Cruising Basics, Part 1: Taking the Mystery Out of Ships’ Prefixes

If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you’ve already seen the alphabet-soup on the ship right before its name. And you’ve heard people referred to as pursers and helmsmen and first or second officer. And you’ve had the opportunity to be confused by nautical terms such as leeward, prow, and yaw. If you HAVEN’T been on a cruise yet, now you will learn what to expect!

A thrifty traveler isn’t just someone who wants to get the most out of every travel dollar. The thrifty traveler is also an intelligent and well-informed traveler – even if that means having to learn another language. Therefore, here is an introductory 3-part course in “cruising language.”

We’ll begin by taking the mystery out of ships’ prefixes. Ships have “titles” before their names, just like people do (e.g., Mr., Ms., Captain). These are referred to as the ship’s designation.

H.M.S. = Her/His Majesty’s Ship (British)
M.S. = Motor Ship
M.T.S. = Motor Turbine Ship
M.V. = Motor Vessel
N.S. = Nuclear Ship
R.H.M.S. = Royal Hellenic Mail Ship
R.M.S. = Royal Mail Ship
S.S. = Steamship
STR = Steamer
T.S. = Twin Screw
T.S.S. = Turbine Steamship
U.S.S. = United States Ship (U.S. Navy)

Have you seen other prefixes? If so, let me know and I’ll find out what it stands for!

Tomorrow we’ll discuss “Who is in Charge of What?”

Tags: cruise basics, cruise terminology, cruise terms, Cruise Travel, cruising, ship prefixes

Singles Travel International: If You’re Single and Love to Travel, They’ve Got Adventures for You

QM2 (photo credit: Nancy Rapp)

The brainchild of Tammy Weiler, Singles Travel International (STI) has been a haven for single travelers who want to cruise, tour, and have fun worldwide since 1995. They offer everything from parties, ski trips, and weekend getaways to safaris and cruises. Their travel packages are for singles only, which means you get to make lots of friends and be part of a community while you’re seeing the world. The age range is generally 35-63.

At your request, and at no extra cost, STI will match you up with a like-minded single to keep your hotel or cruise cabin rate lower. Some of the trips don’t have the dreaded single supplement and you can have a room all to yourself with no penalty if you prefer.

Each vacation package includes at least one tour director who basically acts like your very own concierge, answering all questions throughout the trip and making everything go smoothly so that all YOU have to do is have FUN!

And I can speak from experience. A couple of years ago, I went on one of STI’s popular Queen Mary 2 (QM2) cruises and couldn’t believe how much fun it was. We all ate our meals together and participated in activities together; and then, during shore excursions, when I would unexpectedly run into members of my group, it was like seeing old friends in a strange land. There’s something very comforting about that.

For more information . . .

Call: 1-877-SOLO-TRIP (1-877-765-6874).

Website: http://www.singlestravelinternational.com/

Tags: single travel, Singles Travel International, solo cruise travel, solo travel

Food & Wine Trails: Thrifty European Wine-Travel Cruises

Food & Wine Trails is known for their wine-focused cruises. Their deluxe cruises include, in addition to the expected amenities, private wine seminars, tastings, and a wine-makers dinner, all hosted by nationally-recognized wine personalities. In addition, at many of the ship’s ports-of-call, optional wine tours and lunches at top wine estates are available. They offer cruise-tours throughout the world.