Travel Agent (TA)

Before you book a cruise, please choose a good travel agent to save you time, money and hassle. See our detailed information on this page. An expert who, at no cost to you, your TA helps you with selecting, booking and paying for a cruise, as well as serving as a resource and problem-solver for you throughout your cruise experience including if your cruise is cancelled. That said, they are not all created equally, so research for yourself, do a mock booking to get an idea of price (that means don’t put in passenger info nor give payment info…just choose a cabin if possible and get a total price). You can also still choose your own cabin ahead of time and let your TA know. Please see ways to save money and know whether to include insurance in your booking (TA’s will usually automatically add it if you don’t tell them otherwise). We are not travel agents but we can share who we use: Teresa@CopperCactusTravel.com

Mock Booking

Doing a mock booking is a valuable tool of planning your cruise, even before taking it to your travel agent to make it official (you can also do an actual booking or often place a hold on a room, then give your TA the booking # to transfer to it to their control). Mock Booking means you use the cruise line’s website to enter the cruise you want and work through the booking process of choosing your cabin type, inclusion package or basic fare, deck, even cabin, to see what your actual fare would be including port fees and taxes. You usually don’t have to put in your personal information (especially if you can log in) but may need a little—just do NOT PAY. Exit before completing the booking, after taking screenshots of your exact cruise plan including cabin and detailed pricing so you can sent these pics to your TA for booking or to beat the price or perks.

Location Terms

Aft or Stern: back of the ship
Forward or Bow: front of the ship
Mid or Midship: middle of the ship (lengthwise)
Port/Portside/Tender: left side of ship; also refers to where a ship docks or tenders (drops anchor then shuttles passengers to shore on a smaller boat)
Starboard: right side of ship
Bridge: Where the navigation and steering of the ship takes place, where you can find the cabin. Some ships offer tours of the bridge, which can be interesting.
Starboard: right side of ship
Lido: often used to refer to the deck where you find the main pool area, even if the deck has a different name

Repositioning (Repo) Cruise or Crossing

Usually a longer, probably ocean-crossing cruise that moves a ship between it’s seasonal markets (i.e. May-Sept in Alaska then Oct-April in Australia; Caribbean to Mediterranean, etc. Repositioning cruises are often cheaper per day than other cruises, have more sea days between ports, and less kids on board.

These one-way cruises so a great method of travel that avoids jet lag and long periods seated on a plane. Spend some land vacation time to enjoy the location on land after you disembark. If you wish to return home from your destination, you’ll need to book a one-way flight. Most repositioning cruises are very relaxing but also filled with the usual activities and quality of cruising. Entertainers are often switched out at ports for variety.

For full-time travelers like us, it is cheaper to be on a ship for a month with all accomodation, transportation and food costs included, than it is to pay for a long international flight as well as accomodations and food for a month.

Seasons

Cruises aren’t available year-round in every location. They have cruise seasons in regions of the world then relocate to a different region when weather patterns change. This results in repositioning cruises. But even while an itinerary is operating, there will be seasonal differences. In some regions like the Caribbean and Mexico, you can find cruises year round but there may be fewer cruise lines or ships in the off season. I’ll use the Caribbean as an example. Winter in the Caribbean is generally warm and temperate, highly desirable for cruising. This is the Peak Season and prices will usually be highest except in low-travel troughs related to holidays and tax season. Hurricane season, along with stronger heat and humidity, in much of the Caribbean runs from June 1 through November 30. Hurricane likelihood increases toward the center of that time period so most of the middle is Off Season and good deals can be found with the exception of peak school vacation times on some ships. Shoulder Season can bring a nice balance of lower prices and lower risk with the likelihood of nice weather—lots of cruisers consider this the sweet spot. All that said, there are many factors that influence cruise prices explained here.

Open Loop (or Open Jaw) cruise

One in which your itinerary may embark and disembark in different locations. Perhaps a segment of a longer cruise. Getting on and off at selected points of your longer journey can provide a fun way of transportation. For example, cruise from Barcelona to Rome.

Closed Loop (or Closed Jaw) cruise

A ship itinerary that returns to the same port from which it left. In other words, a cruise that is round trip. Note that closed loops cruises from the United States are required by law to visit a foreign port. Check with your cruise line to see if passports are required, or just ID like a driver’s license and/or birth certificate, depending on age and residency. Although you may not be required to have a passport for a closed loop cruise to Mexico or areas of the Caribbean, it’s best to have one. Should you miss the ship or suffer illness and need to fly home from the port, you must have a passport to enter the U.S. through an airport.

Embarkation

Getting on a ship to begin your cruise at the Embarkation Port. This is where you check-in to begin your cruise, full of hope and expectation. You may carry on your luggage or check it in at the curb to be delivered to your room (keep medicines, valuables, electronics and your passport with you—and maybe a bathing suit and change of clothes as bags can be delivered into the evening. Always use electronic trackers in your luggage just in case).

