Do you care about the language?

[sail7seas]

Do you make any effort to learn proper shipboard terminology? Does it matter to you the proper word is stern when referring to the back of the boat? Do you notice when speaking with other cruisers if they call Deck 3, the third floor? I'm sure you wouldn't say anything but does it resonate with you? Would you go out of your way to ask a crew person what a particular "sea expression" you may have heard means if you do not know?

[FlorenceItaly]

My personal pet peeve is when someone calls the SHIP a boat. My tablemate sitting right next to me did that ALL week, and now I think I have learned to live with it a little more, LOL. It doesn't drive me quite insane now, LOL.

Marie

[ron46936]

I guess since the giant cruise ships are sometimes referred to as "Floating Hotels" it doesn't particularly bother me that some folks use land based designations for ship parts. It is fun though to learn some of the ship terminology. I had trouble keeping port and starboard straight until I learned a couple of memory joggers. First "Port" and "Left" each have four letters. Also "After the Cabernet is gone the Port is Left" will appeal to wine lovers.

The Front has a bulbous Bow and a lot of speedboats have Stern drives in the Rear.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

Years ago when we took our first cruise, we made it a point to learn all the proper terminology. Our first cruise was not on a cruise ship but on cabin cruisers on our rivers.

We just laugh when people refer to a deck by a number. But when you think about it, when you get on the elevators, the various decks are refered to by numbers!

:)

[sail7seas]

The "Number" part is not what I was referring to; it was the "floor" part.


Deck three sounds okay to my ears...
Third Floor does not.

[Globaliser]

I am personally very pleased when people correctly refer to the front of the ship as "the pointy end" and to the opposite as "the blunt end".

[Krazy Kruizers]

:) Globaliser

Love it!

:D

[gizmo]

You must have been reading the latest edition of Cruise Travel magazine. There is an article on this.

[Vicar]

I think its fun learning all the ships terminology. And when I have had the opportunity I have asked a few crew members about certain terminology and procedures.

But I can see where some people would still use the land based terms.

Like the previous poster said the newer larger ships are touted as "floating hotels". And there are times, especially when you are inside on some of the decks, that you forget you are on a ship and think you are in a mall, or a land based casino, or restaurant.

Its funny, even nowadays, when cruising is so popular, people who have never cruised will ask me different things about the ships and are amazed at some of the features. "They have a whole floor of just shopping?"
"Elevators????? How big is this Ship? 12 DECKs????" *LOL*

They might remember a ship they were on in the navy, or a little ferry trip they took years ago, but cannot fully take in the actual size of these ships.
My uncle remembers being on a ship in the Navy where every slept in bunks one on top of the other, so hearing about two story penthouse suites with wraparound verandahs is just mindblowing *LOL*


I think we all remember the first time we cruised and were blown away by everything we saw.

[RevNeal]

I CANNOT believe it! All of you ARROGANT, hypercritical elitists, thinking you're SO IMPORTANT because you know the proper terminology for the parts of the ship! It doesn't make you any superior because you do, and other's don't. In fact, I REFUSE to use the so-called "proper" terminology for the ship ... I'll use just any old terms I PLEASE. It's MY vacation, and hence MY ship ... I paid $900 for it! :eek: </sarcasm






;)

[Leslieswiger]

:D Being at sea and onboard the ship, we feel that proper terminology SHOULD be used.
How blessed we are to be able a take a cruise.

[rodree]

Amen !

[gizmo]

I don't care what terminology is used, boat, ship, back, aft, stern, cabin, room, deck, floor, whatever..... What difference does it make? I don't think people should be expected to learn proper terminology just because they are taking a cruise.

If someone used a term I was unfamiliar with would I ask? Sure, if I were interested.

[sail7seas]

REV.......:D :D


Gizmo....Just asked the question,Giz. That's all. I simply asked a question. :rolleyes:

[gizmo]

S7S,
I "simply" answered 2 of the questions and gave my opinion.:confused: Others gave their opinion so what is wrong with mine? I did not quote you or address my above commets to you personally.
To clarify further, my 1st post did mention Cruise Travel magazine and I thought maybe you read it since they have an article on this subject. I see nothing wrong with this either.

