The Ultimate Cruise Glossary

Cruising is a beautiful way to explore the world, allowing you to relax, unwind and spend quality time with friends and family. Our sister ships, Ambience and Ambition, are packed to the brim with leisure and entertainment facilities, comfortable cabins and top-class restaurants and food establishments. If you’re new to cruising and are looking to book a cruise in 2025, then there might be some phrases and cruise terms that you might not know. In this guide, we go through all the cruising terms and lingo so you can get up to speed before your next cruising adventure.

Cruise related terms

Aft – The aft is the name for the rear of the ship in the direction of the ship’s stern.

All aboard – This is a phrase used when everyone who is travelling on a cruise has boarded and is ready to depart.

Ambience – Ambience is one of our ships and was the first of the Ambassador fleet. The ship has an average 1,400-guest capacity and offers both the feeling of spaciousness and freedom whilst retaining an intimate and welcoming feel.

Ambition – Ambition was the second of Ambassador's ships after Ambience. Ambition has a capacity of 1,200 and offers a real sense of comfort with delicious speciality restaurants and wonderful leisure facilities.

Ashore – Going ashore means when you transfer from water to land. So, when you get off your ship at a port, you are heading ashore.

Balcony cabin – Cruise ships always have a great selection of cabins to choose from, but a balcony cabin is, as it sounds, a cabin that has a private balcony. Private balconies are a great way to enjoy your surroundings and sea days with a little extra privacy.

Bearing – A ship bearing is the horizontal angle between the ship's direction and another vessel, a point on a navigation chart, or a true north.

Berth – A berth is another word for accommodation on a cruise ship. So, if a cabin is referred to as a four-berth cabin, it can comfortably sleep four people.

Bridge – The bridge of a ship is the room or platform in which the ship is commanded. This is where the captain and his crew will reside during the voyage.

Bow – The front of the ship’s hull is called the bow and is the most forward point when the ship is moving. The bow is designed to allow the ship to move effortlessly through the water.

Cabin – The cabin is the room in which you will sleep and relax when on an Ambassador cruise. Ambience cabins and Ambition cabins are equipped with all the facilities you will need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. You can choose from various room types, including deluxe suites, suites and balcony cabins.

Cabin steward – The cabin steward is the person or people who will take care of your cabin during your stay. They will clean the room, replenish towels, tea, and coffee, and make the bed on a daily basis.

Captain — A cruise ship captain oversees the sailing and running of the ship while it is at sea. He can often be found at the bridge along with his crew members.

Crew – Crew is the name of all people working on a cruise ship. From the chefs, waiters and waitresses, and laundry attendants right the way through to the captain and his staff.

Deck - This is the term used to describe all the outdoor platforms on a cruise ship, whether that is the lido deck, sun deck, or promenade deck. Ambience and Ambition both have ten guest decks.

Destination Experiences – Destination experiences are the activities you can enjoy when at certain ports and stops on your cruise trip. These can range from wine tours to museum visits.

Disembarkation – Disembarkation is the term used for the end of a cruise when all passengers will leave. The last port is often referred to as the disembarkation port.

Dock – A dock is any location in which a cruise ship stops to allow passengers on and off.

Embarkation – Embarkation is the process of boarding and checking onto a cruise ship. This term will be used on the first day of a cruise.

Fleet – A fleet is the name for a collection of cruise ships owned by one company. Ambience and Ambition are Ambassadors fleet.

Formal night – A designated evening during the cruise where passengers are encouraged to dress up in formal attire. This typically includes suits and ties for men and evening gowns or cocktail dresses for women.

Galley – The kitchen where meals are prepared. Cruise ships often have multiple galleys to serve various dining venues across the ship.

Gangway – The ramp or staircase used for boarding and disembarking the ship. It connects the ship to the port and is usually set up when the ship is docked.

Gratuities - Tips or service charges are automatically added to your bill to compensate the crew members who provide services during your cruise, such as dining staff and cabin stewards.

Godmother – A ceremonial sponsor of a ship, usually a woman, who is honoured by christening the vessel with a bottle of champagne. The role of godmother is a longstanding maritime tradition, often bestowed upon celebrities or notable figures.

Hull – The main body of the ship that sits in the water. It’s the watertight structure that provides the ship with buoyancy and stability.

Inside cabin – A cabin located within the inside of the ship, without windows or natural light. These cabins are often the most economical option for travellers.

Itinerary – The planned route of the cruise, including all the ports of call and the days spent at sea.

Junior suite – A type of cabin that offers more space than a standard cabin, often including a small sitting area or balcony. It's a step up in luxury but typically more affordable than a full suite.

Lido deck – The deck on a cruise ship where you’ll find the main outdoor pool area, along with sun loungers, bars, and casual dining options.

Maiden voyage – The very first voyage of a new ship after it has been launched. This is often a highly anticipated event with special ceremonies and celebrations.

Onboard credit – A form of currency given to passengers that can be used for purchases on the ship, such as drinks, excursions, or spa treatments.

Port – The left side of the ship when facing forward.

Porthole - A small, usually circular window in the cabin or along the ship's exterior that offers a view of the outside.

Sea day – A day during the cruise when the ship does not stop at any port, allowing passengers to enjoy onboard activities, relax by the pool or explore the ship’s amenities.

Solo cabins – Cabins designed for single travellers, offering all the comforts of a standard cabin without the need to pay a single supplement.

Speciality restaurants – Dining venues on the ship that offer unique or upscale dining experiences, often requiring an additional fee or reservation.

Starboard - The right side of the ship when facing forward, which is the opposite of the port side.

Stateroom – Another cruising term used for a cabin is the room where passengers sleep and relax during the cruise. Staterooms vary in size, amenities, and location on the ship.

Stern – The rear or aft part of the ship. The stern often houses outdoor decks, dining rooms and areas, and sometimes the ship’s main engines.

Tender – A smaller boat used to transport passengers between the ship and shore when the ship is anchored offshore and cannot dock at a port directly.

Wake – The trail of disturbed water that the ship leaves behind as it moves forward.

Why you should book an Ambassador cruise

Booking an Ambassador cruise offers a unique and enriching experience tailored to travellers seeking a more intimate and culturally immersive cruise.

We focus on providing exceptional service, personalised itineraries, and exclusive access to lesser-known ports of call. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, an Ambassador cruise promises a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for a more personalised and refined journey on your cruise holiday.

If you’re looking for more travel guides and articles, from destination guides to tips for making the most of your cruise, you can find them on our blog.