Basic Terminology
| Port | Left |
| Starboard | Right |
| Aft / Stern | Back |
| Forward / Bow | Front |
| Gangway | Ramp to board or exit the ship |
| 1 knot (kt) | 1.15 mph |
Also, it is a “ship” (a vessel intended for oceangoing), not a “boat”
Will There Be ____ Onboard?
Television: Yes. The channels are limited (usually a handful of cruise line specific channels, plus a few news, sports, travel, and/or kids channels). The satellite signal can be disrupted by heavy rain, terrain (if sailing in fjords), or quick turns. TVs are generally in “hotel mode” with a special remote; it may not be possible to connect your own device (laptop/iPad, Roku/Chromecast, video game console) to the TV.
Doctors: Yes. Cruise ships have a medical facility that can deal with illnesses or injuries. For serious issues, the person willl be taken to a hospital on shore (and miss the rest of the cruise, so be careful out there). Check with your medical insurance or travel insurance about coverage before your trip.
Internet: Yes. Usually all wifi (no hardline connections). Like the TV, this is through satellite connection and also can drop out. Speeds are also usually very slow compared to wired internet at home or cellular service on land. Basic browsing and chat should work; some lines offer the ability to stream movies, have video calls, etc. If you will need internet while off the ship in port, you’ll need to get an international plan for your cell phone or tablet.
Phones: Yes. There are multiple options for this:
- Phones onboard the ship allow calls to land, but for high costs (could be $2-$8/min or more)
- On some ships, your cellular phone may work when at sea. This would incur roaming charges (also a high cost per minute)
- When the ship is in a port, you may be able to use your cell phone (depending on the location) but will need an international plan. The cost will vary by company and cellular company.
- If you will be traveling in the port countries on your own (not on ship tours), strongly consider getting cell phone service in that location. This will allow you to contact the port agent if you are running late returning to the ship.
- If you have an onboard internet plan and your carrier/device support it, you can use wi-fi calling to keep in touch with those back home while at sea or still onboard the ship in a port. This is often the most economical solution for calls (especially if you were already planning to get an internet plan)
Stateroom Attendants
Attendants keep your stateroom tidy throughout the cruise and deliver information each day. Your attendant should introduce him/herself on the first day. They will turn down the bed, take away trash and discarded towels, and close the drapes each night while you’re at dinner. In the morning, while you’re at breakfast or out for activities, they will make up the bed, clean (vacuum, dust, etc.), and again remove trash and discarded towels. Note that not all cleaning tasks (like hosing off the balcony) happen every single day. If you have a set routine (like always going to early dinner or always going to the gym in the morning), let your attendant know and they’ll try to come during those times.
Your attendant will deliver a daily newsletter (if this is not electronic) and other “mail” (notices of events, tour tickets, etc.) to your cabin each day. You may also get chocolates on your pillow and/or towel animals. If you have any problems with your stateroom, the phone in the room will have a speed dial button to get in touch with your attendant or a member of their team.
IMPORTANT: Your stateroom attendant’s main responsibility is to keep the room clean and safe. They are assigned several rooms at once. They are not a personal servant.
Stateroom Tips
- If you choose to, you can decorate your cabin door. This can brighten your fellow passenger’ day, and also make it easier to find your room among a long hall of identical doors. Common items include pictures, banners, or small white boards. Don’t use anything that would protrude into the walkway or damage the walls/door (magnets or clear tape work well).
- Do not bring an iron, candles, or anything flammable. Fire is the greatest danger at sea, so you will not find anything that involves flame or an open heating element in your stateroom. If you are worried about wrinkly clothes, buy and pack some Wrinkle Release or try hanging the item up in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. Check your cruse contract for any other prohibited items.
- Staterooms usually have lots of storage, but the location may not always be obvious (sometimes drawers or cabinets don’t look like they open). Also, your empty suitcases can go under the beds to save space in the room.
- You can ask your stateroom attendant to empty for mini fridge on Day 1. The drinks and/or snacks inside are usually NOT free for part of a beverage package. Emptying the fridge helps to ensure you won’t be charged for these items and makes room for your own water bottles or snacks.
- Your balcony is a great place to let bathing suits or other wet items dry. However, you need to be careful. Never hang items over the railing; use the chairs or table, and make sure they’re away from the edge. If the ship is moving or it’s windy, tie your items to the furniture or put something heavy on them so they can’t blow away. Don’t leave items out on the balcony if you’re not in your room.
- Consider bringing magnetic or suction-cup hooks. Magnetic hooks are useful for getting small items like hats, jackets, or backpacks off the floor but still easily within reach. Suction-cup hooks can help in the bathroom for hanging puffs/loofas or wet items that need to dry.
Other Cruise Life Tips
- Check your room statement daily. It is available through the cruise app, a menu on your cabin’s TV, and/or by printout from guest services. Sometimes mistakes happen (like a waiter typing in room 9132 instead of 9133 when charging a bottle of wine). It’s better to catch them early instead of being in the line at Guest Services on the last night of the cruise.
- Keep your phone, tablet, and any other cellular capable devices in airplane mode. If you’re not trying to use mobile calls/data, this helps ensure you won’t get roaming or international charges. You can turn on wifi and bluetooth independently if you have an onboard internet package or headphones/smart watch.
- You’ll receive (or electronically access) a daily schedule of events and activities onboard the ship. Take advantage of anything that sounds interesting. Some cruisers have posted schedules and menus from past cruises online; these will help you get a feel for what will be happening onboard as you prepare for your trip.
- If you are cruising over a major holiday, consider bringing little gifts for your cabin steward, waiters, or favorite bartender/masseuse. Cash is king, gift cards or candies are also appreciated. They have very limited space in their cabins and often travel long distances to get to their home countries, so items they will have to store/pack are not practical.