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Definition of cruise

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

transitive verb

Definition of cruise  (Entry 2 of 2)

• gad (about)
• galavant
• kick around
• knock (about)

Examples of cruise in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cruise.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Dutch kruisen to make a cross, cruise, from Middle Dutch crucen , from crūce cross, from Latin cruc-, crux

1651, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

1696, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cruise

• adaptive cruise control
• booze cruise
• cruise liner
• cruise control
• cruise missile
• radar cruise control
• cruise ship

Dictionary Entries Near cruise

Cite this entry.

“Cruise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cruise. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of cruise.

from Dutch kruisen "to cruise, move crosswise," from early Dutch crūce "cross," from Latin crux "cross" — related to cross , crucial

More from Merriam-Webster on cruise

Nglish: Translation of cruise for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of cruise for Arabic Speakers

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to sail about on a pleasure trip.

to sail about, as a warship patrolling a body of water.

to travel about without a particular purpose or destination.

to fly, drive, or sail at a constant speed that permits maximum operating efficiency for sustained travel.

to travel at a moderately fast, easily controllable speed: cruising along the highway enjoying the scenery.

to travel about slowly, looking for customers or for something demanding attention: Taxis and police cars cruise in the downtown area.

to go or travel (often followed by over ): Let's cruise over to my house after the concert.

Informal . to go about on the streets or in public areas in search of a sexual partner.

to cruise in (a specified area): patrol cars cruising the neighborhood; to cruise the Caribbean.

to move slowly through or visit (a street, park, bar, etc.) in search of a sexual partner.

to make sexual overtures to; attempt to arouse the sexual interest of.

to inspect (a tract of forest) for the purpose of estimating lumber potential.

the act of cruising.

a pleasure voyage on a ship, usually with stops at various ports.

Origin of cruise

Other words from cruise.

• cruis·ing·ly, adverb

Words Nearby cruise

• cruelty-free
• cruise control
• cruise missile
• cruiserweight
• cruise ship

Other definitions for Cruise (2 of 2)

Tom Thomas Cruise Mapother, 4th , born 1962, U.S. film actor.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use cruise in a sentence

Such tests might be useful, say, to screen school children or cruise ship passengers.

Meanwhile, cruise still has its eyes set on public deployment, which is where the expertise of Raman comes in.

That all came after cruise had already scrapped its plans to launch a robotaxi service in 2019.

cruise also began focusing more on hardware earlier this year.

cruise Director of Government Affairs Prashanthi Raman Earlier this year, before the world blew up, cruise received a permit in California to begin transporting passengers.

These skills are particularly needed when, as in the case of the AirAsia flight, the airplane is at cruise altitude.

Nerd cruise By Adam Rogers, Wired What 800 Nerds on a cruise Ship Taught Me About Life, the Universe, and Snorkeling.

He told the court he called the retired captain to see exactly where he lived so he knew when to sound the cruise ship horn.

More than 150 passengers on a California cruise ship came down with norovirus, continuing a trend that happens every year.

It also has a close association with cruises and cruise ships.

And Jack come home from a long cruise , with prize-money in his pockets, was as ostentatious as any nouveau riche.

And every boy made a dash for the camp to secure anything he might need on a cruise down the bay.

In his first cruise he was out forty-five days, and in that time he captured fourteen vessels and 166 prisoners.

Then, his mother coming in, he proceeded to tell about their " cruise ," and the sad fate of his bundle.

Earth-closets are a delusion; you cannot get earth, nor even sand, when on a cruise , and there are other serious objections.

British Dictionary definitions for cruise (1 of 2)

/ ( kruːz ) /

(intr) to make a trip by sea in a liner for pleasure, usually calling at a number of ports

to sail or travel over (a body of water) for pleasure in a yacht, cruiser, etc

(intr) to search for enemy vessels in a warship

(intr) (of a vehicle, aircraft, or vessel) to travel at a moderate and efficient speed

(intr) informal to search the streets or other public places for a sexual partner

an act or instance of cruising, esp a trip by sea

British Dictionary definitions for Cruise (2 of 2)

Tom. original name Thomas Cruise Mapother. born 1962, US film actor; his films include Risky Business (1983), Top Gun (1986), Jerry Maguire (1989), Eyes Wide Shut (1999), War of the Worlds (2005), and Valkyrie (2008)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Glossary of cruise lingo

A guide to help you navigate the jargon of the cruising world.

Cruiseable team

On a cruise ship

CruiseClout score: 95.0

Unless you're a cruise veteran, chances are you've come across the occasional term on a cruise or travel website that makes you wonder, Huh? What the heck does that mean?

The cruise landscape is riddled with insidery terms and strange lingo — but don’t feel intimidated! Here’s a quick guide to some of the terms you may encounter.

Come across a term that’s making you cross-eyed? Tell us and we’ll define it, add it to the list and credit you. 

Get a handle on cruise terms

Cruiseable team The Cruiseable editorial team consists of award-winning travel writers, cruise bloggers and journalists.

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The Ultimate Cruise Lingo Glossary – 85 Terms You Need to Know

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Cruise vocabulary, jargon or lingo – if you’re going on a cruise, you’ll want to be familiar with the cruise terminology

Are you getting ready for your first cruise? Through the planning process, you may have noticed that there’s a whole world of cruise vocabulary, nautical terms or “cruise lingo”.

This handy glossary of cruise terminology includes some of the new terms and acronyms used in the cruise industry today. These are some of the most common cruise phrases and words you’ll be hearing as you plan your cruise, as well as when you board your cruise ship.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Cruise Lingo Tip You Must Know

Before we get started, here’s the most important piece of advice I can give you, when it comes to talking like a cruise pro.

Don’t call a cruise ship a boat.

Cruisers might have different opinions about which cruise lines are the best, cruise line dress codes , and the do’s and don’ts of cruise gratuities , but there’s one thing all cruisers agree on…

Don’t call a cruise ship a boat. Trust me on this 😉

About Cruise Lingo and Cruise Lifestyle

Cruising is a lifestyle unto it’s own, and cruisers really do have their own lingo and cruise terminology. Nautical terms are often used, and cruisers love it!

New cruisers can be left scratching their heads.

Words and acronyms such as Aft, Muster drill, Starboard, OBC and MDR, may seem like a mysterious cruise language. However, in this cruise lingo glossary, I’ll go over all the cruise jargon need to know.

You’ll be chatting like a seasoned cruiser in no time!

Cruise ship vocabulary

You’re on a ship, not a boat. A boat fits inside a ship, and not the other way around. Fellow cruisers won’t hesitate to correct you sternly if you get this wrong.

Try and get used to this one quickly,  just trust me on this…

Below you can hear Celebrity Cruises Captain Kate , explaining this point in her navigational report.

Your room is called a cabin. While hotels have rooms, ships have cabins.

3. Stateroom

Sometimes a cruise cabin will be referred to as a stateroom.

Your cruise ship will have many decks. While hotels refer to floors, cruise-ships refer to decks.

5. The bridge

The bridge is the navigational hub of the ship.

The person in command of the ship.

7. Cruise Director

Think Julie McCoy :-). Your cruise director, among other duties, will act as Emcee, heading up most major entertainment events on the ship. On larger ships you’ll see assistant cruise directors and other activities staff also leading main activities.

8. Itinerary

Your cruise itinerary refers to each destination/cruise port of call you’ll be visiting.

9. Port of departure

This is the port from which your cruise will depart (ie. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Vancouver, Barcelona etc.)

10. Cruise terminal

Just like airplanes have airports, cruise ships have cruise terminals or cruise ports. There are safety and boarding procedures to be aware of.

Recommended:   11 Cruise Boarding Tips You Need to Know

11. Ports of call

You probably remember this one from “The Love Boat”. I know I do! This is individual destination where you will stop at for the day. Examples of cruise ports or ports of call on a Caribbean cruise include Cozumel , St. Thomas , Grand Cayman and so on.

12. Shore excursion

This is an organized activity you may choose to do when in a port. You can book a shore excursion through your cruise line or on your own with a private vendor or tour company. Examples include a snorkeling or sightseeing excursion.

A cruise ship will usually arrive at a large dock when it arrives at the cruise port.

There are some cruise ports where cruise ships cannot access the land directly and dock, due to coral reefs and other reasons. In these cases your ship will tender a few minutes away from the port, and shuttle passengers in by tender boats.

As an example, Grand Cayman is a tender port at this time, but it looks like a new dock will be built in a couple years.

15. Stabilizers

Modern cruise ships have stabilizers to keep motion to a minimum.

The ship’s anchor is impressive. Along with the chain, the anchor holds to the sea bed to keep the ship from drifting at sea.

The super large kitchen where literally tons of food is cooked and prepared. You can actually do a galley tour while on your cruise if you’re interested.

18. Dry dock

When a cruise ship goes into dry dock, it’can be to receive routine maintenance, or to be refurbished. the ship can be out of service for weeks or longer.

19. Charter

Groups will sometimes charter a cruise ship, to host a special event.

Cruise Ship Terminology – understanding common areas of the cruise ship

The atrium is a large central public area usually spanning 3 or more decks. Often very beautiful, it will be the central hub of the ship’s interior.

21. Port side

The left side of the ship, as you face forward, is referred to as port side .

Tip: An easy way to remember – LEFT has 4 letters and so does PORT

22. Starboard side

The right side of the ship as you face forward is the Starboard side.

23. Forward

The front section of the ship.

The back section of the ship is called the aft. The aft or wake view is a favorite for many cruisers.

25. Purser’s desk

These days, the purser’s desk is often referred to as guest or passenger services. However many avid cruisers enjoy the nautical language and will continue to use the term “purser’s desk”. Usually this is located in the atrium.

26. Mid-ship

Generally said in reference to the preferred cabin location . Most cruise passengers will prefer a mid-ship cabin, rather than one that is forward or aft. This area has an advantage of having more stability in general.

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

Cruise Cabin Terminology

When booking a cruise, you’ll notice that there are several different stateroom options. Below are the most common cabin options.

27. Interior staterooms

Inside or interior cabins are staterooms which include all the basics, however do not have a window.

Related:  15 Best Tips for Cruising in an Inside Cabin: cabin organization and more

28. Oceanview Cabins

Cabins with a window or porthole are ocean view cabins.

29. Balcony cabins

Balcony cabins , sometimes referred to as Veranda cabins, include a private outdoor space outside your cabin.

Related:   7 Best Reasons to Book a Balcony Cabin

30. Guarantee cabin (GTY)

This refers to an unassigned cabin any type of cabin (inside, ocean view, balcony) . The cruise line will assign the cabin at any point before the cruise.

Often, guarantee cabins will be priced lower, so this can be a great value if you’re not picky about the location of your cabin.

31. Pullman bed

If you have more than 2 passengers in your cabin, you may have pullman beds for 3rd and 4th passengers. They are like bunk beds that come out of the wall or ceiling. They will be tucked back into the ceiling or wall during the day if you like.

32. Double occupancy

The cruise fare will be based on double occupancy as a standard, and this is what you will see as an advertised price.

33. Single occupancy

When cruising solo, most of the time you’ll be paying a single occupancy rate, which can be almost the cost of 2 people in a cabin (you won’t pay taxes twice).

34. Solo cabins – Studio cabins

If you’re cruising solo, look for cruise ships that have studio cabins intended for solo travelers.

35. Triple and Quad Cabins

Some cabins can accomodate 3, 4 or more passengers in one cabin, referred to as triple or quad cabins. These are most popular with young families cruising together .

Read next:   Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid

Back to the Cruise Ship

36. Deck plan

A map of all the cruise ship decks.

37. Lido deck

The Lido Deck is the public pool deck, often on one of the top decks of the cruise ship. There may be more than one pool, hot tub and outdoor seating.

38. Gangway

The gangway is elevated walkway you will use to board your ship, usually covered, but not always.

The very front of the ship.

The very back of the ship.

The beautiful white trail of waves visible at the very back of the ship. My favorite spot on the ship to realx and take it all in. Please let me know in the comments if this is your favorite as well – if not, where is?

