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Disney and Carnival cruise ships at the cruise port in Nassau, Bahamas
Advice, Cruise Tips

What’s a “Mustard Drill”?! Decoding the Language of Cruising

Cruise lingo can make cruising a bit intimidating for a cruise newbie. If you’re a first-timer or still somewhat new to cruising, it can be helpful to learn the “language of cruising.” Here are some common cruise-specific terms that will help you as you make your booking and once you set sail.   Aft and Forward, Port Side and Starboard These are sections and directions of a cruise ship. Knowing these terms is crucial for navigating the ship. “Aft” refers to the back of the ship, while “forward” indicates the front. “Port side” is the ship’s left side when facing forward, and “starboard” is the right side. Understanding these terms will make it easier to find your way around. For a deeper dive into these concepts, check out my post about understanding these terms and navigating a cruise ship.  Disembarkation Disembarkation is the process of getting off the ship. It happens both on port days, when you get off the ship to explore, and also reflects the final step of your cruise journey, the final disembarkation at the end of your cruise which involves getting yourself and your luggage off the ship and passing through customs. Read my post here to learn more about final disembarkation, what’s involved with it, how long it takes, and the pros and cons of luggage handling options. The term “debark” is synonymous with disembarkation, and both are commonly used in cruise lingo, although “disembarkation” is generally the more commonly used term. Embarkation Embarkation is the process of getting on the ship (you and your luggage). This involves checking in at the port, going through security, and finally boarding the vessel. The embarkation process can be exciting as it marks the beginning of your cruise adventure. It also can be a little chaotic, especially for a newbie, and feels like navigating TSA at an airport. For tips about how to ensure a smooth cruise embarkation, and the pros and cons of carrying on your luggage yourself versus checking it, read this post. Main Dining Room (MDR) Embarkation is the process of getting on the ship (you and your luggage). This involves checking in at the port, going through security, and finally boarding the vessel. The embarkation process can be exciting as it marks the beginning of your cruise adventure. It also can be a little chaotic, especially for a newbie, and feels like navigating TSA at an airport. For tips about how to ensure a smooth cruise embarkation, and the pros and cons of carrying on your luggage yourself versus checking it, read this post. Related: Learn the 5 Secrets to Maximizing Your MDR Experience. Muster Drill A muster drill (not “mustard”) is the required safety briefing conducted by all cruise lines before the ship can set sail. During this drill, passengers are instructed on where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. Attendance is mandatory, and it’s a crucial part of ensuring everyone’s safety on board. If you try to skip it, the cruise line will hunt you down like a dog, so don’t even bother trying.  Port Day A port day is when your cruise ship docks at a port, allowing passengers to disembark and explore the destination. Port days are filled with excursions, sightseeing, shopping, and dining opportunities. Each port offers a unique experience, from cultural tours and historical sites to beach outings and adventurous activities. Port days provide a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the beauty of new places before returning to the ship for the next leg of your journey. Learn more about what to expect for port days, and how to prepare for them. Sea Day A sea day is a day during your sailing when your ship does not call on a port and you do not leave the ship. Sea days offer the perfect opportunity to explore the ship’s amenities, relax by the pool, indulge in spa treatments, or participate in onboard activities and entertainment. Stateroom Your cruise room isn’t just a “room”; it’s a stateroom — sometimes called a cabin. Staterooms come in various categories, from inside cabins with no windows to luxurious suites with private balconies. No matter the type, your stateroom will be your cozy home away from home during your cruise, although some staterooms may be better for some people than others. In my post here, I explain the differences between various stateroom types and categories. Related: Learn 3 benefits of an interior stateroom. Steward This is your stateroom attendant, sometimes mistakenly called a “Stewart.” A steward is a crucial part of the great cruise experience. They provide personalized service and ensure your stateroom is clean and comfortable. Stewards often go above and beyond to make your stay special, learning your preferences and addressing your needs promptly. Tender Port Due to narrow channels or shallow water, large cruise ships cannot always navigate to a pier. In these cases, they anchor in the ocean and use smaller boats, or “tender boats,” to transport passengers from ship to shore. Tendering can add an element of adventure to your port visits and offers a unique perspective of your destination from the water.  Decoding the Secret Language of Cruising By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll feel more confident and prepared as you embark on your cruise adventure. My video below also explains these things in a bit more detail. https://youtu.be/lswylTJa13Q

A woman poses with a glass of water in her hand at a table in a cruise ship Main Dining Room
Cruise Tips

