What does Code Alpha on a cruise ship mean? We have the scoop on that and other mysterious cruise terms.
Code Alpha and 15 Other Cruise Ship Code Words to Know
Updated on Nov. 12, 2024
While TV shows might make cruise ship emergencies—like someone falling overboard—seem commonplace, the truth is that they are pretty rare occurrences. Case in point: I’ve been on 24 cruises and thankfully have only ever encountered a couple of “Code Alpha” cruise ship calls over the loudspeaker. The first time I heard it was 20 years ago. I was at dinner, and we had left port about an hour before. “Code Alpha” was announced multiple times, and the ship slowly came to a stop. We asked our waiter what was going on, and he explained that there was an emergency.
But why not just say that from the start? Well, because that could cause people to panic. The best cruise lines use secret code words like this during emergencies and other delicate situations. The goal is to avoid alarming guests while alerting the crew. All cruise workers receive intensive training that often includes learning this sort of lingo, along with other basic training for things like first aid, crowd management and firefighting, according to Brittany Howk, a lead vocalist on Crystal Cruises who has also worked for Norwegian, Oceania, Princess and Seabourn cruise lines over the past eight years.
It might be a good idea to learn a few of these codes yourself, just so you aren’t confused or concerned when you hear them. For instance, hearing “Bravo, Bravo, Bravo” on a ship can point to a serious issue you’ll want a heads-up about. We spoke to Howk and travel expert Janet Semenova, co-founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, to get the scoop on all the code words you might hear, from Alpha to Zulu.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more travel, tech, cleaning, humor and fun facts all week long.
Cruise ship code words
Are you ready to learn a new language prior to to embarkation? Grab your sailor’s cap and study up on these code words Howk and Semenova say you might hear on a ship—but hopefully never will!
Alpha, Star or Mike
Let’s start with the code word that started my deep dive into this topic. When there’s a medical emergency on the ship, cruise workers will likely use one of two codes: Alpha or Star (which may also be referred to as Code Alpha and Star Code, respectively). On Oceania Cruises, you might hear Code Mike instead, while still others might have their own emergency lingo.
“So many varying medical emergencies happen on board, and luckily not many are life-threatening,” says Howk. “But sadly, I have been on board when we have had to turn back to ports to safely disembark people who are in serious condition. I have been lucky that many captains will come on and update the ship on the situation, as people become concerned, and it’s always great to hear that someone is OK after a Code Alpha!”
Bravo or Red Party
When you hear Code Bravo on a cruise ship (usually: “Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!”), there’s a fire on board. The announcement signals trained crew members to take firefighting action, and others to go to certain stations to ensure the safety of passengers as needed. Some cruise lines use the code Red Party instead.
Charlie
This means there’s an onboard security threat, which could be anything from a bomb threat to pirates approaching the vessel. Stay calm, and await instructions.
Delta
There’s a possible biohazard on board—something like a virus or toxin. Again, stay calm, and await instructions from the crew.
Echo
The ship is starting to drift. This happens only if the ship has become disabled after engine failure. This term may also indicate a possible collision with another ship.
Kilo
This cruise code word instructs personnel to go to their assigned station for their predetermined emergency post.
Operation Rising Star
A death has occurred on the ship. This may or may not follow a Code Alpha or Star Code. And yes, an onboard morgue is one of the hidden features of cruise ships.
Oscar or Mr. Mob
Cruise workers may not tell you directly that there’s a man overboard (Mr. Mob = Man Over Board), but this code will let you know when it happens. The ship will likely stop to initiate a coordinated search-and-rescue operation. “If you do hear this one and happen to be on deck, always keep your eyes peeled, and if you see someone, point and yell,” urges Howk, who has experienced this scenario. “Never take your eyes off of them—you could save their life!”
Purell or PVI
Cleanup is needed in a public area. This could mean many things, including that someone has vomited.
Sierra
There is a medical emergency in which someone needs a stretcher. This may be used after Code Alpha.
Zulu
There is a fight on the ship. Expect to see nearby security running to stop it.
FAQs
Do all cruise ships use the same code words?
No. They vary from cruise line to cruise line, but there is quite a bit of overlap. “Many words have remained during my switching of companies, but there have been minor changes that have thrown me when I’ve moved lines,” says Howk.
Why do cruise ships use code words?
“Cruise ships use safety codes in order to prevent panic for the guests,” says Howk. “Not only does this maintain calm on board, but it also allows the proper teams to get to the emergency without having to wade through guests investigating and panicking.”
Do you need to worry about these code words on your next cruise?
Not really, though some passengers do like to be informed. If there are any actions you need to take or instructions you need to follow as a result of hearing a coded message, the captain (or another crew member) will make an announcement on the loudspeaker and explain exactly what you need to do in plain English. They won’t rely on your knowledge (or lack thereof) of these code words.
Additional reporting by Robin Raven.
About the experts
|
Why trust us
Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this story about hearing Code Alpha on a cruise ship and other semisecret terms, Jill Schildhouse tapped her experience as a cruise expert and longtime travel writer to ensure all information is accurate. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Brittany Howk, lead vocalist on Crystal Cruises, who has worked for five cruise lines over the past eight years; email interview, Oct. 17, 2024
- Janet Semenova, co-founder of Boutique Travel Advisors; email interview, 2022
- Chicago Tribune: “Secret codes, subliminal messaging behind world’s biggest cruise”
- U.S. Coast Guard: “Report of Investigation into the Circumstances Surrounding the Fire Aboard Royal Caribbean International Passenger Vessel”
- Bloomberg: “9 Things I Never Knew About Cruises Until I Ran the World’s Largest Ship”
- Business Insider: “Cruise workers use code words to communicate on board—here are 35 of the secret terms”
- Telegraph: “The Emergency Codes You’re Not Supposed to Know About”
