What is Port Side on a Cruise Ship? Cruise Terms & Phrases Explained!

Angie - Your Guide
Jun 14
16 min read

Updated: 7 hours ago

Cruising on the open ocean is an adventure filled with excitement, relaxation, and exploration. But if you're new to cruising or maritime travels, the vocabulary of the sea can feel like a foreign language. Have you heard someone say, "Meet me on the port side," and found yourself wondering what that means? Or have you scratched your head trying to decipher nautical terms, or cruise ship terms announced over the ship's PA system? You're not alone. Understanding these words not only helps you find your way around but also deepens your appreciation for life at sea. You will hear port side often on your first cruise and without this blog you could have been clueless.

Today, I’m unraveling the mystery behind one of the most commonly used nautical terms on a cruise ship. And you will see some words that are not used widely but interesting to know. Along the way, I’ll explore history, distinguish port from its counterpart "starboard," and introduce you to other essential nautical terms to enrich your cruising experience. There are over 180 words and phrases listed below. Some are nautical, some are cruise ship specific. You will most likely be learning a few things here. Don't worry, there is not a test, and you will not need all of these to feel confident enough to take a cruise. Whether you're a first time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, this guide has something for everyone.

What is Port Side on a Cruise Ship?

Let's start with the basics. What is port side on a cruise ship? Simply put, the port side refers to the left side of a ship when you're facing forward (toward the bow). Picture yourself standing at the middle of the ship, looking ahead as it sails. The side on your left hand is the port side.

But why call it the port side instead of “left”? When navigating the seas, specificity is key, especially when dealing with large vessels like cruise ships. Port side is part of an international maritime vocabulary that ensures clear communication, no matter the language or crew origin.

Historical Context of Port Side

Ever wondered why it’s called "port" side? The term has roots that stretch back to early sailing days. Ancient ships were steered using a large paddle, or "steering oar," mounted on the right side of the ship. This side became known as "starboard" (from the Old English words steor meaning steer and bord meaning side).

Since the steering mechanism was on the right, it was more practical to dock the ship with its left side facing the port (harbor) to avoid damaging the steering oar. For this reason, the left side of the ship became known as "port" side. Fun fact: before “port,” the left side was historically called “larboard.” However, that term was eventually replaced because it sounded too similar to "starboard," potentially causing confusion during crucial navigational commands.

Now move forward to today. Port side does not mean your cruise ship will dock on the port side. This is a common misconception, that the cruise ship will always dock on the “Port” side. Cruise ships dock on whatever side is needed. No worries nowadays on the mechanical part being on the starboard side.

Tips to Remember Port vs Starboard

If you're mixing up port and starboard, don’t worry. It’s a common issue for beginners! Here are a few memory aids to help you out:

Port and Left Both Have Four Letters: An easy way to connect the two is based on their letter count. Port is the ship's left side.
Green Goes Right, Red Goes Left (Different colors): Navigation lights on ships follow this rule. Green lights for starboard (right), red lights for port (left).
The Phrase ‘Port Wine is Left’: Popular among sailors to remember that port matches the left side. Port Wines Are Red.

By anchoring these tips in your memory, you'll never be confused about which side is which on your next voyage.

Other Essential Nautical Terms to Know

Port and starboard are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to nautical vocabulary. Below are some key cruise terms every passenger should familiarize themselves with before stepping on board.

Directional, Positional and other Sailing Terms

Bow: The front of the ship. I have heard it several times, the Bow of the ship.
Stern: The back of the ship or the "rear end."
Deck: Any floor level of the ship.
Midship: Refers to the center area of the ship.
Aft: Toward the back of the ship (stern).
Bridge: The navigational control center of the ship where the captain often resides.
Forward: Moving toward the bow (front).
Galley: The kitchen on a ship—where all the magic (and meals) happens!
Length: Refers to how long the ship is from bow (front) to stern (back). Some cruise ships are longer than three football fields!
Anchor: A heavy device dropped into the water to hold the ship in place.
Beam: The width of the ship at its widest point.
Hull: The main body of the ship that floats in the water.
Mast: A tall, vertical pole on a ship that holds up sails or flags. Think of it as the ship’s spine!
Mainsail: The big sail that catches most of the wind on a sailing vessel—essential for making waves! (This is not on cruise ships, but a common nautical term)
Boom: The horizontal pole at the base of the mainsail. Watch your head!
Rudder: The part of the ship used to steer and decide the direction of your cruise. It’s like the ship’s steering wheel, but underwater.
Helm: The ship's steering mechanism.
Mooring: The ropes and anchors used to secure a ship. It’s how your vessel stays put instead of drifting away. Recently in the news there have been several cruise ships that broke their moorings. I remember hearing about the NCL Epic in the Mediterranean and Royal Caribbean and MSC ships too, due to high winds.
Lock: A water elevator for ships! It helps them move between waterways at different elevations. The most commonly traveled lock system is the Panama Canal, where a system of 3 locks takes cruise ships 8 to 10 hours to cross.
Ship: A large vessel used for sea travel. Think of a floating city! One thing that I have found amusing when traveling via a cruise ship. Never refer to the ship as a boat. Personally I am not particular, but some people get down right rude if you refer to it as a boat. I have been on Mediterranean cruises and when talking to people I met onboard, I said the word boat, and I was not so kindly told “This is a ship, not a boat!”

