Aft, forward, midship and deck
Use this question to compare the real operator, ship, itinerary and fare—not a generic label.
Cruise glossary
Plain-English definitions for the ship, cabin, fare, itinerary and port terms customers meet while researching a cruise.
SPECIALIST GUIDE
Plain English before jargon.
Plain-English definitions for the ship, cabin, fare, itinerary and port terms customers meet while researching a cruise.
Our approach: start with useful planning principles, then confirm details that vary by operator, ship, fare or date.
WHAT TO KNOW
Make each decision visible.
Use these points to narrow the options before opening a live sailing.
Berth, tender, gangway and all aboard
Use this question to compare the real operator, ship, itinerary and fare—not a generic label.
Inside, ocean-view, balcony and suite
Use this question to compare the real operator, ship, itinerary and fare—not a generic label.
Guarantee cabin and cabin category code
Use this question to compare the real operator, ship, itinerary and fare—not a generic label.
Sea day, repositioning and embarkation
Use this question to compare the real operator, ship, itinerary and fare—not a generic label.
Gratuity, service charge and onboard account
Use this question to compare the real operator, ship, itinerary and fare—not a generic label.
- Aft / forward / midship
- The back, front and central areas of a ship.
- Berth
- The place where a ship is secured in port; not the same as a cabin bed.
- Guarantee cabin
- A fare where the operator allocates the final cabin under stated terms.
- Sea day
- A scheduled day without a port call.
- Tender
- A smaller boat used between ship and shore where the ship does not berth alongside.
- Gratuity / service charge
- A charge or tipping arrangement whose rules depend on the operator and fare.
Turn the research into the right shortlist.
Tell Farr Cruises the people, dates, priorities and trade-offs. We will check the exact ship, cabin, fare and live sailing before you decide.
Talk to a cruise specialist. We aim to reply within two working days, Monday to Friday, excluding UK bank holidays.