What Is a Porthole on a Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

The porthole, also known as a ship’s window, is one of the most iconic features of a cruise ship. It’s an opening in the side of the ship that provides passengers with an outside view. It’s usually round in shape and framed in metal, and often has a curtain or blind to keep out the light when you don’t want it.

History of Portholes

The earliest portholes were used on sailing ships in the 16th century and were made from leather or wood.

As ships evolved over time, so did portholes – they became larger and more durable to withstand the forces of the sea. By the 19th century, iron had become the preferred material for construction of portholes. Today, most cruise ships are built with modern materials such as stainless steel and aluminum for strength and durability.

What Is a Porthole Used For?

Portholes serve several purposes on cruise ships. They allow natural light into cabins during the day, provide passengers with a view of the passing scenery and let air circulate around cabins to improve ventilation.

They also provide a source of emergency ventilation in case of fire or other disaster onboard. Passengers can even use their porthole as an entry point to jump into the ocean if necessary!

Location & Types

Portholes are typically located on either side of a cruise ship near passenger cabins and are designed to withstand high pressures from both inside and out. On modern ships, there are two common types: fixed (non-opening) port lights and openings (openable) portlights. Fixed portlights provide passengers with an outside view but cannot be opened; openable portlights can be opened for ventilation or other purposes when necessary.

Conclusion

A porthole is an iconic feature found on many cruise ships that provides passengers with an outside view while providing ventilation and emergency exit if needed. Its history dates back centuries when it was first used on sailing vessels made from leather or wood; today it is usually constructed from stainless steel or aluminum for strength and durability. Portholes serve several purposes on cruiseships, including providing natural light into cabins during the day, allowing passengers to enjoy views of passing scenery, providing ventilation throughout cabins, and providing an emergency exit point if needed.