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Port vs. Starboard: Which Side Is Better on a Cruise Ship?

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Choosing your cabin on a cruise can present a dizzying array of choices. Interior, ocean view or balcony? Low or high cabin? Forward or aft? What service level do you want? And each option comes with its own price point.

One of these decisions is whether to book a stateroom on the port side versus starboard side of the cruise ship.

If you have an interior room, this won’t matter much, but even in ocean-view rooms with only a window view, your choice can make a huge difference in your experience.

Here’s how to understand what is port side versus starboard side of a cruise ship and decide which is the right cabin for you.

What is port vs. starboard side?

For avid cruisers, port and starboard may be as natural as saying “left” and “right.”

But if port sounds like an after-dinner drink and starboard is what you feel after you’ve had too much port, here’s a quick primer.

Port and starboard are terms for direction relative to the front of the ship. When facing the front of the ship, the port side is on your left and the starboard side is on the right.

The terms come from Old English and how boats were configured in the early days of boating. Port and starboard are on the same sides of the ship, regardless of your orientation. If you face the rear (aft) of the ship, port is on your right and starboard is on your left.

» Learn more: The best cruise insurance

When does the choice matter?

Your choice of the starboard or the port side of a cruise ship may not matter if you select an interior room or have a lower stateroom with only a small window. Typically, your choice of ship side will start to matter if you opt for a higher room offering a balcony.

Some cruises offer an equal experience for those on the port side and travelers on the starboard side. If your cruise is a closed-loop or a round-trip beginning and ending at the same port, your cruise is likely to be equally scenic on the port or starboard side. You may just see different things at different parts of your journey.

The same is true if you are cruising across the open ocean. Your view of the ocean will be similar on both sides.

» Learn more: How to earn and redeem points on cruises

Ensuring spectacular coastal views

If it’s majestic coastal scenery you are after, consider booking the side that will face the direction of the coast for the majority of your trip.

Some captains will turn the ship around in particularly scenic locations like Glacier Bay in Alaska or Napali Coast in Hawaii so that all passengers can enjoy some views. But if you are cruising along the coast, one side of the ship will likely offer better views.

Whether the starboard versus port side of your cruise ship is more desirable depends on the travel direction and route.

For example, cruising from Vancouver, B.C., to Whittier, Alaska, northbound, you might prefer a starboard side room to get majestic views of the Canadian and Alaskan coastlines. Southbound cruisers will want to opt for a port-side room for the same views.

» Learn more: The best Alaska cruises

Here comes the sun

You may also prefer the port versus the starboard side of your cruise ship based on where the sun is.

If soaking up every warm ray of sunshine is your priority, a room facing the equator on an east-west cruise will provide the best sunshine all day long. In the Northern Hemisphere, book the starboard side of an eastbound cruise and the port side of a westbound cruise.

On the other hand, if you are sensitive to the sun, or want to ensure that your cabin remains cool, consider booking on the side of the ship that is likely to face the nearest pole.

On an east-west cruise in the Northern Hemisphere, you will get the most protection from the sun if you book the port side of an eastbound cruise or the starboard side of a westbound cruise.

If you’re cruising in the Southern Hemisphere, the north-facing rooms will enjoy the most sun, so take the recommendations above and swap the sides. Eastbound cruises get the most sun on the port side; westbound on the starboard side.

Watching a sunset over the ocean or seeing the sun slip behind distant islands can also be a reason for a side preference.

To catch sunsets, you’ll want to be on the port side on northbound cruises and starboard on southbound cruises.

If seeing the sunset from your cruise is a priority, ensure that your dinner time doesn't conflict with the sunset. Cruise operators will often publish the sunrise and sunset times along your route. And dining in your stateroom is an option if you want to take advantage of the view.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for cruises

Embarking and disembarking

Another consideration is the view you get when your ship is in port. But which side offers a better view is relatively unpredictable because cruise ships can dock on either side of the ship.

The direction a ship docks depends on port configuration, direction of travel, regulations and captain discretion. Even if you painstakingly research which ports you will visit, basing your cabin selection solely on this is unlikely to pay off with a great view.

The views from most ports aren't typically spectacular and you’re probably going to spend most of the time in port on shore exploring. And at a larger busy port, any view is likely to be blocked by other cruise ships.

» Learn more: What’s the best deck on a cruise ship?

The bottom line

There is no one side of a cruise ship that is always “the best.” Whether a cruise ship's port versus starboard side is better for you on a given itinerary will be a personal calculation based on preferences, route and what you want to see.

The best way to determine the best side to book is to examine the planned route, consider your preferences for scenery and sunshine, and book the side likely to give you the experience you value most.

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Understanding Port and Starboard on Your Next Cruise Ship Vacation

When new cruisers start to plan their cruise ship vacation, there is always one thing that comes up: what are starboard and port? These terms are not just for sailors but are used as reference for the location of almost everything you'll find on the ship from the hallway where your room is located to which bar to meet someone at. Sure, you could always just use left or right but this isn't a land-based vacation, you're on a cruise ship and that means it is time to learn the lingo. Let's break down these two concepts to help you understand them better before your next cruise!

So What Does Port And Starboard Mean On A Cruise Ship?

Starboard is the right side of the ship and port is the left while facing forward. Simple enough, right?

Well, it can be a little more complicated than that since ships turn in different ways so sometimes 'port' side will actually be facing away from land. However, no matter which direction the vessel is traveling or what side is touching the pier, the port side of the cruise ship is always on the left side while you are facing forward and the starboard side is always on your left.

When used in conjunction with forward and aft, you'll be able to navigate easier on a cruise ship. Let's take a look at some of the things they are used for specifically on cruise ships:

Your room may be located either on port or starboard depending on where your cabin number is assigned. Each ship has a slightly different numbering convention so you might get confused initially if your room is D312 for instance but discover that it isn't located next to D211 and instead is located on the other side of the ship.

Sometimes this isn't an issue but if you just walked down a long hallway and discover you are on the wrong side of the ship, well ... that can be very frustrating.

Additionally, when asking for directions it is customary for crew members to refer to the location of different places using starboard and port as well. For instance, they might say, "The library is located on deck seven aft".

Where Did The Concept Of Port And Starboard Originate?

There are many different stories and lore about the origin of port and starboard but they have been used for generations. According to the NOAA this tradition began because ancient vessels including canoes used a steering oar and so sailors (sitting in the middle of the stern) would use "starboard" for the right side since that was where the steering oar would be located. This led to the term steorbord (later starboard), a combination of the Old English words steor (steer) and bord (side of the boat).

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Over time, as ships grew in size it became easier to tie up to the dock on the opposite side from the steering oar so as to protect it from the damage of being squeezed between the boat and the quay. This lead it to being known as "larboard" (loading side) before being replaced with simply calling it the "port" side to reduce confusion.

As these vessels grew from small boats to the cruise ships we enjoy today these conventions have continued along with a variety of other maritime traditions.

How Can You Tell Which Side Is Port Or Starboard?

On a cruise ship it can be difficult to determine which side is port or starboard if you're not familiar with the layout. However, there are a few ways to help you out:

Look For Signage

Look for signage throughout the ship. This will include things like "No Smoking - Starboard Side" as well as directional signage indicating which way is aft (back) and forward.

Ask Crew For Help

If in doubt, ask a crew member! They will be more than happy to help direct you or answer any questions you may have about your cruise ship vacation.

Port And Left Have The Same Number Of Letters

If nothing else, you can look for a window and tell which way the ship is traveling, that will allow you to orient forward vs aft, and then remember that port and left are the same since they have the same number of letters.

What Have Some Cruise Ships Done To Make This Easier To Understand?

Professional sailors pick up port and starboard pretty quickly. However, for many guest this might be their first time at sea and for many more it is something they only experience every few years. As a result, it can be a confusing thing to learn. Some cruise lines have devised unique ways to help guests navigate the ship more easily.

Virgin Voyages:

Instead of referring to rooms as either being on port or starboard, the staterooms are referenced as "A" for port side and "Z" for cabins on the starboard side. This makes it very easy to know where your room is located since 11178A will be on the left side vs 11178Z on the right.

Do you have other ways that cruise ships have helped make port and starboard easier to understand?

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Port Vs. Starboard: What Side of the Ship Is Best?

Last updated: March 6th, 2023

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When you’re picking your stateroom for an upcoming cruise, you might be wondering whether the port vs. starboard side of the ship is best to stay on. Your decision will depend on a variety of factors, from your stateroom type to your cruise itinerary . Here are helpful tips for choosing which side of the ship will suit you best.

What’s the difference between port and starboard?

Simply put, port is the left side of the ship and starboard is the right side of the ship.

This lingo emerged around the 16th century, as colonization of the New World boomed. Port and starboard were adapted from Old English, specifically in the maritime trading industry.

While terms like “left” and “right” can change based on your own personal perspective, port side and starboard side remain constant, even if your perceived orientation changes. This minimizes confusion for anyone navigating any kind of vessel, including a cruise ship.

Read: Forward vs. Aft of a Ship

What's the best side of a cruise ship to stay on?

Choosing the best stateroom for your ideal getaway is understandably an important step in the planning process. Luckily, you’ll see incredible views during your cruise whether you’re starboard or port side.

You can choose which side you want to stay on based on your unique itinerary and route. On some cruises, like through the Panama Canal, you’ll experience breathtaking views from both sides. If you’re planning a Western Mediterranean cruise , take a look at the departure port and work out which direction your ship will sail.

Other itineraries double back to disembark at the original departure port, so you’ll enjoy views from both directions. These are called closed-loop cruises or roundtrip sailings.

