Cruise Ship Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Cruise Ship facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) and which US agency administers it? → A public health inspection program for cruise ships run by the CDC
2. What does the term 'port' refer to on a cruise ship? → The left side of the ship when facing forward
3. Which hull design is more stable and watertight? → round-bottomed hulls
4. Which officer on a cruise ship is responsible for medical care? → The Ship's Doctor (Medical Officer)
5. On the cruise ship, is everything open to the public? → Yes
6. What is the 'draft' of a cruise ship? → The depth of the ship below the waterline
7. What is the purpose of a 'General Alarm' on a cruise ship? → To alert all crew and passengers to a ship-wide emergency
8. Which department on a cruise ship is responsible for managing fresh water production and distribution? → Engine Department
9. What is the international distress signal that a cruise ship must sound on its horn? → Seven short blasts followed by one long blast
10. Is wearing a mask necessary on the cruise ship? → No
11. Why is proper ventilation and air-handling maintenance important for onboard health? → It reduces airborne transmission of respiratory illnesses
12. Do I need to be immunized in order to cruise? → Yes
13. Before boarding, many cruise lines require guests to complete a health questionnaire. What is its main goal? → Screen for symptoms or recent illness that could spread onboard
14. What is the minimum recommended duration for handwashing in a cruise ship food preparation area? → 20 seconds
15. What is 'dead reckoning' in maritime navigation? → Estimating current position based on a known past position, speed, and course
16. What is the purpose of 'pre-boarding inspections' conducted by cruise ship crew? → To screen luggage and passengers for prohibited items and security threats
17. What is the 'aft' section of a cruise ship? → The rear of the ship
18. What is gangway on a cruise ship? → The ramp or passage used to board and exit the ship
19. What is the 'lido deck' commonly known for? → The pool and outdoor recreation area
20. What is a 'muster station' on a cruise ship? → A designated assembly point for passengers during emergencies
21. What action should the bridge officer take upon receiving a DSC distress alert on VHF Channel 70? → Acknowledge the alert and listen on Channel 16 for further information
22. How do cruise ships typically control the risk of Legionnaires' disease? → Maintain and disinfect water systems, spas, and air-conditioning components
23. What is the role of a ship's 'purser'? → Handling guest services, accounts, and finances
24. What mandatory report must a cruise ship file with the US National Response Center (NRC) when an oil spill occurs in US waters? → An immediate report of any discharge that may affect US waters
25. What is the 'bow' of a cruise ship? → The front of the ship
26. Is it possible to mark a "special" day? → Yes
27. Where is the ship's hull? → below the main deck
28. What is the role of a 'pilot' when a cruise ship enters a port? → A licensed local maritime expert who guides the ship into port
29. What does a ship's 'draught' (draft) measurement refer to? → The vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull
30. What is the muster station? → The designated assembly point during an emergency