Nautical & Ship Language

Though not necessary to get around the ship, knowing the ship terminology makes it fun and kind of an authentic seafaring experience. Here are a few terms that will make you look like you’re a seasoned cruiser as well as get you familiar with your floating home for the next few days…

Aft - Towards the rear of the ship

Amidships - Towards or at the middle of the ship

Astern - Behind the ship

Beam - Ship’s width at the widest point

Below - The area below the “Main Deck”

Berth - Quay, dock or pier where the ship ties up or the act of so doing. Also a term used aboard ship for a sleeping point or bed.

Bilges - The lowest part of the ship

Boat Station - The place taken by passengers during lifeboat drill

Bow - The forward pointed part of the ship which acts as a control center

Bridge - The forward and upper part of the ship

Bulkhead - Interior partition or wall aboard ship

Cabin - Passenger’s room, otherwise known as a stateroom

Captain - Overall commander of the ship

Chief Engineer - Officer responsible for mechanical well being of the ship

Course - Ship’s passage in a given direction expressed in degree

Cruise Director - Individual in charge of entertainment and on-board activities

Disembark - To get off the ship

Embark - To join a ship for a voyage

Fantail- The rear, overhanging part of the ship

Fore- Front part of the ship

Galley- Ship’s kitchen

Gangway- The passageway or stairway that links the ship to the quayside

Hotel Manager- Officer in charge of passenger service

Launch- A small boat that transfers passengers from ship to shore when the vessel is unable to berth

Leeward- The side of the ship that is sheltered from the wind

Lifeboat- A small boat that transfers passengers to a rescue ship during emergencies

Lifejacket- An inflatable jacket that allows the wearer to float in water

Muster Station- Assembly point in an emergency

Passenger Ratio The number of passengers divided by the number of crew gives the ratio.

Crew ratio- The lower this Crew ratio figure, the better the on-board service will be

Port-The left-hand side of the ship, when facing forward

Purser- Officer in charge of finance

Stabilizer- A retractable device that protrudes from the hull below waterline to providestability when the ship is moving

Staff Captain- The second in command of the Captain

Starboard- The right hand side of the ship, when facing forward

Stateroom- Passenger’s room, otherwise known as the cabin

Stern- The rear flat part of the ship, opposite the bow

Tender- A small boat that transfer passengers from ship to shore when the ship is unable to berth

Windward- The side of the ship that is not sheltered from the wind

Nautical terms provided by DK Eyewitness Travel Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterranean

Photo provided by Flickr Just-Us-3