The stateroom you choose depends on what you most want to see. Water lovers may be content to look out at the peaceful ocean waves from their stateroom. Some travelers prefer land views, so they can sail up to breathtaking cityscapes or rugged mountain peaks in the distance.

What’s the best side to stay on for an Alaska cruise?

While a cruise is known as the best way to see Alaska , choosing the perfect side to stay on depends on the direction that your ship is traveling in. Some Alaska itineraries are unique in that they tend to focus on one specific geographic direction; for example, Celebrity’s Alaska itineraries include Northbound and Southbound sailings that only travel in that direction.

Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska’s scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship.

Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite. They sail down the coast, so the port side of the ship will face the coastline and the starboard side will face the Gulf of Alaska.

Of course, your cruise ship will rotate a complete 360 degrees at some of the cruising ports like Dawes Glacier and Hubbard Glacier, so you can enjoy incredible views no matter where you’re staying on the ship. Don’t forget that while you’re en route to other destinations, the view from the open sea remains the same no matter what side of the ship you’re on. Plus, you can view Alaska’s majestic glaciers from any of the ship’s viewing decks.

Which side is best for sunrises and sunsets?

Part of the magic of setting sail on a cruise is the sunrises and sunsets you’ll see each day of your vacation. Many travelers choose staterooms with verandas so they can sip coffee from their stateroom early in the morning, or enjoy a golden-hour cocktail as the day wanes.

Keep in mind that the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west. Once you know what direction your itinerary is sailing in, that can impact whether you stick to the starboard side or port side on your vacation.

Here’s the general advice for seeing sunrises and sunsets on a cruise:

Headed north or west? Choose a port side stateroom for sunsets. Go with starboard for sunrises.
Headed south or east? Go port side for sunrises and starboard for the sunset.

Choosing a higher deck tends to come with more sweeping views, while some prefer lower cabins midship for greater stability from the natural sway of the ship. Even if you prefer an interior-facing stateroom or one with a window instead, you’ll still have your pick of onboard venues to watch the days wax and wane.

Watch the sun come up from the sweeping windows of Cafe al Bacio with a cappuccino in hand. Relax on the lounge chairs of an upper-level pool deck as the sun fades. Enjoy one-of-a-kind venues on your ship, like a sunset dinner on the cantilevered Magic Carpet on Celebrity Edge , which transforms into new experiences depending on which deck it’s stationed on.

If watching the sunset every evening is on your bucket list, make sure your chosen dinner time doesn’t conflict with the hour that the sun dips below the horizon. Your daily copy of Celebrity Today will list sunset and sunrise times so you won’t miss out. You can always choose to dine in your stateroom so you get a front-row view every night.

Read: What Deck Is Best on a Cruise Ship?

What side do ships dock on?

Ships can dock on either port or starboard side, depending on the layout of the port itself, the direction you are sailing in, and individual government regulations about how cruise ships can be arranged on a pier. It’s also often at the discretion of the captain to choose how to position the ship in port.

No matter what lingo you use while you’re sailing, remember these wise words of Celebrity Edge Captain Kate McCue: “Whatever you do, don’t call it a boat.”

Now that you know a few things about the difference between starboard vs. port side, you’re ready to take the next step in your cruise vacation planning. Browse cruise itineraries on our website.

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How to Remember Port and Starboard on a Cruise Ship (15 Ways)

While there are various nautical names for positions on a ship or boat, port and starboard, and probably the most important on a cruise ship, could affect your vacation experience.

Knowing which instinctively will help you get around the ship quickly and efficiently without getting lost and having to keep asking for directions, especially on large cruise ships.

If the cruise captain makes announcements about activities on the ship’s port side, you’ll want to know which so you don’t miss out.

For example, the captain might issue an announcement over the tannoy system:

“All passengers on the ship’s port side, if you look out now, there is a chance to see a pod of dolphins.”

What Side is the Port Side of a Cruise Ship?

The port side of a ship is the left side when you’re facing the front (bow) of the ship .

The ship’s port side will be the same regardless of which way the ship is facing.

The port side is indicated by red via the ship’s navigational lights.

What Side is the Starboard Side of a Cruise Ship?

The starboard side is the ship’s right side when you’re facing the front (bow) of the ship.

The starboard side of a ship will always be the same no matter what way the cruise ship is facing.

The starboard side is indicated as green via the hip’s navigational lights.

Why do Ships Use Port and Starboard and not Left and Right?

Port and Starboard is used rather than left or right because when you’re at sea, it’s easy to get disoriented, and left and right can be different based on which way you’re facing.

Origins of Port and Starboard

The term port is derived from the Latin word “portus”, which means a harbor or safe haven. Traditionally, this is the side that ships tie up to the dock when entering port.

Starboard derives from the old English word “steorbord”, which means the side on which the ship is steered.

Initially, the steering oar (rudder) was placed on the right-hand side of the ship because most people are right-handed, and the ship would be docked on the left side so as not to damage the oar.

With the advent of the rudder, placed in the center of the ship, the term starboard morphed to mean the right side when facing towards the bow (front) of a vessel.

How to Remember Port and Starboard

When it comes to remembering, different people’s brains work differently, so we have put together 15 tips to help you remember port and starboard so you can choose the one most resonates and will help you remember the easiest for your next cruise.

Remember, you only need to find one way to remember one side, and you’ll automatically know the other.

Just pick the one that most clicks for you.

1. Standard Way – Left and Right

When you face the bow of a ship : the port side is on the left, and the starboard side is on the right .

It’s important to highlight that it’s not just about which is left or right, you have to make sure you are facing the front (bow) of the ship.

2. Number of Letters in Each Word

Some people remember which is which from this simple rule:

Port has 4 letters P.O.R.T

Left has 4 letters L.E.FT

If you can remember the left side, you’ll automatically know that the Starboard side is on the right.

However, you must also remember to face the front of the boat (Bow).

3. Next Letter Alphabetical Order

If you think about the first letter for each of Left and Right and then work out the next closest first letter of Port and Starboard, this could help you remember.

It’s a little more obvious with Right being Starboard, so I’ll start with that one.

For Right, the first letter R is followed by S for Starboard in the alphabet.

Therefore Right is Starboard.

For Left, for the first letter L, is followed next by P for Port in the alphabet before S for Starboard.

Therefore Left is Port.

4. 2 Rs = Right

Another way to remember is to count the R’s in each word.

Starboard has 2 r’s, so for some people, it works if you can remember 2’sr = right.

5. Less Letters Left

Port has less letters than Starboard, so Port is on the Left.

Red (port) has less letters than Green, Red/Port is on the left.

Left has less letters than the right.

Everything less is on the left.

6. Same order as Left and Right

As everyone says “ left and right “, just get used to saying “ port and starboard ” and remember it means exactly the same thing.

7. Rhymes to Remember Port and Starboard

Holy Cow, face the Bow

Stars come out at night; Starboard is the right

And that leaves Port on the left

Which is a rhyme I found in this video . It will help you remember to face the bow too.

Here’s another one that also helps you remember the front and back.

Lucy Left lives in the port. Suzy Starboard rows to the right.

Billy Bow is at the front. Stern Stan is at the back

8. Port Wine Reminder

This mnemonic might work for you if you like your port and wine.

“There’s no Red Port Left in the Bottle.”

Or you could think of yourself with a glass of Red Port in your left hand and steering the ship’s wheel with your right hand.

Another variation is “ Port is always left at sea , but never left at dinner,” or you could change it to never left with cheese.

One final example is: We just left the port .

Pick whichever one works for you.

While on the subject of wine we have put together how much wine you can bring on a cruise along with corkage fees.

9. Port and Starboard Captain Joke

If you are good at remembering jokes, perhaps this well-known one might help.

There once was a world-famous cruise captain who, every morning, would go to his working quarters, open the safe, take out a piece of paper, and stare at it for about a minute before putting it back and getting on with the day.

Over time, different people witnessed this ritual and became more curious about what he was staring at. If he were seen, he would quickly put it back in his safe and lock it away until the next morning.

This went on for many years, with many different rumors about what the paper could be, until the day of his passing finally came.

On the day he was laid to rest, soon after, the first mate led his family to the captain’s quarters, opened the safe, and pulled out the piece of paper…

He unfolded it to read just four words…

Port Left, Starboard right.

(Do you get it? He had to remind himself of the bare basics every day even though he was the captain? I thought it was funny ; if you tell the joke, try to build a bit of suspense as to what it could be, and humor people that forget that it’s no big deal, even one of the finest captains had to remind himself daily).

11. Wear Port and Starboard Socks

Another option is to buy some Port and Starboard socks. There are many different designs available, usually featuring the colors red for port and green for starboard.

You’ll need to make sure you put them on the correct foot every morning, so maybe you’ll want to have another way of remembering.

You’re sorted if you can find some with left and right on as well.

It can also be fun to show your socks off to other passengers if the subject comes up in conversation.

12. Bracelets and Earrings

You could use fun jewelry to remind you which side is port and starboard.

I’ve seen port and starboard earrings .

Also, you can make little bracelets that feature the wording Port and or starboard. Remember you only need to remember one side.

Or you could simply wear a red or green string-like bracelet on your wrist on the ankle.

13. Wedding Ring

Have you ever heard the saying “Wife in every Port”? Are there even songs of the same title?

Well, if you can remember that sailors have a wife in every port when you look at your wedding ring, it will remind you that the Port is on the Left .

14. Which Side Do You Wear Your Watch?

If like most people, you wear your watch on your left wrist, you could simply try to remember left is the Port side because in ports, you can shop for watches.

15. Get a Port and Starboard Tattoo

If you are into tattoos, you could get a small tattoo to remind you of your cruise vacations and incorporate Port and Starboard or the colors red and green somewhere on either side of the design.

