What is the origin of port out starboard home when sailing the world?

Question

we are going on a world cruise and wondered if that saying applied to which cabin you had

Answer 1

port out starboard home or POSH comes from the fact that in the early days of travel you would get the benefit of sunshine on both legs of the journey and would expect to pay a premium for the privilege

Answer 2

Actually, Daddybear has it back to front.

Port out Starboard home (POSH) means that on a voyage from Europe to the East in pre-air conditioned days a port (left) side cabin on the way out and starboard (right on the westward return journey meant you had the shady cooler side both ways. Since this was desirable there was a premium to be paid for this arrangement which obviously the more wealthy could go for & thus POSH became a sign of the rich.

With modern airconditioning this may not be the best way to go these days. You must decide how much sun you like - especially in hotter climatic areas. On a world cruise it may be a case of PO or SH if you are going all the way round the world instead of out & back BUT if going to Australia & New Zealand deep into the southern hemisphere then it changes anyway.

Another item to look at is the route you will take. If the sun is not the deciding factor look at what views will be better from which side of the ship. A view of a spectacular coastline while enjoying breakfast in bed would be something to remember!

Enjoy your cruise.