Other Nautical Terms and Navigational Terms

Flag Country: The nation under which a ship is registered. It determines the ship’s laws and regulations. Most people, especially Americans assume that if the cruise ship sails from the United States it sails under the American Flag. This is not correct. Cruise ships sail under many different countries. Bahamas, Panama and Bermuda are a few. To sail under the United States flag means that company has to follow those laws which are stricter than the Bahamas and other countries. NCL Pride of America sails under the American Flag.
Zodiac: A small, inflatable boat often used during shore excursions, especially in adventure or expedition cruises.
Maritime: Related to the sea, navigation, or shipping. It’s a fancy word that brings all things nautical to mind. I have read the words, maritime industry in boating and cruise articles in magazines.
Nautical: A term tied to sailors, ships, and life at sea. When you’re on a cruise, your world is wonderfully nautical.
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration): The U.S. government agency that monitors weather, oceans, and the environment. Your cruise depends on their forecasts!
Knot: A unit to measure a ship’s speed. One knot equals about 1.15 miles per hour. .
Wake: The trail of disturbed water left behind by the ship as it moves.
Latitude and Longitude: Geographic coordinates used to determine a ship’s location.
Equator: The imaginary line around the middle of the Earth separating the northern and southern hemispheres. Crossing it is a milestone!

Lifestyle Terms

Dock: The place where ships park and your adventure begins—or maybe ends. The ship dock. It's like a parking spot, but bigger and wetter.
Lido Deck: The deck featuring the pool and outdoor lounging spaces. This outside deck and decks higher up will give you the best views.
Promenade Deck: A walking area, often with ocean views, for casual strolls.
Cabin: Your private room onboard, also referred to as a stateroom.
Porthole: A small, round window in your cabin or a ship wall.
Deck: Any horizontal platform on the ship where you can walk. Ships usually have multiple decks.
Deck Plans: A map of the ship’s decks that shows cabins, dining areas, theaters, and amenities.
Bridge: The navigation hub where the captain and officers steer the ship.
Atrium: Often a grand, multi-level central area onboard with shops, bars, and communal seating.

