Cruise vacations are an incredible time to spend with friends and family, making memories, and enjoying a bit of time at sea. There is always plenty to do onboard to keep you entertained and relaxed, whether that is lounging by the pool, reading a book in the observation lounge, or enjoying a show in the theater. But even for the most seasoned of cruisers, getting your bearings while onboard can be a bit of a challenge. No matter how long you have been on the ship, you may still find yourself turned around on one of the inside decks while trying to get back to your stateroom, or lost looking for a specific venue onboard. There are a few different methods to and tips to employ that will help you get your bearings on a cruise ship:
NAUTICAL LINGO | Understanding nautical talk is the first step in figuring out where you are heading on a ship. Once you have learned the four directions of the ship, it will be easy for you to take direction from crew members if you are asking where to find a specific venue.
FORWARD = front of the ship
AFT = back of the ship
PORT = left side of the ship (if you are onboard facing FORWARD)
STARBOARD = right side of the ship (if you are onboard facing FORWARD)
SHIP MAPS | On most cruise vessels you will find a map of the ship in the elevators and elevator banks. Each deck will have a map with information on the venues found on that deck. Most elevators will have popular venues highlighted for a quick search if you are not sure which deck you need to go to.
YOUR STATEROOM | Memorizing which side of the ship your stateroom or suite is on will truly help you navigate your way around the ship. In addition, if you are on a larger vessel, memorizing which elevator bank is the closest- FORWARD, AFT, or MID-SHIP- and knowing which bank you are heading to once you leave your stateroom will help you remember exactly which direction you are going.
MEMORIZE THE VENUES | One of the tricks to figuring out which way you need to go when stepping off the elevator is remembering which venue is on which side. For instance if the main buffet is always on Deck 9 in the aft, and it is to your right when you step off the elevator on Deck 9, you will know that to your right is aft, and if you turn left, you will be heading forward. While it sounds complicated, you will find yourself taking the elevators frequently throughout the day, so memorizing venues will be very easy and quick.
LOOK FOR DESIGN TELLS | Some cruise lines will let you know where you are by the design of the ship. Norwegian, for instance, always has patterned carpets running through the halls on the stateroom decks, with designs such as fish or arrows pointing in one specific direction- FORWARD, so guests always know which way on the ship they are headed by the carpet. Not all lines have this, but the ones that do, use these tells as your guide.
ROOM NUMBERS | Another lesser known trick is room numbers. The numbers of the suites and staterooms always increase the further aft you are. So if you get off of the elevator and aren't sure which way you need to go, pop into the hallway and see which way the numbers increase and decrease. Remember smaller numbers are toward the forward, and larger numbers are toward the aft.
Booking Your Cruise
Now that you are ready to book your cruise, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. Our advisors know the ships inside and out, and we have an amazing relationship with many incredible brands in the industry. We will craft the cruise vacation of a lifetime for you, your friends, family, or group at an exceptional rate, and give you the Harr Travel signature service every step of the way.
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