Originally Posted by
T8191
IIRC, it originated with P&O (Peninsular and Orient) ships to India and the Far East ... an East/West route, of course. I see what you're thinking regarding morning and afternoon sun, though, on a North/South voyage.
Yes it's from the days of the Ocean liners. Relevant only for the toffs as the steerage passengers were kept below decks so didn't have a porthole.