Cruise Tips
Here you will find tips and the answers to your
Frequently Asked Questions.
You see, cruise lines often change what you can and can't take aboard, drink packages, theme nights and lots of other information you need to know before heading off on a cruise.
Also, there's other questions many have like: What should I wear? Do I need insurance for a domestic cruise? Which tours are best for kids? How do I to combat sea sickness?
This page will be constantly updated, so make sure you keep coming back. And, if there's something I've missed, please send me a message.
Happy cruising!
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When I tell the nearest and dearest about my love of cruising, I am met with an incredulous eyebrow lift.
Not just a slight raise of the brows, but a full 'facelift-on-steroids', eye popping, mouth agape, gawk.
"But don't you spew on ships - and umm, pretty much everything that moves?" the shocked friend usually retorts.
And that's the end of that discussion.
My very first blog post was entitled 'I vomit on all moving things', and it still rings true. However, now that I have cruised many times, I've picked up a few tricks along the way.
On every cruise I take, I implement my strategies, and now I am able to nip it in the bud and enjoy every second at sea.
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Cruise Packing Tips
It would probably be more apt to name this article, Confessions of a Serial Overpacker, as even after more than a dozen cruises, I still take too many clothes. And do you know what? I’m okay with that! I like to have options and dressing up for dinner. It does mean, that I need to take a larger bag and sometimes an extra piece of luggage. The way I see it though, is that I only have to to unpack once.
Here’s a checklist of sorts that I hope you will find useful when packing for a cruise. I’m sure I have missed a few items, but hopefully not too many. Happy packing!
Clothing
Women
Day
Casual attire such as dresses, skirts, jeans, shorts, pants, t-shirts, shirts and blouses. Always take a least one long sleeved top plus a cardigan or jacket.
Evening
Smart casual to formal depending on the theme of the night. (More under THEME nights)
Footwear
Thongs (flip-flops), sandals, sneakers/closed toe shoes and all the stilettos your heart desires. (Just be careful around the ship, decks and walking up and down stairs).
Swimwear
At least 2 pairs of swimming costumes, a rash vest, sarongs (which can double up as a scarf)
Headwear
Sun hat, cap and/or sun visor. In cooler climates, a beanie or beret
Miscellaneous
A scarf or pashmina is also a good idea and doesn’t take up much room.
Sunglasses
Underwear
Pyjamas, sleepwear
Socks
Men
Day
Casual attire such as jeans, shorts, pants, t-shirts, shirts. At least one jacket or hoodie
Evening
Smart casual to formal depending on the theme of the night. (More under THEME nights)
Swimwear
Board shorts, rash vest
Headwear
Cap, wide brimmed hat. In cooler climates, a beanie
Miscellaneous
Sunglasses
Underwear
Pyjamas, sleepwear
Socks
Babies to pre-teens
Day
Casual clothing. Always pack extra warm clothing just in case
Evening
Casual to smart casual. Kids also love dressing up (More under THEME nights)
Swimwear
Board shorts, rash vests, swim hats, swimmers
Headwear
Caps, wide brimmed hat. In cooler climates, a beanie
Miscellaneous
Sunglasses
Underwear
Singlets
Pyjamas, sleepwear
Socks
Nappies/Diapers (If your baby-toddler is still in nappies, bring more than you think you’ll need)
Teenagers
Let them pack what they want, they won’t listen to you anyway. Tip: Take a few extra pieces of their clothing in your luggage.
Currency
As cruising is ‘cashless’, cruisers have the option of loading a credit card on their accounts or adding cash.
Credit cards
Sometimes cruiselines place a ‘hold’ on credit cards (in the same way a hotel have a holding bond) which may take anywhere from a few days to a week to clear after debarking.
Cash
While there are ATMs aboard, the fees are quite high, so it’s always a good idea to bring cash aboard, even if only to use at the ports. Check the currency of the ports you’re visiting and exchange the local currency before boarding, as you’ll usually get a better rate on land.
