So, you have booked your very first cruise—congrats! Get ready for sunsets at sea, endless food options, and more towel animals than you ever thought possible. But before you start imagining yourself living that buffet-to-pool lifestyle, let us clear up some cruise lingo and basics that can leave first-time cruisers scratching their heads.

Here is a quick guide to help you board with confidence (and maybe even sound like a seasoned cruiser while you are at it).

Cruise Terms You Will Hear Onboard

☀️ Starboard = The right side of the ship when you are facing forward.

☀️ Port = The left side of the ship when you are facing forward. (Easy way to remember: “port” and “left” both have four letters).

☀️ Aft = The back of the ship.

☀️ Forward = The front of the ship.

☀️ Ship = What you are on. It is a ship. Not a boat. Trust me—seasoned cruisers will correct you quickly if you mix that one up.

☀️ Lido Deck = Usually the main outdoor deck with the pools, casual dining spots, and endless soft serve ice cream. If you are looking for the fun, this is where it happens.

☀️ MDR (Main Dining Room) = The sit-down restaurant onboard where you will get dinner service, brunch, and sometimes a table-service breakfast. This is where cruise dining feels a little fancy (but do not worry, no tuxedo required).

☀️ Tender = A smaller boat that takes you from the ship to shore when your cruise cannot dock at a pier. Example: Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas uses tenders to get passengers to the island.

☀️ Embarkation = The glorious first day when you board the ship, drop your bags, and start your vacation.

☀️ Disembarkation = The not-so-glorious last day when they kindly tell you your time on the ship is over. Aka the saddest day of the trip.

Extra First-Timer Tips

✅ Bring a carry-on bag with swimsuits, sunscreen, and any meds. Your luggage may take hours to be delivered to your cabin.

✅ Download the cruise line’s app. It is your guide to daily activities, menus, and ship maps—plus a great way to message your travel buddies onboard.

✅ Do not stress the dress code. MDR nights can be “formal,” but most people keep it simple—think nice dinner outfit, not prom night.

✅ Cash for tipping crew members who go above and beyond is always appreciated.

✅ Enjoy Sea days. Do not feel like you have to do everything. Sometimes the best part of cruising is grabbing a lounger, a plate of nachos, and just watching the ocean roll by.

A cruise really is what you make it. Whether you are in it for the excursions, the food, or just the bliss of being at sea, knowing a few terms (and not calling it a “boat”) will help you fit right in from day one.

Until next time, I am Brian — and remember to Take the Trip!

(And do not forget, calories don’t count on a cruise ship… right?)