This is an extreme measure we mention just for fun, and to highlight, we have tried to think of every way possible to help you remember port and starboard sides .

Of course, this is a permanent solution, and you must be absolutely sure that you will never want to remove the tattoo before going ahead.

If you prefer to learn from a visual video, this short one may help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cruise ships always dock on the port side.

Some ports have two docking areas for cruise ships – one for the port and one for starboard – and the captain will choose which side to dock on based on the wind and other conditions.

Some ports have certain regulations about which side to dock.

Is Starboard Left or Right?

When facing the front of the ship (bow), the starboard is on your right.

What Color Are Port and Starboard?

Red indicates the port side of a ship, and green indicates the starboard side.

Hopefully, some of these tips and tricks will help you to remember which is port and which is starboard.

Ideally, just pick one or two that work for you and stick with those so that it becomes second nature.

Which is your favorite method?

If you have other methods for remembering port and starboard, please let us know in the comments, as we’d love to hear.

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How To Remember Port And Starboard On A Cruise Ship (7 EASY Ways)

The average cruise ship is well over 1,000 feet making them very easy to get lost while onboard.

In these moments, it’s good to know some basic nautical terminology. Words like Port and Starboard come in handy, but it can be hard remembering which is which.

However, there are some easy tricks to remember basic port and starboard directions on a cruise ship.

Table of Contents

Is The Port The Left Or Right Side Of A Ship?

Port is always the left-hand side of a ship when you are facing the front.

The ship’s navigational lights use the color red to indicate the port side.

These terms come in handy because they always refer to the same side of the boat, no matter which direction you’re facing.

Is The Starboard Side The Left or Right Side Of A Ship?

The starboard side of a cruise ship is the right side when facing the front of the ship.

The ship’s navigational lights use green to indicate the starboard side.

It’s good to know these terms when you’re at sea for efficient communication, better navigation, and overall safety on the water

To easily remember port and starboard, try this trick: the word “port” has the same number of letters as the word “left,” so you can associate the port side with the left side of the ship.

Similarly, think of the phrase “star-right” to associate the starboard side with the right side of the ship. With these simple techniques, you’ll have no trouble remembering port and starboard during your maritime adventures.

Why Do Ships Use Port and Starboard And Not Left And Right?

Ships use port and starboaard as opposed to ‘left’ and ‘right’ due to the need for clear communication and to avoid confusion, especially in hazardous maritime situations.

The terms ‘port’ and ‘starboard’ are unambiguous references that remain the same regardless of the mariner’s orientation.

With these terms, everyone on board can quickly understand which side of the ship is being referred to, without having to consider the direction others are facing.

This improved communication helps ensure the safety and smooth functioning of the vessel.

These terms have been passed down through generations of seafarers, maintaining their importance in maritime communication.

Understanding Port and Starboard

Origins of the terms.

The terms “port” and “starboard” have their roots in maritime history. Port refers to the left side of the boat, while starboard is the right side.

These terms originated from the days when ships were steered with a steering oar on the right side, which in Old English was called “steorbord,” eventually evolving into “starboard.”

As for “port,” it comes from the fact that the left side of the ship would face the port when docking, so sailors started calling the left side the “port side.”

Originally called “larboard,” was the side where ships were loaded and unloaded at the port.

To avoid confusion, larboard was later changed to port, a word that was easier to distinguish from starboard.

Visualizing the Boat

One common trick is to remember that the letters “left” and “port” both have four letters, making it easy to associate the word “port” with the left side of the boat.

For starboard, think about how the right side of the ship was the steering side in the past. You can imagine a star on the right-hand side of the ship as a symbol of guidance.

This visualization can help you remember that starboard is the right side of the boat when facing forward.

Port = Left side of the boat
Starboard = Right side of the boat

Try these techniques and tips to help you easily remember the difference between port and starboard, improving your sailing knowledge and communication on the water.

How To Remember Port And Starboard Sides

Color associations.

One helpful way to remember port and starboard is by associating them with colors. When you’re aboard a ship, you might notice that the navigation lights are green and red.

The green light is on the starboard side, and the red light is on the port side. Using these color associations can make it easier to remember which side is which:

Starboard = Right = Green
Port = Left = Red

You can also remember that the word ‘green’ has more letters, like starboard and right. And Red has less letters like left and port.

Word Associations

Another great technique to remember port and starboard is using word associations.

There are a few mnemonic devices that you can use to help you remember which is which.

Port = 4 Letters = Left
You can easily remember “ starboard ” is on the right side by noticing the two letter Rs: “ StaRboaRd is RIGHT .”
Another memory aid is the phrase “ The ship’s LEFT PORT ,” which can help remind you that when you’ve left the port, the port side is on your left.

Same Order As Left And Right

Most people say ‘left and right’ not ‘right and left.’

The same thing goes for ‘port and starboard.’ Saying ‘starboard and port’ just doesn’t sound right, does it?

So just say the phrase to yourself, ‘left and right, port and starboard’ and boom. An easy way to remember which side is which.

Using Environmental Cues

Navigational lights.

When you’re on a boat at night, navigational lights can help you remember which side is port and which side is starboard.

Most vessels have a red light on the port side and a green light on the starboard side.

A mnemonic to remember this is “ red, left, port wine ” – port wine is red, so the port side has a red light, and port side is on your left when facing the bow.

Port wine - a great way to remember port and starboard side of a cruise ship

Docking and Mooring

While docking or mooring your boat, pay attention to the environment. The relationship between the position of berthing facilities, such as cleats and piles, and your boat may help you remember port and starboard more easily.

When approaching a typical dock or marina, you’ll notice that the boat slips are designed for either port or starboard side docking.

In most cases, the slips have the mooring on the left side, indicating that the port side of the boat should be against the dock.

This setup provides visual cues and helps reinforce which side is port and which side is starboard. Remember that the port side is on your left when facing the bow, and the starboard side is on your right.

Practicing Identification

On-water exercises.

One of the best ways to remember the difference between port and starboard is to practice identifying them while on the water.

Next time you’re on a boat or near a marina, try these helpful on-water exercises:

Observe the colors: Look at the navigation lights on nearby boats. Remember that port side has a red light and starboard side has a green light. Take note of which side is illuminated in each color when a boat passes.
Test yourself: As boats approach or pass by, quickly determine and say out loud which side is port and which is starboard. This will help reinforce your mental association between the words and their meanings.

Simple Games

In addition to on-water exercises, you can practice remembering port and starboard with fun, simple games.

Here are a couple of ideas:

Play memory games: Challenge yourself or play with friends to see who can recall port and starboard the fastest. For example, use flashcards with images of port (red) and starboard (green) sides, then shuffle and reveal them one by one, quickly identifying which side each card represents.
Create mnemonic devices: Come up with playful rhymes, acronyms, or even jokes to help you remember the difference. For example, you could try saying “port is left, just like the last four letters of the alphabet,” or “starboard has more letters, just like the word right.”

By engaging in on-water exercises and simple games, you can enhance your understanding and memorization of port and starboard.

Do Cruise Ships Always Dock On The Port Side?

While it’s common for cruise ships to dock on the port side, it’s not an absolute rule and they can dock on both sides.

Many factors determine which side the ship will dock on, including the port layout, weather conditions, and even local regulations.

When entering a port, the captain and the local harbor pilot work closely together to maneuver the ship into its berth. In some ports, the layout may require the ship to dock on the starboard side.

For instance, if there’s a strong wind pushing against the port side, docking on the starboard side might be necessary to maintain control during the docking process.

Another factor to consider is that not all ports have designated cruise ship terminals. Some ships may dock at a commercial pier, where the berth’s layout or nearby cargo operations could influence which side of the ship faces the dock.

In addition, port authorities may have specific regulations and preferences that dictate the docking procedure.

Despite these variations, you can still use the port and starboard concept to orient yourself on the ship.

Remember that regardless of which side faces the dock, the port side of the ship is always on the left while you are facing forward, and the starboard side is always on the right.

Why Are Port And Starboard Lights Different Colors?

The first time I was on a cruise ship, I noticed the different lights on other ships we passed at night. I didn’t give it much thought, but now I realize how such a small detail can be so important.

The reason behind these colored lights lies in their vital role in maritime safety and communication.

Firstly, the differing colors allow you to quickly identify the orientation of nearby vessels, especially in low visibility conditions. The port side emits a red light while the starboard side displays a green light.

This color coding enables you to determine the direction a vessel is heading, helping you avoid potential collisions.

Apart from assisting with safe navigation, these colored lights also serve as a visual means of communication between vessels.

For example, if you see both red and green lights of a distant ship coming closer, you can infer that it is sailing towards you.

Conversely, if you only observe one light, it indicates that the vessel is going in a perpendicular direction.

In addition to port and starboard lights, boats are usually required to display a stern light, which is white.

The combination of these lights forms a vessel’s navigation light configuration, and complying with international regulations helps to maintain order at sea.

Overall, the distinct colors of port and starboard lights have been thoughtfully designed to aid communication and ensure the safety of maritime traffic.

Summary: How To Remember Port and Starboard

Remembering the difference between port and starboard can be simple and enjoyable with these easy tricks.

By associating port with the left side because both words have four letters, you’re already a step ahead. And don’t forget the classic trick of linking port with red wine which is often served on the left side of the table.

Not only will these handy tips help you remember the terms, but they’ll also make your experiences on ships, cruises, and aircraft more pleasant.

No more panicking when someone says “Look at the dolphins on the starboard side!” You’ll be able to relax and enjoy the stunning view with confidence, knowing exactly where to look.

Additionally, understanding the origins of these terms can help solidify them in your memory.