Debarkation (or Disembarkation)

Always the saddest day of the cruise, usually early in the morning, when you get off the ship at your Debarkation Port because your cruise is over. Be sure you check your financial account and remedy any problems the day before you disembark. It can also refer to getting on and off the ship at a temporary port along the way.

Gangway

The ramp or stairs you use to get on and off the ship. This can be set up in more than one location on either side of the ship.

Getting on and off in port

You may come and go from the ship when it is docked or anchored at port (though if tendering, figure that extra time into your plans). You’ll disembark and reboard from a gangway—listen for the announcements to see where it is located for that particular port. You may need to obtain a “group number tag” or card from a specified location on the ship to “get in line” for the tender, then wait until your group is called.

Be sure to note the “ship time” and “reboarding time” on your daily schedule and on signage as you disembark. It doesn’t hurt to ask the crew member as you leave either, just to confirm. If you miss the “back on ship” time or last tender time, you will likely be left behind to make new travel arrangements at your own expense. If you are late because of a delayed excursion that you purchased directly from your cruise line, they will wait for the return of your excursion group. This does not apply to privately arranged/purchased excursions.

If you wish to purchase something like alcohol at port, usually you cannot take it to your cabin but the crew will tag it with your name and return it to you when you reach your final destination.

Transfer

Transfers are sometimes included in a fare package as a perk, or can almost always be purchased from the cruise line. A cruise line transfer takes you between the ship and the nearby airport. Usually these must be pre-booked in advance. If you are wise (in case of delays) or would like additional vacation time on land at either end of your cruise, the ship transfer will not work for you. They are usually only same day, sometimes night before to a nearby hotel. Alternatively, you can book a private shuttle bus, call a ride share or pick up a taxi at port.

Fare & Upgrades

Fare is the amount of money the cruise will cost based on the cabin and inclusions chosen. Basically, it’s the price and includes your room, the free dining options like main dining room and buffet, and most of the entertainment and activities. You must also pay taxes and port fees (read fine print as you book your cabin—these are usually not added until the final total due is shown but are shown in fine print below the estimated fare as it changes based on. your booking choices). Many fare sales offer “free upgrades”—usually these are within your cabin type (ie inside, balcony), not from an inside to a window (though sometimes those sales happen. The upgrade is usually to a better location of basically the same cabin. Some cruise lines will also offer you a chance to bid on an upgrade as you get closer to the cruise—the bid upgrades ARE to a different type of cabin so even if you have a inside cabin you can make an offer on a window cabin, balcony or even suite. Google how to bid effectively based on your cruise line if you are interested, but realize you have to take what you get, like in a guaranteed cabin, and you may not receive an ideal location. See here for how to get a good deal and choose the best cruise for you.

Cabin (and Guaranteed Cabin Rate)

Cabin means room. Think of it like your hotel room, or bedroom and bathroom. You’ll have a shower (very rarely and only in special cabins will you have a bathtub), and room to store your things (and in most cases your suitcases will fit under the bed). You’ll usually have a little desk/vanity area and a bed. There may be additional beds folded up again the wall or a fold-out couch, depending on the type of room you book. See this page for tips on booking a good cabin, understanding the types, and how to avoid a bad cabin. And be sure to read and understand our section there about the risks and rewards of booking a guaranteed cabin before your commit.

Cabin Steward

Your cabin steward will clean and freshen your room while you are out, answer questions, provide ice bucket or wine glasses, additional hangars, etc. Maybe even towel animals if you’re on such a cruise line. Get to know your steward by name and respect them as a resource. While you are under no obligation to tip beyond the service charge split to a large group of crew members, it’s nice to leave something extra for good service. Be sure to ask how the notification system for “do not disturb” and “need service” works if you aren’t sure.

Obstructed View

This is a very important term to understand before you book your cabin. Balcony or window cabins with an “obstructed view” are generally stated as such at time of booking and are less expensive than ones without an obstructed view. However, you may have a view simply of a lifeboat or other ship apparatus outside your cabin rather than the ocean. Read our tips on avoiding a bad cabin and getting a good one here.

Solo (Single Supplement)

Cruising alone with no cabin mate. Most cruise cabins are priced at double occupancy (you are paying the rate of 2 passengers, or a solo supplement) so a rare and coveted “solo” cabin may provide a price break. Special group tables or activities may be provided for solo cruisers to get to know other solo cruisers. Click here to find more info on solo cruising and finding solo rate cabins.