Cruise Lingo you need to know for the first day of your cruise and beyond

42.   Embarkation day

The first day of your cruise and the best day in a cruiser’s life 😉

Recommended reading to prepare for your cruise embarkation day – 25 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips Straight from the Pros

43. Muster drill

The muster drill is a mandatory safety drill which is done prior to sailing. Note, it’s not “mustard” drill, as you just may hear from other passengers.

44. Muster station

Your assigned emergency meeting location. You’ll likely meet here for your muster drill, but don’t worry, cruise ship crew will help to guide you.

45. Daily planner

Different cruise lines use different terms for their daily newsletter of information scheduled activities (Cruise Compass, Princess Patters, Today, Freestyle Daily). Many cruise lines now have this information available on their app.

46. Sailaway

The period of time that your Cruise Ship actually sails away from the shore. Often there will be a Sailaway party on the top deck, however some cruisers enjoy it from their own balcony.

47. Sailaway Party

Check your daily planner for information. Generally the Sailaway party will be at the main pool and will include some drinks, a DJ or band playing and some dancing.

48. Sea day

A day at sea is when your cruise ship is not visiting a port, but sea days aren’t boring ! There will be plenty of activities to choose from if you don’t want to simply relax by a pool.

49. Cruise Card

On most cruise ships, you’ll be given a cruise card which will act as your room key, ID and your method of payment when on your cruise.

50. Ocean Medallion

Ocean Medallion is a relatively new cruise ship technology available on Princess Cruises . Instead of a cruise card, the medallion serves like a cruise card, but also does much more.

You can read about our recent Ocean Medallion experience here .

51. Room steward or cabin attendant

Sometimes mistakenly called a room “Stuart”, the person who cleans your room twice a day (amazing!) and really takes care of you and your cabin mates is called a room steward or a cabin attendant.

52. Dress code

Cruise lines have suggested dress codes , ranging from very casual to more formal.

53. Formal night 

A tradition on many cruise ships, the formal night is a night to dress up. Check your cruise line’s dress codes for suggestions. Some cruise lines have relaxed the dress codes a bit, including Celebrity Cruises which now has Evening Chic , rather than formal.

54. Early dining and late dining

Early and late dining are basically a first and second seating, which some cruise lines with an option of assigned dining will have. This is for a main dining room and not a buffet.

55. Open dining

Open dining is offered on many cruise ships. In some cases, a cruise line will offer both open and set dining. It can go by different terminology including Anytime Dining on Princess , My Time Dining on Royal Caribbean, Select Dining on Celebrity .

To note, some cruise lines offer only open dining, such as Norwegian Cruise Line which is Freestyle dining.

56. Specialty restaurants

This usually refers to the dining in an alternative restaurant that is not included in your cruise fare and is often a more intimate or higher culinary experience. An example of this would be Celebrity Cruises Tuscan Grille .

57. All Aboard

The ship will leave your ports of call promptly. All aboard time is generally set for 30 minutes before your cruise is scheduled to leave the port of call. Do verify the all aboard time before heading off for an excursion in the cruise port.

All joking aside, there are people at cruise ports every year – and you don’t want it to be you.

58. Towel animals

You just may find towel animals in your cruise cabin. These are the super cute towel creations made by your room steward, available on some cruise lines (usually family orientated ones).

We’ve had many years of enjoyment when our kids were young, even miss them a little bit these days.

59. Pier runners: This is an unofficial name given to those (who may have had too many libations) who can be seen running in the last few minutes hoping not to miss the ship’s departure. It is quite entertaining!

60. Roll call

A roll call may be set up for your cruise by yourself or other cruise passengers. Basically, this is a group of people who chat online before a cruise, and may have some gatherings set up once on board.

Read more:   5 Reasons Why You Should Join a Cruise Roll Call

61. Disembarkation

The saddest day in a cruiser’s life is the day that you need to disembark and the cruise is over.

Wondering about how disembarkation day really works?   21 Cruise Disembarkation Tips You Need to Know

62. Onboard booking

Booking your next cruise on board can give you some awesome benefits and is one of the best kept secrets for saving money while booking a cruise . For those that book with travel agents, don’t worry, the future cruise consultant will transfer it to the agency (request if they don’t offer).

Tip: Check to make sure about the terms and conditions and find out if future cruise deposits are refundable if that’s important to you.

Booking a cruise – terms to know

63. Cruise fare

This is the base cost of the cruise, per person

64. Deposit and Final Payment

When you book a cruise, if you’ve booked early you’ll be making a deposit which will secure your booking. As you get closer to sailing (usually about 70-90 days pre cruise), your final payment will be due.

Terms and conditions may be different on various cruise lines, however the details will be on your own reservation.

65. Cruise contract

When booking a cruise, you’ll be agreeing to a cruise contract. The cruise contract includes the terms and conditions that cruise passengers agree to.

66. Online check-in

Before your cruise, passengers are asked to complete an online check in and print out cruise documents to sail.

67. Gratuities

Gratuities or tipping is customary on a cruise. A per person service fee or gratuity will be charged daily to your cabin, on most major cruise lines.

Recommended:   Cruise Tipping Guidelines and Etiquette

68. Prepaid gratuities

When booking your cruise, you can prepay your gratuities , and avoid thinking about additional expenses on a cruise .

69. Lanyard

A lanyard might be used by cruisers to hang a cruise card around the next for convenience. This is one of the most popular cruise accessories in our list of travel essentials .

70. Rum Runners

A type of container used to conceal alcohol brought on a cruise, that isn’t allowed. For more on other items that are prohibited, read this next:  33 Banned Items You Can’t Bring on a Cruise 

Recommended:   10 Things NOT to pack for a cruise

Cruise Start Up Terms

Along with some major changes on cruise ships, we have seen new cruise line policies the have resulted in more cruise lingo – more words and explanations we just don’t know.

71. Cruise with Confidence

The major cruise lines introduced a flexible cruise cancellation policy, during this time, should people decide to cancel a cruise up to 48 hours pre-cruise. When cancelling, in most cases passengers will receive a credit which can be used towards a future cruise.

There are some terms and conditions to be aware of, so always read the fine print.

72. Muster 2.0

A new technology that would allow muster drills to be done using a new app, rather than in a large gathering. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises came out with this new technology as cruises resume. Several cruise lines are using a form of emuster as well.

The Cruise Line International Association is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association. It represents the major cruise lines, which have suspended cruises leaving from the United States until the end of October .

74. No Sail Order

A no sail order was put into effect by the CDC in March 2020. For cruises to resume, it was imperative that the CDC lift the no sail order . This is lifted and cruisers have resumed with strict guidelines for safety and health.

75. Warm lay up and cold lay up

As cruises are suspended, we hear the terms “warm and cold lay up” of cruise ships.

Warm lay up refers to when a cruise ship has reduced levels of crew onboard, and costs for fuel and other items are reduced. However, the cruise ship is kept in a condition as to be able to be brought back to service relatively quickly.

A cold lay up is a prolonged period of time when the cruise ship is shut down as much as possible to reduce cost. It takes longer for ships to be brought back to service and is a more complicated process.

76. NEW Safety and health protocols

The cruise lines have adopted new safety and health protocols to ensure safe cruising for passengers and crew.

Cruise Lingo Acronyms

It’s quite common to hear people who cruise a lot speak using these acronyms. You may even see these abbreviations in cruise facebook groups and pages, or on cruise forums .

Here is an explanation of the most common cruise acronyms, so you’ll be fluent in cruise lingo of all sorts.

Main Dining Room

On board credit – extra cash credit on your cruise account that you can use on the ship for most purchases. Sometimes this is added as a promotion by the cruise line or your travel agent.

This refers to a back to back cruise, meaning one cruise and then another cruise one after the other. Some cruisers may even do a B2B2B (3 cruises in a row)

The abbreviation for a guarantee cabin (see above in cruise lingo glossary)

Future Cruise Credit – when booking a future cruise onboard

A TA is short for travel agent

Avid Cruiser Lingo

83. Cruisebug

After a first cruiser, it’s not uncommon for a new cruiser to love it so much that they feel an immediate calling to book again and cruise more often. Often, this is referred to as catching the cruisebug.

84. Cruise addict

It’s said that cruising is the healthiest addiction and a vice many are happy to have! If you’ve cruised and now you’re constantly on the lookout for all the cruise info you can find and really just want to book cruises, congrats! You are now a cruise addict!

85. Cruiseaholic

Another word for someone who is addicted to cruising!

Recommended:   30 Best Gifts for Cruisers (that are unique too!)

86. Thallosphile (n)

A lover of the sea , someone who loves the sea, ocean.

87. Post-cruise blues

So, the post-cruise blues is real! One possible remedy is booking another cruise when onboard, but it’s still tough to leave that amazing cruise ship life!

Do you suffer from Post-Cruise Depression?

How To Know if You Have Post-Cruise Depression (a fun read)

*Ultimate Cruise Travel Planner*

Over the last year, I put together a 47 page cruise travel planner that has everything you need as you plan and get ready for your cruise.

If you could use cruise packing lists, to-do checklists, shore excursion forms and more, you’ll love the Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner .

Plus, for a limited time, it’s $10 off. Hope you enjoy!

See details here: Ultimate Cruise Planner -What’s Included

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Recap: Cruise Lingo Glossary – 85 Cruise Terms You Need to Know

In this post, we went over 85 cruise terms that are important to know when you’re booking a cruise, as well as when you’re on a cruise ship. This list of “cruise lingo” should help to navigate the world of cruise language.

If you’re a new cruiser I hope the information has been helpful. If you’re a seasoned cruiser, I hope it was a fun read!

Is there a cruise term that you think should be added? Please let me know by leaving a comment below.

Happy cruising!

P.S. If you’ve enjoyed this, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-)! Please share it with a friend, on Facebook or save for later on Pinterest. Thanks so much!

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18 Comments

You missed out Rum Runners. Those cheapskates that think its clever to smuggle on alcohol rather than buy on board in various containers. This may be a Carnival thing but its creeping on the better lines.

You’re right – I completely forgot that one and it’s now totally in the cruise lexicon, right? For better or for worse, lol!

I’ll add it in. Thanks for taking the time to comment :-)!!

by the way what happens to the “Rum Runners” when caught?

Hmmmm,good question. I actually have heard that any alcohol will simply be confiscated, but I’ve never used them so I can’t say for sure.

I love the drinks on board, so I just drink those 🙂

Thanks for taking the time to comment Lebo.

I really like your blog/page. The information in it is very good. I am a member of the Princess Cruise forum and what I have done is when I have come across something interesting or information I didn’t know I take notes on it. That’s how I’ve learned many of the items here. I would add TA – which is travel agent may seem too simple But I see TA all the time. I liked your comment about if you don’t know something ask a fellow cruise passenger or staff person on board. Since I am a solo travelor that really helped me. I would also add to tips for new cruisers is to be respectful of their fellow travelors and also all staff they encounter onboard (which includes room stewards, wait staff and everyone else they encounter).

Hi Charles,

Great points! TA is one I overlooked and you are so right. I agree completely with respect for passengers and crew – I hope most are.

I really appreciate you reading my blog and taking the time to leave a comment!

All the best,

This is great, but I would have liked a short, printable list, as well.

Glad the list was helpful. Thanks for your suggestion as well. This may be something that I’ll work on doing in the future.

I love your cruise blog. I have the cruise bug bad. PCD is bad in me on disembarkation day. I have only cruised with NCL and when onboard I buy as many CruiseNext Deals as I can. Many times you buy one and get on free, and on balcony and higher you can use two. To me free money off my cruise. NCL has past guest deals and when on bourd I book it. Thus even getting a better deal. I will triple dip looking for a past guest and a Latitudes Reward program. Earn point for every cruise night, Point for Suite, point booking 9 mounts in advance, and point for a Latitudes insider offer. Next cruise I will earn many points per day. That gives you free laundry, free dinners, free bottles of wine at dinner, and hopefully one day a free cruise… I would like to do a B2B2B. Do you have to get off the ship? Only word I would add is RESPECT. Respect yourself not making a scene if something not right. For you are the lesser for it. Hopefully one day we will meet up on a cruise ship. Your friend Russell

Thanks Russell for your kind words and your great tips! I have the same sentiments on disembarkation day – it’s the worst :-(.

