Why Do Cruise Ships Prefer Port and Starboard Over Left and Right?

When embarking on your first cruise, you’ll encounter many nautical terms that may be unfamiliar. Among these, understanding the concepts of port and starboard is essential.

It’s likely that you already know one refers to “left” and the other to “right,” but which is which? Furthermore, why do cruise ships prefer these terms over the more common left and right? Here’s a comprehensive overview for you.

Why Do Cruise Ships Use Port and Starboard Instead of Left and Right? 

Cruise ships opt for the terms port and starboard to eliminate ambiguity. “Left” and “right” can change based on an individual’s position and orientation. In contrast, the port and starboard sides of the ship are fixed references.

This clarity is crucial, especially in emergencies where guidance is vital. For example, if alarmed crew members are instructed, “The ship’s left side is on fire!” their reaction could vary based on their location and view. However, stating “The ship’s starboard side is on fire!” provides precise directions to the exact location of the danger.

Moreover, these terms are important for navigation, avoiding collisions, and identifying other vessels using their red and green navigation lights, especially in poor visibility or nighttime conditions.

They also become relevant when docking or maneuvering in specific waterways. For instance, a captain can assess a buoy’s color to gain critical navigational information. Typically, red indicates “port” or “left,” while green signifies “starboard” or “right.” Thus, seeing a red buoy means the ship should navigate to the left of it, while a green buoy indicates the right.

Where Did the Terms Port and Starboard Come From?

The origins of the terms port and starboard are fascinating, tracing back many centuries to the early days of sailing.

When early ships were steered using a steering oar rather than a rudder, those manning the oar often sat on the right side, as most people are right-handed. The word “starboard” derives from two Old English terms: “stéor,” meaning “steer,” and “bord,” referring to the side of a ship. Thus, “stéorbord” transformed into “starboard,” or “the steering side of the vessel.”

Since the steering oar was positioned on what is now known as the starboard side, docking and mooring were conducted from the opposite side, which was initially referred to as “larboard,” indicating the loading side.

However, as “larboard” sounded too similar to “starboard,” the term was eventually replaced with “port,” derived from the fact ships would dock at port for loading and unloading.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, as English traders set sail more frequently, these terms gained traction, allowing navigators to communicate more effectively while traversing vast oceans. Following England’s colonial pursuits, sailors around the globe adopted these terminology, leading to their widespread use.

As global maritime practices harmonized, port and starboard became the standardized references employed universally.

Interestingly, the colors for navigation lights—red for port and green for starboard—also have historical significance. Red lights were more readily available due to the greater ease of producing red glass, leading to their use in marking ports. Thus, red light came to represent “port.”

How Do You Know Which Side of the Ship is Starboard and Which Side is Port?

When you board your cruise ship, identifying the starboard and port sides is simple: just look toward the ship’s front, known as the bow.

Standing at the bow, starboard is located on your right while port is on your left.

If you’re concerned about remembering this, several memory aids can assist. Both “left” and “port” contain four letters and are one syllable, which can help you associate them with one another. Thus, if you face the bow, the ship’s port side is on your left.

Another trick involves counting the number of “r”s in both words: port has one “r,” while starboard has two—confirming that “starboard” means “right,” especially since both terms commence with “r.”

Thinking alphabetically can serve as another method; since “left” comes before “right” and “port” comes before “starboard,” it aligns the two as well.

Moreover, ship signage and lighting can be useful indicators. Typically, red navigation lights are designated for the port side, while green lights mark the starboard side. A handy reminder is that “port wine” is red, signaling that red corresponds to the port side.

If you need further help, consider purchasing novelty items to reinforce your memory—like socks! Just be mindful to wear them correctly and be facing the ship’s bow when checking them.

Does it Matter if Your Cabin is on the Port or Starboard Side of the Ship?

Understanding the port and starboard sides of a cruise ship not only enhances safety and prevents accidents, but it can also influence your cabin’s location and views—especially on one-way cruises.

Typically, cabins and suites are similarly appointed regardless of their ship side; however, the views may vary significantly. On a round-trip cruise, both sides often provide excellent views at different stages. Conversely, on a one-way cruise, one side may offer sweeping vistas while the other is less scenic.

For instance, if traveling north along the Alaskan coast during a one-way journey, you’ll likely want a cabin on the right (starboard) to enjoy shoreline views. Conversely, heading south would necessitate choosing a cabin on the left (port) side for the same reason.

It is worth mentioning that cabins on the side with better views may come at a premium. Additionally, preferences for sunrise or sunset views might guide your choice; sunny mornings are always in the east, and sunsets are to the west.

So, if your ship is sailing north and you desire stunning sunrise views, a cabin on the right (starboard) side is preferable, whereas for sunset views, opt for a port side stateroom.

How Do You Know Which Side of the Ship a Cabin is On?

To determine the side of the ship a cabin is located on, some vessels employ a numbering system where even-numbered cabins are on the starboard side, and odd-numbered ones on the port side.

Read Also: How Many Doors on a Cruise Ship?

You can also check the cruise ship’s deck layout to visualize which areas are designated to port and starboard.

Other Important Nautical Terms to Know Before Your Cruise

Apart from port and starboard, there are several other nautical terms you may find useful before setting sail.

Terms like “fore” and “bow” refer to the front of the ship, while “stern” and “aft” denote the back. The “bridge” is where navigation takes place, and where the captain operates, sometimes accessible for tours, depending on your cruise line.

While not crucial, understanding terms like “beam,” which denotes the ship’s widest point, and “draft,” which refers to the depth of the keel below water, can enhance your nautical knowledge. The “keel” serves as the ship’s center or spine. 

The term “lee side” contrasts with port and starboard as it varies based on wind direction, indicating the side of the ship sheltered from the wind at any given time.