What Side of the Cruise Ship Is Port Side?

By Alice Nichols

Cruise ships have been around for many years and are a popular vacation choice for people who want to get away and enjoy the water. One of the most common questions when it comes to cruise ships is “What side of the cruise ship is port side?” The answer is not as straightforward as one may think.

Portside is the left side of the ship when facing forward. This means that when standing on the deck looking towards the bow (front) of the ship, port will be on your left.

This can also be determined by looking at the name written on the side of the ship, which will always be in capital letters and often include a symbol like an anchor or a bird. The symbol will always be on portside.

The opposite side from portside is starboard side, which is located on your right when facing forward. This is important to remember when you are docking at ports or passing other vessels in order to abide by maritime law. You need to know which direction you should pass them in order to avoid any accidents or collisions.

Another important factor to consider when navigating around cruise ships is that they have different decks, each with its own rules and regulations. The topmost deck usually has all public areas such as swimming pools, restaurants, bars, etc., while lower decks often have private cabins and other restricted areas. It’s important to know which deck you are on and what side you are facing in order to determine if you are on port or starboard.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, if you’re ever confused about which side of a cruise ship is portside, just remember that it’s always the left side when facing forward. Knowing your orientation onboard can help make sure that you stay safe while enjoying your time out at sea!