Why is a bathroom on a boat called ahead?
Why is a bathroom on a boat called ahead? It's said that the term originated from ancient sailing ships, where people would use an area near the bow — or head — of the boat as the restroom. They chose that area because the water that spilled over onto the deck would naturally wash away waste.
Why are sailors always scrubbing the deck?
Sailors swabbed the deck — and not just to keep it clean. The saltwater helped keep down mildew on the wooden boards and kept them swollen to reduce leaks. The crew's toilet was a hole at the bow or head of the ship. Ocean spray or a frayed rope took care of the wipe.
Where does poo and wee go on a cruise ship?
Vacuum suction lines zip toilets' contents to marine sanitation farms, which siphon out the water, treat it until it's drinkable, then pump it into the ocean. Helpful aerobic bacteria digest the remaining sludge in storage tanks until it's all offloaded ashore, about once a month.