Remember that before rudders, most ships were steered using a steering oar on the right-hand side, as most people are right-handed, leading to the term starboard.

Next time you’re aboard a vessel or chatting with fellow travelers, feel free to share these memory aids with them.

Or talk to staff and use these nautical terms. I’m sure many will be impressed you know the port and starboard sides!

But more importantly, if you ever need to be somewhere on a cruise ship, and all you have to go by is ‘meet on the 5th floor, starboard side,’ you will have no problem locating the event.

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Port Side vs Starboard on a Cruise – Which Side of the Ship is Best?

Sharing is caring!

There are many things that make cruises different than other types of vacations. For starters, you’re living on a cruise ship rather than a hotel and nautical terms are used frequently. Two important ones are starboard and port side.

In fact, when choosing a cabin location, many people wonder if the port or starboard side is better on a cruise ship.

In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about port versus starboard on cruises, including the answers to the most common questions people have.

Port versus Starboard: Explained Simply

Starboard or Port Side - Cruise ship bow

Since cruise ships use nautical terms or cruise lingo , here are a few things to know about the parts or directions of the ship that are used most often. While these are navigational terms, you’ll also notice that they are used by crew and guests on the cruise ship (aft pool, forward cabin, port side balcony etc.).

Bow (front of ship)
Forward (direction towards the bow)
Stern (back of ship)
Aft (direction towards the stern)
Port (left side of ship when facing forward)
Starboard (right side of ship when facing forward)

Read more: The Ultimate Cruise Lingo Glossary: 85 Nautical Terms You Need to Know

Why don’t cruise ships simply use “left” and “right”?

The words port and starboard have been used in the maritime industry for many years for very practical reasons. The words left and right are subjective and as it’s dependant upon each sailors own point of view. To avoid confusion, the nautical terms, port and starboard, were adopted as these terms indicate the direction which a sailor is facing.

Port side is the left-hand side of a cruise ship when facing towards the front or bow of the ship, while Starboard is the right-hand side of the ship. These are fixed locations of the cruise ship, which are meant to avoid any confusion in particular for sailors when simply using “left” or “right”.

Origins of “Port” and “Starboard” on Ships

It’s interesting to know that the origin of the word starboard comes from the Old English words “Steor” and “Bord” . Most sailors were right handed and the right side was the steering side, which later became Starboard. The left side was the loading side, and called “Larboard”. Since it was easily confused with the word Starboard, and the left side faced the port, the term Port was adopted and those loading supplies were called porters.

Which Side of the Cruise Ship is Best? Port Versus Starboard

Is it Better to Have a Cabin on the Port or Starboard Side of the Ship?

Many people wonder if it’s better to have a cabin on the port or starboard side of the cruise ship. This won’t make a difference if you’re booked in an inside cabin . However, if you’re in an ocean view or balcony cabin , you may have a preference for one side of the ship versus the other.

When in a port of call, some people prefer to have a view facing the cruise port or city, while other people prefer the quieter view of the landscape and sea. Personally, we like the hustle and bustle of what’s going happening on land. Unfortunately, this isn’t easy to predict and can change in every cruise port.

On some itineraries, being on the starboard side or port side, may give you a more scenic view as you sail. I’ll share some tips for Alaska , Hawaii and Transatlantic itineraries, however it’s always a good idea to ask your travel agent or cruise vacation planner for specific advice.

Related: Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid

Port side or starboard Which side is best on a cruise

Do Cruise Ships Always Dock Portside?

When docked, the port side of the ship is usually closest to land, while the starboard side is typically closest to open water. However, this isn’t always the case. In fact, these days, cruise ships might be docked with the starboard facing the cruise port, and vice versa.

This can be dependent on a few factors including the number ships that will also be in port, the direction that the ship is sailing in, government regulations and the discretion of the ship’s Captain.

While you can join message boards and Facebook groups to try to figure out which side the ship will most likely be docked on, we’ve noticed there are no guarantees.

How to Remember Port and Starboard Side on a Cruise

I learned this easy tip for remembering Port and Starboard on my first cruise and it always stuck with me.

PORT has 4 letters and ends with the letter T, just like the word LEFT. The word STARBOARD has an R in it, just like RIGHT.

How to Find Your Cabin: Port or Starboard

When on the cruise ship and get off the elevators, it’s easy to get disorientated and forget if you’re on the port or starboard side. Many cruise ships make this easier by using two slightly different patterns on the hallway carpets. The port side may be mainly blue with red details, for example, and the starboard side carpet may be mainly red with blue details.

Learn this quickly and it will be much easier to find your way back to your cabin.

Related: 75 Genius Cruise Hacks and Tips: Get Organized, Save Money, Cruise Better

Starboard or Port Side? Which Side is Best by Cruise Itinerary

Is one side better than the other when on the open sea? Most cruisers don’t have a strong preference between starboard and port side, as both sides of the cruise ship are equally good for most itineraries. If you’re sailing round trip to and from the same embarkation port, you’ll get an equal opportunity to see any land portions.

While there are a few itineraries where being on the port or starboard side it can make a difference in the scenic view, most cruise ships are sailing round trip and this isn’t the case.

Which Side of the Ship is Best for Cruises to Alaska?

When sailing round trip to Alaska from Seattle or Vancouver, you’ll see different parts of the coast at different times, so either starboard or port side is just fine. When scenic cruising in Glacier Bay, Endicott Arm or Dawes Glacier, the Captain will turn the ship around slowly, so you won’t miss a thing.

However, if you’re going on a Northbound or Southbound Alaska cruise, you’ll be on one side of the cruise ship the whole time. On Northbound Alaska cruises, many people prefer the Starboard side of the ship, where you’ll see the rugged coastline.

For Southbound cruises, you may want to have a Port side cabin. The view on the opposite side is the Gulf of Alaska, also peaceful and beautiful.

Something to note is that on Northbound sailings, you’ll get sunrises and morning sun on the starboard side and sunsets on the port side. On Southbound sailings you’ll get sunrises and morning sun on the port side and sunsets on the port side. While neither is better, this information may help you to decide what you prefer.

Related: Going Whale Watching in Alaska? Here are 5 Tips You Need to Know

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

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Which Side of the Ship is Best for Cruises to Hawaii?

Many people wonder what side of the ship is best for Hawaii cruises, in particular the amazing port intensive 7 day Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America. While the cabins on port and starboard side will both be good, you’ll see the best view of the Napoli Coast from a port side balcony cabin.

Which side of the ship is best for Mediterranean cruises?

Most Mediterranean cruises sail at night and there isn’t much land to see, so the consensus for most cruise passengers is that the side of the ship doesn’t really matter. However, on Eastern Mediterranean cruises, you’ll likely have more sun than shade on balcony cabins.

Which Side of the Ship is Best for Transatlantic Cruises and Crossings?

Which side of the cruise ship is better for transatlantic cruises or crossings ? If you’re doing an Eastbound transatlantic sailing, for example New York to Southhampton, choose a starboard cabin for more sun than shade. Westbound crossings will get more sun on the port side of the ship.

However, many people who have done repositioning and transatlantic crossings caution that the sun’s position, and therefore how much time you’ll actually have sun on the balcony, does depend on the time of year of your sailing.

Related: Queen Mary 2 Crossing Review and Tips

Which Side of the Cruise Ship is Best for Sunrises and Sunsets?

Cruise ship sunset starboard or port side

On most itineraries which are round trip, leaving and returning to the same embarkation port, both sides of the cruise ship will be equally good for a combination of sunrises and sunsets.

However, if you are sailing a one way itinerary or simply want to check, something to note is that the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. You’ll need to look at your itinerary to know the direction you’ll be sailing.

I admit to being a bit directionally challenged, so I always need a few specific tips. A good suggestion is to join a roll call for your specific cruise where you can discuss all things related to your cruise, and get some great advice and share information with others on your sailing.

Ultimate Cruise Travel Planner

Over the last year, I put together a 47 page cruise travel planner that has everything you need as you plan and get ready for your cruise.

If you could use cruise packing lists, to-do checklists, shore excursion forms and more, you’ll love the Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner .

Plus, for a limited time, it’s $10 off. Hope you enjoy!

See details here: Ultimate Cruise Planner -What’s Included

Final Thoughts: Starboard or Port Side on a Cruise Ship

When booking and planning a cruise, it’s clear that there are many things to consider. Depending on your cruise itinerary, you may have a preference for a port side or starboard side balcony cabin.

In this post we went over some information about the nautical terms PORT and STARBOARD, how to remember them, as well as some useful information on choosing a cabin based on your itinerary.

Please let me know if you prefer a starboard or port side cabin, and share any tips for the the best cabins for Alaska, the Caribbean and other itineraries. Your comments will surely help others!

Happy cruising!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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WOW!!! Thanks Ilana for all of the great information!!

My pleasure Donna. So glad the post was helpful!

On a recent Transatlantic cruise in September, the ship was forced to sail south from Europe to avoid two hurricanes in the Atlantic. As a result, we had to skip one port and we arrived at our final destination, Brooklyn, a day early. While many got off the ship to roam around New York, we had a starboard balcony overlooking New York harbor. We spent the afternoon watching the busy harbor activity and sipping beverages. It was the highlight of the trip.

How interesting! Thanks for sharing.

Port vs Starboard: Which Side Is Better on a Cruise?

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: July 16, 2021 - Last updated: June 27, 2022

Port vs Starboard: Which Side Is Better on a Cruise?

When you’re choosing a cabin for your cruise vacation, you might wonder which side of the ship has the best views. Is there really a difference between the port vs. starboard side?

