Do you prefer port or starboard cabins?

[IslandThyme]

On another line, in a certain class of ship, I've always preferred starboard, because that's normally the side facing the dock and I like to be able to watch all the goings-on from my balcony. On the Azamara ships, is there a regular dock side? Or are the ships ambi-dock-strous? (Sorry, groan, couldn't resist)

[ChucktownSteve]

I actually prefer the aft view as my preference.  Otherwise I usually select starboard.

[Solon]

OK, a bit of a history lesson now (groan)...

 

It's called "port" side because traditionally that was the side to dock or port.  So, really if you wanted to be on the dock side it would be to port.

 

However, these days ships are "ambi" and can go either way!  So you never know....

 

There is no rule now on which side the ship will dock.  The only "port" rule that still applies is with commercial aircraft.  You always get on and off on the port side.

 

[lisiamc]

If we are doing a relocation cruise, we look at where we will be for sunrise and sunset, and the weather.  On a cold weather cruise, we might want a little sun on the balcony during the day. On a hot weather cruise, we’d prefer some shade. It also depends if we are cruising near land at any point, and whether we care about a view from the balcony. 

[Host Jazzbeau]

4 hours ago, Solon said:

OK, a bit of a history lesson now (groan)...

 

It's called "port" side because traditionally that was the side to dock or port.  So, really if you wanted to be on the dock side it would be to port.

 

However, these days ships are "ambi" and can go either way!  So you never know....

 

There is no rule now on which side the ship will dock.  The only "port" rule that still applies is with commercial aircraft.  You always get on and off on the port side.

 

The more crucial part is that the other side was called "starboard" because that was where the steering oar was located – you couldn't pull up to the a dock on that side because the ship couldn't sit flush.  Once the rudder was moved to the back, the names just became historical remnants.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_and_starboard

 

[norn iron]

There is one other consideration to keep in mind, are you sailing east or west?

The origins of the word Posh (Port Out Starboard Home) stem from wealthy passengers (who could afford the surcharge) sailing west to east and choosing cabins on the port side to avoid the sun and making the return journey on the starboard side for the same reason. 

Long before anyone had thought of air conditioning. 

[IslandThyme]

It's the World Cruise, so there's a bit of everything. Thanks for all of your insight into the randomness of it all.