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⚓ Cruise Lingo 101: Port Side vs. Starboard Side

 

How to sound like a seasoned cruiser before you even board!

 

What Do They Mean?

 

When you’re facing the front of the ship (the bow),

• Port side is on your left,

• Starboard side is on your right.

 

These nautical terms go back hundreds of years — sailors needed a clear way to communicate directions without confusion, no matter which way they were facing. (Because “left!” can sound a lot like “aft!” in a stormy sea!)

 

A Handy Way to Remember

 

Here’s the trick I love to share with first-time cruisers:

 

➡️ “Port” and “left” both have four letters!

 

That’s it! Once you’ve got that, you’ll never mix them up again.

 

You can also think of the port side as the one that usually faces the dock when the ship pulls into port — though this isn’t always guaranteed, it’s a fun mental shortcut.

 

Why It Matters for Cruisers

 

Knowing your port from your starboard helps more than you’d think:

 

Choosing your cabin: Depending on the itinerary, one side may have better ocean views when sailing or when docked at certain ports.
 

Finding your way around: Ship maps and crew directions often use these terms (“The theater is forward on the starboard side”).
 

Watching sailaway: If you want to see your departure port fade into the distance, knowing which side faces land can help you snag the perfect spot.
 

Debi’s Tip:

 

If you’re ever turned around onboard, look for the signs near the elevators — they’ll usually say port or starboard right on them. Once you notice, you’ll feel like a total cruise pro.

 

In a Nutshell

 

Learning cruise lingo like port and starboard isn’t just about sounding smart — it’s about feeling confident from the moment you step aboard. So next time someone says, “Meet me on the starboard side of the pool deck,” you’ll be heading the right way with a smile!