Find out which side of a cruise ship is the best side to book if you’d like to enjoy peaceful sunrises or stunning sunsets from your stateroom. Make sure you read to the end to learn some easy tricks to remember which side is starboard and which side is port!

Port vs. starboard: what’s the difference?

As you’re facing forward on a ship, toward the bow, the port side of the ship will be on your left and starboard will be on your right.

The term starboard comes from the Old English steorbord , meaning the side on which the ship is steered. Before ships had central rudders, a steering oar was mounted on the right side of the stern because most people are right-handed.

With the steering oar on the right side of the ship, it made more sense to tie up at the port on the left side. So the left side of the ship became known as the port side.

But with today’s modern ships, why do we still use these old terms? Why can’t we just use left and right to refer to the sides of a ship?

When we think of left and right, it’s usually from our own perspective. If you turn around 180°, suddenly what was on your right is now on your left!

When navigating a ship, it’s important that all of the crew are on the same page with which side of the ship is which. Port and starboard never change, regardless of which direction you’re facing.

Which side of a cruise ship is better?

There’s nothing inherently better about either the port side or the starboard side of a cruise ship. But if you’re sailing in a balcony or veranda stateroom, you might want to choose to stay on a specific side of the ship based on the direction of your itinerary.

You may also like: The 10 Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid

Which side of a cruise ship is better for sunrise and sunset?

One of the perks of sailing in a balcony cabin is having that private outdoor space to enjoy beautiful ocean views. Like many cruisers, I enjoy just sitting in peaceful silence watching the sunrise over the water in the morning. In the evening, there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on the balcony with a cocktail to enjoy a gorgeous sunset.

If you want to make sure you’ll be able to enjoy sunrises or sunsets from your balcony, take a look at the map of your cruise’s itinerary. Remember that no matter where in the world you’re cruising, the sun will always rise in the east and set in the west.

For a closed-loop cruise that begins and ends at the same port, your ship will turn around during the voyage. For part of the itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to see sunrises from your balcony. During the other part of the cruise you’ll be able to enjoy the sunsets.

The image below is an example of a closed-loop cruise in the Caribbean, round trip from Fort Lauderdale. Following the arrows, you can see that the ship starts out traveling southeast until it reaches St. Kitts. At that point it turns around 180° and sails northwest, back toward Florida.

Passengers on this cruise sailing on the port side of the ship will enjoy sunrises from their balcony during the first half of the itinerary, and will see the sunset on the way home.

But those with starboard cabins will have sunsets for the first half of the cruise, and sunrises for the final few days.

In general, when the ship is heading north or west, the port side will get the sunsets and starboard will have the sunrises. When the ship is headed south or east you’ll have the opposite—port will see sunrises and starboard will have sunsets.

But if you find yourself on the wrong side of the ship for the prettiest view, don’t worry! You’ll always be able to find a spot to sit and enjoy it on a public deck away from the busy areas of the ship.

Should you pick a port or starboard cabin for a one-way cruise, like in Alaska?

If your cruise is one-way, starting at one port and finishing in another, you may want to consider more carefully whether you want your stateroom to be on the port or starboard side.

Many Alaska cruises are one-way, either northbound or southbound. For northbound Alaska cruises, port side cabins will have a sunset view, and starboard cabins will see the sunrise. For southbound cruises, the opposite is true.

Or maybe you’re planning a river cruise, and you’re less concerned about sunsets—you’d like to have the best views from your balcony of the picturesque towns and cities you’ll be passing. You’ll see plenty of gorgeous scenery on either side of the ship—but you can always consult your itinerary map to see if the views you’re interested in will be on the port or the starboard side.

Thankfully river cruise ships are much smaller than the ocean-going megaships, so it’s always just a quick walk to the top deck for a panoramic view of everything.

Is port or starboard better when the ship is docked?

When a cruise ship is docked at a port, one side of the ship sometimes has a better view than the other. In a busy port, you might step out on your balcony to discover the only view you have is the side of a neighboring ship—and its passengers on their own balconies!

Unfortunately, when you book a cruise it’s nearly impossible to determine which direction your balcony will be facing when your ship docks at various ports. It can depend on the layout of the port, how many other ships are already there, and what direction the ship is sailing in.

Sometimes governmental regulations specify how ships need to be arranged at a certain port. At other ports, it’s up to the captain to choose how they want to position their ship.

Of course, some ports are tender ports, and your ship will drop anchor in the harbor. Your balcony could be facing in any direction at a tender port, but you’ll never be too close to another ship or be facing right onto a noisy pier.

Learn more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise

Does the acronym POSH really hold true?

You may have heard that the word posh, meaning fancy or luxurious, comes from an old term used by passengers on steamships and ocean liners. The story goes that you’d have a better view on a round-trip voyage by booking a port stateroom on the first part of the trip, and a starboard cabin on the return— P ort O ut, S tarboard H ome.

Per the story, it was more expensive to book these coveted staterooms, and wealthy passengers would have their tickets stamped with the acronym POSH to show that they had paid for the best rooms.

Although this tale has been passed around for decades (it even makes an appearance in the classic children’s film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , when Grandpa Potts sings about his posh method of travel ), there’s zero evidence that it’s true. (The fact-checkers at Snopes actually debunked the POSH story in 2010.)

But even if the word posh didn’t come from “port out, starboard home”, you might be wondering if the legend remains because there’s some truth to it.

Not really! Although in some situations it can be true—let’s say you’re doing a transatlantic cruise from your home in Florida to a European port, and back home again. You’d get better sunset views if you used the POSH theory.

But if home for you is the UK, you’d do best by booking starboard out and port home. The “best side” of the ship just depends on the direction you’re sailing.

How to remember port vs. starboard

If you have a hard time remembering the difference between port and starboard, you’re not alone! There are several tricks that people use to remember.

One way is that starboard has more “R”s in the word than port does, so starboard means R ight.

Another trick is to think about how close the first letters of port and starboard are in the alphabet to the first letters of left and right. The P in port is closer to the L in left ( L M N O P ). The S in starboard is closer to the R in right ( R S )

I find that the easiest way to remember port vs. starboard is that both “port” and “left” contain four letters. But use whichever method works best for you!

One of my readers, Candice, submitted a helpful tip to remember that port equals left, courtesy of her husband. He uses the phrase “Is there any port wine left ?” to remember that port equals left! Submit your best tip in the comments!

Lots of people have trouble remembering port and starboard. Have you ever heard the story about the old sea captain?

Once upon a time, there was a famous sea captain. For years he guided his ships all over the world. Nothing got the best of him—not stormy seas or pirate attacks. The captain was admired by his crew and fellow captains alike.

However, there was something strange about this captain. Each morning he had an unusual ritual. He would open a small safe in his quarters and take out an envelope with a single piece of paper inside. He would stare intently at the paper for a few minutes, then lock it back up. Then he would go about his daily duties.

This went on for years, and his crew became very curious. What was on that paper? A treasure map? A letter from a long-lost love? Everyone from the officers to the deckhands had a theory about the contents of the strange envelope.

One day the captain died at sea. After laying his leader’s body to rest, the first mate led the entire crew into the captain’s quarters. He opened the safe, took out the envelope, and removed the paper inside. Unfolding the paper, he suddenly went very pale.

The first mate slowly turned around and showed the paper to the others. Four words were written on the paper.

“Port Left, Starboard Right”

Want more cruise jokes? Check out 10 Funniest Cruise Jokes That Will Make You Laugh

Do you have a preference for port vs starboard on certain cruises? Let me know in the comments below!

Liked this post? Pin it for later!

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Monday 7th of August 2023

Loved your article! I've cruised many times and never considered which side of the ship is best. I'm going on a NW Passage cruise from Greenland to Nome and which like to know which side of the ship you think is better for viewing sites and wildlife. Thanks

Tuesday 8th of August 2023

Hi Iris, I'm glad you enjoyed my article! I've never done a Northwest Passage cruise, but if I was booking one from Greenland to Alaska I'd most likely choose a balcony cabin on the port side of the ship. I only say this because after you pass Banks Island, the land will only be on that side until just before you reach Nome. Hope this helps, and if any other readers have done the NW passage, please feel free to chime in :) Happy cruising!

Ashlee Fechino

Monday 9th of August 2021

Awesome tips! We have never been on a cruise and would never even thought to consider which side is better - port or starboard based on your route. I learned something new today and had fun reading this article. Thanks for the share!

Candice Horn

Friday 24th of June 2022

@Carrie Ann, I thought you and your readers might enjoy this. My husband said he learned how to remember “port means left” by asking, “Is there any more port wine left?”😉🤣🤣🤣

Wednesday 11th of August 2021

Hi Ashlee, I'm happy I could explain the difference between port vs starboard. I hope it's helpful when you book your first cruise!

simplyjolayne

Sunday 8th of August 2021

A great clarification post. And I use the same memory suggestions to remember port and starboard.

I'm glad you enjoyed reading my post! Thanks for stopping by :)

Saturday 7th of August 2021

So interesting, I never really thought about which side to get a cabin on. But what you say is true, no matter where your room is, you can always find a perfect place on deck for great views.

Hi Megan, I think picking port vs. starboard really only matters if you're planning to spend lots of time on your balcony. I'm always out on deck too, so there are amazing views everywhere :D

I've actually always wondered this so I really enjoyed reading your explanation and tips! It's good to know for when I plan my first cruise.

Hi Krista, thanks so much for reading, and have fun planning your first cruise!!

What’s An Easy Way to Remember Port and Starboard On A Cruise?

By: Author David Chapman

Posted on Last updated: October 14, 2023

Categories CRUISE TIPS , LEARN

Looking for an easy way to remember port and starboard? If you haven’t spent much time onboard a ship, there is a chance that you might have heard of the terms “port” and “starboard” without being entirely sure what they mean. These terms refer to the left and right sides of the ship, respectively (unchanged irrespective of the direction you face), but this can be understandably difficult to remember.

