Today, we are headed back into the “La Lido Loca YouTube Archives” for some helpful cruise ship terminology. All the way back to the beginning–back when Tony was carrying an iPhone 7.
This is great information for first-time cruisers or even cruisers who have been cruising for years, but have never understood the cruise lingo.
Here we go–
On embarkation day–the day you actually get on the ship, upon arrival at the port, you will enter the cruise terminal, the place you actually get on the ship. At the cruise terminal, a porter will take your luggage to the ship, where it magically appears in your stateroom–also called a cabin or room–at some point. Tip the porter.
Once you are onboard, and before you hit the Lido Deck, the deck where you will find the pool, you will want to find your muster station and complete your muster drill. The muster drill is a mandatory part of cruising so passengers will know what to do in case of an emergency.
At the correct time, you will want to find your room, unpack if your luggage has arrived and meet your room steward–the person who will clean your room and bring you items you need. When you are ready, change into your swimsuit and head to the Lido Deck. You will find the Cruise Director, also known as the Master of Fun on the ship, here during the sail away party. You never know where the Cruise Director will pop up, but you can be sure wherever that is, fun will follow.
Make sure to arrive on time for your dining time in the Main Dining Room or MDR. The MDR is a great space to try new foods or enjoy your favorites. Most nights the atmosphere and attire are “cruise casual” and it is not unusual for the crew to do a little singing and dancing. However, you will want to pack one formal outfit to wear during Formal Night in the Main Dining Room. If you prefer the relaxed atmosphere, head to the buffet on formal night.
Will your next day be a sea day or port day and what is the difference? If your next day is a sea day, you will spend the entire day on the ship heading to your first port. The cruise line will have lots of different activities to choose from during your sea day or you can simply relax by the pool or in the hot tub. No matter what you choose, you will not be bored during your sea day. Refer back to Cruise Director info.
Oh, and do not forget your ship card while you are out and about! It is attached to your ship account. You know the account that you fund so you can shop, or get a special drink, or buy a ship souvenir or whatever you may want or need while on the ship. It also happens to be your room key.
If it is a port day, you will want to be fully prepared to get off the ship. Make sure you have your ship card as it also serves to prove you are a passenger on the ship, required documentation to get back on the ship (check with the cruise line and port), currency for activities while in port, and you will probably need sunscreen.
There are different ways to get into a port, depending on the port. Some ports are large and have piers that can accommodate cruise ships. This mean you can walk right off the ship. Other ports require tenders. Ports that require tenders will take a set amount of passengers from ship to shore via a smaller boat–the tender. If you are curious as to the difference between a boat and a ship, a boat is a vessel that will fit on a ship. That’s how you know.
Lastly, is debarkation. It is, without question, the saddest word on a cruise ship. Why? It means your cruise is over and you have to leave the ship. The cruise line will expect you to leave your stateroom by a specific time. Please do not forget to tip your room steward. They have worked hard for you the past few days. You will be expected to leave the ship once the ship receives clearance. You can have a porter (don’t forget to tip them) take your luggage, or take it off the ship yourself. Once you have passed through customs, you will go home and promptly plan your next cruise!
Now head to YouTube and watch 2017 Tony explain this information during Cruise Ship Terminology 101. Also, if you have ever wondered where to find the Forward, the Aft or the Stern, or if you are Starboard or Port side, you will want to watch Cruise Ship Terminology 102.