Onboard Credit (OBC)

Onboard Credit is free money to spend onboard the ship on most anything you like, usually including in the casino. This money is usually part of a sales incentive, or due to ownership of the cruise line’s stock (click here for more info on shareholder credit and other money-saving ideas) It may also be a bonus added by your travel agency. Usually it is non-refundable and must be spent on something (excursion, specialty dining, drinks, in the gift shop, etc.) before the last day of the cruise.—use it or lose it. In a few cases, it is refundable and you can get back what was not spent—see your cruise confirmation for details or ask your agent.

Sea Day

Before you book a cruise, check the number of Sea Days, and how many in a stretch (there can easily be 5-8 in a row on a repositioning cruise). Some cruisers love sea days (ourselves included!) and view them as long, relaxing days to lay by the pool (perhaps getting good value out of their drink package), engage in onboard activities like dance classes, trivia, bingo, crafts or the casino, and enjoy the beautiful ocean views. Some cruisers see sea days and think “boring” or another chance to feel seasick. It all depends upon your personality, how much you like the onboard activities or sunbathing, and if you are self-entertaining. And maybe on how easily you get seasick. There’s usually plenty of room for all the passengers to spread out on the ship, but when the weather is cold or rainy it can get a bit congested at popular inside areas.

It can be exhausting to be in port every day, so a sea day here and there is always a nice break and chance to explore all the ship offers.

Dinner Seating, Open Seating or Any Time Dining and Specialty Dining

Depending on your cruise line, you have a couple of options when it comes to what time you eat dinner. Most lines still have a scheduled seating option where every night you eat at the same time, at the same table, with the same people. Usually there are 2 time options, like 5:30 and 7:30. You can ask for a table with just your traveling party or let them sit you with strangers who often become friends. Most cruiselines offer some sort of unscheduled dining. For example if you select “Open Seating”, “Any Time Dining” or similar name, at your time of booking, you can show up to the dining room at whatever time you like to ask for a private or shared table. Or you can use the ship app (often even before you board) to custom schedule your dining time as desired for each night separately. If onboard you can often check in on your phone app and it will tell you when your table is ready, or you may be given a buzzer at the check-in desk so you know when your table is ready. This allows you to schedule around the evening’s entertainment.

Specialty dining should be booked by reservation time as soon as possible online before you cruise (if you have a package with free specialty dining be careful as to whether this will apply online or whether it must be booked right after you get on the ship). Peak eating times fill up quick. If you book onboard, do it as soon as possible—you will probably need to eat very early or very late. In Specialty Dining venues, you are usually seated with your own party like at a restaurant, with the exception of tepenyaki tables.

Excursions

If you like to “do something” in port other than walk around, eat, shop or hit the closest beach, you may want to book an excursion (which his like a tour with a bus-sized or van-sized group of other people).

Excursions can be pre-booked on the cruiseline website, logged into your booking, before your cruise (if you have excursion credit, verify that it is being used online or whether you need to book onboard). If there’s something you definitely want to do in a port—maybe snorkeling on a private island in Belize, or waterfall sliding in the Dominican Republic—book ahead before it fills up. If you’re flexible or don’t care too much, you can wait until you’re onboard—some ships have talks that explain your options—just realize your choices will be limited.

Booking through the cruise line guarantees the ship will not leave without you if you are delayed on your excursion. But they also generally cost more than privately-booked excursions or simply riding the bus or getting a taxi to the place you want to go. For example, we carry our own snorkel gear and go on our own to a beach where we can snorkel off the shore for free.

Wifi and Drink Packages

Onboard wifi that works only for through the ship app to book dining and shows, get directions. on the ship, contact passengers, etc, is free and works when your phone is on airplane mode. If you would like external wifi onboard for internet, social media and email, you need to choose a package which varies by use and number of devices. Read more tips here. Wifi and drink packages have a lot of variables and can be included in an all-inclusive fare, purchased online prior to your trip, or purchased onboard. See our page on deals for more info on saving money and choosing the best packages for you.

Thermal Spa/Suite

This is a sub-area within the spa of the ship (separate from the hair, nail, massage and treatment areas). It has various elements such as follows. They can be booked ahead online, or on the first day of the cruise during a spa tour. Some ships sell day passes while others require a pass for the entire voyage. Some “spa cabins” include a pass for the voyage. Passes can sell out and vary in price, but if you want a relaxing hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the ship, this can be a good option. While some require reservations for usage times, most let you come and go as you please and have long open hours. We like to go first thing in the morning when it opens, on port days, or during meal times, when it’s least crowded. They have locker rooms with free locks, towels and showers.

a heated small pool/large hot tub that may have metal lounges, pressure fountains, bubbles etc.
experience showers with mist/rain/scents/hot/cold
dry saunas
steam rooms
infrared saunas
ice rooms
salt rooms
heated loungers
relaxation rooms