Dennis#1 Posted October 19, 2017 #26 Share Posted October 19, 2017 True, but it has nothing to do with how a cruise ship pulls into a Port Of Call.The actual origin of the term "port" is speculated to be because the left side of centuries old merchant sailing ships had a loading or entry port. The right side had a steering board that hung over the side of the ship (before the invention of rudders) which is where the term starboard comes from. So if the steering board hung over the right side, the boat would need to dock on its left side, or put into port on its left side. Today's modern ships can pull up and tie up to a dock in any given Port of Call on either side. Excellent post. We have a nautical expert amongst us. I did not know the origin of the terms "starboard" or "port." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minnie00 Posted October 19, 2017 #27 Share Posted October 19, 2017 well I think on Caribbean....the first sea day down.....if you are on Starboard you get a lot of afternoon sun....if you want more shade then Port is nice. but that really is only on the way down. and I am probably wrong but somehow that is how it is in my brain. lol. I enjoy watching pulling into port and all the people so I prefer Starboard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jsf Posted October 19, 2017 #28 Share Posted October 19, 2017 If you're "just sayin" that the ship always docks on the port side, you are incorrect Did I say the ship always dock's on the port side? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WrittenOnYourHeart Posted October 19, 2017 #29 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Depends on whether you’re right or left handed and if you’re crossing the equator; -/ I realize you're (probably) joking, but I do have to wonder if my being left-handed has anything to do with my preference for Port side cabins... My last cruise I was Starboard and I was forever turning to the Port side and then having to backtrack. I'm booked on Port side for my next 3 cruises (maybe 4). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Cruizers Posted October 19, 2017 #30 Share Posted October 19, 2017 I might add, I am right handed but always seem to book my cabin on Port Side. Booked once on Starboard and it felt odd for some reason, no logical explanation.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DT1304 Posted October 19, 2017 #31 Share Posted October 19, 2017 I have never cruised your itinerary. I have only done 4 cruises and I have always had a starboard balcony, just by chance. And I felt it would have made no difference which side we were on. Except on the Alaska cruise. I did a Northbound cruise through the Inside Passage and I specifically wanted a starboard balcony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mcatmcat Posted October 20, 2017 Author #32 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Thank you everyone Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted October 20, 2017 #33 Share Posted October 20, 2017 They try to switch up the sides...so it doesn't matter. "Port" simply means "left" on a ship...has NOTHING to do with how the ship docks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiniChunks Posted October 20, 2017 #34 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Did I say the ship always dock's on the port side? If thats not what you meant by your first post, then I don't know what you meant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare island lady Posted October 20, 2017 #35 Share Posted October 20, 2017 If you're "just sayin" that the ship always docks on the port side, you are incorrect I thought that was a pretty funny quote also. And was assuming they were kidding...perhaps not??!! :o:eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare island lady Posted October 20, 2017 #36 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Excellent post. We have a nautical expert amongst us. I did not know the origin of the terms "starboard" or "port." Funny thing is my DH will get left and right mixed up...to my great amusement...;) but he immediately knows what I am talking about when I say port or starboard....so that is what I use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papaflamingo Posted October 20, 2017 #37 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Pick based on location on the ship first. For example hump, near an elevator, non connecting stateroom, etc. After that, I look for Starboard side. In my 31 cruises, the tendency is to dock on the starboard side. Not always, but seems mostly and like to sit on may balcony and watch pier activities. Having said that, I have done cruises where every port we docked on the port side. Go figure. But to be honest, I would look at location, and keep in mind what's above an below the cabin you pick for noise issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarKandi Posted October 20, 2017 #38 Share Posted October 20, 2017 If you have a choice, I recommend a balcony cabin on the stern. The views of the wake and the views as you leave port are spectacular. Two thumbs up on an aft balcony! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navybankerteacher Posted October 20, 2017 #39 Share Posted October 20, 2017 This might not help any but there is a reason why they call the left side the PORT side, just sayin.J. I'd guess you're thinking about the days before the rudder was invented - and the steering oar ("steer board", then "starboard") was usually rigged on the right side of the ship to make it easier for the (mainly) right-handed steersmen to handle --- with the result being that the left side was alongside any pier to avoid damage to the steering oar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladysilver Posted October 20, 2017 #40 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Hi I have an opportunity to book a balcony for my next cruise. I’m doing Easter Caribbean and I was wondering if it’s better to book on the port or starboard side Thank your Sent from my iPhone using Forums We've had both but prefer the starboard side. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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