical jargon forms part of what Walt Nadolny, professor emeritus of marine transportation and global business at the State University of New York Maritime College, refers to as the "mariner’s standard vocabulary."
Nadolny, a seasoned maritime professional with experience ranging from oil tankers to cruise ships and roll-on, roll-off container ships, emphasizes the universality and historical depth of these terms. "I’ve worked on everything… you name it, I’ve probably sailed on it, and the terms are pretty much universal," he explains. "Some of those terms date back hundreds if not thousands of years. It’s a vocabulary that is unique to the maritime industry and still is in use."
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser with numerous nights at sea or a landlubber preparing for your maiden voyage, understanding basic cruise lingo can enhance your experience and foster a greater appreciation for the maritime world. To help you navigate the nautical nuances, we’ve compiled a list of common cruise terms and their definitions. Test your knowledge and prepare to set sail with confidence.
Common Cruise Terms and Definitions
Before you step aboard, familiarize yourself with these essential terms:
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Bow: The front of the ship. Imagine the ship as an arrow piercing the water; the bow is the point of the arrow.
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Stern: The back of the ship. This is the opposite of the bow, marking the ship’s rearmost point.
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Bridge: The control center from which the captain and other crew navigate the ship. Think of it as the ship’s cockpit, where all critical navigational decisions are made.
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Port: The ship’s left side when facing forward. To help remember this, both "port" and "left" have four letters. Also, traditionally port was signified by a red light.
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Starboard: The ship’s right side when facing forward. As you remember "Port", you can deduct the remaining side must be "Starboard". Traditionally starboard was signified by a green light.
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Gangway: The walkway used to get on and off the ship. This is essentially the ship’s front door, providing access for passengers and crew.
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Tender: A small boat used for traveling to and from shore while the ship is anchored. When a ship can’t dock directly at a port, tenders ferry passengers to and from the mainland.
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Keel: The center structural piece at the bottom of the ship. This is the backbone of the ship, providing stability and support.
The Practical Purpose of Nautical Terminology
Beyond historical tradition, maritime terminology serves a crucial practical purpose: effective communication. According to Nadolny, "The working language globally for marine transportation is English." The need for a common language is paramount, especially considering the diverse nationalities that comprise cruise ship crews.
The majority of seagoing crew members are required to have a command of "nautical English" to facilitate clear and concise communication. This is particularly important in emergency situations or when coordinating complex maneuvers. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the industry’s leading trade organization, reports that crews working for its member cruise lines represent over 75 nationalities. Therefore, a standardized language is essential for seamless operations.
Seaspeak: The Official Language of the Seas
Recognizing the importance of standardized maritime communication, linguists and shipping experts developed Seaspeak, a simplified and unambiguous language designed for use at sea. In 1988, Seaspeak became the official language of the seas, as recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
"English was chosen as the principal lexicon for Seaspeak because it was the most common language spoken on ships at that time, and, importantly, it was also the language of civil aviation," NOAA explains on its website. This alignment with aviation language further enhances communication and safety across different modes of transportation.
By adopting Seaspeak, the maritime industry has created a common ground for communication, regardless of nationality or native language. This ensures that vital information is conveyed accurately and efficiently, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings and promoting safer seafaring practices.
Armed with this basic understanding of cruise ship lingo, you’re now better prepared to navigate the nautical world and embark on your cruise adventure with confidence. So, set sail, explore the open seas, and immerse yourself in the unique language and culture of cruising.
