What is the front of a ship called?

Let me get one thing straight: boats and ships aren't the same thing. Still, many of the technical terms used in maritime navigation apply to both. 

For example, the back of a vessel is called the stern, and instead of left or right, the sides are referred to as port (left) and starboard (right).

Unlike normal directions, the terms don’t change depending on which way you are facing, as it helps avoid confusion when giving navigational commands. 

As such, port is always the left side of the ship, and starboard is always the right. An easy way to remember this is that "port" and "left" both have four letters. 

What is the front of a ship called?

Image

When talking about the different parts of a ship, the front is known as the bow. 

According to RMS Marine Service, the bow is an important part of the ship because it helps the vessel glide through the water and keep its course. Without a properly designed bow, the ship wouldn't be able to make sharp turns or navigate as smoothly. 

Decorative bows first began appearing on ships as early as the Ancient Egyptian and Phoenician times. The ornate sculptures on the bow were believed to protect the vessel and crew while at sea. They were also used to identify the ship's name, purpose, and the owner's wealth. 

Image

However, it wasn’t until the 15th century that they began to be used for navigational purposes, as compasses made it possible to plot courses without relying solely on visual landmarks.

Facing the bow helps you identify where the port and starboard sides of the ship are. This makes understanding directions on board your ship much easier. 

For example, if your cruise cabin is located toward the front of the ship on the starboard side, you will know that it is on the right-hand side of the vessel as you make your way toward the bow down the seemingly never-ending hallway. 

Image

Similarly, cabins near the stern on the port side would be located at the back of the ship on the left-hand side. 

What's the stern of a ship?

Image

As mentioned earlier, the very back of the ship is called the stern. On cruise ships, "aft" is used to describe the general direction toward the back of the vessel. Knowing this can help you orient yourself on board and understand where the different amenities are. 

For example, most dining rooms and buffets are located at the aft of the ship. It's not uncommon for other amenities, including water slides, adult-only areas, and rock climbing walls, to be located at the back of the ship, either. Of course, the exact layout depends on the ship design. 

Forward vs aft cabins

Image

There are cruise staterooms near the bow and stern of the ship. Both provide their own set of pros and cons, and the best option is based on what you prioritize.

For example, forward staterooms often have unique layouts, whereas aft cabins are typically located closer to dining venues and other amenities. Depending on the specific stateroom, aft cabins can also have amazing wake views. 

A major con for both is that they're more susceptible to motion, as the bow and stern experience the most rocking when the ship encounters rough waters. 

Read more: Aft vs Forward cabins