Cruising Basics, Part 2: Who is in Charge of What?

Not only do ships have “titles,” so does the cruise ship staff.  The saying goes “you can’t tell the players without a program” — so here is your own personal “Cruise Ship Program.”

CAPTAIN:  Oversees (and is responsible for) the entire operation and safety of the ship.  You will recognize him by all the gold stripes on his shoulder epaulet: 4 same-size bars or 1 wide bar and 3 smaller bars; plus a diamond or loop shape.

STAFF CAPTAIN, FIRST MATE, or FIRST OFFICER:  This person is second in command, and is qualified to take over for the Captain in case of an emergency.

SECOND OFFICER:  Third in command.

HELMSMAN:  The person who steers the ship.

NAVIGATOR:  The person who charts the course for the helmsman to follow.

ENGINEERS:  They are in charge of the engine room.

CHIEF PURSER:  The ship’s accountant, who oversees everything relating to money on the ship, and is responsible for safe-deposit boxes, check cashing, and money changing.

DEPUTY PURSER:  Chief Purser’s assistant.

HOTEL MANAGER:  Oversees cabin services as well as food and beverage services.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGERS:  Accountable to the Hotel Manager.

CHIEF STEWARD:  Oversees diningroom and galley, the maître d’s, waiters, and bus boys.  If you have a complaint about your food or dining service, lodge your complaint here.  If you want to take it to a higher authority, see the Hotel Manager.

MAÎTRE D’:  Talk to the Maître D’ about seating arrangements, and special dietary requests.

TABLE CAPTAIN or ASSISTANT MAÎTRE D’:  Services only a small number of tables in the diningroom.

CHIEF HOUSEKEEPER:  Supervises Room or Cabin Stewards, laundry personnel.

ROOM STEWARD or CABIN STEWARD:  This is the person who takes care of your cabin’s housekeeping tasks, and sometimes room service as well.  If you have a housekeeping problem, talk to your Steward first.  If you don’t receive a satisfactory response, contact the Chief Housekeeper.

CRUISE DIRECTOR:  In charge of all social activities aboard ship, and often is also in charge of shore excursions.

SHORE EXCURSION DIRECTOR:  Some ships have a separate person to oversee all shore excursion activities.  Otherwise it is the responsibility of the Cruise Director.

ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR:  In charge of all entertainment, such as lounge acts, stage shows, and lecturers.

Next, you will learn some nautical terms in “What Did They Mean by That?”

Meanwhile, if you have any questions, corrections, or comments regarding the above list, log in and tell me!  I appreciate your feedback!

 

Related Articles:  Cruising Basics, Part 1: Taking the Mystery Out of Ships’ Prefixes and Cruise Basics, Part 3: What Did They Mean By That?


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