Cruise Ship Guide: Slang, Costs, Food Tips & Best Lines

Few travel experiences mix anticipation and confusion quite like booking a cruise. With over 31.5 million passengers sailing in 2023, the industry is booming, but first-timers face a maze of slang, tipping rules, and dining choices that this guide decodes, revealing insider lingo, best and worst lines, and practical tips on food, timing, and gratuities.

Global cruise passengers (2023): 31.5 million ·
Average cruise duration: 7 days ·
Largest cruise ship (passenger capacity): 6,988 (Icon of the Seas) ·
Most visited cruise region: Caribbean ·
Cruise industry revenue (2024 est.): $30+ billion

Here is a summary of important cruise industry facts:

What do cruise ship slang terms like ‘wife on board’ and ‘banana’ mean?

What does ‘wife on board’ mean on a cruise ship?

• The term “wife on board” generally indicates that a passenger’s spouse is present, often implying a more restrained vacation experience. It is not a formal code but a colloquial phrase used among some cruisers (Cruise Critic).

What does banana mean on a cruise ship?

• “Banana” is an informal slang term used among some cruise staff; its meaning is not standardized and may refer to a warning or inside joke. No authoritative source defines it universally (Cruise Critic).

Cruise slang varies by line and region. The implication: don’t rely on unofficial codes—ask crew directly if you hear something confusing.

What is currently the best cruise ship?

Which cruise line has the worst reputation?

• Current top-rated ships include Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (capacity 6,988) and Wonder of the Seas, based on industry awards and customer reviews (Royal Caribbean Blog).
• ‘Best’ depends on traveler preferences: families, luxury, adventure, etc. Carnival is often cited for poor reputation based on aggregated passenger feedback (Cruise Critic).

The pattern: Royal Caribbean leads in innovation and scale, while Carnival struggles with customer satisfaction ratings. For first-timers, choosing a line that matches your travel style matters more than absolute rankings.

What are the five foods to avoid on a cruise ship?

Why not eat scrambled eggs on a cruise ship?

• Scrambled eggs on cruise ships are often made from powdered eggs or held for long periods, leading to texture and quality issues. This is common culinary knowledge (Cruise Critic).
• Other foods to approach with caution: buffet items (safety concerns), sushi (if not prepared fresh), undercooked meat, and tap water in certain ports. Food safety practices on major lines are regulated; these tips are about freshness and taste.

The trade-off: opting for made-to-order stations and specialty dining reduces these risks while adding variety to your meals.

What is the cheapest month to go on a cruise?

• January and February (excluding holidays) are typically the cheapest months due to low demand (Cruise Critic).
• Shoulder seasons like September and early December also offer lower fares. Pricing varies by itinerary and cruise line; last-minute deals and repositioning cruises can be cheaper (Cruise Nation).

What this means: if you’re flexible with dates, booking in January or February can save hundreds of dollars, especially for Caribbean itineraries.

Do cruise workers know if you remove gratuities?

• Automatic gratuities are tracked by the cruise line; removing them is recorded in the system and may be noted by cabin stewards and waitstaff (Royal Caribbean FAQ).
• While staff are trained to provide standard service regardless, some passengers report a subtle difference in service after removing tips (Cruise Critic).
• Gratuity policies vary; many lines allow adjustment but recommend keeping them unless there is a genuine service issue.

The catch: removing gratuities may save money in the short term but can affect the quality of service you receive throughout the voyage.

Four major cruise lines, one pattern: most add automatic gratuities, but the amounts and what’s included differ significantly.

The implication: Virgin Voyages includes gratuities in the fare, while others charge per day. Budget-conscious travelers should include these gratuity costs when planning their cruise.

“Automatic gratuities usually cover main dining room, buffet, specialty dining, cabin attendants, and room service.” – Cruise Critic

“An 18% gratuity is automatically added to beverage purchases.” – Royal Caribbean FAQ

For the first-time cruiser, the choice is clear: plan your trip during off-peak months, budget for gratuities and extras, and stick to made-to-order food to avoid disappointments. Choose a line that matches your travel style, and you’ll sail with confidence.

Frequently asked questions