What Do “Welcome Aboard” and “Welcome on Board” Mean?

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Learn how to use and reply to these common professional greetings
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Whether you just sat down on a plane, stepped foot onto a ship, or entered the office on your first day, you might have heard someone say “Welcome aboard!” But what does this mean? Usually, “welcome aboard” is a friendly greeting said by members of a crew or team when you join them. This phrase was originally used in transportation contexts, but it’s more commonly used in professional settings. Keep reading to learn all about this greeting, including the difference between “welcome aboard” and “welcome on board.”

Welcome Aboard Meaning

“Welcome aboard” is a friendly greeting used by people working on boats, planes, or trains. It’s also commonly used in professional or casual settings to welcome a new person to the group or team. You might also hear someone say “Welcome on board,” which is a more formal version of the phrase that means the same thing.

Section 1 of 5:

What does “Welcome aboard” mean?

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    “Welcome aboard” is a friendly greeting or warm welcome. “Welcome aboard” is a common idiom that is used by those in the service industry on boats, planes, or trains. [1] It’s also used in professional settings to welcome a new employee to the company, or in personal settings when you’re introducing a new person to a group or casual organization. [2]
    • In transportation settings, this phrase is similar to “Thank you for traveling with us.” In business and social contexts, it means the same thing as “I’m glad you’re joining our team.”
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Section 2 of 5:

Welcome Aboard vs. Welcome on Board

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    1
    “Welcome aboard” and “Welcome on board” are used the same way. Both phrases can be used by people welcoming passengers on a vessel and by colleagues or bosses welcoming a new member to a company or team. However, “on board” might be used more often in corporate environments than in travel settings. [3]
    • “Welcome on board, Janet. We hope you have an amazing trip.”
    • “We’re excited to welcome you on board our team. Micheal will reach out with any additional information you need for your first day.
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    2
    “Welcome on board” is more formal than “Welcome aboard.” Although both mean the same thing, it’s more common to see “Welcome aboard” because it tends to be more casual and friendly than “Welcome on board.” That’s why you might see “on board” more in written communication, like in an email, informational packet, or message.
    • Similarly, you might have colleagues and friends say “aboard” more than “on board” because it’s less formal.
    • You might also hear the phrase “onboarding,” which means to make sure a new employee is familiar with the team, its tools, and its methods of doing things. [4]
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Section 3 of 5:

When do you use “Welcome aboard”?

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    1
    Greet a new employee or group member by saying “Welcome aboard.” When a new colleague joins your workplace or someone new is joining your social circle, you might say “Welcome aboard” to make them feel at home. You can also add something like “We’re excited that you’re here” to show enthusiasm and appreciation for the new member.
    • “Welcome aboard, John! Please let me know if you have any questions during your first day on the team.”
    • “I’m glad you decided to join our company. Welcome aboard!”
    • “Welcome aboard, Jennifer! I hope you enjoy or D&D group, it’s a ton of fun.”
    • “Welcome aboard. We’re thrilled to have you join our content writing team.”
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    2
    Say “Welcome aboard” to greet passengers on a ship, train, or plane. Whether you’re a person working in the service industry or another passenger welcoming a new person onto a plane, boat, or train, you might use “Welcome aboard” to greet someone new.
    • “Welcome aboard flight 4802. We expect to land in Boston in about 7 hours and 30 minutes.”
    • “This is your captain speaking. We’d like to welcome you aboard the Black Pearl. We hope you enjoy your ride.”
    • “Welcome aboard the Mighty Mississippi. I’m Captain Monty, and I hope you enjoy all that this ship has to offer on your trip.”
    • “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard the Cherry Express. Your next stop is Barcelona.”
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    3
    Use “Welcome aboard” in a joking way with friends. You can also use “Welcome aboard” metaphorically to refer to your side of an argument or an opinion that someone else disagrees with. If one of your friends used to disagree with you and now sees your point of view, you might say “Welcome aboard” to show that you’re now both on the same team.
    • Them: “Actually, I agree with you. That blue dress is terrible. I think you should go with the purple one instead.” You: “Welcome aboard. So we all agree on the blue one, then?”
    • Them: “I changed my mind. I do want to go to the dance this weekend.” You: “Welcome aboard. Have you decided what you’re going to wear yet?”
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Section 4 of 5:

Replying to “Welcome Aboard” or “Welcome on Board”

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    Reply with a simple “Thank you” when someone welcomes you aboard. Whether someone says “Welcome aboard” or “Welcome on board,” a simple “Thank you” is always a great response. If this phrase is said in a business or casual setting, you can also say something like “It’s great to be here” or ask a question to get the rest of the conversation moving.
    • Them: “Welcome aboard, Kennedy! We’re glad you’re part of the company.” You: “Thank you so much! I’m excited to start my journey with you all.”
    • Them: “Welcome aboard, sir. I hope you enjoy your flight.” You: “Thank you.”
    • Them: “Welcome aboard! I promise you’ll have tons of fun at our book club.” You: “Thanks! I’m excited. What book did you all read for the last meeting?”
Section 5 of 5:

Alternatives to “Welcome Aboard” & “Welcome on Board”

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    Say “Welcome” or “We’re happy you’re with us” to show your appreciation. Whether you’re welcoming a new employee to your team or a group of passengers on a plane or ship, there are tons of other ways you can say “Welcome aboard!” Here are a few other phrases you can use:
    • “We’re happy to have you!”
    • “Welcome! We’re excited to have you here.”
    • “Welcome to your team!”
    • “We are very pleased to welcome you to our company.”
    • “Thank you for joining us!”
    • “Welcome to the new job.”
    • “We’re delighted to have you with us!”
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      References

      1. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/aboard
      2. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/aboard
      3. ↑ https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/onboard
      4. ↑ https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/onboard

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