For a B2B, you do have to get off the ship (although I hear sometimes not if customs come on), but it’s a pretty good process as passengers are grouped together and passed through quickly.

Would be great to meet you on a cruise one day!

Yes a printable list of the terms would be very helpful. Tyvm for your time to help fellow cruisers!!

Thanks Deborah for your comment. I’ll definitely look into creating one, especially since it’s been suggested a couple of times.

Best to you,

We too had a stressful private tour in Turkey, going to Ephesus. We made it back by the skin of our teeth, but the traffic on he way back through Izmir was heavy and slow. All your tips about not being a pier runner are very apt! Thank you. Jim and Norita Nickerson

Hi Jim & Norita,

Wow I would have been stressed as well. We loved Ephesus but did a morning tour only so were back early. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Not only do I find your newsletters fun AND helpful but ditto your You Tube videos. I have been addicted to cruising since 1959. Wish I could afford to feed my addiction more frequently. Going on an 11 day Caribbean cruise on Rotterdam VII in December.

Thanks so much Jim! I’m so glad that you enjoy my emails and videos & appreciate you taking the time to comment.

Don’t we all just wish we could cruise a little more? Your Caribbean cruise sounds absolutely amazing – enjoy every minute!

I enjoy your work … 2 more often overlooked terms: bunkering and along-side … bunkering of course is the re-fueling process … along-side is the captain’s term for bringing a ship to a full stop at a future pier (“we’re expected to be along-side at 7 am in Fort Lauderdale”) …

Thanks for sharing these!

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Home » Cruise Tips » Cruise Lingo: 65 Common Cruise Terms and What They Mean

Cruise Lingo: 65 Common Cruise Terms and What They Mean

We've put together this list of cruise lingo and what these terms mean to help newbies navigate the cruise world.

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If you’re a first-time cruiser, you might feel overwhelmed by the amount of cruise lingo that seems to be spoken by the crew and seasoned travelers. To help you navigate the cruise world, we’ve put together a list of 65 terms and phrases used on cruise ships and what they mean.

Cruise Ship Lingo

The bridge on a cruise ship is the control center, where the captain and the ship’s officers navigate the vessel. It is usually located on an upper deck at the front of the ship and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding ocean.

A cabin is the private living space for passengers on a cruise ship. Cruise cabins have various layouts and square footage based on the category you choose. Standard cabins come with some basic amenities including a bed, a bathroom with a shower, a closet or storage space, a desk or vanity, and a TV.

3. Stateroom

A stateroom is more common cruise lingo used to refer to a cabin on the ship.

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A cruise ship deck is essentially the same as a level or floor in a hotel or other building. Decks are usually identified by a number or name and are accessible by stairs and/or an elevator.

5. Lido Deck

The Lido Deck is the deck of the cruise ship where the pool and other outdoor activities are located. This is where most of the outdoor fun occurs, from sail away parties, to belly flop contests, and more.

6. Promenade Deck

The Promenade Deck is the deck that encircles the ship, often used for walking or jogging. This deck is usually located closer to sea level and can also be referred to as the Waterfront on some cruise lines.

7. Deck Plans

The ship’s deck plans are a diagram of the ship that shows the layout of each deck, as well as the location of cabins and all the public venues on the ship. The deck plans are great reference points to help you navigate your cruise ship like a pro.

8. Porthole

A porthole is common cruise lingo for a circular window on the ship. Some cabins have portholes, and you may also find these windows on the interior public decks.

The galley is the term used when referring to the kitchen on a cruise ship. Some cruise lines offer behind-the-scenes tours where you can visit this area, though it is usually off-limits to passengers.

10. Muster Drill

A muster drill is a mandatory safety drill that takes place at the beginning of each cruise. All passengers must complete this maritime safety requirement. Many cruise lines now offer “e-muster” drills, where you complete a majority of the drill by watching a video on your cruise line app or cabin television.

11. Muster Station

A muster station on a cruise ship is a designated location where passengers must assemble in case of an emergency. During your muster drill, you will need to check-in at your muster station, so you know where to go in the event of an emergency. These stations are usually located on the passenger decks, and your specific station is clearly marked on your keycard and stateroom door.

An azipod is a type of propulsion system used on modern cruise ships that features a pod with a propeller that can rotate 360 degrees for increased maneuverability. They are more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, as they generate less noise and vibration. They also allow ships to move more quickly and easily in tight spaces and adverse weather conditions.

13. Stabilizers

Stabilizers are devices used to reduce the ship’s movement and increase stability, especially in rough seas. They work by reducing the rolling and pitching motion of the ship, which can help to prevent seasickness and make the cruise more comfortable for passengers. Stabilizers can also improve the safety of the ship by reducing the risk of capsizing.

14. Passenger Manifest

A passenger manifest is a list of all the passengers on the ship. It lists the names, nationalities, and other personal details of all the passengers and crew members onboard the ship. It is essentially a complete record of everyone who is traveling on the ship at any given time. The passenger manifest is also used by immigration and customs officials when the ship arrives at its ports of call.

A ship’s wake is the visible trail of disturbed water that is left behind a moving vessel as it travels through the water. Wake views are some of the most desirable on a cruise ship, often with aft-located bars and lounges to admire the views.

A knot is a unit of speed at which ships travel. It is equal to one nautical mile per hour.

17. Dry Dock

A dry dock is a facility where the ship can be taken out of the water for repairs and maintenance. Cruise ships will routinely go into dry dock for upgrades and enhancements in addition to routine maintenance.

18. Refurbishment

A refurbishment is the process of renovating an existing ship to improve its functionality, aesthetics, and overall performance. A ship undergoing refurbishment is taken out of service for a period of time to enter dry dock for upgrades. Cruise lines can use various terms to designate that a ship has undergone recent renovations, like Royal Caribbean’s “amplification”.

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Directional Cruise Lingo

Aft is a directional term that refers to the back of the ship. This term is referenced frequently, including when picking out stateroom locations on a cruise ship.

20. Forward

The opposite of aft is forward. Forward is the directional cruise lingo for the front of the ship. Again, this term is often referenced when picking out your cruise ship cabin or when giving directions to venues on the ship.

The bow of the ship is located at the very front of the vessel and is the part that cuts through the water as it moves forward.

The opposite of the bow is the stern. The stern is the complete rear of the ship. It is usually flatter and wider in shape than the bow.

23. Midship

As the name implies, midship refers to the middle part of the ship. When reviewing cabin locations, midship cabins are the most desirable especially for those who are prone to seasickness on a cruise. You will usually feel the least motion here.

Port or Portside is the left side of the ship when facing forward. Portside and starboard side are terms that you will hear quite frequently on a cruise. This is especially true when there are wildlife sightings. The Captain or expedition team members will refer to the location with these directions.

25. Starboard

Similarly, Starboard, refers to the right side of the ship when facing forward. This is the opposite side of the ship from Port. Some easy ways to remember these directions is that port and left both have four letters or it’s P.S. (as in a postscript of a letter) when facing forward.

Cruise Staff Terminology

26. cruise director.

The Cruise Director is the person in charge of organizing all the entertainment and activities on the ship. He/She will usually also have an activities staff that will host events during the cruise. The Cruise Director’s main role is to ensure that passengers have a fun and memorable time.

27. Captain

Much like a boat, a cruise ship has a Captain. The Captain is the highest-ranking officer on a cruise ship, responsible for the overall operation and safety of the vessel. Becoming a cruise ship captain typically requires years of experience and training in the maritime industry.

28. Guest Services

Guest Services is the department on the ship responsible for assisting passengers with their needs and inquiries. Most cruise ships have a Guest Services desk located in the atrium area that is easily accessible. Don’t be surprised to find a line of passengers here at any given time during the cruise.

29. Cabin Steward (or Stateroom Attendant)

The Cabin Steward or Stateroom Attendant is the crew member responsible for cleaning and maintaining the passenger cabins. Think of this person like a housekeeper at a hotel. This team member will replenish toiletries, towels, and linens in your room. They will also take care of any requests you may have and complete an evening turndown service on some cruise lines.

A porter is a crucial staff member on embarkation and disembarkation days. A porter will assist guests with their luggage at the cruise terminal. Typically, when you arrive at the ship, you will leave your larger bags with the porter and only take carry-on items onto the ship with you. They will then ensure the bags get delivered to your cabin later in the day.

Cruise Cabin Terminology

31. double occupancy.

Double Occupancy refers to the standard rate of occupancy on a cruise ship. Unlike hotels, cruise ship fares are based on two guests per stateroom. This means that the advertised price for a cabin typically assumes that two guests will be sharing the room.

32. Guaranteed Cabin

A Guaranteed Cabin is a cruise ship cabin typically booked at a lower fare with the understanding that a cabin in the category you chose will be assigned to you by the cruise line closer to the sailing date. This means if you book a guaranteed balcony cabin, you will receive a balcony cabin or better, but you will not be allowed to choose the location or the exact room number.

33. Inside Cabin

Inside Cabins are the most economically priced cruise ship cabins. Unlike a guaranteed cabin or a hotel room, cruisers can choose their exact room at the time of booking. As the name applies, these rooms are located on the interior of the ship and do not offer any view of the exterior. Further, these cruise ship staterooms tend to be the smallest double occupancy rooms on the ship.

34. Oceanview Cabin

An Oceanview Cabin is a cruise cabin with a window or porthole that offers a view of the ocean. However, these windows can not be opened. For the most part, the size and layout of these rooms are similar to inside cabins, just with a view of the outside world.

35. Veranda cabin

A Veranda Cabin is also referred to as a Balcony Cabin. By far, the most popular cruise cabin category on any ship is a balcony cabin. These staterooms feature private access to your own balcony. This outdoor space will usually come equipped with two upright chairs and a small table. 

36. Solo cabins (Studio Cabins)

As mentioned previously, most staterooms are designed for double occupancy. A Solo Cabin, sometimes also referred to as a Studio Cabin, is designed specifically for solo travelers. These rooms are small but can save you a lot of money if you are cruising solo . Otherwise, you will often need to pay a single supplement. This is an additional fee that solo travelers must pay when booking a cabin that is designed for two guests.

37. Ship-Within-a-Ship

The most luxurious cabins on a cruise ship are suites. These rooms are larger and usually come with added perks. Many cruise lines feature special areas of the ship exclusively for these guests, sometimes referred to by the cruise lingo “ship within a ship”. These areas are designed so that guests never have to leave if they don’t want to- including sundecks, restaurants, lounges, bars, and more. NCL’s The Haven and MSC’s Yacht Club are two examples.

38. Pullman Bed

A Pullman Bed is a bed found in cruise ship cabins that offer greater than double occupancy. These beds are typically fold-down beds that are stored in the ceiling or wall when not in use. Your stateroom attendant will assemble this bed for you if there are third or fourth guests sailing in the cabin.

Cruise Lingo Used for Getting on and off the Ship

39. gangway.

A gangway is a ramp or stairway used to allow passengers to board and leave the ship. This moveable bridge connects to the dock and is usually adjustable in height to accommodate different water levels and ship heights.

40. Embarkation

Embarkation is the process of boarding a ship. Thus, Embarkation Day is the day the ship is accepting new cruisers for the next voyage. On your itinerary, embarkation day will be marked as Day 1. Once all cruisers are successfully on the vessel, the ship will set sail for its next destination, or the first port of call.

On embarkation day, it’s important to arrive at the terminal at your designated time and to have all essential items with you including your passport.

41. Disembark

Disembark means to leave the ship. Disembarkation Day is the saddest day of any cruise as it marks the end of vacation and a return to the real world. Disembarkation will begin once the ship has arrived back to its homeport, usually between 6 AM and 9 AM depending on the cruise line.

Guests can choose to complete a self-assist walk off. These guests will be the first off the ship but will need to take all their own luggage with them. Otherwise, guests will be called in a staggered fashion based on the luggage tags given to them the day before.

