Planning your cruise

• Embarkation: this is when you board the ship.

• Port of call: this is a location on your cruise where you can leave the ship and explore the local area or take part in a shore excursion.

• Disembarkation: this is when you leave the ship at the end of your cruise.

• Shore excursion: this is an organised activity you can enjoy when you leave the ship at a port of call on your itinerary. You can book excursions before your cruise.

• Gangway: this is the walkway to get on and off the ship.

• Tender: this is a boat used to shuttle passengers to land where the cruise ship can't dock.

Cruise ship terminology

• Forward: the front of the ship.

• Port: the left side of the ship.

• Starboard: the right side of the ship.

• Aft: the rear part of the ship.

• Galley: the ship's kitchen.

• Atrium: this area is the central hub of the ship.

• Midship: this area is in the middle area of the ship, between the bow and the aft. Cabins in this area have more stability.

• Deck plan: a map of all the decks on the ship.

• Lido deck: the public pool deck, usually on one of the top decks

Cabins (or staterooms)

• Inside: these are cabins without a window or porthole.

• Oceanview/ outside: these are cabins with a window or a porthole.

• Balcony: these cabins include a private outdoor space.

• Suite: these are the most luxurious and spacious cabins

Crew members

• Captain: the person in charge of the cruise ship.

• Cruise director: the person responsible for the ship's activities and entertainment.

• Cabin steward: the person who cleans your cabin.

• Maître d’: the person responsible for the dining room.

• Purser: the person responsible for onboard billing.

During your cruise

• Muster drill: this is a mandatory safety drill carried out before sailing.

• Sea day: this is a day at sea when your cruise ship is not visiting a port.

• Daily planner: the cruise line's daily plan of scheduled activities. This information is generally available on the cruise line's app.

• All aboard: when your ship stops at a port of call, there'll be an all aboard time. This is usually about 30 minutes before the ship is scheduled to leave the port.

• Cruise card: this card will act as your room key, ID and payment method on your cruise.

• Formal night: this is a tradition on cruise ships - it's a night to dress up. Your cruise line will have a dress code.

• Cruise casual: this is the dress code for most nights in the the main dining area. For men, this includes jeans and collared shirts, and for women, dresses and trousers. This generally does not include baseball caps, swimsuits, shorts, flip flops or sliders.

No, we have included all flights and overseas transfers in the price of this package.

Onboard your Princess and Cunard cruises, accommodation, standard dining, and entertainment are all included. Additional drinks, tips and Wi-Fi packages can be purchased separately. Please speak to your Cruise.co.uk consultant for more information.