Electronics
Phones
Laptops
Headphones
Tablets
Cameras
Chargers (plural)
GoPro (or other video recording equipment)
Walkie-Talkies
Extras
Magnets (cabin walls are metal)
Laundry Washing liquid/powder
Post-it notes (to leave messages for your cabin buddies)
Mini portable clothes line
Reusable calico bags (for storing dirty clothes)
Lanyard
A spare set of reading glasses (especially if you wear contact lenses)
Empty beach bag/backpack to take on shore excursions
Snacks (in original packaging, chips, chocolate, nuts etc)
Resealable plastic sandwich bags. These are great for storing bits and pieces.
Note: You do NOT need to pack beach towels, as these are supplied on the ship
Jewellery
I usually only ever take costume jewellery. Even though there is a safe in each cabin, I’m paranoid about leaving an expensive/sentimental item on a night stand or dropping it down the sink or even losing something special at a port.
Medications
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Sunscreen
After-sun lotion/spray
Insect repellent
Eyedrops
Bandaids/plasters
Stretchy bandage
Seasickness meds
Antihistamine
Throat lozenges
Lip balm
Contact lens solution (if needed)
Laxatives
Antacids
Electrolytes
Note:
If you are on any regular prescription medication, always take extra and leave in original packaging.
Theme Nights
I love getting involved in the theme nights, however these are totally optional and are constantly changing. Check with the cruiseline as to which themes are currently on board. Formal night is almost always a given, and depending on the cruiseline, formal attire is often expected at dinner.
Popular themes nights include: Island (hawaiian shirt, grass skirts), Mexican (sombreros, moustaches, ponchos) Gatsby (feather boas, gloves, braces, fedoras), Back To School (ties, shorts, tartan skirts). There’s also other ‘simpler’ nights such as White (Bianco) and Nero (Black) nights. The decision is entirely yours, and costumes can range from elaborate get ups to just a few accessories.
Toiletries
Make up
Make-up wipes
Perfume/aftershave
Hairdryer, hair straighter (although hairdryers are supplied, they aren’t the best quality)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Mouthwash
Floss
Deodorant/Anti-perspirant
Razors
Shaving cream
Body wash
Shampoo
Conditioner
Personal hand sanitiser
Sanitary pads/tampons
Any other personal items e.g ear plugs, eye masks, use your imagination...
Note: There will always be soap, shampoo and body wash in your cabin bathrooms, and depending on the category you book and which cruiseline, often a more premium product will be provided. If you are particular about shampoo and body wash or you have sensitivities, pack your own. Always pack hair conditioner! I forgot once and it costs me a bucket to purchase on board.
While most, if not all of these items are available on board to purchase - which is great if you’ve forgotten something - be warned these items are usually much more expensive than what you’d pay on land.
Travel documents
Passports
Boarding Passes
Extra Luggage tags
Insurance policy
Note: Keep all these items in your carry-on luggage or in your handbag and don’t forget your wallet. Store all important items in your cabin safe when you’re aboard.
Water sport equipment
Snorkels
Flippers
Goggles
Masks
Wet suit
Reef shoes
WHAT NOT TO PACK
There are many things you are not allowed to bring on board a cruise ship, and these prohibited items will confiscated from your luggage. Please don’t smuggle alcoholic spirits in water bottles or mouthwash containers, they know all the tricks. Do not bring on alcohol (unless the cruiseline you’re travelling on allows a certain type/quantity) and only bring the allotted number of soft drinks allowed.
Please check your cruise documents for a complete list of prohibited items. These items will change, so even if you’ve cruised on the same cruiseline previously, it’s worth checking again. As many seasoned cruisers will attest, the piles of confiscated items (including many, many powerboards) are hard to miss at customs.
Here is just a short list of some of the more commonly prohibited items:
Irons
Kettles
Toasters
Humidifiers
Candles
Power boards
Coffee makers
Weapons
Knives
Scissors
Drugs
And finally, if you do forget something, just ask reception - they’ve heard it all before - or wait until you reach a port and purchase what you’re missing.