42. Port of Call

Ports of call are the destinations that the ship visits during the cruise. These ports will be listed on your cruise itinerary. During time in port, guests can disembark the ship to explore on their own or participate in organized shore excursions. The number of ports will vary and the amount of time spent in each port will also vary based on the itinerary.

The berth is the space where the ship is docked or anchored. Ports of call will have designated berths that are designed to accommodate larger cruise ships and allow passengers to disembark in the port.

44. Tender Port

If cruise berths are not available, the port will be designated as a tender port. A tender port is a port where the ship cannot dock and will anchor offshore. Passengers must then be transported to and from the ship via smaller boats.

A tender boat, also known as a tender, is a small vessel used to transport passengers from a cruise ship anchored offshore to a port of call that does not have a dedicated cruise berth or a deep enough harbor to accommodate the larger cruise ship. The ship’s lifeboats are often used as tenders to bring guests ashore. This process does take a little while so it’s important to plan excursions accordingly.

46. Port Charges

When booking a cruise, you might notice an added fee of port charges and taxes on the total fare. Port charges are fees paid to the port by the cruise line for the use of their facilities. The cruise line then passes this surcharge onto passengers. These fees are mandatory and are charged on a per person basis. The cost will vary based on the number of ports and the specific ports on the itinerary.

47. Shore Excursion

A shore excursion is a guided tour or activity that passengers can book while visiting ports of call. These tours can range from walking tours and city highlights, to food tours, to snorkeling, to various adventure activities like ziplining or ATVs. These shore excursions can be booked directly with the cruise line or through local vendors.

48. Ship Time

When going ashore, especially if you are not participating in a cruise-sponsored shore excursion, you will need to know what Ship Time means. This is the time on the ship, which may differ from the local time at the ports of call.

When cruise ships are visiting destinations in multiple time zones, they may not change the time on the ship at every location. Thus, when the cruise line provides a time to be back onboard the ship, it will always be in “ship time” so pay attention.

49. All Aboard Time

The All Aboard Time is the time passengers MUST be back onboard in order for the ship to set sail to its next destination. The All Aboard Time is usually a half hour before the ship’s scheduled departure time. It is extremely important that you adhere, otherwise you might be left behind.

Of note, if you are on a cruise-sponsored excursion that is running late due to traffic, the ship will wait for the tour to return; however, this is not the case if you are exploring on your own.

50. Pier Runners

Now, cue the pier runners. A Pier Runner is the cruise lingo given to passengers who are late arriving back to the ship. In an attempt to not miss the ship and incur expenses for getting to the next port on their own, these passengers run down the pier to catch the ship. Don’t be a pier runner, as you will most definitely be caught on camera and shared across social media!

51. Sea day

Cruise sea days are the days when a cruise ship is at sea, traveling from one port to another without any stops. These days can be an enjoyable part of the cruise experience for many passengers, as they provide a chance to relax and unwind while enjoying the various onboard activities and amenities.

52. Turnaround day

Turnaround Day is the day the ship arrives back at its homeport and prepares for the next group of passengers to embark. This is a stressful day for the staff, especially the stateroom attendants, as they need to clean and change everything over for the next set of passengers in a very short amount of time. So, be courteous and leave your room by the time requested on the morning of disembarkation.

53. B2B Cruiser

If you are a B2B (back-to-back) cruiser, you will still need to participate in an abbreviated version of turnaround day. B2B Cruisers are those sailing on two or more consecutive voyages on the ship. Passengers staying on the ship will still need to clear customs in the terminal, receive a new cruise card, and then re-board the ship. Unlike disembarking passengers, they do not need to take all their luggage with them; staff will take care of moving their belongings to their new stateroom if applicable.

54. Repositioning Cruise

In simple terms, a Repositioning Cruise is a voyage that begins and ends in a different location with the purpose of moving the ship to this new location. Repositioning cruises typically occur when cruise seasons change. For instance, some ships in the Caribbean move to Europe for the summer season. Other ships reposition to Alaska for the summer season.

A transatlantic cruise travels between Europe and North or South America. Obviously, the cruise ship will sail across the Atlantic Ocean. These cruises can be a repositioning cruise; though, some lines sail this route regularly like Cunard.

55. Shoulder Season

When it comes to cruise lingo, the term Shoulder Season is often used when referring to seasonal cruise ports like Alaska . The shoulder season is the beginning or end of the season. In terms of cruising these seasonal destinations, the shoulder seasons usually provide the cheapest prices and fewest crowds. While the weather might be a bit unpredictable, this is an ideal time to travel for many cruisers.

Onboard Cruise Lingo

56. cruise card.

A cruise card, also known as a key card, is a small plastic card issued to each passenger on a cruise ship. The card serves as a key to your stateroom, as well as identification when getting on and off the ship at ports of call. This card is also how you will pay for all purchases while onboard the ship. Some cruise lines have wearable devices that replace this key card, like Princess Cruises’ Medallion or Virgin Voyages’ The Band.

57. Formal Night

While some cruise lines are doing away with this cruise tradition, many cruise lines still have at least one formal night. Formal Night, also referred to as “elegant night”, “evening chic”, etc., is a special dress-up evening on the ship. It’s when you can don your finest attire, attend a Captain’s Toast, take some photos, and maybe enjoy some lobster in the main dining room.

58. Freestyle Cruising/Dining

While most cruise line’s still have traditional main dining rooms with an early and late seating, many are starting to offer more flexible options in addition. Norwegian Cruise Line was the pioneer of Freestyle Cruising. This type of cruising doesn’t have fixed dining times or table arrangements, meaning that cruisers can choose when, where, and with whom they want to dine each evening. Other cruise lines now have similar options like “My Time Dining”, “Dine Anytime”, etc.

59. Cruise Gratuities

If you are new to cruising, you should know that not everything is included in your cruise vacation. In addition to your cruise fare, there are other services charges for which you will need to  budget , including cruise gratuities.

Cruise Gratuities are a per person, per day dollar amount that are charged to all guests across all stateroom categories. These charges serve as a means to reward the hard-working crew for the excellent service provided during your cruise vacation.

60. Onboard Credit (OBC)

Cruise Onboard Credit , referred to as OBC in cruise lingo, is essentially “free money” to use on your cruise vacation. This credit can be obtained a variety of ways and can be spent onboard the ship on most cruise experiences. Some cruise lines even allow you to apply this onboard credit when purchasing items pre-cruise in your online cruise planner.

MDR is the abbreviation cruisers use when referring to the Main Dining Room on a cruise ship. On all cruise ships, the MDR is complimentary to all passengers. The main dining room(s) is always open for dinner, serving a multi-course rotational menu. It can be open for select hours for breakfast and lunch as well.

If you opt for traditional dining, you will be assigned to an early or late dinner time at the same table with the same waitstaff every night of the cruise.

62. Specialty Dining

While there are many dining venues covered in the standard cruise fare, cruise lines also offer up-charge dining options and experiences referred to as specialty dining. These restaurants can range from steakhouses, to Italian trattorias, to sushi and hibachi, to seafood-centric restaurants, and other experiential venues. While they do cost money, these specialty dining experiences offer upscale service and menu options making for a special night out.

63. Lanyard

A lanyard is a neck strap that many passengers wear on a cruise ship to hold their cruise cards. Since having easy access to this card is essential, many cruisers enjoy the convenience of  a lanyard . Having one that you can detach at the bottom is a bonus to pass off to staff when ordering drinks, etc. Another popular option to store your cruise card is an adhesive pocket on your cell phone.

64. Towel Animal

Towel Animals are often made by stateroom attendants by folding towels into various shapes such as elephants, monkeys, or swans. These creations are left in your cabin during it’s daily cleaning or turndown service. While some might think this tradition is a bit tacky, we enjoy receiving these special surprises in our stateroom.

65. All-Inclusive Cruise

While cruises are a great value, not everything is included in the price of the cruise fare unless you are sailing with a luxury cruise line. Add-ons typically include things like specialty coffee, alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, shore excursions, WiFi, etc.

However, more and more cruise lines are beginning to offer All-Inclusive Cruise packages. These typically include a drink package, gratuities, and WiFi. Some packages might even include additional perks.

Now that you know the terminology, it’s time to start planning your perfect cruise vacation . When it comes to cruise lingo though, just don’t forget: It’s a ship NOT a boat !

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Do you have any other important cruise lingo to add to this list? What terms and slang should first time cruisers know before setting sail? Drop us an anchor below to share your insider info.

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Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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A Cruise Glossary: Cruise Lingo You Should Know

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: August 29, 2020  - Last updated: January 23, 2023

On your first cruise, you’ll find that seasoned cruisers often tend to speak in cruise lingo. It’s a mix of nautical terms, cruise slang, and abbreviations that might send your head spinning if you’re unfamiliar.

But you’ll probably even encounter some unfamiliar cruise lingo before you set foot on the ship! When you’re booking a cruise, you’ll see lots of these cruise terms when you’re choosing an itinerary and picking your stateroom.

Let’s go over some cruise terminology you’ll want to know before you book your cruise, and what words you’ll want to be familiar with once you’re on board.

Terms you should know when booking a cruise

All-inclusive: a policy where all food, drinks, and entertainment are included in your cruise fare. Luxury cruise lines tend to be far more all-inclusive than mainstream cruise lines. Some luxury lines include airfare, shore excursions, and gratuities as part of the fare.

Read more: Which Cruise Lines Are All-Inclusive?

Balcony:  Sometimes called a verandah, a balcony is a private outdoor space attached to a stateroom. Most balconies face out to the water, but some large ships have interior balconies facing public areas.

Back-to-back: (Often written BTB or B2B) is the cruise term for booking two or more sailings in a row on the same ship.

Booze cruise: A slang term for a very short cruise sailing where many passengers’ primary objective is to drink a lot of alcohol. Some cruisers looking for a short relaxing getaway are often shocked that they’ve inadvertently booked a rowdy booze cruise.

Read more: Pros and Cons of Taking a Short Cruise (2-5 Days)

Closed-loop sailing:  A roundtrip itinerary that begins and ends in the same port. For ships sailing from United States ports, closed-loop sailings often have more relaxed rules that the cruise lines need to follow compared to cruises that begin and end in different ports.

Read more: Why Do Most US Cruises Have to Stop in a Foreign Port?

Cruise to nowhere : A short voyage in which a cruise ship leaves the embarkation port, sails in international waters for several days, then returns to the embarkation port without stopping at another destination. Cruises to nowhere are somewhat popular in Europe and Australia. The US banned this kind of cruise for foreign-flagged ships in 2016.

Cruisetour: A land-based excursion, usually by coach, that cruisers can take before or after a voyage.

Double occupancy: A policy requiring that a minimum of two cruise fares must be paid for a stateroom. Solo travelers booking a double occupancy cabin must pay a single supplement, often 100% of the fare, to book that room.

Expedition cruise: Sometimes called an adventure cruise, expedition cruises often visit far-flung locations like Alaska, Antarctica, or the Galápagos Islands. Ships are generally smaller and purpose-built. Expedition cruises offer more active excursions like hiking, kayaking, and nature walks, and enrichment lectures focus on the destination’s culture, history, and wildlife.

Read more: What Is an Expedition Cruise (and Why You Should Consider One)

French balcony: Although not technically a balcony, a French balcony is the term for a large sliding glass door that opens to the outside, but doesn’t have seating space. French balconies are often found on river cruise ships.

Gratuities: Tips paid to cruise ship staff by passengers. Gratuities for service crew accrue daily (often called automatic gratuities or autograts), and can be pre-paid or settled at the end of the cruise. Specialty dining and drink packages also include gratuities, so there’s no need to tip extra.

Read more: Tipping on a Cruise Ship: What You Need to Know About Cruise Gratuities

Guarantee stateroom: A fare class where cruisers are assigned a cabin from unallocated inventory before sailing. Cruisers will receive a stateroom assignment in the cabin category they paid for, or one in a higher category.

Read more: What Is a Guarantee Stateroom on a Cruise (and Should You Book One)?

