What Is the Port Side of a Cruise Ship?

The port side of a cruise ship is the left side of the boat. Port is a nautical term that was established by sailors during the 1700s to refer to the side of the ship facing the port, or pier, when the front of the ship was facing out into open water. Many activity rooms, spas and other public areas on a cruise ship will be built along the port side to give passengers a good view of cities and piers where the boat is docked.

History

The original term for the left side of a ship was "larboard," but this term caused confusion because it sounded too much like "starboard," the nautical term for the right side of the ship.

Official Use

The term was officially accepted by the British Royal Navy in 1844 and became the standard term for the left side of all merchant and cruise ships.

Marking

The port side of a cruise ship is marked at night by a red navigation light.

Fun Fact

The famous pictures of the Titanic, one of the most spectacular cruise ships to ever be built, leaving Southampton feature the port side of the ship.

Identification

The buoys attached to the port side of a cruise ship are colored red. They must be lowered when the ship is docking or moving through shallow water.

Resources

• Cruise Ship Terminology