If I've forgotten something, please let me know
and I'll add it to the list
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SEA SICKNESS
Tips, Tricks and Myths
Sea Sickness
When I tell the nearest and dearest about my love of cruising, I am met with an incredulous eyebrow lift.
Not just a slight raise of the brows, but a full 'facelift-on-steroids', eye popping, mouth agape, gawk.
"But don't you spew on ships - and umm, pretty much everything that moves?" the shocked friend usually retorts.
"This is true. But I love cruising more than I hate seasickness."
And that's the end of that discussion.
My very first blog post was entitled 'I vomit on all moving things', and it still rings true. However, now that I have cruised many times, I've picked up a few tricks along the way.
Sea sickness or motion sickness can manifest in a a number of ways. Obviously vomiting, but also nausea, dry retching, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, cramps, and headache. I get ALL these symptoms, my kids get a combination.
And while sea sickness is far from pleasant, it do not let it ruin my love for cruising. I wont let it! You see, my attitude is to make the most out of every day. Yes, some days are full of chunder, but some days are full of chocolate cake. And some chunder is full of chocolate cake! Anyway...
And while sea sickness is far from pleasant, it do not let it ruin my love for cruising. I wont let it! You see, my attitude is to make the most out of every day. Yes, some days are full of chunder, but some days are full of chocolate cake. And some chunder is full of chocolate cake! Anyway...
On every cruise I take, I implement my strategies, and now I am able to nip it in the bud and enjoy every second at sea.
IMPORTANT:
Each person reacts differently to different medications. I am NOT a
doctor nor a pharmacist, so PLEASE check with a medical professional
before taking any meds. I am not giving advice, but just sharing my
experiences.
Antihistamines:
Phenergan, Avomine (active ingredient - promethazine).
Green apples
I don't know why, but they just work. Only green apples, and only crisp, Granny Smiths.
Not helpful, and made me vomit. Weird actually as I lived on ginger tabs when I was pregnant and suffered from morning sickness.
Sea/Travel Bands
An absolute waste of money, in my opinion. They cost about $25 and look like sweatbands. There is a little metal disk sewn into the band that is supposed to rest on a pressure point on the inside of your wrist. I found just pressing on that pressure point with my thumb better, and also free. You can also hold down the fleshy part between your thumb and index finger. Press these acupressure points for a few seconds then release. I think the pain makes you forget about your sick tummy.
Location
The best place to be on a ship is smack bang in the middle, and on the lower decks. I always choose cabins that are on deck 6 or lower, preferably deck 5 or 4. As soon as I sit for extended periods of time at the front or back (where generally the main dining room and theatres are located) I start to feel sick.
Ship doctor
The doctor will give you a jab (not sure what the drug is) but from what I've heard, it works well. It will cost you about $150.
Bandaid on the belly button
No idea if this works, but it's worth a shot, even if it's just a placebo effect.
Karaoke
Only if you sing, 'Rock the Boat'.
You need to get a script from your GP, and it is not cheap. I mean, it's not expensive, but from memory I got about 14 for $40. The great thing is also that these come in wafers that dissolve on your tongue (my kids still gag when trying to swallow tablets) and they only need HALF each when they feel poorly.
Antihistamines:
Kwells and Travacalm HO (active ingredient dimenhydrinate)
Travacalm Original (active ingredient - hyoscine hydrobromide)
Travacalm Original (active ingredient - hyoscine hydrobromide)
Phenergan, Avomine (active ingredient - promethazine).
Personally, Travacalm
original works best, but makes me drowsy. One funny incident was when I
drank it with a cocktail. Before I knew it, I literally hit the deck.
Funny times Honey, funny times. I was out for four hours.
Phenergan
knocks my kids out, so I avoid it at all costs. A very senior nurse
once told me that phenergan can have a 'knock-out' effect or a
'hypo-wired effect'.
Kwells did not work at all for me or the kids.
The
trick here is to try them out before you travel. Some people swear by
taking them the night before you cruise, and I most definitely take
them before I board.