Interior:  Also called an “inside cabin”, an interior is a stateroom that’s located away from the hull of the ship, in the ship’s interior. Inside cabins don’t have windows to the outside, although some newer ships might include a virtual window or a window to the interior of the ship.

Read more: Is an Interior Cabin Right for Your Cruise?

Loyalty program: A free plan that gives perks and discounts to repeat cruisers on the same cruise line. Cruise line loyalty programs often have several tiers, with more valuable perks offered to passengers who have sailed many times.

OBC: Onboard credit issued as a perk for booking a cruise, or as compensation for a negative event during the voyage. OBC can be used on the ship to pay for items in the ship’s stores, shore excursions, and specialty dining.

Obstructed view: A window or balcony that’s blocked by an object, usually a lifeboat. Obstructions can partially or completely block a window.

Ocean view:  A stateroom with a porthole or window facing the ocean.

Open-jaw sailing: A one-way cruise itinerary where the embarkation port and disembarkation port are not the same.

Port fees: Charges from the cruise port to the cruise line, which are passed on to the passenger at booking. Some ports charge more than others, so port fees can be adjusted if stops on the itinerary are canceled or changed.

Pullman bed: A bed that pulls down from the wall or ceiling of a stateroom to allow higher occupancy in a room. Cabin stewards set up and stow Pullman beds if anyone in your cabin will be using them.

Repositioning cruise: Sometimes called a repo cruise, repositioning cruises take ships from their seasonal home port to their home port for the next season. Repo cruises are generally long sailings with lots of sea days, and are often sold at bargain prices.

Shoulder season: The time period at the beginning and end of the busiest season for cruises in a given area. Cruise fares in the shoulder season can be significantly cheaper than in the peak tourist season.

You may also like: What is the Cheapest Month to Cruise?

Single supplement: The fee that solo cruisers must pay to book a double-occupancy stateroom. It’s usually 100% of the cruise fare, but some cruise lines slightly discount the supplement.

Stateroom: Also called a cabin, a stateroom on a cruise ship is a passenger’s on board accommodation. Staterooms can vary in size from tiny interior cabins to massive owner’s suites with several bedrooms and living areas.

Studio: Sometimes called a solo cabin, studios are small staterooms on some cruise ships that can accommodate a single cruiser. Studio cabins are an economical way for solo cruisers to travel, as a single supplement isn’t required.

Suite:  Larger accommodations on a cruise ship, often with separate living and sleeping rooms. Many cruise lines extend perks to suite guests, like private dining rooms, priority lines, or even butler service.

Theme cruise: A chartered cruise that appeals to a particular audience. Theme cruises for fans of a musical group or style are the most common, but other types of theme cruises center around health and wellness, or crafts. LGBTQ+ cruises are also a popular theme for chartered sailings.

Check out my list of Sweepstakes You Can Enter to Win a Free Cruise to find out how you could win tickets on a theme cruise!

Transfer: The term for coach transportation between the cruise ship and the airport or a hotel you booked through the cruise line before or after a cruise. Transfers are also often included with pre- and post-cruise shore excursions and cruisetours booked through the cruise line.

Mini-suite: Also called junior suites, mini-suites are a type of stateroom that’s usually a bit larger than a balcony cabin but smaller than a full suite. Mini-suites have a separate living space set off from the sleeping area by a partial wall or a privacy curtain. Guests in mini-suites usually don’t share in the added perks that suite guests enjoy, but some cruise lines offer special fare classes for this type of stateroom that allow you to enjoy some of the benefits.

Virtual balcony/virtual porthole: A high-definition screen mounted on the wall of an inside cabin to simulate the look and feel of a balcony or window. The screen shows a real-time feed from the exterior of the ship.

Wave season: The three-month period from January through March when cruise lines typically offer the best deals of the year.

Read more: How to Save Money on Cruises

General cruise ship terms you should know

All-aboard: The time all cruisers need to be aboard the ship on embarkation day and after each day in port. These times are listed in the daily planner, as well as on signs as you exit the ship. All-aboard time is always in ship’s time, which may differ from local time.

Bunkering: A ship’s term for refueling in port. Marine fuel is known as “bunker”, a term that most likely comes from the place a ship’s fuel is stored: the fuel bunker.

Charter: When a company or group books the entire ship (a full charter) or a large amount of cabins (a partial charter). Groups often book charters for theme cruises or corporate retreats.

Crossing:  A cruise across an ocean, such as a transatlantic or transpacific voyage.

Cruise card: A credit card-sized plastic card that each cruiser receives at check-in, linked to your onboard account. The cruise card serves as your boarding pass each time you return to the ship. As cruise ships are an almost cashless environment (except for in some casinos or if you want to give someone an extra tip), cruise cards are used to pay for everything around the ship from purchases in the shops to drinks at the bar.

Daily planner: A newsletter delivered to cruisers each day. The daily planner details times and locations of the next day’s activities. The planner also provides a weather report, port information, and any important announcements cruisers need to know. Each cruise line calls the daily planner by a different brand-specific name. Some cruise lines offer paperless planners via a smartphone app.

Departure port or embarkation port:  The port where your cruise begins.

Disembarkation:  The process of exiting the ship. You’ll sometimes hear this called “debarkation”. Most cruisers only use this term to refer to leaving the ship at the end of a cruise, but it technically can refer to any time you leave the ship.

Disembarkation Day: The last day on board the ship, when passengers leave at the end of a cruise. Disembarkation day isn’t a full cruise day—passengers generally need to disembark in the mid-morning at the latest.

Dry dock: A structure that’s flooded to allow a ship to float in, and is then drained once the ship is in position. This allows workers access to parts of the ship that are usually underwater to perform maintenance. Often when you hear that a ship “just came out of dry dock”, it means that major maintenance or refurbishments were just completed.

Embarkation: The process of entering the ship. Most cruisers only use this term to refer to boarding the ship at the beginning of a cruise, but it technically can refer to any time you come aboard the ship.

Embarkation Day: The day that passengers board the ship at the beginning of the cruise.

Read more: How to Have the Best Embarkation Day on a Cruise

FCC: an abbreviation for Future Cruise Credit, FCC may be used in lieu of cash to pay for all or part of a future cruise. FCC is issued if a sailing is canceled and the cruiser opts to not receive a cash refund of their fare. Cruise lines may also award FCC due to a major customer service issue.

Future Cruise Deposit: Similar to FCC, Future Cruise Deposits can be used to pay for part of a future cruise fare. These deposits can often be purchased at a heavy discount during a sailing to apply to another cruise.

Godmother: The honorary protector of a ship who blesses and officially names the vessel before its inaugural sailing. Traditionally the role of a well-known female, today some cruise ships have godfathers. Notable cruise ship godmothers and godfathers include Queen Elizabeth, Oprah Winfrey, activist Malala Yousafzai, and rapper Pitbull.

Read more: What Is a Cruise Ship Godmother (or Godfather)?

Itinerary: The list of ports visited on a cruise.

Muster drill: Also called the safety drill or lifeboat drill, the muster drill is a mandatory safety demonstration that all cruisers must attend. It’s usually held on the afternoon of embarkation day.

Open tender: The time when any guest can go ashore at a tender port of call (see “tender ports” below) without a ticket. Open tender generally happens after all passengers with tender tickets have left the ship, although later tenders will often take guests who didn’t pick up a ticket prior to tendering.

Pier: A fixed structure that allows a cruise ship to dock in a port. Passengers can disembark at a pier and walk directly ashore without tendering.

Pier runners: The slang term for cruisers who are late getting back to the ship for all aboard. Pier runners are generally seen frantically running toward the ship. Spotting (and heckling) them is a favorite pastime of some cruisers.

Read more: 35 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise

Port of call:  Any destination on a cruise where the ship stops and lets passengers off for the day. Usually just called a port.

Private island: An exclusive destination that only cruise ship passengers can visit. Some cruise ship private islands are entire islands, and some are private sections of an island.

Read more: 12 Amazing Cruise Line Private Islands to Visit in 2021 and Beyond

Sea day: A day on a cruise itinerary when the ship doesn’t stop at any port.

Ship: The cruise vessel you’ll be traveling on. Call it a “boat” at your own risk! (This might be the #1 way to be identified as a new cruiser.) Boats are nautical vessels that can be carried by a larger boat or ship. Examples include lifeboats and tender boats.

Ship’s time: The time zone that the ship’s operations use on any given day. This is often local time, but not always! For example, a ship might visit several ports that are in close proximity to one another but in different time zones. To avoid switching in and out of time zones, the Captain might choose not to change to local time.

Shore excursion:  Sometimes abbreviated as “shorex”, a shore excursion is an activity at a port of call booked with the cruise line, a tour company, or as a DIY activity.

Stabilizers: A set of fins or rotors on ocean-going ships that reduce a ship’s rolling motion from waves or wind.

Tender: A smaller boat that ferries passengers from the ship to the shore (and back) when the cruise ship anchors in a harbor. Passage on tender boats is always free of charge, but guests without cruise line excursions often need to pick up a tender ticket or wait until open tender to secure a spot on a boat.

Tender port: Ports of call with shallow harbors (or limited piers for cruise ships) often force ships to anchor offshore and ferry passengers in on tenders.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise

Zodiac: An inflatable, rigid-bottomed boat used to transport expedition cruise passengers away from the ship.

Read more: What Is a Zodiac Boat on an Expedition Cruise?

Helpful cruise terms for around the ship

Aft:  The rear part of a ship. The opposite end of the ship from forward. Also used to specify which way you’re walking on a cruise ship, e.g. “Head aft and you’ll see the main pool.”

Atrium: The central part of a ship’s interior, with an open floor plan. A ship’s atrium often spans several decks and is where you’ll find guest services, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Forward: The front section of the ship. The opposite end of the ship from aft. Also used to specify which way you’re walking on a cruise ship, e.g. “Head forward and you’ll see the library on your right.”

Bow:  The very front of the ship. Bow is pronounced to rhyme with “cow”—not like the word that refers to a ribbon tied in a fancy knot.

Bridge:  The location where the captain or officers command the ship.

Deck: Although today’s mega cruise ships can often feel like enormous resorts where you could easily forget that you’re even at sea, you’re still on a ship. Although you might be tempted to tell your family “Meet me at the pool on the seventeenth floor”, seasoned cruisers don’t call the levels on the ship “floors”. They’re decks. That pool? It’s on Deck 17. Or just say “Meet me on the Lido in an hour”.

Duty-free: Shops on board a cruise ship that sell products without having to collect local import taxes. Alcohol, tobacco products, and cosmetics are popular duty-free items.

Galley:  A kitchen on a cruise ship.

Gangway: The ramp or stairs that you use to embark or disembark the ship.

Hull:  The outer waterproof covering of the ship, from below the lowest open decks to the keel. A cruise ship’s hull is made of welded steel panels.

Keel:  The bottom center line of a ship, running from bow to stern.

Leeward:  The side of the ship that’s most sheltered from the wind. This side can vary based on the direction of the wind and the direction a ship is sailing. The opposite of windward.

Lido:  Also called the pool deck, the Lido is the deck where you’ll find the outdoor pools, sun loungers, and live entertainment.

Midship:  The middle area of the ship between forward and aft.

Muster station: A meeting point for guests and assigned crew in case of an emergency. Muster stations are assigned by cabin location, and are usually located on open decks near the lifeboats.

Port:  The left side of the ship as you face forward.

Promenade deck: A deck designed for walking in a circular path around the perimeter of the ship. Promenade decks traditionally were open decks, but today’s cruise ships sometimes have them partially or fully enclosed.

Starboard:  The right side of the ship as you face forward.

Read more: Port vs Starboard: Which Side Is Better on a Cruise?

Stern: The aft-most section of a cruise ship.

Windward: The side of the ship that’s least sheltered from the wind. This side can vary based on the direction of the wind and the direction a ship is sailing. The opposite of leeward.

Dining and Entertainment terms on a cruise ship

Captain’s table : The table where the Captain eats dinner, often with senior officers and invited guests. Passengers are sometimes invited to join by formal invitation, and this is considered to be quite an honor.