[sail7seas]

Yes, Gismo. I GET it. :) Hope you are having a smiley, happy, pleasant day.

[tomc]

My personal pet peeve is when someone calls the SHIP a boat. My favorite tv show is watching reruns of "The Love Ship."

[LAFFNVEGAS]

We always try to use the right word and I think we kinda learn as we go. On our last cruise I noticed far more people that had no idea but then there were far more first timers to Alaska. I have a strange way to remember Starboard and Port side but it will probably only mean something to Bill S and Vegas Jim. Many years ago here in Las Vegas were 2 Seafood and Steak Restaurants called Starboard Tack which was on the East side of town and the Port Tack which was on the west side of town. I just always think of east and west to remember although it has become second nature to me now.;)

[Esme]

Globaliser - you are more polite than we are - we call it the "pointy" end and the "a** end" or "round end". :D

The only thing that bothers me also is when people call it a "boat" instead of a "ship". Does anyone really care if people don't use the correct terminology. :rolleyes:

[DaveEdwards]

Do you suppose the mariner or sailor of yesteryear might be somewhat confused with the proper terminology when referring to today's vessel? Since our 'ships' now sport ice rinks, rock climbing walls, minature golf courses, casinos and other sites of pleasure, maybe we should consider some new terminology. We are now dealing with complexes of massive proportions.

Anyone have any suggestions for new references? It could be some fun.:cool:

[Janellison]

I am gently prompted by my DH every time I use the incorrect terminology - he was a ship draughtsman for 20 odd years! :)

[FlorenceItaly]

tomc - LOL...good point!

No, I don't REALLY care if someone calls it a boat instead of a ship, just said it was a pet peeve, but no my life is not affected by it, nor do I lose sleep over it :).

You know I believe this thread was to add a bid of humor but some of you all take it too seriously, the responses....jmo...now, I predict you are going to reply to my post and say I am taking it too seriously, but I really am not :).

Let's all lighten up and just get along.

Marie

[SHayesShip]

When a new passenger uses the wrong terminology it does "grate" me a little but what bothers me even more is the conscious cruiseline efforts to do away with the terminology. On many ships today we now have terms as Front Office, Hotel Manager, Room Attendent etc. etc. We are not in a hotel, we are on a moving ship!!!!!


Do you make any effort to learn proper shipboard terminology? Does it matter to you the proper word is stern when referring to the back of the boat? Do you notice when speaking with other cruisers if they call Deck 3, the third floor? I'm sure you wouldn't say anything but does it resonate with you? Would you go out of your way to ask a crew person what a particular "sea expression" you may have heard means if you do not know?

[Jacqueline]

The writing was on the wall when the pursers desk was changed to guest relations...

[RevNeal]

Does anyone really care if people don't use the correct terminology.

I was, of course, cutting up and being sarcastic on purpose earlier. In fact, I don't care what terms OTHER people use so long as I can understand what they're talking about. Nevertheless, *I* like using the proper terms. Being a person who makes his living through Epistemological gymnastics from week to week, that's the nomenclature for everything becomes a prime consideration. :D

[vicmic83]

Have spent 14 1/2 years on US Navy ships. Terminology is not an issue. Having spent 121 days at sea and without hitting a port, or 3 ports on a six month cruise was my job. My big concern is #1 No Rain, and not oversleeping. The high point is on this cruise I won't be standing 8-12 hours a day on watch in addition to my normal duties. So..... I am going to sleep in my bed (Navy term Rack), in my bedroom (Navy term; compartment), shower in my shower (Navy term; head). Walk down the hallways (Navy term; passageways), Dine on a nice meal (Navy term; Eat chow on the messdecks). Yes... I am going to be irrevent and relaxed. Those with sea duty backgrounds will understand this, If your a member of ships company, you can call it a boat. If your not a member of ships Company or never sailed as a member of a crew, It is a Ship! I stand corrected by those with more than 24 Years in the Navy, or over 14 years seaduty, or those with higher rank, the rest of you have not earned that right.

[Vicar]

This thread reminds me of an old comedy skit.
A man walks into a very ritzy art gallery and looks at a painting and says to the owner of the gallery.