N.B There are also different brand names with the same active ingredients.
N.B There are also different brand names with the same active ingredients.
Green apples
I don't know why, but they just work. Only green apples, and only crisp, Granny Smiths.
Ginger Beer/Ale
It might be the ginger, but while it doesn't cure it, it really helps to alleviate symptoms.
Ginger tablets
Not helpful, and made me vomit. Weird actually as I lived on ginger tabs when I was pregnant and suffered from morning sickness.
Sea/Travel Bands
An absolute waste of money, in my opinion. They cost about $25 and look like sweatbands. There is a little metal disk sewn into the band that is supposed to rest on a pressure point on the inside of your wrist. I found just pressing on that pressure point with my thumb better, and also free. You can also hold down the fleshy part between your thumb and index finger. Press these acupressure points for a few seconds then release. I think the pain makes you forget about your sick tummy.
Location
The best place to be on a ship is smack bang in the middle, and on the lower decks. I always choose cabins that are on deck 6 or lower, preferably deck 5 or 4. As soon as I sit for extended periods of time at the front or back (where generally the main dining room and theatres are located) I start to feel sick.
Ship doctor
The doctor will give you a jab (not sure what the drug is) but from what I've heard, it works well. It will cost you about $150.
Bandaid on the belly button
No idea if this works, but it's worth a shot, even if it's just a placebo effect.
Karaoke
Only if you sing, 'Rock the Boat'.
Do you want to know my No1, fool-proof remedy is?
It's called Zofran
(active ingredient ondansetron). My awesome dentist put me on to it
and it is THE best. I will not go on a cruise without a stash. What it
does is blocks
the actions of chemicals in the body that trigger nausea and vomiting.
It is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused by
surgery, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation treatment or motion
sickness.
You need to get a script from your GP, and it is not cheap. I mean, it's not expensive, but from memory I got about 14 for $40. The great thing is also that these come in wafers that dissolve on your tongue (my kids still gag when trying to swallow tablets) and they only need HALF each when they feel poorly.
Do you have any other remedies or tricks?
Share your tips! I'd love to read them.
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It’s not surprising that land-dwelling folk (like you and I) might fund ‘Ship-Talk’ a little confusing. I remember when I cruised the first time, how perplexed I was that people were milling around for some mustard! So, for your convenience, I have compiled a list of ship words and terms that will help you navigate your cruising adventure.
Aboard: On the ship.
About: Turning the ship about.
Aft: Rear or back of the ship. Also known as the Stern.
Air draft: The distance from the surface of the water to the highest point on a ship. Important to see if the ship can pass under structures such as a bridge.
All hands: When all crew are working on the ship.
Ashore: Off the ship.
Atrium: The central passenger area, equivalent to the lobby of a hotel. You'll find the reception desk, shore excursion desk and other guest services in this multi-deck area.
Beam: The width of a ship at its widest point.
Berth: On a ship, a berth means a bed. In a port, it means where the ship is docked.
Bow: Front of the ship. Also known as Forward.
Bridge: Navigational control centre of the vessel. Manned 24 hours a day and usually off-limits to passengers.
Bulkhead: The structural interior of the ship.
Cabin: Also known as Stateroom or Suite. This is your room aboard the ship and has a number and category. The number starts with whichever deck it is situated. E.g. 5424 is on DECK 5. Cabin category: The type of room you have.
Cruise director: Heads up the ship's entertainment staff and often emcees events.
Cruise To Nowhere: The perfect weekend getaway! A cruise where there are no ports of call.
Deck: Floors of the ship. Decks can have names, be numbered, or sometimes lettered. Most ships have no Deck 13! Debark: Leave the ship or vessel. Also referred to as disembark Dock: Where the ship moors.
Draft: Depth of water required for the ship to sail without touching the ocean floor. It is measured from the waterline to the lowest part of the ship. Drinks packages: A selection of alcohol and soft drink bundles, available to purchase upfront at an extra, daily cost.