Captain’s party: Usually held on the first formal night of a sailing, the Captain’s party or ball is open to all passengers. During the party, which is often held in the atrium, guests will have the opportunity to chat and take photos with the Captain and officers. Often, complimentary Champagne or sparkling wine is served.

Resort casual:  The general dress code on many of today’s cruise ships, especially in the main dining rooms. It usually includes trousers and capris, casual dresses and skirts, polos or dressier tops, and dressy jeans. Some cruise lines have specific rules around shorts, sleeveless tops, or t-shirts, so check with your cruise line for their specific rules.

Formal attire:  For cruise lines that have formal nights, this is the dress code in the main dining rooms on these evenings. Dress code varies by cruise line, but many passengers wear cocktail dresses or longer gowns, a blazer, suit, or tuxedo.

Formal night: On more traditional cruise lines, there are often one or more evenings each week when formal attire is required in the main dining rooms. Formal nights often take place on sea days, and are announced in the daily newsletter.

Friends of Bill W . : The cruise ship term for an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting on board.

Friends of Dorothy: The cruise ship term for LGBTQIA+ meetings and activities on board.

MDR: The main dining room (or dining rooms) on a cruise ship.

Read more: What New Cruisers Don’t Know About Cruise Food & Drinks

Seating: On cruise ships with assigned dining times, there’s often more than one set dinner time. These times, known as seatings, are spaced several hours apart.

Served buffet: A style of buffet where each guest indicates which dishes they’d like to have, and crewmembers place their servings on a plate. Served buffets are popular on luxury cruise lines, although mainstream cruise lines will offer served buffets during times of increased risk of disease transmission.

Open seating:  On cruise lines that allow guests to eat dinner on their own schedule, at least one dining room will have open seating. Passengers don’t need to make a reservation or dine at a specific time.

Sailaway party: On embarkation day, the cruise director and entertainment staff host a party, often on the Lido deck, to celebrate leaving port and the beginning of the cruise. Sailaway parties often feature live music and dancing.

Specialty restaurant: A dining venue on a cruise ship that offers elevated cuisine and service for an extra fee. Specialty restaurants often serve food from a specific region, like Italian, French, or Japanese. Or they may specialize in seafood, BBQ, or steak dishes.

Terms for cruise ship employees

Butler: Some cruise lines employ butlers, generally for suite guests, who pick up where cabin stewards leave off. Butlers can pack and unpack your luggage, make dinner reservations, take care of laundry service, and arrange in-suite dinner or cocktail parties.

Cabin steward:  A crew member responsible for cleaning your stateroom, setting up beds, and delivering items like ice and extra hangers. Stewards are often excellent sources of information, especially for new cruisers and guests who are new to the cruise line.

Captain:  The cruise ship Captain holds the ultimate responsibility for safe transportation of the ship, passengers, and crew. They direct the ship’s navigation and make decisions to avoid hazards, especially those due to weather conditions. The Captain also socializes with passengers, notably at Captain’s table dinners and at the Captain’s party.

Crew: Service employees on the ship including waitstaff and cooks, bartenders, and cabin stewards. Skilled maintenance workers like carpenters, electricians, and plumbers are also considered crew.

Cruise director:  The staff member who organizes entertainment and activities on a cruise ship. A cruise director usually takes on the role of Master of Ceremonies during events and parties, and spends time mingling with guests to make sure everyone’s having a good time. Cruise directors also oversee the entertainment staff on board.

Dance Host: Sometimes called a “gentleman host”, male dance hosts are available on some of the more traditional cruise lines to dance and converse with unattached female cruisers. Dance hosts aren’t technically employed by the cruise line, but receive free or heavily discounted fares in exchange for their service.

Head Waiters: Although service levels in cruise ship restaurants are often impeccable (even on mainstream cruise lines), the Head Waiter in the MDR and in specialty restaurants is there to ensure service runs smoothly and guests enjoy the experience.

Maître d’:  A cruise ship Maître d’Hôtel (usually abbreviated as Maître d’, and pronounced “may-truh-DEE”) is in charge of operations for one or more restaurants on a cruise ship. Cruise ship passengers with dietary restrictions can usually speak with the Maître d’ to ensure kitchen and waitstaff comply with those needs, but sometimes the Head Waiter takes care of that function.

Officers: Employees on a cruise ship who oversee the safety, navigation and mechanical aspects of the ship. Officers report directly to the ship’s Captain.

Porter:  A baggage handler that takes your checked luggage on embarkation day and delivers it to the ship. Porters often aren’t cruise line employees, and they rely on tips (generally $1 to 2 per bag).

Purser:  The Purser on a cruise ship is the staff member in charge of guest billing and all monetary transactions on board.

Purser’s desk: Traditionally, the Purser’s desk is the place where guests can ask questions about charges to their on board account. Today, what used to be called the Purser’s Desk is generally called Guest Services, Passenger Services, or the Reception Desk. Cruisers can still ask questions about their onboard accounts, along with other general questions. If you have a problem with your cruise card not working, or you need to check the lost and found, this is where you need to go.

Staff: Cruise ship employees in upper-level positions including cruise directors, assistant cruise directors, entertainers, retail workers, and spa technicians.

Nautical terms cruisers should know

Knot:  The unit of speed used by ships. One knot is equivalent to one nautical mile per hour. In the 16th century, sailors used a rope with knots tied at intervals in a length of rope to measure speed. As the ship moved forward, the line of rope rolled out behind the ship. The number of knots that went over the ship’s stern during a period of time was used to calculate the speed.

You may also like: How Fast Do Cruise Ships Go?

Mooring:  A permanent structure to which a ship is tied, such as a pier when in port.

Wake:  The waves created by a ship as it moves through the water. The wake is seen as a churning trail of water at the stern of a ship.

What’s your favorite cruise lingo? Are there any cruise terms I should add to the glossary? Let me know in the comments below!

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Definition of 'cruise'

Video: pronunciation of cruise

cruise in American English

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Definition of cruise noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

• have/take a vacation/a break/a day off/a year off/time off
• go on/be on vacation/leave/honeymoon/safari/sabbatical/a trip/a tour/a cruise/a pilgrimage
• go backpacking/camping/sightseeing
• plan a trip/a vacation/your itinerary
• reserve a hotel room/a flight/tickets
• have/make/cancel a reservation
• rent a condo/a vacation home/a cabin
• rent a car/bicycle/moped/scooter/Jet Ski
• stay in a hotel/a bed and breakfast/a youth hostel/a villa/a trailer/a vacation home/a resort/a timeshare
• cost/charge $100 a/per night for a suite/a single/double/twin room
• check into/out of a hotel/a motel/your room
• pack/unpack your suitcase/bags
• call/order room service
• cancel/cut short a trip/vacation
• apply for/get/renew a/your passport
• take out/buy/get travel insurance
• catch/miss your plane/train/ferry/connecting flight
• fly (in)/travel (in) first/business/economy class
• make/have a brief/two-day/twelve-hour layover/stopover in Hong Kong
• experience/cause/lead to delays
• check (in)/collect/get/lose your baggage/luggage
• be charged for/pay excess baggage fees
• board/get on/leave/get off the aircraft/plane/ship/ferry
• taxi down/leave/approach/hit/overshoot the runway
• experience/hit/encounter (mild/severe) turbulence
• suffer from/recover from/get over your jet lag/motion sickness
• be seasick/carsick
• attract/draw/bring tourists/visitors
• encourage/promote/hurt tourism
• promote/develop ecotourism
• build/develop/visit a tourist/tropical/beach/ski resort
• work for/be operated by a major hotel chain
• be served by/compete with low-fare/low-cost/budget airlines
• use/go to/have a travel agent
• contact/check with your travel agent/tour operator
• buy/be on/go on a package deal/vacation/tour
• buy/bring back (tacky/overpriced) souvenirs

Want to learn more?

Find out which words work together and produce more natural-sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.

23 Things That You Should Never (and We Mean Never) Do on a Cruise

Posted: February 22, 2024 | Last updated: March 21, 2024

Cruising for Trouble

From the peril of reckless selfies to the nuances of interacting with staff, and the absolute necessity of not missing the muster drill, cruise ship etiquette extends far beyond the buffet line. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned sailor, being aware of these lesser-known guidelines and things to never do on a cruise is crucial so your dream vacation isn’t turned into a nautical nightmare.

Editor's note: This story was updated in February 2024

1. Shoot Reckless Selfies

Just because you’ve booked a cruise of a lifetime does not mean you have the license to endanger yourself for a TikTok. Royal Caribbean's rules get right to the point: “Sitting, standing, jumping, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers is strictly prohibited” and they enforce it as well ; they’ve banned a woman caught posing on her balcony railing in her swimwear.

2. Hook Up With a Member of Staff

Every cruise line has strict and explicit guidelines on interactions between crew and passengers. Royal Caribbean even goes so far as to say: “Please do not misinterpret their friendliness. Crew members are prohibited from engaging in physical relationships with guests.” Staff are not permitted in staterooms except to perform their shipboard duties, and similarly, passengers are not allowed to enter restricted or crew areas of the ship.

3. Forget Your Passport

Yes, you can go on a cruise without your passport but you need to make sure you have the right paperwork, and IF you get stranded in a foreign port of call and have to fly back, it could get tricky. So pack your passport and government ID on you, and leave it in your checked bag or you might end up being refused boarding.

4. Throw Anything Overboard, Including Yourself

Whether it’s a fork, a lounge chair, or even yourself, don’t throw anything overboard. It may sound like an obvious one, but as we know, common sense isn’t always so common. Cruise staff take this offense very seriously and passengers have not only faced fines but been asked to disembark, or even banned for life like this man who leaped from a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Related: The Worst Cruise Ship Horror Stories

5. Skip the Muster Drill

A muster drill is a mandatory safety exercise that familiarizes passengers with emergency procedures such as using life vests and locating escape routes. Now that you can usually access the drills from your stateroom TV or via an app on your phone (applicable only to some cruise lines), you don’t have any excuse not to complete them. If you miss the 24-hour deadline to participate in one, find out how/when you can attend a makeup drill.

And if you think you can skip it altogether, according to Cruise Hive you can be forced to exit the ship at its next port of call. At the very least your cabin number and name will be broadcast ship-wide, so don’t be that person.

For more travel tips, please sign up for our free newsletters .

6. Fly a Drone

You can pack it but may not be able to use it, and it might be temporarily confiscated until the end of your voyage. Carnival and Royal Caribbean sailing are currently the only cruise lines that allow drones but there are conditions, Carnival only allows camera drones, Royal Caribbean won’t allow you to use the drone on the ship or even inside the port, and also their private destinations of CocoCay, Bahamas or Labadee, Haiti.

Related: Tips and Tricks for Smooth Sailing on Your Next Cruise

7. Hide a Communicable Illness

With so many passengers in an enclosed space, ships take any form of infectious disease (flu, coronavirus, norovirus) very seriously. According to Royal Caribbean, even if mild symptoms show up, you’re expected to return to your stateroom and report to the ship’s medical personnel by calling the medical facility onboard or risk a fine.

8. Bring Drugs, Even CBD Gummies

Don’t bring drugs. Not even cannabis even if it may be legal in your state. They’re not allowed on cruise ships, especially those calling into ports that have a hard stance on drugs. Try to sneak some in (even if it’s just some CBD gummies) and you risk getting arrested or even banned for life — even if you have a medical marijuana card.

9. Just Eat at the Buffet

Variety is nice but the ship’s buffet is often the most crowded and chaotic part of the ship. Take the time to browse the rest of the dining options (don’t just leave specialty dining to the last day) or order off the menu at the main dining room for a more peaceful dining experience.

Related: 14 People Who Should Never Take a Cruise

10. Be the Last One to Board

It doesn’t matter if it’s 20 minutes or two hours, cruise ships are on a tight schedule and they leave on time. If you think you can rock up at the tail end of boarding, don’t wing it because you might run late and get there just in time to see the ship sail out of port. But what about excursions, surely they won’t leave without you right? Nope. Just ask this woman who came back late and had to catch a plane to her next port of call.

