When you step aboard a cruise ship, the first thing you might notice is how massive it is. With so many different areas to explore, it’s easy to feel a bit lost at first. That’s why knowing a few key terms, like “port” and “starboard,” can help you get your bearings and navigate the ship like a pro.
Port Side vs. Starboard Side: What’s the Difference?
Simply put, the port side of the ship is the left side of the ship when you’re facing forward (toward the front of the ship, known as the bow). The starboard side is the right side of the ship when you’re facing forward. These terms are used on ships and boats to avoid confusion that might arise if someone just said “left” or “right,” which could depend on where they’re standing. One easy way to remember this is that “port” and “left” both have four letters. Once you have the port side down, starboard naturally becomes the right side. In order to keep port and starboard straight, you have to know where the front and back are relative to your position.
Bow and Stern: The Front and Back of the Ship
In addition to port and starboard, there are two other important terms: bow and stern. The bow of the ship is the front of the ship, where the ship is heading, and the stern of the ship is the back. So, when someone says, “Meet me at the bow of the ship,” they mean the front of the ship, and if they say, “I’ll be at the stern of the ship,” head toward the rear or away from where the ship is traveling.
Some cruise lines will put signs in the hallway or embedded symbols into the carpet to help passengers learn which way the bow and stern are. On some NCL ships, you will find schools of fish swimming toward the bow designed into the carpet. This is helpful when you are learning where your cabin is located and which direction the elevators and other services are at.
Midship: The Middle of the Ship
The term midship refers to the middle section of the ship, halfway between the bow and the stern. This area is often where you’ll find central features like the main dining room, shopping areas, and elevators. On a major cruise line, it may also be where the piano bar and coffee bar are located. It is often a general meeting area or the hub of activities or cruise ship services, like customer services, shore excursions desk or hospitality.
Forward, Aft, and Amidships: More Cruise Ship Lingo
You might also hear the terms forward, aft, and amidships when exploring a cruise ship.
- Forward: Anything located toward the front (or bow) of the ship.
- Aft: Anything located toward the back (or stern) of the ship.
- Amidships: A more specific way of referring to the middle of the ship, similar to midship. Most cruise ships have elected the more current midship to label this area of the ship.
For example, your cabin might be located “forward port side,” meaning it’s toward the front of the ship on the left side. Or maybe it’s “aft starboard side,” meaning it’s toward the back of the ship on the right side.
Decks: The Different Levels of the Ship
Cruise ships have multiple levels, known as decks. These are like floors in a building. Decks are usually numbered or named, and you’ll find different amenities on each deck. For instance, the pool deck might be on Deck 12, while your cabin could be on Deck 7.
Elevators and staircases connect the decks, and you’ll often see signs or maps that help you figure out where you are. Most ships also have crew members ready to assist if you need directions.
Lifeboats: Always Good to Know
Safety is a top priority on cruise ships, and lifeboats are an important part of that. The lifeboats are typically located on the sides of the ship, usually in plain view on one of the lower decks. While you’ll hopefully never need to use them, it’s good to know where they are. During the first day of your cruise, there will be a safety drill where you’ll be shown where to go in case of an emergency.
Muster Stations: Your Emergency Meeting Point
Speaking of safety, each cruise ship has muster stations—these are designated areas where passengers gather in case of an emergency. When you board the ship, you’ll be assigned a specific muster station, which is usually printed on your key card or noted in your cabin. During the safety drill, you’ll practice going to your muster station so you’ll know exactly where it is. During any safety drills, crew members are available to direct passengers as needed.
Getting the Hang of It
While all these terms might seem overwhelming at first, you’ll quickly get used to them. By the end of your cruise, you’ll likely be tossing around “port,” “starboard,” and “midship” like a seasoned sailor. And remember, there are plenty of friendly crew members around who are more than happy to help you find your way if you ever get turned around.
So next time you’re on a cruise and someone says, “Let’s meet on the starboard side, aft deck,” you’ll know exactly where to go. Bon voyage!