Special Cruise Designations

Muster Drill and Muster Station: A required safety practice that informs passengers of evacuation procedures and specific gathering areas in an emergency.
Shore Excursion: A pre-planned activity offered during port visits.
Gangway: The ramp or bridge passengers use to board or leave the ship.
Port of Call: A specific location where the cruise ship docks during its voyage.
Cabin or Stateroom: Where you’ll sleep on the ship. Cabins vary in type (e.g., interior cabins, balcony cabins, suites).
Daily Planner or Newsletter or Bulletin: A schedule of your ship's activities and events, delivered to your cabin or accessible via an app.
Itinerary: Your cruise game plan! It’s the schedule of ports, activities, and sea days. You will learn your cruise itinerary when booking, but it is subject to change due to weather or other reasons the cruise line decides.
Departure Port: The starting point for your cruise. It’s where you step aboard and the fun begins.
Home Port: The ship’s official base. It’s where it often starts and ends its itineraries.
Cay/Caye: A small, sandy island, usually tropical paradise incarnate. You may visit these gems on a shore excursion.
Marina: A harbor area with facilities for smaller boats, yachts, or zodiacs.
Harbor: A sheltered area of water where ships anchor or dock, usually bustling with activity.
Terminal: The cruise departure and arrival facility. Say hello to check-in, luggage, and boarding excitement.
Embark/Embarkation: The exciting process of boarding your cruise ship, marking the official start of your adventure at sea.
Disembark/Disembarkation: The bittersweet moment when you say goodbye to your cruise, stepping off the ship at the end of your voyage.
Port Transfer: Transportation arranged to get you from the airport, hotel, or another location to your ship's port and vice versa.
Sail away: A magical time when the ship departs the dock and heads to the open sea. Often accompanied by music, dancing, and cheers!
Charter Cruise: A ship that is entirely rented out by a private group or organization for a specific event or purpose.
Booze Cruise: A short cruise dedicated to fun, drinks, and entertainment—perfect for celebrations or a lively escape!
Cabin: Your cozy home at sea. Cabins come in all shapes and sizes, from budget-friendly to luxurious suites.
Porthole: A round window in the cabin, offering views of the ocean waves and a touch of nautical charm.
Stabilizers: These nifty devices reduce the rocking motion of the ship, helping to ensure smooth sailing.
Stack/Funnel: The large tube on the ship that releases smoke from the engines, often a defining feature of the cruise line's design.
Passenger Manifest: The official list of all passengers on board. It’s like the ship’s VIP guest list!
Berth: A term that either refers to your cabin bed or the place where the ship docks in the port.
Dry Dock: A maintenance period when the ship is brought out of the water for repairs, upgrades, or a full refurbishment.
Tonnage/Gross Tonnage: A measurement of the ship's size and its internal volume—not its weight!
Passenger to Crew Ratio: The magic number that determines how much personalized service you can expect while on board.
Refurbishment: A ship makeover or upgrade that keeps it looking stylish and modern.
Godmother/Godfather: The ceremonial figure who blesses and names the ship during its christening ceremony. A revered tradition of the maritime world.
Maiden Voyage: The ship’s very first trip after construction—a truly historic event.
Captain: The leader of the ship and the ultimate authority on board. They guide the vessel safely through the seas.
Guest Services (Purser's Desk): Your one-stop spot for assistance, questions, and problem-solving on board.
Cruise Director: The energetic host responsible for entertainment, activities, and ensuring guests have an unforgettable time.
Cabin Steward: Your personal hospitality hero, ensuring your cabin stays spotless and stocked with fresh towels.
Deckhand: The crew members who assists with ship operations, maintenance, and ensuring everything above deck runs smoothly.
Concierge: A service available in select areas or suites to assist with dining, shore excursions, and other VIP arrangements.
Porter: The friendly staff assisting with luggage during the boarding and disembarkation process. This is one of the easy ways of getting your luggage to the ship. Use them instead of hauling it on yourself.

Large Porthole window cabin — Large porthole window cabin

Cruise Ship Cabins and Terms used to explain them.

While each cruise line has slight variations on the names these are the basics you will run across.

Guaranteed Cabin (GTY): A cabin category where you are guaranteed a room in a specific type but will not know the exact location or number until closer to the sailing date. These are often offered at a discounted rate.
Double Occupancy: The pricing standard for most cruise fares, based on two passengers sharing a single cabin.
Stateroom: A term used to describe passenger cabins on a cruise ship, ranging from simple interior rooms to luxurious suites.
Interior Cabin: A windowless stateroom located inside the ship, offering a budget-friendly option for cruisers. The best stateroom for cruising on a budget.
Solo Supplement: An extra fee solo travelers typically pay for occupying a cabin designed for two passengers.
Solo Cabin/Studio Cabin: A specially designed cabin for single passengers, eliminating the solo supplement fee.
Ocean View Cabin: A stateroom featuring a porthole or window with views of the ocean, adding natural light and picturesque scenery. Usually a better view than a porthole cabin.
Verandah Cabin/Balcony Cabin: A stateroom with a private balcony where guests can enjoy the fresh sea air and breathtaking views.
Obstructed View Stateroom: A cabin with a window or balcony partially blocked by lifeboats, support structures, or other elements of the ship. These can block the incredible views but can save you some money when booking a cruise.
Suites: Spacious and luxurious staterooms offering premium amenities, additional living space, and often enhanced services.
French Balcony: A small, faux balcony with sliding glass doors that open to provide fresh air but no outdoor sitting space, commonly found on river cruises.
Virtual Balcony: An interior cabin featuring a high-definition screen that displays real-time exterior views, simulating a window or balcony.
Virtual Porthole: Similar to a virtual balcony, this feature displays live views of the outside world inside interior cabins through a round screen resembling a porthole.
Pullman Bed: A bed that folds down from the wall or ceiling to accommodate extra passengers in a stateroom.
Triple Cabins: Staterooms designed to comfortably sleep three guests, often with a pull-out sofa or Pullman bed.
Quad Cabin: A cabin accommodating up to four guests, making it a popular option for families or groups.
Adjoining Cabin: Two separate staterooms connected by a door, ideal for families or larger travel groups.

