Can You Open Portholes on Cruise Ships?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning to go on a cruise vacation soon? If so, you might be wondering if it’s possible to open portholes on cruise ships.

Portholes are small windows that are installed in the hull of the ship and provide natural light and ventilation to the cabin. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not you can open portholes on cruise ships.

What Are Portholes?

Before we delve into whether or not portholes can be opened on cruise ships, let’s first understand what they are. Portholes are circular windows that are typically located in the lower deck of a ship. They were originally used in sailing vessels to allow light and fresh air into the dark and damp living quarters below decks.

Today, modern cruise ships still have portholes installed in some of their cabins. However, unlike traditional portholes, modern ones often have a fixed glass panel that cannot be opened.

Can You Open Portholes on Cruise Ships?

The answer is: it depends on the type of ship and cabin you’re staying in. As mentioned earlier, many modern cruise ships have portholes with fixed glass panels that cannot be opened. This is because these types of portholes provide better insulation against noise and weather conditions.

However, some older ships may still have cabins with traditional portholes that can be opened manually. If you’re interested in having a cabin with an openable porthole, make sure to check with your travel agent or the cruise line before booking your trip.

Benefits of Openable Portholes

If you’re lucky enough to find a cabin with an openable porthole on your next cruise vacation, there are several benefits to enjoy:

  • Fresh Air: Opening a porthole allows fresh sea air into your cabin, creating a natural and refreshing environment.
  • Natural Light: Portholes provide natural light, which can help regulate sleep patterns and improve your mood.
  • Sound of the Sea: The sound of the sea against the hull of the ship can be very calming and relaxing, especially at night.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you do end up with a cabin that has an openable porthole, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Safety First: Make sure to follow any safety instructions provided by the cruise line, such as not leaning out of the porthole or opening it during inclement weather.
  • Cabin Temperature: Opening a porthole can affect the temperature inside your cabin. Make sure to adjust your air conditioning or heating accordingly.
  • Noise Level: If you’re sensitive to noise, an open porthole may not be suitable for you. The sound of the sea against the hull can be quite loud at times.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether or not you can open portholes on a cruise ship depends on the type of ship and cabin you’re staying in. While many modern ships have fixed glass panel portholes, some older ships may still have cabins with traditional portholes that can be manually opened.

If having an openable porthole is important to you, make sure to check with your travel agent or cruise line before booking your trip. And if you do end up with a cabin that has an openable porthole, enjoy the fresh air and calming sound of the sea!