11. Be the First to Disembark

Cruise staff can be pretty pushy when it's time to disembark, but you don't want to shortchange yourself. Some people don't even get coffee in their race to get off the boat, but the main buffet and main dining room are usually both open on disembarkation day, though possibly with a limited menu. Definitely grab some coffee at the very least.

12. Forget to Pack a Day Bag for Embarkation Day

Cruise ships are basically moving hotels. Just because you checked in your luggage early does not mean it’ll be waiting in your cabin as soon as you board. So if you have essential medications, or need something specific for your first day of cruising, it's best to keep it handy with you.

13. Think You Won’t Get Sea Sick

Even if you’re out on the water regularly, having sea legs on a large cruise ship is another thing altogether. There are wristbands and patches but you can pop a seasick pill every evening to keep you even-keeled.

14. Sneak Alcohol Onto a Cruise

Mouthwash bags, rum runner flasks, fake shampoo bottles: cruise staff are onto just about every method or product used to smuggle in booze — thanks TikTok for spoiling it for the rest of us — so just don’t do it or you may be asked to disembark at the next port.

Royal Caribbean’s alcohol policy explicitly states, “Guests who violate any alcohol policies, (over consume, provide alcohol to people under the legal drinking age, demonstrate irresponsible behavior, or attempt to conceal alcoholic items at security and or luggage check points or any other time), may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense.”

Most cruise lines will allow each 21-year-old and above adult to carry one 750 milliliter bottle of wine or Champagne onboard, which can be enjoyed for a corkage fee at bars, dining rooms, and specialty restaurants.

15. Pack the Surge Protector

You’ll need a power strip but make sure it does not have surge protection. According to Anker : “Surge protectors are not allowed on cruise ships because they increase fire risk. The reason this danger exists is that a normal surge protector only breaks the circuit on the “live” electrical wire, whereas both the “live” and “neutral” wires carry current on a cruise ship.”

16. Buy a Piece of Art at Sea

The onboard art auctions may be fun but they’re not the best place to buy a piece of art unless you’ve already done your due diligence — look up Park West Gallery which handles most art auctions on cruise ships — to make sure you’re paying the “right” price for it. The lack of Wi-Fi makes it difficult to do on-the-go research on an art piece’s provenance, there’s been controversy over authenticity, and while it’ll come with a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) it’s only as good as who issued it unless the artist signed it.

Related: Things You Should Never Buy on a Cruise

17. Assume You Can Freely Vape in Your Room

Vaping is generally not allowed in a ship’s indoor spaces, though restrictions vary by cruise line. Seabourn and Oceania allow vaping in guest suites while most other cruise lines allow vaping in outdoor spaces, but some only in specific outdoor areas.

18. Be a Chair Hog

Everyone wants a chair by the pool so be a good sport and reserve it only if you’re going to be using it. If you think you can reserve a pool chair by placing a towel on it and then walking away for a few hours, you might come back to get your towel (and belongings) removed by a pool attendant or an irate fellow cruiser — and you’ll be the one in the wrong.

19. Go Shopping Too Early

Do go window shopping early in the cruise to curate a few things that you might want but leave it to the last couple of days to pull the trigger on your purchase. Why? Because you might find the same thing cheaper on a shore excursion, or more likely, it’ll be on sale on the last day of your cruise.

20. Dress Inappropriately

Going shirtless in Croatia, traipsing in heels when visiting the Acropolis, or wearing camouflage clothing in certain Caribbean hotspots (Bahamas, Dominica, Barbados, Jamaica) are some of the lesser-known clothing rules. So before you pack, make sure you take note of what’s accepted or not, usually a cruise line will clue you in.

Royal Caribbean’s website states, “Please note camouflage print clothing and accessories, as well as military-style clothing, is illegal in Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. This style of clothing is reserved only for members of the military at these destinations.”

And yes, this even extends to backpacks, just ask this cruise passenger who got escorted back to the ship in Barbados for his camo backpack.

21. Overpay for Drinks

That Drink Package may look excessive when booking but it’s one way to not overpay for drinks if you’re likely to be drinking more than a couple of glasses a day. Other savvy ways to keep your drink bill reasonable include checking for daily drink specials and happy hour, attending the captain cocktail parties, and if you’re going to be playing at the casino, enjoying some complimentary libations.

22. Expect to Drink Bottles of Liquor Purchased on Board

If you buy bottles of liquor or beer in port or the ones they're hawking on the ship, you won't be able to drink it while on board, much to the chagrin of many. That bottle of tequila from Mexico will be taken by the staff as you board, as will any liquor you buy on the ship, and then delivered to your room on the final morning for disembarkation. Some cruise lines make an exception for fine wines, but only after you pay a corkage fee.

23. Buy the Wi-Fi Package

Using the internet on board a cruise ship is expensive, like really expensive. Some lines charge $20 per hour , and that's usually restricted to things like browsing email and social media sites only. On top of the price, the service is usually very slow, so you're not going to be able to get a lot done in those 60 minutes. Instead, plan to disconnect and enjoy your vacation, or do as most people do and mob the Starbucks in port and use its free Wi-Fi instead.

This article was originally published on Cheapism

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Tom Cruise Gets His First Criterion Collection Movie Set for 4K UHD Release

Not a single film with Tom Cruise has been in the lauded Criterion Collection, until now.

• Tom Cruise's Risky Business joins the prestigious Criterion Collection, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
• The film is praised for blending tender romance with a sharp critique of capitalism, even if it's goofy fun on the surface.
• Criterion's release includes a 4K UHD restoration, special features, and interviews, making it a must-have for film and Cruise enthusiasts.

Tom Cruise has been one of the biggest Hollywood stars for four decades, and has starred in almost 50 movies, but until today, none of them have been represented in the most prestigious film collection in the world — the Criterion Collection . The home media distributor collects the greatest or most culturally important films of all time and immaculately restores them and curates magnificent special features. And now, Cruise's 1983 film Risky Business will be the 1,227th movie added to the collection.

The Criterion Collection announced its inclusion today, April 15, with the film being released in 4K UHD (and Blu-ray) on July 23. Their summary of the film, famous for its underwear lip-sync scene, reads as follows:

" A sly piece of pop subversion, this irresistible satire of Reagan-era materialism features Tom Cruise in his star-is-born breakthrough as a Chicago suburban prepster whose college-bound life spirals out of control when his parents go out of town for the week and an enterprising call girl (Rebecca De Mornay) invites him to walk on the wild side. While Cruise boogying in his briefs yielded one of the most iconic pop-cultural moments of the 1980s, it is the film’s unexpected mix of tender romance (enhanced by a moody synth score by Tangerine Dream) and sharp-witted capitalist critique that remains fresh and daring."

Risky Business

Risky business special features and other july releases for criterion.

It's an interesting choice for the Criterion Collection, with many other Cruise films being considered superior ( Collateral, Eyes Wide Shut, The Color of Money, Magnolia ). Of course, there are licensing issues to be considered, but there are certainly good reasons for the inclusion of Risky Business . It's the film that truly announced Cruise as a cinematic presence, while also playfully deconstructing the typical sex comedies that were so popular at the time ( Porky's, Revenge of the Nerds ). The special features are as follows.

• New 4K digital restorations of the director’s cut and the original theatrical release, supervised and approved by director Paul Brickman and producer Jon Avnet, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks
• One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
• Audio commentary for the original theatrical release featuring Brickman, Avnet, and actor Tom Cruise
• New interviews with Avnet and casting director Nancy Klopper
• New conversation between editor Richard Chew and film historian Bobbie O’Steen
• The Dream Is Always the Same: The Story of “Risky Business,” a program featuring interviews with Brickman, Avnet, cast members, and others
• Screen tests with Cruise and actor Rebecca De Mornay
• English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

Why Tom Cruise Won't Return as Jack Reacher

Risky Business joins several other films for Criterion's July releases. There's a 4K UHD restoration of the all-time classic, Le Samouraï , perhaps the coolest film ever made. Farewell, My Concubine is getting a release after its beautiful restoration in 2023. Black God, White Devil will get a release, finally bringing the brilliant Brazilian Western to the masses. Wim Wenders' astonishing 2023 film Perfect Days will get a home media release from Criterion, as well. Perhaps the best inclusion of them all, however, is Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid , Sam Peckinpah's underrated, melancholic Western masterpiece with a score from Bob Dylan. You can pre-order Risky Business below:

Visit The Criterion Collection

Watch CBS News

What Iran launched at Israel in its unprecedented attack, and what made it through the air defenses

By Haley Ott

Updated on: April 16, 2024 / 6:40 AM EDT / CBS News

Iran launched an unprecedented retaliatory attack on Israel over the weekend that included hundreds of missiles and drones launched primarily from its own soil, but also by Iran-backed groups in several other countries. Virtually everything fired at Israel was intercepted before entering the country's territory, according to the Israel Defense Forces, which reported "very little damage" from the attack.

A 7-year-old girl who was severely injured by shrapnel was the only known casualty in the attack. The child, from a Bedouin village in Israel's southern Negev desert, was still fighting for her life on Monday.

Iran's assault was designed to saturate Israeli and U.S. air defenses with drones and cruise missiles and clear the way for Iran's ballistic missiles, two U.S. officials told CBS News national security correspondent David Martin. It took several hours for the drones and missiles to travel toward Israel, and alerts began to sound across the country at about 2 a.m. local time on Sunday (7p.m. Eastern on Saturday).

• U.S. won't participate in Israeli reprisal attack on Iran, officials say

The IDF said 170 drones were fired at Israel from Iran, and Israeli Air Force jets shot down dozens of them. U.S. aircraft operating from bases in Saudi Arabia and Jordan shot down between 70 and 80 of the drones, Martin reported.

Iran's state news agency, IRNA, said its domestically built Shahed 131 and 136 drones were used in the attack, the larger of which have a range of around 1,200 miles.

Kheibar Shekan ballistic missiles and Emad ballistic missiles were also used in the attack, according to IRNA. Kheibar Shekan missiles, unveiled in 2022, are one of Iran's most modern ballistic missiles, IRNA said, and the Emad missiles can carry a payload of 1,600 pounds. The state news agency said the cruise missiles used in the attack were Paveh missiles, which it said were capable of attacking targets from multiple directions by taking varied paths.

The IDF said none of the 170 drones launched by Iran crossed into Israeli territory, nor did any of the more than 30 cruise missiles fired by the Islamic republic.

Of 120 ballistic missiles fired at Israel from Iran, the U.S. officials told CBS News only five got through Israeli and U.S. air defenses and hit Israeli territory. One U.S. official told CBS News that roughly half of the ballistic missiles failed on launch or crashed in flight.

Four missiles did hit Israel's Nevatim Air Base, where Israeli F-35s are based, the U.S. officials said, adding that the base was likely Iran's primary target, as it is believed to have been an Israeli F-35 that carried out a deadly strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria's capital on April 1. Iran's weekend attack was its promised retaliation for that Israeli strike in Damascus, which killed seven officers from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two generals.

One of the missiles hit near the base's runway, while two landed in open areas and "one more hit near a building, causing minor damage," IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said on Monday, adding that the building was still under construction. 

"All this damage will be repaired in the coming days," Hagari said. "This base is operating around the clock, it functioned during Operation 'Iron Shield' and today as well, from this base, aircraft took off to protect the skies of the State of Israel."

Another ballistic missile appeared to have been aimed at a radar site in northern Israel, but it missed its target, the U.S. officials told Martin.

The IDF said several other launches were made from Yemen and Iraq, but none of those weapons  crossed into Israeli territory. Dozens of rockets were also fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel early Sunday morning, and Israel carried out airstrikes against Hezbollah targets across Lebanon.

• Missile Launch
• Middle East

Haley Ott is the CBS News Digital international reporter, based in the CBS News London bureau.

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Iran on Saturday night unleashed a retaliatory strike against Israel , sending a volley of more than 300 uncrewed drones and missiles toward targets throughout the country, Israeli military officials said. All but a few were intercepted by Israel and its allies, including the United States, officials said.