Embark: Board the ship or vessel (YAY).
Fantail: The rear of the ship that overhangs. First seating: The earlier of two meal services in the main dining room. The second seating is the later service.
Fleet: The ships that sail under the same cruiseline.
Funnel: The smokestack on some cruise ships.
Galley: Ship’s kitchen. Gangway: Ramp or staircase you use to embark or debark from the ship.
Helm: Where the ship’s steering equipment is located.
Gratuities or Tips: Sometimes included in the fare or as an extra on your bill.
Home port: The port where passengers join a ship's cruises most of the time.
Hotel Manager: Director of all hotel operations such as housekeeping and passenger services.
Hull: Outside shell of the ship.
International Dateline: An imaginary line running down the Pacific Ocean that separates one day from another.
Itinerary: Schedule of destinations and days at sea on your cruise.
Karaoke: A must for every cruiser. If you see me, I’m usually singing “Rock The Boat.”
Keel: The main structure of the ship. It extends lengthwise along the center of the ship's bottom.
Knot: The measurement of a ship's speed. 1 knot = 1.852 on land.
Lido deck: The open pool deck on a cruise ship, typically the top deck. On most ships their are higher decks often the deck with a walking track and sometimes an observation lounge.
Mid-Ship: Middle section of the ship. Also amidship. Muster: Is to assemble the passengers and crew of a ship for a safety drill. A muster drill is done at the beginning of a cruise to instruct the guests about where to go to get into lifeboats in case of an emergency. A muster station is where everyone meets.
Norovirus: The most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in humans, causing vomiting and diarrhoea. To avoid it, wash your hands often and use antiseptic hand sanitiser.
Onboard credit: OBC - Credit that is added to your onboard bill during your cruise. You can spend it on anything while on the ship or a credit on your credit card statement.
Pitch: The forward and backward rise and fall of the ship as it moves.
Port: Left side of the ship as you face Forward. If you remember LEFT and PORT both have four letters, you’ll never get mixed up. Port can also mean the port cities you visit on a cruise.
Port day: When the ship stops at a port for a day. Sometimes, overnight.
Porthole: Round window in oceanview cabins.
Post Cruise Depression: Usually strikes the day after debark when you realise you must cook your own meals, make your own bed, there are no towel animals in your room and you cannot purchase cocktails with a plastic card.
Promenade: A deck big enough to allow passengers to walk around. On some ships the promenade serves as a jogging path, while on others it is a public space where you might find shops or restaurants.
Purser: Financial manager for guest services.
Refurbishment: An update to the ship’s decor on board. May include layout changes and occasionally a whole makeover of the ship.
Repositioning cruise: A one-way itinerary that brings a ship from one region of the world to another.
Roll: The movement of a ship from side to side.
Sailaway: The beginning of a cruise, when the ship leaves port.
Sea day: Ships stays out at sea and does not make a port stop.
Sister Ships: Ships built of the same design, owned and operated by the same cruise line.
Shore excursion: A tour or guided activity in which guests can take part in while ashore at a port.
Specialty Restaurant: Many ships you have the option of dining at a specialty or alternative restaurant that offers a higher end or niche dining venue, generally for an additional price, but not always.
Stabilisers: Winglike retractable devices that extend from the sides of a ship to reduce roll and create a more stable ride.
Starboard: Right side of the ship as you face Forward.
Swell: the rising and rolling motion of the surface of the sea away from shore, a non-breaking ocean wave.
Tender: A small boat used to transport passengers from the ship to shore. Tenders are used when the harbor isn't deep enough for the ship to dock. Tenders may be modified ship's lifeboats or local boats used in some ports.
Towel animal: Room stewards create towel animal in guests' cabins. Common towel animals include: swans, elephants, snakes and monkeys. And one left in my cabin during my Pacific Eden cruise that I still can’t figure out!
Turnaround day: The day a cruise ship is docked, usually in its home port on the day of departure and the day of return.
Upgrade: When you cabin has ben changed to a better category. Often, much praying to the Upgrade Fairy is needed.
