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Most Common Words and Phrases Used by Crew on Cruise Ships

Submitted by kgnadmin on

Everyone knows that the official language on board a cruise ship is English; however, there are many words that are used only by crew members. Some of these words come from the English, Spanish, Italian, Tagalog, and Balkan languages. If you've never worked on a cruise ship or heard these words before, you will certainly hear them if you embark on a cruise ship. Here is a list of the most frequently used words by the crew. Of course, there may be other interpretations depending on the cruise line.

These are the words that are most frequently used on board:

• Andiamo: Those who have worked in Italian companies know what this means. Everyone on board uses it all the time. It means something like "Come on," but they end up using it to rush people.

• Basura: In Spanish, it means "garbage." On the ship, it is used to refer to people. You will always hear someone calling someone else "basura."

• Bomboclat: This word is also widely used by Asians, and it means something like "idiot," "clown," or "fool." They mostly use it as a form of play, and you will also notice if someone is being serious.

• Brata: This is a word that everyone will hear on board at some point. It means "fucked." Sometimes it means "in trouble" or "in a mess." For example, when the ship stops at a port for up to 14 hours and all passengers should be on board by then, the restaurant staff will be in a brata, as they will have to serve hungry passengers who come back wanting to eat. On shipping day, it's a brata for reception as they have to guide passengers on various things, and the queue is huge. At sea, it's a brata for various departments because all passengers are on board. Some people are in a brata in their relationships because they are seeing two people at once on board. Ha ha, brata my friend!

• Bridge: This is the Command Bridge, where the captain and his crew are located. The view from the bridge is amazing, especially watching a sunset from there. They also enjoy taking a look at the Crew Beach, where the dancers spend the day topless. All emergency information and signs come from there. If there's a problem, crew members are always told to "call the bridge."

• Cabin Party: This is like putting São Paulo in Santos! It's when 15 or more people are in a cabin that sleeps two. The nights are lively when there is a Cabin Party, and it can get messy. The stories are the best, and the fun is guaranteed. There is always a Cabin Party after a Crew Party; it's a rule. If you go, make sure you choose the right group of people to hang out with.

• Call the bridge (connects to bridge): This is what people say when they want to tell someone they don't like to leave them alone. Every phone on board connects to the bridge, so someone will always tell you to "call the bridge" if you're upset about something.

• Cambuza or Cambuzeiro: This is the person responsible for supplying all (or almost all) the items that are used at the buffet or department in question. In the bar, this person would be called a "barboy," but they earn much more. It is a tough job because they have to push the trolley, which is always crowded, from deck 0 to deck 9 and organize all the "exemptions" (I can't remember the name now) and freezers. Usually,

• Each cruise has at least one instance where a crew member suffers a life-threatening incident. When a cruise is large and has multiple time zones, there can be up to three parties happening on the ship simultaneously, which can pose a risk to the crew. Most of the parties are always crowded, and their names change every time, but the music is generally the same. Nevertheless, the fun is always different, and being on board is the only way to experience it. Sometimes, parties are organized in the Back Pool, which is much more open, and everyone wants to attend. After most crew parties end, there is an after-party that takes place either in the galley or the designated crew party area, which can get wild.

• Crew Pass is your identity on the ship. It's the document that you carry with you at all times, and it serves as your identification in case something happens off the ship. The passport always stays with you and ensures your entry and departure from the vessel. The company offers a set amount of money that you can spend on the ship, which can be $100 or €100, depending on the company or your chosen salary. If you run out of money before you can recharge your Crew Pass, you can add more money by going to the Crew Purser or the Cashier Crew. It's crucial not to lose your Crew Pass or lend it to anyone as some unscrupulous individuals take advantage of crew members' carelessness and use their Crew Pass to buy things. The Crew Purser will issue a new card if you lose it.

• The Crew Purser is the person responsible for resolving crew-related issues, from embarkation and disembarkation to answering any queries the crew may have. The Purser is the person who issues your Crew Pass, takes care of transfers, and other matters that you'll find out during your tenure.

• Getting a day off is rare, depending on your role on the ship. Most crew members never take the full day off, and the ones who do get a few hours of rest at most. Sometimes, you get a longer break by working a few extra hours so that you can visit a place far from the ship, such as Rome or the Acropolis. The restaurant usually provides a longer break during lunch, which can be quite refreshing.

• If you're unhappy with something, you may hear the phrase "Do not like to go home!" from others. Some crew members may irritate you or try to take advantage of you, but if you complain, that's what you'll hear. After all, if you don't like something or are unhappy, you can go home.

• Drills are an essential part of safety procedures on the ship, but no crew member likes to participate in them as they take up some precious time. The drill is a simulation of an emergency with passengers when they board the ship, and every crew member has a designated position to guide the passengers. The drill is usually conducted at ports where the crew members want to disembark and explore. The simulation can include various things, such as descending in lifeboats and other emergency procedures. The drill can take a long time, and it can be stressful, especially if you're on the fire team.

• The gangway is a place full of mixed emotions and different stories. It's the first place you step on the ship when you board and the last when you disembark. It's the entrance and exit to several towns and amazing places. It's where you part ways with friends and "loves" on board. Everyone has a story to tell about the gangway.

Crew Insights

Articles and experiences shared by crew members working on cruise ship. Find out more about ship life at sea together with tips and advices for first time crew members and cruise oldtimers.