The attack on Israel came more than six months after Hamas terrorists invaded the country on Oct. 7, after which the Israeli military began its bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

Latest headlines:

Israeli war cabinet meeting ends again with no final decision on response: source, iran foreign minister says 'no intention of further escalating the situation'.

• More than 19,000 children orphaned in Gaza
• Israel focused too intensely on Iran's nuclear threat at expense of ballistic threat: IDF

Iran's attack on Israel, by the numbers

Israeli officials said the country's Iron Dome defense system endured a big test from Iran's attack on Saturday, intercepting 99% of the 300 "threats of various types" thrown at it.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari, launched 170 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more than 120 ballistic missiles and more than 30 cruise missiles in the attack.

Hagari said "99% of the threats launched towards Israeli territory were intercepted -- a very significant strategic achievement."

Hagari said the attack resulted in only one known Israeli casualty, a 7-year-old girl who was severely injured when she was struck by shrapnel apparently from an intercepted missile.

Blinken to Israeli war cabinet: 'We do not want to see further escalation'

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, during which Blinken "continue[d] to send the same messages in all his conversations -- which is we do not want to see further escalation of the conflict," according to spokesperson Matt Miller.

Miller declined to say whether the U.S. assessed the threat of escalation had fallen, but an administration official said the amount of time that has already elapsed since Iran’s weekend attack had boosted hopes that Israel would exercise constraint.

Miller batted down reports that Iran and the U.S. were communicating through intermediaries in the wake of Tehran’s attack on Israel.

"There have not been such messages delivered. It's been days since we've communicated -- since we've sent messages to the government of Iran," Miller said. "And I say that as a reminder of something we've said before: Oftentimes, the Iranian government has misled the world about either messages they've passed to us or messages that we have passed to them."

-ABC News’ Shannon Crawford

UK prime minister 'gravely concerned' about humanitarian situation in Gaza

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke on the phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. While Netanyahu thanked Sunak for the U.K.'s support to counter Iran's weekend attack on Israel, Sunak also had harsh words for Netanyahu about the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"On Gaza, the Prime Minister said he remained gravely concerned about the deepening humanitarian crisis," a Downing Street spokesperson said. "The U.K. wanted to see a massive step change in aid access to flood Gaza with vital supplies, including Israel opening up new aid routes as quickly as possible. The Prime Minister said it was deeply disappointing that Hamas blocked a deal at the weekend that would have saved Palestinian lives and secured the safe release of hostages."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war cabinet met for the third day in a row on Tuesday to consider an Israeli response to Iran's weekend attack.

But Tuesday’s meeting ended with no final decision made about an Israeli response, according to an Israeli source with knowledge of the meeting. A variety of options are still being considered, the source said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on a call that "Iran is willing to exercise restraint and has no intention of further escalating the situation," according to the Chinese foreign ministry’s readout of the conversation.

Biden's message to Iran on possible strike on Israel: 'Don't'

President Joe Biden told reporters he expects an Iranian strike on Israel to occur "sooner than later."

Asked for his message to Iran in this moment, Biden was blunt, saying simply: "Don't."

Asked by ABC News if the U.S. would respond, he said, "We are devoted to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed."

-ABC News' Mary Bruce

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Israel says Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles, 99% of which were intercepted

Loud booms were heard in Jerusalem after Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel.

Sirens and explosions could be heard in Jerusalem on Sunday after Iran fired drones and missiles towards Israel.

The Israeli military said it would do everything to defend Israel, as Iran launched a first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday, sending drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel. Iran’s state-run media reported that dozens of drones had been fired.

Iran launched a first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday, sending drones and cruise and ballistic missiles toward Israel.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that Iran has launched drones from its territory at Israel. Israel has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran and is ready “for any scenario,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday.

A group of hardliners gathered outside the British embassy in Tehran early Sunday to celebrate missile and drone attacks on Israel. Protesters chanted “Death to Israel” and thanked the revolutionary guard for the attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel’s defenses are ready after Iran launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel on Saturday

Iran’s state TV confirmed early on Sunday that the country’s powerful Revolutionary Guard had launched drones and missiles at Israel. Iran launched drones toward Israel late Saturday, the Israeli military also announced, and Iran’s state-run media reported that dozens had been fired.

Iranian missiles or drones were intercepted in the sky above the Jordanian capital, Amman, on Sunday.

Objects flying over the sky were seen from the West Bank, while booms and air raid sirens have sounded in Jerusalem after Iran launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel in an unprecedented revenge mission that pushes the Middle East closer to a regionwide war.

A group of hardline supporters of the Iranian government gathered overnight in central Tehran to celebrate the country’s missile and drone attacks against Israel.

Missiles could be seen in the night sky over the West Bank early on Sunday as Iran launched a first direct military attack against Israel, sending drones and cruise and ballistic missiles toward Israel.

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles. (AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg)

• Copy Link copied

Interceptors missiles are launched into the sky early Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick)

Iranian demonstrators chant slogans during an anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

This is a locator map for Iran with its capital, Tehran. (AP Photo)

An Iranian cleric chants slogans while attending an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian demonstrators wave a Palestinian flag during their anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

An Iranian demonstrator chants slogans while attending an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

A demonstrator waves Iranian and Palestinian flags during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

This image made from a video provided to The Associated Press by a Mideast defense official shows a helicopter raid targeting a vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, April 13, 2024. A video seen by The Associated Press shows commandos raiding a ship near the Strait of Hormuz by helicopter Saturday, an attack a Mideast defense official attributed to Iran amid wider tensions between Tehran and the West. The Mideast defense official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. (AP Photo)

An Iranian demonstrator holds a poster of the late Revolutionary Guard Gen. Mohammad Hadi Haj Rahimi, who was killed in an airstrike widely attributed to Israel that destroyed Iran’s Consulate in Syria on April 1, during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Iranian demonstrators flash the victory sign as they hold an Iranian flag and a model of a bullet during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

An Iranian demonstrator flashes a victory sign as he holds a model of a bullet during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

An Iranian demonstrator ignites a flare as others carry a Palestinian flag during an anti-Israeli gathering at the Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

In this image provided by the White House, President Joe Biden, along with members of his national security team, receive an update on an ongoing airborne attack on Israel from Iran, as they meet in the Situation Room of the White House in Washington, Saturday, April 13, 2024. From left to right, facing Biden are, Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns; Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence; Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Some papers on the desk have been blurred by the source for national security reasons. (Adam Schultz/The White House via AP)

Iranian demonstrators chant slogans during their anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, early Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Follow AP’s live updates on Iran’s attack against Israel .

JERUSALEM (AP) — Booms and air raid sirens sounded across Israel early Sunday after Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in an unprecedented revenge mission that pushed the Middle East closer to a regionwide war. A military spokesman said the launches numbered more than 300 but 99% of them were intercepted.

Calling the outcome “a very significant strategic success,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Iran fired 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Of those, several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base.

Rescuers said a 7-year-old girl in a Bedouin Arab town was seriously wounded in southern Israel, apparently in a missile strike, though they said police were still investigating the circumstances of her injuries.

In Washington, President Joe Biden said U.S. forces helped Israel down “nearly all” the drones and missiles and pledged to convene allies to develop a unified response.

The Iranian attack, less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building, marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Condemnation from the United Nations chief and others was swift, with France saying Iran “is risking a potential military escalation,” Britain calling the attack “reckless” and Germany saying Iran and its proxies “must stop it immediately.”

Hagari said the vast majority of the intercepts came outside Israel’s borders, including 10 cruise missiles that were intercepted by warplanes.

Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Tomer Neuberg)

“A wide-scale attack by Iran is a major escalation,” he said. Asked whether Israel would respond, Hagari said only that the army “does and will do whatever is required to protect the security of the state of Israel.” He said the incident was not over, and dozens of Israeli warplanes remained in the skies.

Israel’s military said its Arrow system, which shoots down ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, handled most interceptions and noted that “strategic partners” were involved.

“At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week,” Biden said in a statement. “Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our service members, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a separate statement that U.S. forces “intercepted dozens of missiles and UAVs en route to Israel, launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.”

Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke early Sunday, Israeli time, their governments said. Biden said in his statement that he reaffirmed “America’s ironclad commitment” to Israel’s security — a departure from his growing criticism of Israel’s conduct in its war on Hamas in Gaza.

Iran had vowed revenge since the April 1 airstrike in Syria , which Tehran accused Israel of being responsible for. Israel hasn’t commented on it.

Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israel’s six-month war against Hamas militants in Gaza. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others. An Israeli offensive in Gaza has caused widespread devastation and killed over 33,000 people, according to local health officials.

Almost immediately after the war erupted, Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group in Lebanon, began attacking Israel’s northern border. The two sides have been involved in daily exchanges of fire, while Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, Syria and Yemen have launched rockets and missiles toward Israel.

In a statement carried late Saturday by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard acknowledged launching “dozens of drones and missiles towards the occupied territories and positions of the Zionist regime.”

In a later statement, the Revolutionary Guard issued a direct warning to the U.S.: “The terrorist U.S. government is warned any support or participation in harming Iran’s interests will be followed by decisive and regretting response by Iran’s armed forces.”

IRNA also quoted an anonymous official saying ballistic missiles were part of the attack. A ballistic missile moves on an arch trajectory, heading up into space before gravity brings the weapon down at a speed several times faster than the speed of sound.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel’s defenses are ready after Iran launched dozens of drones and ballistic missiles on Saturday.

Israel has a multilayered air-defense network that includes systems capable of intercepting a variety of threats including long-range missiles, cruise missiles, drones and short-range rockets. However, in a massive attack involving multiple drones and missiles, the likelihood of a strike making it through is higher.

Iran has a vast arsenal of drones and missiles. Online videos shared by Iranian state television purported to show delta-wing-style drones resembling the Iranian Shahed-136s long used by Russia in its war on Ukraine. The slow-flying drones carry bombs. Ukraine has successfully used both surface-to-air missiles and ground fire to target them.

Some Israelis watched the interceptions light up the night sky.

Air raid sirens were reported in numerous places including northern Israel, southern Israel, the northern West Bank and the Dead Sea near the Jordanian border.

Israel’s army ordered residents in the Golan Heights — near the Syrian and Lebanese borders — as well as the southern towns of Nevatim and Dimona and the Red Sea resort of Eilat into protective spaces. Dimona is home to Israel’s main nuclear facility, and Nevatim has a major air base. Loud booms were heard in Jerusalem and northern and southern Israel.

The army’s Home Front Command canceled school Sunday and limited public gatherings to no more than 1,000 people. Israel and some other countries in the region closed their airspace.

Earlier, Netanyahu warned: “Whoever harms us, we will harm them.”

In Washington, Biden convened a principals meeting of the National Security Council to discuss the attack.

Gen. Erik Kurilla, the head of the U.S. military’s Central Command, was in Israel over the weekend consulting with Israeli defense officials. The Central Command oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a warning to both Israel and the U.S. “Should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe,” it wrote online. “It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!”

For days, Iranian officials including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had threatened to “slap” Israel for the Syria strike.

In Iran’s capital, Tehran, witnesses saw long lines at gas stations early Sunday as people appeared worried about what may come next. Dozens of hard-liners demonstrated in support of the attack at Palestine Square.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported heavy Israeli airstrikes and shelling on multiple locations in south Lebanon following Iran’s launch of drones. The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said it launched “dozens” of Katyusha rockets at an Israeli military site in the Golan Heights early Sunday. It was not immediately clear if there was any damage.

Iranian missiles or drones were intercepted in the sky above the Jordanian capital, Amman. In Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, and elsewhere in the country, residents reported seeing missiles in the sky and hearing explosions, likely from interceptions. In Syria, explosions were heard in the capital, Damascus, and elsewhere. Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Syrian air defenses tried to shoot down Israeli attempts to intercept Iranian missiles.

Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. AP correspondents Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, Michael Balsamo in New York, Krutika Pathi in New Delhi, Stephen Graham in Berlin, Thomas Adamson in Paris, and Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed to this report.