Chapter 7: Cruises

Ferry

A ship that carries passengers, vehicles, livestock and supplies across a body of water on a regular schedule.

Freighter

A ship who's principal purpose is to carry cargo.

Roll

A ship's side-to-side motion.

Tender

A small boat used to carry passengers from ship to shore and back when the larger ship cannot dock in a too shallow harbor.

Adventure Cruise

A special-interest cruise designed to appeal to an audience of similar tastes and interest, often on ships serving 90 to 250 people.

Expedition

A trip taken on a small cruise ship by a group with a specific objective, such as a particular soft adventure or cultural or educational experience.

Cabin

A Bedroom on a cruise ship.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

A collection of ships that travel from port to port ranging in size and price.

Niche Cruises

A cruise designed around a theme to appeal to the interest of a special group.

Repositioning Cruise

A cruise moving a ship from one cruising area to another between seasons.

Deck Plan

A diagram of the layout of the ship.

Block

A group of cabins on a cruise line all at the same price.

Megaship

A large cruise ship measuring at least 70,000 GRT and holds more than 1,600 passengers.

Schooner

A large sailing ship that uses both sails and motors.

Windjammer

A large sailing ship with multiple sails.

Stabilizer

A mechanical device that can be activated from the side of the ship to minimize its roll and create a smoother cruise.

Air/Sea

A package that includes the cost of the cruise and flight arrangements to the port of embarkation.

Spread

A range of cabins at various prices on a ship.

Single Supplement

An additional charge, over the per-person double-occupation rate.

Cruise Ship

An all-inclusive floating resort that moves from port to port.

Fly/Cruise

An arrangement whereby a cruise line offers air transportation.

Port Charges

On a cruise, charges to cover fees levied by governments or port facilities for uses of the port.

Guaranteed Rate

Situation in which a client is guaranteed a cabin in a given price range by the cruise line.

Guaranteed Share Rate

Situation in which a cruise line or tour operator guarantees an per-person double-occupancy rate if a single client is willing to share a cabin or room with another person of the same sex.

Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

Rules established by the International Maritime Operation, part of the United Nations.

Fore

Toward the front of the ship.

Third/Fourth Person Rate

The Price for additional passengers after the first two; who share a cabin on a cruise ship.

Space Ratio

The measure of spaciousness on a cruise ship; computed by dividing the ship's GRT by the number of passengers.

Knot

The measure of speed at sea; equal to about 1.15 land miles per hour.

Hotel Manager

The person on a cruise ship who ensures that all passenger services run smoothly.

Purser

The person on a cruise ship who handles financial matters and operates the information desk.

Pitch

(1) The amount and space between one seat on a plane and the seat directly in front of or behind it. (2) The up-and-down motion of the ship.

Berth

A bed on a cruise ship.

yacht

A boat used for private excursions.

Bareboat Charter

A chartered yacht without a professional crew.

Port of Call

A stop on a cruise ship itinerary.

Flag of convenience

A term used for a ship a company registers in a country other than its own to avoid regulations.

Country of Registry

The Country from which a cruise ship is legally recorded as doing business and by who's laws and financial regulations the ship is governed.

Bow

The Front of the ship.

Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT)

The amount of enclosed revenue-producing space on a cruise ship.

Stern

The back of the ship

Option Date

The date by which a deposit of full payment must be made when a window of time exists between booking and payment.

Embarkation Point

The port from which a cruise begins.

Green Sheet

The summary of sanitation inspections of international cruise ships.

Value Season

The time of year at a destination when prices are lower; sometimes called low season or "Off Season".