The “port” side of the ship is on the left when facing the front of the ship, while the “starboard” side is on the right-hand side. There are numerous ways to remember this, by using the number of letters (left and port both have four letters), a rhyme, or other methods of association.

Keep reading to learn more about how to remember port and starboard, a little bit of history regarding the names, and whether it really all matters for a cruise ship passenger!

Easy Way To Remember Port and Starboard | photo of ocean-facing balcony cabin

What Is Port & Starboard On a Cruise Ship?

When facing towards the front of the ship, port refers to the left-hand side of the ship, while starboard refers to the right-hand side. These designations remain in place irrespective of which direction you face and are assigned to the actual halves of the ship.

This means that if you face the back of the ship, the starboard side will be on your left-hand side while the port side will be on the right.

This allocation of the two sides of the ship helps to avoid confusion when referring to directions of the ship, as everybody can be certain which side of the ship is being referred to, irrespective of which direction they happen to be facing at the time.

Ships are built to be almost completely symmetrical, and interestingly the only side access onto the ship is usually from the port side of the ship.

The Origin Of The Terms “Port & Starboard”

The way in which the terms port and starboard came about is an interesting story that began before the invention of the rudder. Before rudders came into mainstream use, boats were controlled using a steering oar.

Because the majority of sailors at the time were right-handed, it made the most sense for the steering oar to be located on the right-hand side of the ship, located over the right side of the stern. Resultantly, the right side of the ship became known as the steering side.

The term “starboard” came about as a result of the combination of the words “steor” meaning “steer” and “bord” meaning the side of the boat. Hence, starboard was born.

As boats became larger with time, the steering oar became larger too, and as a result, it became somewhat easier to tie the boat to the dock on the opposite side to the oar. This became known as the “larboard,” which means the loading side.

In 1884, the Royal Navy decided that this name was too similar-sounding to “starboard,” and so it was replaced with the name “port” because it was the side usually facing the port, where supplies were brought onto the boat.

How To Remember Port and Starboard

Many people have a hard time remembering which is the port side and which is the starboard side of a ship. This can be reinforced through numerous methods, and you will be sure to find one that does the trick for you, however silly it may seem.

Is There An Easy Way To Remember Port and Starboard?

To start off with, legend has it that sailors of the past tended to have a girl (or a wife) in every port. Your wedding ring goes on your left finger, and so it’s easy to remember that the port side of the ship is on the left.

There is a children’s rhyme that states: Lucy Left lives in the port. Suzy Starboard rows to the right. Billy Bow is at the front. Stern Stan is at the back.

This rhyme helps you remember not only which is port and which is starboard, but it also helps you remember which terms refer to the back and front parts of the ship.

Another method for differentiating between port and starboard is by making use of the letter’s positioning in the alphabet. Because the letter L is close to the letter P, you can remember that the port side is on the left. Because the letter R is close to the letter S, you will remember that the starboard is on the right.

Port wine is another great way to remember. You could remember a sentence like “Is there any red port left in the bottle?” which simultaneously reminds you that port is on the left and that it is indicated by the color red. An alternate sentence could be, “Port is always left at sea, but never left at dinner.”

The word “Starboard” has two of the letter “R,” which could be a way of remembering “R” for “right.”

The number of letters is another good indication, with the word “port” having the same number of letters as the word “left.”

One really easy way to remember port and starboard comes from the origin of the terms. If you can remember that starboard means steering side and that most people are right-handed, you will easily remember that starboard is on the right-hand side of the boat.

Why Do Port and Starboard Matter?

These terms allow for orders and information on the ship to be given unambiguously, as there is no need to know which direction the person is facing. This is important, as it is essential that information can be passed between the systems of the ship with ease.

Using the terms left and right are too ambiguous and can easily lead to confusion because they are dependent on the location of the observer as well as the direction in which they are facing.

These naming conventions for the sides of a ship were laid down in order to help prevent collisions from occurring at sea. Because the port side of the ship is indicated with red lighting and the starboard side is indicated by green light, it is possible to know in which direction a ship is traveling.

This also allows for easier communication of messages between ships when referring to the sides of ships passing one another, for example.

Do Port and Starboard Matter For A Cruise Passenger?

The short answer? Not really.

Where this often comes up from the perspective of a cruise ship passenger is when trying to decide which cabin to select. Passengers often wonder whether a particular side of the ship will get better views. However, the port vs starboard question isn’t really the determinative factor. What matters most is which itinerary you are sailing, and thus which direction the ship will face on your specific cruise.

How To Remember Port and Starboard | photo of woman on Alaska cruise facing shoreline

For most itineraries, you will likely have breathtaking views on both sides of the ship. On closed-loop cruises — cruises where the ship sails roundtrip out of the same port — the ship essentially doubles back along its route. So, there will be great views as some point of the sailing from both sides of the ship.

Moreover, ships can dock on either port or starboard side, depending on the layout of the specific port, the direction the ship sails on a particular itinerary, and individual government regulations applicable to the port. It’s also often up to the captain to choose how to position the ship in port.

One well-known itinerary where the port vs starboard question may have significance is when sailing on an Alaska cruise . Alaska cruises often sail in one direction rather than a roundtrip.

If you are on a northbound Alaska sailing, the ship typically sails up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along the Hubbard Glacier. If so, passengers on the starboard side of the ship usually have the best views.

If you’re on a southbound Alaska sailing, then the reverse usually holds true. The ship sails down the coast, so passengers on the port side of the ship will have better views of Alaska’s scenic coastline.

Whichever method you use to help you remember which side of the ship is starboard and which is port, you will soon be able to get it to stick, and it will quickly become second nature knowing which side is which.

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The Vacationer • Cruises • Cruise Guides

What is Starboard Side on a Cruise Ship? What Color is Starboard Side on a Cruise Ship?

Whether you have taken a cruise or just booked a cruise , you likely heard the term starboard before. What exactly does starboard mean? How is starboard different than port side on a cruise ship ? Is a specific color associated with starboard? Read on to find out all of these answers.

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Haven’t booked your cruise yet? Browse ongoing cruise deals at CruiseCritic.com . Also, read our guide to the Best Websites for Booking Cheap Cruises .

Table of Contents

What is Starboard Side on a Cruise Ship?

The starboard side of a cruise ship is always on the right side when you are facing the front or bow of the boat. Opposite starboard is port side which is always on the left when you are facing the front of the cruise ship. The terms port and starboard are the same for every vessel across the world. These terms do not change from country to country or region to region.

A ship’s crew uses starboard and port to discuss a specific location on the ship so there is no confusion regardless of the person’s orientation. The terms are not defined by the position of the person. This allows two people facing different directions to both know which location is being discussed when mentioning port or starboard.

Using starboard and port removes the confusion that may be caused by using left and right. For example, if two people are back to back, then one person’s right is the same as the other person’s left. It would be confusing for the first person to refer to a location as right and the second person to refer to the same location as left. However, if they both refer to it as starboard or port, there is no confusion. That is why starboard always refers to the right side of a ship when facing the front . And, port always refers to the left side of the ship when facing the front .

Further Reading: What is Port Side on a Cruise Ship?

How to Remember Which Side is Starboard Side on a Cruise Ship

There are several ways you can remember the starboard side on a cruise ship is the right side when facing the front of the ship. Here is our favorite.

“R” and “S” are consecutive letters in the alphabet . “R” is for R ight and “S” is for S tarboard. Remember that the first letters of the words are consecutive letters in the alphabet, and you will never forget. No other combination of left, right, port, and starboard have first letters that are consecutive in the alphabet.

What Color is Starboard Side on a Cruise Ship?

Image: intlreg.org

The starboard side of a cruise ship is always green. The port side of a cruise ship is always red. The UN-created agency, International Maritime Organization, maintains these standards. Therefore, these colors are uniform everywhere across the globe.

Further Reading: What is Cruise Ship Tendering?

Why is Starboard Side on a Cruise Ship a Specific Color?

The starboard side and port side of a ship have lights so they can clearly be spotted at night and during poor visibility.

The lights being specific colors for the port side and the starboard side allow other vessels to know the ship’s position and which direction it is headed. If you spot a ship and the left side of it has a red light and the right side of it has a green light, then the ship is headed away from you. On the other hand, if the ship has a green light on the left and a red light on the right then the ship must be headed towards your direction since the front of the ship must be closest to you. This information improves maritime safety at sea and helps to avoid vessels colliding.

Further Reading: Best All-Inclusive Cruise Lines

How to Remember the Color of Starboard Side on a Cruise Ship

There are several ways you can remember the color of the starboard side on a cruise ship is green. However, it is easier to remember that the port side is red. Thus, the starboard side must be green. Here’s the tip.

Port wine is typically a red-colored wine. The side colors on a ship are Christmas colors — red and green. Always think that the port side is red since port wine is red. Then, the starboard side must be green.

Further Reading : Where Can I Cruise Without a Passport?

The starboard side is the right side of a cruise ship when facing the front or bow. The starboard side is the right side of any maritime vessel.

The starboard side of a cruise ship is green.

The starboard side on a cruise ship is a specific color so that other vessels can clearly spot the cruise ship in poor visibility or at night. Additionally, other ships can use the green color to know the direction in which the cruise ship is traveling.

No. The starboard side is always the right side when facing the front of the ship and the starboard side color is always green regardless of cruise ship or country.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

By Eric Jones

Eric Jones is the co-founder and head of operations of The Vacationer. He uses his background in mathematics as a professor at Rowan College South Jersey to conduct statistical studies and surveys on traveling and vacations. Having traveled to all 50 states and over 30 countries, Eric is well-equipped to recommend travel destinations and new adventures to those seeking lifetime experiences.

