It’s the holiday season and the best time for you to cruise. Thrilled about your first cruise trip, but still in doubt about which is the best side of the ship? Many may wonder about the same Port vs Starboard: who wins the lot? Read on and find out which is the best choice for you.
Port vs Starboard
In simple terms, the port is on the left side of the ship, and the starboard is on the right side. When choosing the ideal cabin for your awaited cruise journey, you will face a common question: Which to choose? To find out which is the better option for you, we have a complete guide.
Why Are They Named Port and Starboard?
When we can use left and right, why are we using confusing words like port and starboard? Well, the words originated from Old English terms around the 16th century as part of colonization. In this generation, we use these words since they are fixed locations inside the ship, unlike right and left, which can differ according to perspective.
How Does It Matter with the Cruise Cabin?
Port and Starboard are two sides of a cruise ship, where you would have a similar experience staying on either side when traveling round-trip. The arrangement of the cabin and interior design is mostly the same for the two of them, and it also provides you with the same view once you are out in the ocean.
These only change when the ship moves through an island, where you can only have a view from one side or have a sunset or sunrise view, where again, you’d have to move to the area where the ship is to catch a glimpse of it. The cabins are identical with corridors, which are aligned with the interior cabins, balcony rooms, and outside cabins.
A ship can dock on either side, so no, one does not offer a better view than the other. Another factor is that there is no way you can know which side would provide you with the best view beforehand. There is no guarantee that you will get the view since another ship might have docked next to yours.
On a One-Way Cruise
When it comes to a one-way cruise, the decision to choose between both is more important. If you are good with directions, consider yourself all set for the trip. Some of the most popular cruises are Mediterranean and Alaska cruises, like Athens to the west.
Now, the key point to keep in mind is about the sun. As one knows, it rises in the east and sets in the west, so if you want to see the sunset or sunrise view, then choose the side of the ship with this in mind. Another major point to be aware of is that if it is a room with a coastline view, then it would not come cheaper.
Also Read: Cruise Lines for Seniors: Redefining Relaxation
The Bottom Line
With all the above-mentioned information, the conclusion is that the choice you make depends on your needs. Whether you have selected space towards one end of the ship for seasickness or are in the middle, wherever you select, ensure that your needs are met. The size and category of the room, the space which they offer, and everything else come to your liking. The bottom line is that the choice you make with Port or Starboard can have minimal to major impact, depending on you and what you are in search of.
