If you have read Part 1 then you are well on the way to being a cruising buff. But there may still be some words and phrases which are confusing, particularly some technical terms, so I will attempt to confuse you even more…….
Aft – this is to the rear of the ship
Forward – this is to the front of the ship, and is pronounced ‘forrard. ’
Bow – this is the pointy bit of the ship – you cannot miss it, as this is the bit which is at the very front. It is also the place where Rose and Jack stood in that famous and most romantic scene from ‘Titanic. ’
Stern – this is the rounded bit of the ship at the back, and you cannot miss it, as after it there is nothing but foaming water. It is also the bit that Rose tried to climb over when she was rescued by that gorgeous Leonardo di Caprio in ‘Titanic. ’ Don’t try it for yourself, he is unlikely to be around, and falling into the water is not to be recommended, unless you really want to be chopped up into little pieces, or you want to see what the ship looks like when she is sailing – rapidly away from you!
Midships - this is exactly what it says, the middle of the ship, and is the preferred location of any cabin, as here you will experience the least movement.
Port - this is the word which describes the left hand side of the ship, and is not to be confused with the place you have just dropped anchor.
Starboard – this is the word which describes the right hand side of the ship.
Beam – this is the width of the ship at its widest point – as in ‘broad in the beam. ’ Do not describe your wife’s posterior in these terms or you may find yourself cut adrift.
Length – this is the measurement of the ship from the extreme front to the extreme back. When measuring the length of the ship, every inch counts, especially when you are aiming to have the longest cruise ship afloat. Cruise lines have been known to add an extra inch to their new ships, just to ensure their superiority.
So now you know your ‘aft’ from your ‘forward’ you are all set to sail away into the sunset!
Aft – this is to the rear of the ship
Forward – this is to the front of the ship, and is pronounced ‘forrard. ’
Bow – this is the pointy bit of the ship – you cannot miss it, as this is the bit which is at the very front. It is also the place where Rose and Jack stood in that famous and most romantic scene from ‘Titanic. ’
Stern – this is the rounded bit of the ship at the back, and you cannot miss it, as after it there is nothing but foaming water. It is also the bit that Rose tried to climb over when she was rescued by that gorgeous Leonardo di Caprio in ‘Titanic. ’ Don’t try it for yourself, he is unlikely to be around, and falling into the water is not to be recommended, unless you really want to be chopped up into little pieces, or you want to see what the ship looks like when she is sailing – rapidly away from you!
Midships - this is exactly what it says, the middle of the ship, and is the preferred location of any cabin, as here you will experience the least movement.
Port - this is the word which describes the left hand side of the ship, and is not to be confused with the place you have just dropped anchor.
Starboard – this is the word which describes the right hand side of the ship.
Beam – this is the width of the ship at its widest point – as in ‘broad in the beam. ’ Do not describe your wife’s posterior in these terms or you may find yourself cut adrift.
Length – this is the measurement of the ship from the extreme front to the extreme back. When measuring the length of the ship, every inch counts, especially when you are aiming to have the longest cruise ship afloat. Cruise lines have been known to add an extra inch to their new ships, just to ensure their superiority.
So now you know your ‘aft’ from your ‘forward’ you are all set to sail away into the sunset!