Ships historically docked on the left (port) side because the steering oar was on the right (starboard) side, and it was easier and safer to load/unload cargo on the unobstructed left side, preventing damage to the oar; this tradition stuck even after rudders replaced steering oars, with "port" replacing the confusing "larboard" to mean the side facing the port (dock).
Ships use "port" (left) and "starboard" (right) instead of left and right for clarity and safety, as these terms refer to fixed sides of the vessel regardless of the observer's orientation. The terms originated from early ships steering with a large oar on the right (steering side, or "starboard") and docking on the opposite side (loading side, or "larboard"), which sounded too similar to starboard, leading to its replacement with "port".
Prior to the term port, the left hand side of the ship was known as the larboard side; this came from the Middle-English word ladeboard which means to load. As the right hand side of the ship was used to steer, the left hand side became the loading side – hence the left hand side being referred to as the larboard side.
starboard doesn't make any difference, unless you want a good view of the ports as you sail into and out of them. In that case, choose starboard, as you'll get some excellent views. Forward or aft doesn't matter, as long as you don't get seasick. If you do, select a room that's midship and lower down.
The 3-1-1 rule on cruises refers to the TSA's liquids guideline for airline carry-ons (3.4oz containers, 1 bag, 1 quart-size), not a specific cruise ship restriction; it helps with flights to the port, but once you're on the ship, full-sized toiletries are generally allowed in checked bags and even your carry-on, as cruise lines don't enforce the TSA rule onboard.
Cruise ships use secret codes like "Code Alpha" (medical emergency), "Code Bravo" (fire), "Code Oscar" or "Mr. Mob" (man overboard), and "Code Charlie" (security threat) to alert crew without alarming passengers, with variations between lines like Disney's "Code Mufasa" for a lost child. Passengers should remain calm if they hear a code, as it often signals a crew-only drill or a situation requiring crew action, not necessarily a full-blown emergency.
The head is the bathroom, and the term comes from the fact that in old square-rigged sailing ships, the wind was almost always from astern (Connell and Mack). Therefore, Sailors would go to the "head" of the ship so as to not relieve themselves "into the wind."
Cast Off – a term used to describe releasing a mooring line or anchor so a vessel can set sail; in everyday language means to “set free”, for obvious reasons! Helm's Alee – a command used to turn the boat away from the wind, or tack.
Although Hichens turned the wheel to port in time, Titanic could not turn quick enough to avoid the iceberg. Moments before impact, Murdoch ordered “hard a'port,”. This was to turn the ship to starboard to swing the stern away from the iceberg. This was carried out effectively, as the stern did not collide.
How to remember port and starboard
Bow & Stern – The bow (front) comes from an old term meaning “to bend forward,” while stern (back) comes from the Norse word stjorn, meaning “steering,” since early ships were steered from the rear.
* Abaft or aft – A rear section of the ship. * Bow – The front part of a ship. * Deck – A horizontal platform covering a hull from one side of a ship to the other. * Poop – An enclosed structure, a rear part of a deck. * Stern – The aftermost part of a ship.
Roughest Areas on a Cruise Ship:
Social and legal responsibility. The tradition says that the captain should be the last person to leave their ship alive before its sinking, and if they are unable to evacuate the crew and passengers from the ship, the captain will refuse self-rescue even with an opportunity to do so.
Avoid cruise ship cabins near elevators, stairs, laundries, kitchens, and entertainment venues (clubs, theaters, pool decks) for less noise and foot traffic; cabins at the front (bow) or back (aft) for less motion; and those with obstructed views or connecting doors for privacy, choosing instead midship, mid-deck rooms surrounded by other cabins for the best balance of quiet and stability.
So, “3 shackles in the water” means 270 feet of chain has been deployed. This measurement is crucial for safe and effective anchoring, regardless of the vessel's type or size. For cruise ships, given their size and the potential for a large number of passengers, meticulous anchoring procedures are paramount.
This is a slang term for a Navy sailor. It is used in a friendly way, like calling someone a nickname. The term "Squid" is believed to have started because squids swim in the ocean, just like sailors spend a lot of time on the sea.
The ⚓ anchor emoji is a symbol that represents nautical-themed jewelry. It is often associated with images of ships, sailors, and the sea. This emoji is commonly used to convey a sense of stability, strength, and adventure. An anchor is a heavy object that is used to keep a ship or boat in place.
Bravo Zulu (BZ), the combination of the Bravo and Zulu nautical signal flags, is a naval signal, typically conveyed by flaghoist or voice radio, meaning "well done" with regard to actions, operations or performance.
Aboard sailing ships and during the era when all hands aboard a vessel were men, the heads received most of their use for defecation; for routine urination, however, a pissdale was easier to access and simpler to use.
"Hit the hay" is an idiom that means to go to bed or to go to sleep. The phrase originates from the early 20th century when mattresses were often stuffed with hay, making "hit the hay" a literal expression for getting into bed.
In ancient Rome, VIXI was commonly found on tombstones, meaning “My life is over.” Unsurprisingly, Italians started associating the number 17 with bad luck, misfortune, and things you'd rather not think about on holiday. To avoid unsettling superstitious passengers, MSC Cruises simply leaves Deck 17 off their ships.
Approximately 200 cruise ship deaths occur each year, with most being from natural causes. When a passenger dies, their body is moved to the ship's morgue until it can be brought to a suitable port.
Kilo, Kilo, Kilo on Royal Caribbean is a general signal for crew to report to emergency stations. Mr Mob (pronounced Mister M-O-B, not Mr. Mob) means man overboard. Man overboard can also be signaled with three prolonged blasts on the ship's whistle and general alarm bell (Morse code "Oscar").