Pros & Cons of Flexible and Set Cruise Dining Options

Cruising can be intimidating for first-timers, because you have to make several choices different than a traditional vacation, and you may be unsure about what to choose. One of these options is your preference for Main Dining Room (MDR) options. The MDR is included in your cruise fare, so this is no additional cost, unlike the cruise line’s specialty dining options, but you’ll need to designate your dining time preference. Cruise Dining Times When you book your cruise, you’ll generally have to select whether you want flexible or set dining times. The cruise lines refer to these as different things. Carnival, for instance, calls its flexible option “Anytime Dining,” whereas Royal Caribbean refers to it as “My Time Dining.” Flexible Dining Pros & Cons If you opt for the flexible dining option, you can head to the MDR at any time during the dining hours, which can vary from line to line but are generally between 5:30 and 9:00 PM. Pros of Flexible Dining: It’s pretty obvious—the flexibility! I generally prefer to have dinner a little earlier in the day, but if I have a busy port day and don’t get back to the ship until 6 PM, I want plenty of time to shower, change, and relax before heading to dinner. I can’t always do that with set dining, but flexible dining allows for it. The melting chocolate cake (or “lava cake”) is a popular mainstay in the MDR on a Carnival Cruise. Cons of Flexible Dining: This option can mean a wait for your table, sometimes a lengthy one. However, many cruise lines now have an online dinner check-in option on their various apps, which helps a bit with this. You’ll still have to wait, but at least you can explore and do other things while you wait for your table. (Tip: I generally check in while I’m still getting ready for dinner in my stateroom. Once you are notified your table is ready, you generally have 10-15 minutes to get there, and waiting in your stateroom is better than crowding around outside the MDR). Related: Check out 5 Secrets to Maximizing Your MDR Experience. Set Dining Pros & Cons If you choose set dining, you’ll need to decide whether you want early or late dining. These times can vary based on the cruise line, but early dining is generally around 5:30 PM, and late dining is around 8:00 PM. Pros of Set Dining Times: The biggest benefit of cruise set dining time is that you generally won’t have to wait long for your table. Another perk is that you will be seated at the same table each evening, and you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your wait staff team and, if you’re social, the other cruisers who are seated nearby. Cruise MDR wait staff are often exceptional, and they will likely even remember your individual preferences, which is a fun benefit. For example, if you prefer extra lemon in your water, you often won’t need to ask for it after that first night.   Holding a friendly sloth at Manawakie Park. Cons of Set Dining Times: The downfall of set dining is the lack of flexibility. Perhaps you have early dining, but you just aren’t very hungry at 5:30 PM because you had a late lunch that day. But with set dining, there’s little wiggle room on time. You can arrive a bit past your dining time, but not by much. Of course, the buffet is always an option, but many cruisers (like me) strongly prefer the MDR experience over the buffet (I avoid it as much as possible). Keep in mind, too, that the included entertainment, such as shows, comedians, live music, etc., is a big benefit of cruising, and it can sometimes prove difficult to attend the shows you want when they interfere time-wise with your set dining time. Cruise Dining Time Tips for the MDR 1. Sailing with Others – If you’re sailing with family and friends, you can request that your reservations get linked with the cruise line so you can enjoy MDR meals together (and FYI – the MDR isn’t just for dinner!). Many groups find set dining a better choice in this scenario since you’re coordinating multiple people, and it’s easier to ensure you get a table together, as large tables are limited for flexible dining options. It’s also simpler that everyone knows one time each night, every night, to meet up for dinner. 2. MDR To Go – If you’re determined to enjoy an MDR meal but you (or a cabinmate) just aren’t very hungry, and you’re stuck with a set dining time, you can request your meal to go. Many cruisers are unaware of this option, but the wait staff team will prepare your desired meal for you and provide you with a dish cover so you can take it to your room to enjoy it later. However, some cruise lines won’t always allow this, citing “health and safety” reasons for denying “to go” food. This seems inconsistently applied across and even within the various cruise lines, so my advice is always just to ask. 3. MDR Tipping – If and how much to tip in the Main Dining Room is a varied and sometimes controversial topic. Tips are included in the gratuities that are paid by cruisers, but some cruisers (that’s me!) also choose to tip extra. When I have flexible dining, I generally tip a few bucks each night, as the wait staff team can vary each evening. If I have a set dining time, I’ll generally wait until the end of the cruise and tip a larger amount at the end of that final dinner. 4. Don’t Delay Making Your Choice – Don’t be indecisive about your cruise main dining room dining time selection because these options DO “sell out”. It’s advisable to make your choice when you book (it’s possible to change later if your newly desired option is still available). Each sailing has a limited number of options for each of

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