Plain-English definitions

Cruise & vacation glossary

A quick reference for the terms first-time travelers run into most. Confused by something not on the list? Ask Roger.

All-inclusive

A resort package where food, drinks (usually alcohol), tips, and most non-motorized activities are included in one upfront price.

Booking fee

A charge an advisor adds on top of the supplier's price. We don't charge any - cruise lines and resorts pay us directly.

Cabin category

The class of cruise stateroom: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, Suite. Higher categories cost more and usually include more perks.

Closed-loop cruise

A cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port. U.S. citizens can sail on a passport card or birth certificate + ID (passport book still recommended).

Deposit

An upfront payment that secures your reservation. With our $250 deposit program, $250 holds most cruises - you pay the balance over time.

Embarkation

The day you board the ship. Plan to arrive at the port in the early afternoon to minimize lines.

Final payment date

The deadline to pay the balance on your trip. For cruises this is typically 75-90 days before sailing.

Gratuities

Daily tips added to your shipboard account for crew - usually $16-20 per person per day. Often prepayable at booking.

Inside Passage

Alaska's calmest cruise route, sailing protected waters between Vancouver/Seattle and Skagway. Smoother seas than the Gulf of Alaska route.

Muster drill

The mandatory safety briefing on embarkation day. Now mostly self-guided via the cruise line's app, with a quick in-person check-in.

Open jaw / one-way

An itinerary that starts in one port and ends in another (e.g. Vancouver to Anchorage). Lets you add a land tour but means two different flights.

Port day

A day the ship is docked at a destination. You go ashore, then return to the ship by 'all aboard' time (usually 30 min before sailaway).

Pre-cruise hotel stay

A night or two at a hotel near the embarkation port before your cruise. Avoids missing the ship if your flight is delayed - strongly recommended.

Sea day

A day the ship is at sea, not in port. Pool decks, shows, specialty dining, and spa days.

Shore excursion

An organized activity at a port - snorkeling, ruins tour, beach day. Booked through the cruise line or independently.

Specialty restaurant

An on-board restaurant beyond the main dining room and buffet. Usually $20-50 per person extra; often worth it.

Transatlantic / repositioning

A long cruise that moves a ship between regions (e.g. Caribbean to Europe in spring). Often heavily discounted - 14+ nights at cruise-day prices.

Travel insurance

Coverage that reimburses non-refundable trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason, plus medical and evacuation overseas. Strongly recommended.