Outside decks on cruise ship — Outside decks on a cruise ship

Bonus Fun Terms for the Cruise Lovers

Tender (Water Shuttle): A smaller boat used to transport passengers between a cruise ship and shore when the ship is anchored away from port.
Sail away Party: A celebratory event held as the ship departs from port, often featuring live music and dancing.
Towel Animals: Adorable creations left in your cabin by the cleaning staff, shaped from towels.
Port Charges: Fees imposed by ports for the use of their facilities, typically included in the overall cruise fare.
Ship Time: The time observed on the ship, which may differ from local time at ports to maintain consistency.
All Aboard Time: The deadline for passengers to be back on the ship before departure from a port.
Pier Runners: Late passengers hustling back to the ship after all aboard time, often cheered (or jeered) by other cruisers.
Sea Day: A day spent entirely at sea without docking at any port, allowing passengers to enjoy the onboard activities and amenities.
B2B Cruise/Double Dip: Back-to-back cruises where passengers stay onboard for consecutive sailings.
Crossing: A cruise that travels across a major body of water, such as the Atlantic Ocean.
Transatlantic: A type of crossing specifically involving travel between Europe and the Americas.
Repositioning: Cruises offered as a ship moves from one region to another, often at the start or end of a season.
World Cruise: An extended voyage that takes passengers to multiple continents, spanning several weeks to months.
Canal Cruise: A cruise that traverses notable canals, such as the Panama or Suez Canals.
Expedition Cruise: An adventurous trip to remote destinations, focusing on exploration and learning.
River Cruise: A relaxed and scenic journey along rivers, with port stops in smaller, charming towns.
Day Cruise: A short trip lasting a single day, often for sightseeing or special tours.
Cruise to Nowhere: A voyage that sails without stopping at any ports, providing a short getaway with onboard activities.
Closed Loop Cruise: A cruise that begins and ends at the same U.S. port, which may have simplified passport requirements for passengers.
Open Jaw Cruise: A cruise that starts at one port and ends at another, requiring alternative travel arrangements.
Shoulder Season: The period between peak and low tourism seasons, often offering lower prices and fewer crowds.
Cruise Card: The essential identification and payment card for passengers while onboard. You use the card for all purchase and even to open the door to your cabin.
Medallion: A wearable device offered by some cruise lines that serves as a key, payment method, and tracker for enhanced guest convenience. Princess Cruise Line is famous for this.
Formal Night: A designated evening where guests dress in their finest attire for dinner and onboard events.
Dress Code: The guidelines for passenger attire in various areas of the ship, ranging from casual to formal.
On Board Credit (OBC): Shipboard spending credit that can be used for purchases such as drinks, excursions, or specialty dining.
Duty Free: Purchases made onboard or in port shops that are exempt from standard taxes and duties.
Gratuities: Tips provided to the ship’s staff for their service, usually added automatically to the cruise fare or prepaid.
Pre-Paid Gratuities: Gratuities that are paid in advance of the cruise, allowing for a seamless experience onboard.
Cruise Fare: The base cost of the cruise, covering accommodations, meals, and selected onboard activities.
Deposit: An initial payment required to secure your booking, with the balance due later.
Final Payment: The remaining balance of the cruise fare that must be paid by a set deadline.
Cruise Contract: A binding agreement between the cruise line and the guest, outlining the terms and conditions of the voyage.
Main Dining Room (MDR): The primary restaurant of the ship, offering complimentary multi-course meals.
Early Dining/Late Dining: Assigned service times in the main dining room, accommodating cruise passenger preferences.
Open Dining/My Time Dining/Freestyle Dining: Flexible dining options allowing guests to eat when and with whom they please.
Assigned Seating: A fixed table and time are reserved for guests in the main dining room, ensuring consistent dining companions and service.
Captain's Table: A special invitation to dine with the ship’s captain, offering an elevated dining experience and an opportunity to mingle with senior officers.
Maître d' Hotel: The head of the dining room staff, responsible for ensuring exceptional service and guest satisfaction throughout meal service.
Specialty Dining: Exclusive restaurants on board, featuring unique cuisines and experiences, often available for an additional fee.
Lanyard: A convenient accessory for holding cruise cards, making it easy to access staterooms, make purchases, and participate in activities without fumbling for your card.
All Inclusive: A cruise offering one price for accommodations, meals, certain beverages, and onboard activities, allowing guests to enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Drink Package: Prepaid beverage plans offering unlimited or specific selections of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, saving guests money compared to purchasing drinks individually.
Online Check-In: A streamlined pre-cruise process completed online, allowing guests to save time at the port and kick off their voyage with ease.
On Board Booking: An opportunity to book future cruises while still on the ship, often with attractive discounts, perks, or added credits.
NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line): A popular cruise line renowned for its "Freestyle Cruising" concept, which emphasizes flexibility and freedom for guests.
Cruise Next Certificate/Future Cruise Credit (FCC): A voucher issued to guests, often as a promotion or compensation, that can be applied to future cruise bookings.
Cruise First Certificate: A deposit program offered by Norwegian Cruise Line, allowing travelers to secure their next voyage with a small upfront payment and enjoy later discounts.
Shop: Onboard retail stores featuring a range of items, from souvenirs and luxury goods to essentials and duty-free products.
Cruise Ship: A floating resort offering travel, leisure, and luxurious accommodations while visiting various destinations around the world.
Ocean Liner: A type of vessel primarily designed to transport passengers across oceans, often with a focus on speed and durability.
Sister Ship: A vessel built with the same or a very similar design to another ship, often featuring comparable layouts and amenities.
Fleet: The collection of ships operated by a cruise line, each offering unique features and itineraries.
Rum Runner: A sneaky container or flask used by some passengers to smuggle alcohol onboard, often against cruise line policies.
Travel Agent (TA): A professional who assists with cruise bookings, offering personalized recommendations, exclusive deals, and expert insights.
CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association): The leading industry association supporting travel services, travel agents, cruise lines, and stakeholders through training, certification, and advocacy.
Travel Insurance: A vital safeguard that provides coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unexpected issues while traveling. This is financial protection, that will help you get your money back if things do not go as planned with your vacation.
Emergency Evacuation: Critical procedures in place for safely disembarking passengers during emergency situations, ensuring safety at sea is the utmost priority. This is one of those reasons you will want travel insurance.