Wake: The beautiful and often hypnotic patterned track left in the water at the stern created by a moving ship.
Whinger: A passenger who finds fault in everything on a cruise. Usually found lining up at guest services to complain that the coffee is too hot.
World cruise: A cruise of many days that sails around the world. Passengers can choose to cruise the entire time or just on select one-way segments.
If I have left any important words out, let me know. Bon Voyage!
Share your tips! I'd love to read them.
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Cruise Lingo
A Glossary of Nautical Words
Traditionally, seafaring folk have quite a salty language. Pirates say “arrrrh” a lot, sailors are known for their scuttlebutt, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge was inspired by mariners to write a ridiculously long poem peppered with nautical terminology that has now seeped into our everyday language.It’s not surprising that land-dwelling folk (like you and I) might fund ‘Ship-Talk’ a little confusing. I remember when I cruised the first time, how perplexed I was that people were milling around for some mustard! So, for your convenience, I have compiled a list of ship words and terms that will help you navigate your cruising adventure.
Aboard: On the ship.
About: Turning the ship about.
Aft: Rear or back of the ship. Also known as the Stern.
Air draft: The distance from the surface of the water to the highest point on a ship. Important to see if the ship can pass under structures such as a bridge.
All hands: When all crew are working on the ship.
Ashore: Off the ship.
Atrium: The central passenger area, equivalent to the lobby of a hotel. You'll find the reception desk, shore excursion desk and other guest services in this multi-deck area.
Beam: The width of a ship at its widest point.
Berth: On a ship, a berth means a bed. In a port, it means where the ship is docked.
Bow: Front of the ship. Also known as Forward.
Bridge: Navigational control centre of the vessel. Manned 24 hours a day and usually off-limits to passengers.
Bulkhead: The structural interior of the ship.
Cabin: Also known as Stateroom or Suite. This is your room aboard the ship and has a number and category. The number starts with whichever deck it is situated. E.g. 5424 is on DECK 5. Cabin category: The type of room you have.
- Inside – no window
- Outside or Oceanview – window or porthole
- Balcony – private balcony attached to your cabin
- Suite – larger cabin with separate living and sleeping area and other amenities.
Captain: The person who is in charge of the ship. Also known as the Master. Code Orange, Code Red: These refer to norovirus outbreaks. Code Orange refers to early stages of a reported infection. Code Red refers to a wider outbreak of norovirus, which results in the closure of pools, whirlpools and self-service dining and requires the crew to scrub down all public areas each day.
Cruise Countdown: The exciting measure of time before a cruise. Cruiser: a passenger or guest on a cruise ship.
Cruise-a-holic: A person who has caught the cruising bug. There is no known cure except to book more cruises.
Cruise card: A plastic, credit card sized card issued to every passenger on embarkation day. This card will give you entry to your cabin, purchase anything aboard (linked to your account which can be settled by cash or credit car) and allow access on and off the ship. This is you ID aboard the ship.
Cruise director: Heads up the ship's entertainment staff and often emcees events.
Cruise To Nowhere: The perfect weekend getaway! A cruise where there are no ports of call.
Deck: Floors of the ship. Decks can have names, be numbered, or sometimes lettered. Most ships have no Deck 13! Debark: Leave the ship or vessel. Also referred to as disembark Dock: Where the ship moors.
Draft: Depth of water required for the ship to sail without touching the ocean floor. It is measured from the waterline to the lowest part of the ship. Drinks packages: A selection of alcohol and soft drink bundles, available to purchase upfront at an extra, daily cost.
Embark: Board the ship or vessel (YAY).
Fantail: The rear of the ship that overhangs. First seating: The earlier of two meal services in the main dining room. The second seating is the later service.
Fleet: The ships that sail under the same cruiseline.
Funnel: The smokestack on some cruise ships.
Galley: Ship’s kitchen. Gangway: Ramp or staircase you use to embark or debark from the ship.
Helm: Where the ship’s steering equipment is located.