"Thats a nice picture of a boat"

The owner is incensed and tells the man . excuse me but this is not picture, but rather a painting and it is not a boat it is a ship, and then goes in a long spech of the history of the artist and the ship in question in the most condescending tone he can muster.

The man takes in this whole tirade in stride, and then tells the owner, "Well its still nice, i'll give you $50,000 for it.

The gallery owner shakes the mans hand and excitedly tells him "Mister, ya just bought a real nice picture of a boat." :)

[imsulin]

RevNeal - I just love you! You don't mind that I'm a Lutheran, you don't mind that I occasionally choose to genuflect backwards, you don't mind that I used to be an Anglican, you don't mind that I enhanced (more than once) the Communion wine with a little vodka, you don't mind that I never go to church, you don't mind that I cruise on many lines, and you don't mind that I'm very particular about spelling and grammar! (dinning - stewart - st. marteen , et. al.) I also am pretty particular about ship vernacular. Thanks, Rev Neal!

[jhannah]

Good one, Lisa L. I haven't thought of the Port Tack and Starboard Tack in a long time. Loved eating there. Somehow, Senior Frogs (or whatever it is now) just doesn't measure up! ;)

As for terminology, I like to use proper terms. But it doesn't really bother me one way or the other. When did the plank become a gangway????

[Cruiseoften]

Do you suppose the mariner or sailor of yesteryear might be somewhat confused with the proper terminology when referring to today's vessel? Since our 'ships' now sport ice rinks, rock climbing walls, minature golf courses, casinos and other sites of pleasure, maybe we should consider some new terminology. We are now dealing with complexes of massive proportions.

Anyone have any suggestions for new references? It could be some fun.:cool:

Yesteryears mariners/sailors would be totally dumbfounded by the so-called ships of today. I seriously wonder if they should be referred to as ships!!!!!!!!

They float it's true but are more akin to apartment or condo blocks. We've so far avoided travelling on any of the ungainly monsters.

Have to say it does bug me when people, after having spent 7 days on board, still enter the elevator and say 'hit floor 3 for me' and don't know Port from Starboard. That said, without a compass in my car, on a dull day I don't know in which direction I'm driving! :( We all have our hang-ups!

[Sailure]

It doesn't bother me when someone who's not familiar with ships and other sea vessels and don't know the proper names or terminology for everything.

MOST people go on cruises to take a vacation not because they're sailors or were born to the sea but to go on one of those "floating resorts" to have a good time.;)

[RevNeal]

RevNeal - I just love you!

From one former Anglican to another ... thanks. Someone needs to love me. :)

[dam1050]

It actually bothers me more when I read on many message boards "dinning" room instead of "dining room", or "alot" or "allot" for "a lot" (two separate words) .... LOL

Dave

[Esme]

The writing was on the wall when the pursers desk was changed to guest relations...

:confused:
The Purser's desk was never changed to the Guest Relations. The Purser used to have a separate office beside the Front Desk office, but now his/her office is located behind the Front Desk office. The GRM, (a position created a few years ago,) who is supposed to have specific hours to meet passengers at his/her located outside the Front Desk, is a separate department and if they are not at the desk you can ask the Front Desk personnel to speak to them.

[sail7seas]

The Purser used to be a three stripe position. When the duties of his office were split up and some of those functions were handed to GRM/Front Office, the position became two stripe.


There is one Purser on HAL who wears three and one-half stripes which I found very interesting. (Captain and Hotel Manager wear four sripes). After spending many evenings enjoying his company, I finally asked why he was "ranked" higher than all other Pursers on HAL.

He has been with the company for so many years that he earned one-half stripe for his years of service and when the position went from being a three stripe to a two stripe, the company did not "take away" the stripes he already was wearing....quite appropriately IMO

Many long time HAL cruisers are sure to know who I am referring to. Absolutely great gentlemen IMO.

[Esme]

"Many long time HAL cruisers are sure to know who I am referring to. Absolutely great gentlemen IMO."

We are long time cruisers with HAL (23 years) and have no idea who you are talking about. Care to let us know?

