Cruise Ship Sides
Understanding port and starboard on a cruise ship. Cruise ships use port and starboard instead of left and right to avoid confusion.
Cruise ships use port and starboard instead of left and right to avoid confusion. According to Cruise Hive, this system helps crew members communicate effectively, especially in emergency situations. For instance, if a crew member says the ship's starboard side is on fire, everyone knows exactly which side to go to.
Why Port and Starboard Matter
The use of port and starboard is vital for navigation, identifying other ships, and docking. These terms are used worldwide, and their origins date back to the early days of boating. The colors used to indicate port and starboard, red and green, also have historical origins. Red was used to illuminate ports and harbors, while green was used for the other side.
Origins of Port and Starboard
The term starboard comes from the Old English words stéor, meaning steer, and bord, meaning boat's side. Port, on the other hand, was originally called larboard, but was changed to avoid confusion with starboard.
Identifying Port and Starboard
To identify the port and starboard sides of a ship, look towards the front of the ship, or the bow. Starboard is on the right, and port is on the left. You can use memory tricks, such as the number of rs in each word, or the fact that port wine is red, to remember which side is which.
Cabin Location
Knowing the port and starboard sides of a ship can also help you choose a cabin with the best views. On one-way cruises, the side of the ship you're on can make a big difference. For example, if you're sailing up the Alaskan coastline, you'll want a stateroom on the starboard side for the best views. Some ships use odd and even numbers to indicate which side of the ship a cabin is on, with even numbers indicating starboard and odd numbers indicating port.
Choosing a Cabin
When booking a cabin, you can check the ship's deck plan or contact the cruise line to find out which side of the ship your cabin is on. Keep in mind that cabins on the side with the best views may cost more. Additionally, consider the direction the ship is traveling and whether you want sunrise or sunset views. With this knowledge, you can choose the perfect cabin for your cruise.