What is Port Side on a Cruise Ship? What Color is Port Side on a Cruise Ship?

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Port Vs Starboard: Which Side Is Right For Your Cruise Room?

W hen planning a cruise vacation, you're presented with plenty of options to customize your cruising experience. Of course, you'll choose a cruise with a preferred route, duration, and ports of call, but you'll also choose your accommodations. Typically, cruise lines offer a wide range of room types, from budget-friendly interior staterooms to high-end suites with private balconies.

Passengers usually consider square footage, deck level, interior versus exterior, and their budget when choosing accommodations. Picking a side of the ship? Not so much. And while choosing between the port side and starboard side of a cruise ship may not matter in most cases, there could be instances a preference makes sense.

First, we should mention that the port side is the left side of the ship when facing the bow (front of the ship), while the starboard side is the cruise ship 's right side when facing the bow. In many cases, the specific side won't affect your experience, but sometimes "choosing sides" may be worth exploring.

Choosing A Side On One-Way Cruises

If you're planning to take a closed-loop, or round-trip cruise, then preference for a side may be a moot point. On round-trip cruises, which are more common than one-way cruises, all passengers will experience the scenery from both sides at some point on the route. Also, if you choose an interior room, then choosing between the port or starboard side shouldn't matter too much, either.

However, a specific side may matter when on a one-way cruise, especially if that route tends to hug the coast. Popular one-way cruises include southbound or northbound Alaskan cruises, as well as west or eastbound voyages on Mediterranean cruises. On these types of cruises, you're view will depend on your cabin placement for the majority of your trip.

With that said, we should mention that on many "scenery-conscious" cruises, such as routes through Glacier Bay in Alaska or a fjord cruise through Norway, the captain will typically loop around particularly scenic areas, ensuring passengers on both sides of the ship enjoy the view.

Choosing Between Sunrises And Sunsets

Along with different views, sunrises and sunsets are also considerations on one-way cruises. As a quick reminder, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so if you're northbound and prefer to see the sunrise every night, then you'll want to choose accommodations on the port side. If traveling southbound, you'll want to choose lodging on the starboard side of the ship. If you're an early riser, then switch up these sides to enjoy the sunrise every day.

Again, if you're taking a round-trip cruise, then you'll probably get a combination of sunrises and sunsets throughout the trip, so choosing a "better" side may not be necessary. On roundtrip cruises, most cruisers consider deck level as more important. In general, passengers on higher deck levels enjoy more expansive views.

It may also be wise for passengers prone to seasickness to book an exterior cabin in the middle of the ship, which typically experiences less movement when sailing. So while choosing a particular side of the ship may matter in a few cases, it's only one of many considerations when thoughtfully selecting your cruise cabin .

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You won’t believe these 10 incredible cruise ship features for 2024.

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There’s a clear trend in cruise ship design that “bigger is better”, with ships like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas setting new passenger records and redefining the idea of a cruise vacation.

Major cruise lines are also competing with each other by introducing innovative activities and features to the high seas.

From racing around multi-level karting courses to taking your pick of the latest blockbusters inside multiscreen movie theaters, these are some of the most impressive activities available on cruise ships right now.

Karting on ships has been around for a while, but the latest ‘Prima class’ of cruise ships introduced by Norwegian Cruise Line takes things up a notch.

Go-karting track on the Norwegian Prima cruise ship.

The track on the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva now spans three levels, offering guests a longer, more intense karting experience than on the line’s older ships.

Described as “a perfect way to spend a day at sea” by CN Traveler’s Meena Thiruvengadam , the 1,400-foot track hosts various competitions throughout a cruise, with a podium to reward winners and a fastest lap scoreboard continually updated.

The activity isn’t included in the cruise fare. Typically, $15 buys you entry into a race. For additional fees, it’s possible to rent the track for yourself in order to drive faster, or even buy a pass for unlimited use of the track.

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Paris 2024 olympics morocco miss out on historic qualification zambia qualifies, 2025 4runner rounds out toyota s off road suv lineup, robot bartenders.

Royal Caribbean's ‘Quantum class’ and some of its ‘Oasis class’ ships feature robotic bartenders. These robots mix themed drinks like the signature Bionic Tea.

While an innovative feature and a fun experience as a one-off, the bars aren't necessarily somewhere you’ll want to hang around for hours.

Moving Bars

Found on Royal Caribbean’s biggest cruise ships, the Rising Tide Bar provides guests the opportunity to enjoy their preferred drinks while moving vertically between the ship's decks.

Magic Carpet is an orange glass-sheltered platform suspended from the starboard side of the cruise ... [+] ship Celebrity Edge.

But moving bars aren't restricted to inside a cruise ship. Each of Celebrity’s newest ‘Edge class’ vessels are equipped with the Magic Carpet .

This orange exterior apparatus can move up and down the starboard side of the ship, serving various functions throughout the cruise. It’s used as a tender platform, but most notably it turns into an open-air dining venue and bar, accompanied by spectacular views and an ocean breeze.

Zip lines on cruise ships offer an exhilarating adventure on board, allowing passengers to soar across the deck and take in stunning ocean views, if they can keep their eyes open!

Found mainly on modern, larger vessels, these attractions can stretch over 600 feet in length. Although not widespread, Royal Caribbean's ‘Oasis class’ ships, together with some ships from MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line feature zip lines.

Rollercoasters

Another option to feel the sea breeze while enjoying an exhilarating experience can be found on Carnival’s ‘Bolt’, the world’s first rollercoaster at sea.

Three ships operated by Carnival Cruise Line feature a rollercoaster known as 'Bolt'.

Capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 mph, the attraction is available on Carnival’s Mardi Gras , Celebration and Jubilee ships.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Disney Cruise Line also features theme park style attractions on some of its ships. Guests in the two-person rafts on the serpentine water coaster ‘Aqua Duck’ reach speeds of up to 14 mph.

Planetariums

A facility designed to simulate the night sky for educational and entertainment purposes, a planetarium is an immersive environment that allows people to explore the universe from the comfort of their seats.

While lacking the adrenaline-fueled fun of zip-lines or karting, planetariums are nevertheless an exciting feature on a handful of cruise ships. Cunard’s ocean liner Queen Mary 2 and Viking Orion are among the few ships with this intriguing feature.

Multiscreen Cinemas

Princess Cruises was the first cruise line to introduce giant outdoor movie screens, but other lines are now pushing hard into the world of the silver screen.

The foyer of the multiscreen cinema onboard P&O cruise ship 'Arvia'.

Carnival was the first—and still only—cruise line to offer a full IMAX experience at sea. If choice matters more, P&O Arvia features a three-screen cinema showing multiple different pictures throughout the day.

Skydiving Simulators

The ‘Quantum class’ ships in Royal Carribean's fleet feature Ripcord by iFLY , a skydiving simulator that offers guests the opportunity to experience the thrill of skydiving including the feel of weightlessness in a safe environment.

Although a pricey activity, the cruise line does usually release a limited number of complimentary spaces, allowing everyone the chance to try it out if you’re flexible on time.

Surfing Simulators

On a Royal Caribbean cruise, adventure-seekers can surf the waves without setting foot off the ship.

The FlowRider surfing simulator is a signature feature of Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

Whether you're just starting out or you've surfed before, you can dive into the fun with either boogie boarding or standup surfing on one of the 19 FlowRider surf simulators spread across the fleet.

Arcades on cruise ships are nothing new, but in recent years new virtual reality technology has transformed these spaces into immersive VR arcades, elevating the gaming experience to a new level.

These cutting-edge attractions blend the nostalgic charm of traditional arcades with the thrilling experiences of virtual reality. However, be aware that the experiences might trigger seasickness in susceptible cruisers.

Unlimited passes for Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Galaxy Pavilion provide good value for teenagers and big kids alike.

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Affluent travelers have new expectations, particularly when it comes to luxury: A yearning for meaningful purchases, an increased demand for social responsibility, sustainable best practices, and a delicate balance between renowned and respected luxury brands with local, artisanal, handcrafted goods and experiences. Luxury guests are likely to splurge on something special as a memory of their trip – something that goes beyond what they seek in in everyday life.

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Watches and Jewellery

TAG Heuer, Starboard and Carnival Cruise Line open watchmaker’s largest boutique at sea

INTERNATIONAL. Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer and leading cruise retailer Starboard have partnered with Carnival Cruise Lines to debut the watch brand’s largest standalone boutique at sea onboard Carnival Jubilee.

The 553sq ft store features the brand’s latest retail concept developed by TAG Heuer’s design and architecture team in Switzerland, and pays tribute to the brand’s motorsport heritage and history.

The offer includes the TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper, a tribute to TAG Heuer’s return to the high seas and sailing heritage. The Carrera Skipper revisits the brand’s distinctive and colourful livery, with a circular brushed main dial in Carrera signature blue (a tone initially inspired by the sea). This is paired with the 12-hour counter in ‘Intrepid Teal’ and the 15-minute regatta counter with segments in Intrepid Teal, Lagoon Green and Regatta Orange.

Other special models include the TAG Heuer Monaco Skeleton, inspired by the Monaco’s original blue dial. It integrates for the first time a complex skeleton dial with bold colours in a square format. Other novelties at the boutique include the Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche and Aquaracer Solargraph collection.

This latest collaboration extends the partnership between TAG Heuer and Starboard that spans over two decades.