[glrounds]

I am personally very pleased when people correctly refer to the front of the ship as "the pointy end" and to the opposite as "the blunt end".
Globaliser,

This works great until they get into a canoe. :)

[Globaliser]

This works great until they get into a canoe. :) And is that when they discover they don't know their aft from their elbow? ;)

[imsulin]

Well, they're sitting on their "aft" in that canoe!

[gizmo]

The Purser used to be a three stripe position. When the duties of his office were split up and some of those functions were handed to GRM/Front Office, the position became two stripe.


There is one Purser on HAL who wears three and one-half stripes which I found very interesting. (Captain and Hotel Manager wear four sripes). After spending many evenings enjoying his company, I finally asked why he was "ranked" higher than all other Pursers on HAL.

He has been with the company for so many years that he earned one-half stripe for his years of service and when the position went from being a three stripe to a two stripe, the company did not "take away" the stripes he already was wearing....quite appropriately IMO

Many long time HAL cruisers are sure to know who I am referring to. Absolutely great gentlemen IMO.
Who are you referring to?

[imsulin]

Call me dumb, but I thought that only the Captain/Master could wear four stripes? Or do the Captain's stripes have the executive curl and the Hotel Manager's stripes don't? At least, that's the way it was when I was on the Titanic.

[cactuslady]

Thank goodness HAL ships have no baggywrinkles, Charlie Nobles, spankers, or belaying pins! (Perhaps there are pintles and gudgeons at the rudder, but we never see them.) Imagine the struggles had by the new swab, freshly shanghaied former plow boy, in the days of the full-rigged ships -- "Is that the maintopmast studdingsail or the main-topgallant studdingsail?"

I enjoy learning all the terms, but will be quite happy as long as there are teak deck chairs and a menu sufficiently varied to prevent scurvy.

[catlib55]

I'm with Globaliser: I always refer to the front of the ship as the "pointy end" and the back of the ship as the "round end."

But I really don't care who calls any of it what. I just love cruising!!!

'Til we sail on Rotterdam,
Mary Ellen

[Tatka]

I hate the word "Boat"... other things don't bother me as much , maybe because I don't know them too well ;)

I used to know every term in Russian and now I have to learn it again.

Last year on Century one of the daily planners (I think on the second day) contained a special page with every term ...including more advanced terms like "Leewards" etc. It was nice, unfortunately I was on "vacation" and didn't want to learn anything. :D

[glrounds]

Tatka,

I don't know if you were born and raised in Russia or how long you've been in America or what is the extent of your education, but rest assured, Tatka, Your English is just FINE ! ! :D :D

[sail7seas]

I totally agree. You have a wonderful command of the English language. I envy multi-linquists.

[Johanna7]

All I care about on a ship is staying out of the Brig

[JohnR49er]

Where is the Poopdeck?

[digby]

Do you make any effort to learn proper shipboard terminology? Does it matter to you the proper word is stern when referring to the back of the boat? Do you notice when speaking with other cruisers if they call Deck 3, the third floor?

NO! I don't care what it is called. I just want to enjoy it all.

[Tatka]

Tatka,

I don't know if you were born and raised in Russia or how long you've been in America or what is the extent of your education, but rest assured, Tatka, Your English is just FINE ! !


Thank you!

I was born, raised and educated ( including higher education) in USSR. Moved to US at 24 (8 years ago) and now proud :) citizen of US.

My passion for cruising is international. One of the reasons I was happy to move here was freedom to travel, and to cruise of course.

What I meant to say was I knew all "ship" terms in Russian,...For example "forward" of the ship in Russian was "nos" (like nose), and stern??? (back of the ship) was "korma", person who prepares food was "kok".

It's my English lack of ship termenology that bothers me.:eek:

I think ship kitchen is galley(?).

In my understanding people don't bother to learn all the terms because they treat new ships more like hotels or resorts. Many of new ships are exactly that, resorts IMHO. Otherwise how can anybody explain the need to have Promenade parades, Rock Climbing walls, Mini-golfs or Ice Shows. When I go on cruise my main preference is to be OUTSIDE watching ocean waves go by, feel ocean breeze !

All these other activities I can do on land... With my son playing hockey all year long I don't miss ICE a bit! ;)