Gratuities or Tips: Sometimes included in the fare or as an extra on your bill.
Home port: The port where passengers join a ship's cruises most of the time.
Hotel Manager: Director of all hotel operations such as housekeeping and passenger services.
Hull: Outside shell of the ship.
International Dateline: An imaginary line running down the Pacific Ocean that separates one day from another.
Itinerary: Schedule of destinations and days at sea on your cruise.
Karaoke: A must for every cruiser. If you see me, I’m usually singing “Rock The Boat.”
Keel: The main structure of the ship. It extends lengthwise along the center of the ship's bottom.
Knot: The measurement of a ship's speed. 1 knot = 1.852 on land.
Lido deck: The open pool deck on a cruise ship, typically the top deck. On most ships their are higher decks often the deck with a walking track and sometimes an observation lounge.
Mid-Ship: Middle section of the ship. Also amidship. Muster: Is to assemble the passengers and crew of a ship for a safety drill. A muster drill is done at the beginning of a cruise to instruct the guests about where to go to get into lifeboats in case of an emergency. A muster station is where everyone meets.
Norovirus: The most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in humans, causing vomiting and diarrhoea. To avoid it, wash your hands often and use antiseptic hand sanitiser.
Onboard credit: OBC - Credit that is added to your onboard bill during your cruise. You can spend it on anything while on the ship or a credit on your credit card statement.
Pitch: The forward and backward rise and fall of the ship as it moves.
Port: Left side of the ship as you face Forward. If you remember LEFT and PORT both have four letters, you’ll never get mixed up. Port can also mean the port cities you visit on a cruise.
Port day: When the ship stops at a port for a day. Sometimes, overnight.
Porthole: Round window in oceanview cabins.
Post Cruise Depression: Usually strikes the day after debark when you realise you must cook your own meals, make your own bed, there are no towel animals in your room and you cannot purchase cocktails with a plastic card.
Promenade: A deck big enough to allow passengers to walk around. On some ships the promenade serves as a jogging path, while on others it is a public space where you might find shops or restaurants.
Purser: Financial manager for guest services.
Refurbishment: An update to the ship’s decor on board. May include layout changes and occasionally a whole makeover of the ship.
Repositioning cruise: A one-way itinerary that brings a ship from one region of the world to another.
Roll: The movement of a ship from side to side.
Sailaway: The beginning of a cruise, when the ship leaves port.
Sea day: Ships stays out at sea and does not make a port stop.
Sister Ships: Ships built of the same design, owned and operated by the same cruise line.
Shore excursion: A tour or guided activity in which guests can take part in while ashore at a port.
Specialty Restaurant: Many ships you have the option of dining at a specialty or alternative restaurant that offers a higher end or niche dining venue, generally for an additional price, but not always.
Stabilisers: Winglike retractable devices that extend from the sides of a ship to reduce roll and create a more stable ride.
Starboard: Right side of the ship as you face Forward.
Swell: the rising and rolling motion of the surface of the sea away from shore, a non-breaking ocean wave.
Tender: A small boat used to transport passengers from the ship to shore. Tenders are used when the harbor isn't deep enough for the ship to dock. Tenders may be modified ship's lifeboats or local boats used in some ports.
Towel animal: Room stewards create towel animal in guests' cabins. Common towel animals include: swans, elephants, snakes and monkeys. And one left in my cabin during my Pacific Eden cruise that I still can’t figure out!
Turnaround day: The day a cruise ship is docked, usually in its home port on the day of departure and the day of return.
Upgrade: When you cabin has ben changed to a better category. Often, much praying to the Upgrade Fairy is needed.
Wake: The beautiful and often hypnotic patterned track left in the water at the stern created by a moving ship.
Whinger: A passenger who finds fault in everything on a cruise. Usually found lining up at guest services to complain that the coffee is too hot.
World cruise: A cruise of many days that sails around the world. Passengers can choose to cruise the entire time or just on select one-way segments.
If I have left any important words out, let me know. Bon Voyage!