The main role of the centre bow is to act as a shock absorber for oncoming seas. Normally the centre bow is above the design waterline. As the ship pitches into waves, the buoyancy force provided by the immersion of the centre bow causes the vessel to reduce its pitching motion by acting as a huge damping system.
The centre bow is the first part of the ship that encounters waves, passengers are therefore cushioned from damaging accelerations by the action of the bow engaging large waves.
The result – a smoother ride.
http://www.incat.com.au/domino/incat/incatweb.nsf/v-title/Centre%20Bow?OpenDocument
