towards the back, rear or stern of a ship.

offering passengers the option to dine in restaurant other than the main dining room often a smaller restaurant with a themed setting. In most cases it is necessary to make a reservation and an extra charge may be made to cover gratuities.

A port in which a ship cannot berth either because there is no quay or the dock is too small to accommodate the ship. The ship will drop anchor to keep the ship in position and passengers will travel from the ship to shore in a smaller boat called a 'tender'.

Dock, pier or quay. Also means bed onboard ship.

Issued to passengers at the time of check-in as a form of identification the boarding pass enables passengers to board the ship initially and to reboard throughout the cruise. Often it takes the form of a plastic card and can be used for on board purchases and consumption.

The forward most part of a ship.

The area from which the ship's officers navigate the ship. The Bridge is located high up to the front of the ship. There is usually an opportunity throughout the cruise for passengers to visit the bridge and see the computerised, navigational devices.

Cash is not normally accepted for purchases on board. Typically all on-board expenses, excluding tips and gambling expenses are billed to the individual passengers for payment by credit card on the final morning of the cruise.

As a recommended form of attire meaning that men need not wear a jacket or tie but may wear a sport shirt. Women may wear trousers, skirt or an informal dress.

Either two lower single beds convertible to a double, usually king size bed or a lower bed, which converts to a settee.

Small cruise ship used to visit remote parts of the world such as Antarctica. Frequently with a reinforced hull for navigation in ice.

The ship's kitchen.

A narrow walk way, generally with a non-slip surface for passengers and crew to board the ship.

A measure of the ship's volume. The measure is equal to one hundred cubic feet of space enclosed.

The frame and body of the ship exclusive of masts or superstructure.

Allows passengers using the cabin TV to, among other things, order films, buy shore excursions, write email, view dinner reservations, reserve a table for dinner, check their ship account status and even gamble in the casino from the privacy of their cabin.

The primary unit of speed, equal to one nautical mile or 1.15 land miles per hour.

In or toward the middle of the ship; the longitudinal centre portion of the ship.

An area on board ship, either inside or on deck, where passengers to instructed to go in the event of an emergency. Passengers will be called to their Muster Station and don their life jackets as part of the emergency drill within the first few hours of the cruise.

Ships that are either on order of being constructed by a ship yard prior to being launched or named.

Offers the passengers to eat when they wish rather than choosing an early or late dinner. This option is generally found on luxury vessels but increasingly mid market ships are offering open / single seating.

Usually the best suite on board the ship and originally designed for the owner and his/her guests.

The left side of the ship when facing forward.

Refers to a generation of ships, which are too wide to go through the Panama Canal (over 100,000grt) limiting them to the Caribbean, Atlantic and Europe.

Several cruise lines buy or lease islands where passengers can enjoy exclusive use of the facilities.

These are cruises where the ship moves from one area to another e.g. from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean.

The right side of the ship when facing forward.

The rear of the ship.

A deluxe cabin, often offering separate bedroom and sitting/dining area.

A cruise where some or all of the on board activities are intended to attract people with a special interests i.e. music, wine tasting, history, and art appreciation.

Commonly used on ships these toilets use vacuum suction when flushed. This system requires less water. Passengers must not remain seated when flushing the toilet or may risk getting stuck.