“We are really excited to celebrate our long-time partnership with TAG Heuer and introduce guests to their renowned Swiss watchmaking expertise, precision and cutting-edge technology,” said Starboard President and CEO Lisa Bauer. “Through unique experiences and activations, we nurture guests on their shopping journey at sea, connecting them with the perfect vacation memento to take back home.”

Starboard highlighted its history of introducing renowned Swiss timepieces from luxury watchmaker brands to the cruise channel.

“With the opening of our largest boutique at sea, we are reinforcing our long-standing partnership with Starboard and strong commitment to TAG Heuer’s travel retail offering,” said TAG Heuer Executive Vice President LATAM and Caribbean Franck Suznjevic.

“There is huge momentum with TAG Heuer clientele in cruise retail, and together with Starboard, we remain committed to delivering precision, performance and savoir-faire for new and existing customers at sea.”

Under the partnership TAG Heuer hosted Starboard’s Watch Specialists for an immersive training experience in Cozumel, Mexico recently. TAG Heuer’s team of experts shared product knowledge and sales tips to ensure “exceptional service and expertise” for guests when exploring TAG Heuer timepieces at sea.

“We are honoured TAG Heuer chose our flagship Carnival Jubilee for this special retail experience,” said Carnival Cruise Line Vice President of Onboard Guest Commerce Luis Terife. “The success to date reinforces the incredible opportunity we see in expanding our Swiss offering on Carnival ships for our luxury guests.”

*Starboard is a Platinum Partner of The Retail Day, which takes place on 10 April at Seatrade Cruise Global.

As reported , The Retail Day – a series of conference sessions dedicated to retail at sea – takes place at Miami Beach Convention Center and is co-organised by The Moodie Davitt Report. Seatrade Cruise Global is the premier annual gathering of the cruise industry worldwide and runs from 8-11 April. Starboard President and CEO Lisa Bauer and Carnival Cruise Line Vice President of Onboard Guest Commerce Luis Terife are speakers at the event. ✈️

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The Diesel Jewelry collection can be found at the Watch Gallery Zone on the ninth floor of Shinsegae Duty Free’s Myeong-dong branch and within the retailer’s fashion and accessories shops at Incheon International Airport terminals 1 and 2.

In this edition we meet Reklaim Global SVP Revenue Travel & Hospitality Nadine Heubel and her Rhodesian Ridgebacks Rhonda and Tara.

The monthly Jessica’s Secret Index for February covering wines & spirits, fragrances, makeup, skincare, confectionery, bags, watches and jewellery is particularly useful as a demand indicator as Chinese overseas travel resumes.

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COMMENTS

Port vs. Starboard: Which Is Best for Your Cruise Room?
Icon of the Seas' stern (Rendering: Royal Caribbean) A great way to remember port and starboard is to go by the number of letters in each word. "Port" has the same number of letters as "left," so ...
Port vs. Starboard Side on a Cruise Ship
Some cruises offer an equal experience for those on the port side and travelers on the starboard side. If your cruise is a closed-loop or a round-trip beginning and ending at the same port, your ...
Port Vs. Starboard On A Cruise Ship: And Which Side To Book
KEY TAKEAWAYS. Port refers to the left side, and starboard refers to the right side of a ship when facing forward. These nautical terms emerged in the 16th century and are preferred over "left" and "right.". On round-trip cruises, both port and starboard sides offer comparable experiences. Port and starboard are two essential cruise ...
Understanding Port and Starboard on Your Next Cruise Ship Vacation
Instead of referring to rooms as either being on port or starboard, the staterooms are referenced as "A" for port side and "Z" for cabins on the starboard side. This makes it very easy to know where your room is located since 11178A will be on the left side vs 11178Z on the right. Do you have other ways that cruise ships have helped make port ...
Port Vs. Starboard: What Side of the Ship Is Best?
Simply put, port is the left side of the ship and starboard is the right side of the ship. This lingo emerged around the 16th century, as colonization of the New World boomed. Port and starboard were adapted from Old English, specifically in the maritime trading industry. While terms like "left" and "right" can change based on your own ...
Port and Starboard: Which Side Is Which?
When you're doing this, the starboard is on your right side and the port is on your left side. However, depending on which way you turn, you'll be facing them differently. For example, if you ...
How to Remember Port and Starboard on a Cruise Ship (15 Ways)
4. 2 Rs = Right. Another way to remember is to count the R's in each word. Starboard has 2 r's, so for some people, it works if you can remember 2'sr = right. 5. Less Letters Left. Port has less letters than Starboard, so Port is on the Left. Red (port) has less letters than Green, Red/Port is on the left.
How To Remember Port And Starboard On A Cruise Ship (7 EASY Ways)
The starboard side of a cruise ship is the right side when facing the front of the ship. The ship's navigational lights use green to indicate the starboard side. It's good to know these terms when you're at sea for efficient communication, better navigation, and overall safety on the water.
Port Side vs Starboard on a Cruise
To avoid confusion, the nautical terms, port and starboard, were adopted as these terms indicate the direction which a sailor is facing. Port side is the left-hand side of a cruise ship when facing towards the front or bow of the ship, while Starboard is the right-hand side of the ship. These are fixed locations of the cruise ship, which are ...
Port & Starboard: Which is Which, and Why?
Port = Red. Starboard = Green. These lights never change, in the same way as the names don't. That way, if you see a ship in the distance you can instantly tell which direction it is sailing in without any ambiguity. There's also a regulation that ships must have a white light on the stern/aft of the ship.
Port vs Starboard: Which Side Is Better on a Cruise?
As you're facing forward on a ship, toward the bow, the port side of the ship will be on your left and starboard will be on your right. The term starboard comes from the Old English steorbord, meaning the side on which the ship is steered. Before ships had central rudders, a steering oar was mounted on the right side of the stern because most ...
What's An Easy Way to Remember Port and Starboard On A Cruise?
The number of letters is another good indication, with the word "port" having the same number of letters as the word "left.". One really easy way to remember port and starboard comes from the origin of the terms. If you can remember that starboard means steering side and that most people are right-handed, you will easily remember that ...
Port vs. Starboard, Bow vs. Stern, and Forward vs. Aft ...
Ashley boarded her first cruise more than a decade ago and never looked back. Since then, she has written thousands of expert cruise tip features; ship, port and shore excursion reviews; and industry news articles. Her work has appeared on Cruise Critic, USA Today, the Associated Press, NBC News, the Miami Herald and Huffington Post.
What is Starboard Side on a Cruise Ship? What Color is Starboard Side
The starboard side of a cruise ship is always on the right side when you are facing the front or bow of the boat. Opposite starboard is port side which is always on the left when you are facing the front of the cruise ship. The terms port and starboard are the same for every vessel across the world. These terms do not change from country to ...
Do Cruise Ships Dock On Port Or Starboard Side? It Depends
Well, the answer is no. Cruise ships will actually dock on either the port or starboard side. Let's look at the main reasons that might influence this decision. The physical layout of the port plays a crucial role in determining which side a ship docks. Some ports have a specific design or orientation that requires ships to dock on a ...
Port Vs Starboard: Which Side Is Right For Your Cruise Room?
Continue reading. First, we should mention that the port side is the left side of the ship when facing the bow (front of the ship), while the starboard side is the cruise ship 's right side when ...
Do Cruise Ships Dock on Port or Starboard Side? Explained
The standard use of "port" and "starboard" helped avoid confusion. Cruise ships can dock on either the port or starboard side, determined by the dock's location and wind direction. The docking process requires careful planning and coordination. The captain must account for the wind, tide, and current when approaching the dock, and the ...
LVMH Offloads Majority Of Its Starboard Cruise Retail Business
Starboard Cruise Services. Starboard's latest retail fit-out was on Celebrity Cruises' Ascent, the fourth ship in the Edge Series. Across the shopping offer, which covers almost 9,000 square ...
Starboard Cruise Services and Carnival Cruise Line ink Five-Year
MIAMI (Sept. 21, 2022) - As of today, Starboard Cruise Services, an LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton company and leading global retailer at sea, and Carnival Cruise Line will continue their long-standing partnership for five additional years. The extension includes Starboard's current portfolio of nine Carnival ships and introduces Starboard as the chosen retail partner […]
You Won't Believe These 10 Incredible Cruise Ship Features ...
Capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 mph, the attraction is available on Carnival's Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee ships. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Disney Cruise Line also features theme ...
About Us
Who Is Starboard? We're the people that create memorable vacation retail experiences. As the world's leading luxury vacation retailer at sea, we enhance the shopping experience through a range of special offerings - from "first at sea" brands to customized cruise line brand mementos; from destination-inspired artisanal goods and sustainably sourced products to industry-first digital ...
Luxury
Starboard Luxury is searching for the crème de la crème in retail to join our shipboard teams on global assignments. We partner with the most luxurious and renowned cruise lines to deliver highly curated collections for travelers on holiday. If you're a Retail Manager or Sales Associate passionate about luxury goods, bespoke experiences ...
TAG Heuer, Starboard and Carnival Cruise Line open watchmaker's largest
INTERNATIONAL. Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer and leading cruise retailer Starboard have partnered with Carnival Cruise Lines to debut the watch brand's largest standalone boutique at sea onboard Carnival Jubilee.. The 553sq ft store features the brand's latest retail concept developed by TAG Heuer's design and architecture team in Switzerland, and pays tribute to the brand's ...
Starboard Boats Amsterdam
38 likes, 1 comments - starboard.amsterdamAugust 9, 2023 on : "#iamsterdam #amsterdamworld #amsterdamcity #amsterdam #netherlands #holland #canals #canal #instaamsterdam #boating #boat #water #boats #boatlife #amstergram What makes an excellent canal cruise experience is not always the boat, but its enthusiastic and energetic crew.