The Bridge on the Celebrity Beyond — The bridge on the Celebrity Beyond

Cruise words you will never hear, but I learned and thought I would share.

No Sail Order: An official directive that suspends cruise ship vacations, often issued for safety or health concerns.
Warm Lay-Up: A pause in ship operations where the vessel remains partially staffed and operational.
Cold Lay-Up: A more extensive suspension of a ship where operations are entirely paused, and the ship is docked or anchored.
Turnaround Day: The transition day when one group of passengers disembarks, and another group boards.
Barge Cruise: A slow-paced luxury cruise on a small vessel, often navigating rivers and canals.
Bosun: The supervisor of the deck crew, overseeing daily operations and ship maintenance tasks.
Azipod: A state-of-the-art propulsion system allowing the ship to maneuver with incredible precision.
Prime Meridian: The invisible line dividing the Earth into eastern and western hemispheres. Ships cross it as they explore the seas.
Nautical Twilight: The time when the horizon is just barely visible at sea but stars can also be seen—perfect for stargazing.
Nautical Dawn: The early morning moment when the first sliver of light appears on the sea’s horizon.
Celestial Navigation: Using the sun, moon, stars, and planets to steer a course. Before GPS, this was the sailor’s roadmap!
Provisions: All the food, drinks, and goods stored on the ship. Basically, the essentials for happy passengers and crew!

Practical Uses of Nautical Terms on a Cruise

Why bother learning nautical terms like "port side"? Besides showing off your newfound maritime lingo to impress your travel companions, knowing these terms can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Following Directions: Terms like port and starboard are often used in announcements, excursion instructions, or onboard signage. For example, "The lifeboat muster station is located on the port side of deck 7."
Understanding Schedules: You’ll hear phrases like “shore excursion starts at 8 a.m. on the promenade deck,” keeping you clued into the plan.
Enhancing the Experience: Knowing the difference between terms like bow and stern lets you follow the conversation during deck tours and adds an enriching dimension to your entertainment and learning.

Embark on Future Cruises with Confidence

Learning cruise vacation and nautical terms, like "port side" and beyond, doesn’t just make you a more informed traveler. It unlocks access to new experiences, helps you communicate effectively with crew and fellow passengers, and elevates your overall appreciation for maritime traditions.

The next cruise when your cruise director announces an exciting sail away party on the aft, port side, you’ll know exactly where to go! Want to learn even more about cruising? Explore the vibrant world of nautical travel and get deeper insights into how to maximize your adventures at sea.

Bon voyage!

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