Southbound Alaska... balcony on the port or starboard?

[terigo]

We're looking at the Zaandam cruise/tour, touring Alaska first and then cruising south to Vancouver.
Are we going to get better views from the balcony on the port side or the starboard side?
This may sound like a silly question, but we do spend time on the balcony, and would appreciate feedback from those who have done this.
Thanks!

[catl331]

We made it a point to book port side for a SB from Seward, but we needn't have bothered. In order to keep the casino open as much as possible the ship sailed at least 12 miles off-shore, so except when entering or leaving a port there was no way of seeing anything on shore. When doing the Inside Passage sections there's scenery on both sides.

[CruiserBruce]

Doesn't matter. There will be beautiful sights all around you.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have done South Bound -- book the port side -- so often you will have great views as you arrive and leave from the ports.

And many times the port side faces inland -- no guarantees though.

[Copper10-8]

Doesn't make a bit of difference; check out Bruce's answer

[Sunshine91]

Doesn't matter. When sailing between ports, you are far enough out to see that you won't sea any land. :D

When cruising inside the Inside Passage, you will have scenery on both sides. The term "port" implies the left side of the ship will be facing the pier, but not necessarily. The ship will be parked whichever way the Captain docks her, depending on space available, winds, when you're departing, etc. And when you get to Hubbard Glacier or Tracy's Arm for scenic cruising, the Captain will slowly manoever the ship back & forth across the bay, so that both sides of his baby get a chance to see the glacier up close & personal. Secret tip for uncrowded place to watch: the wrap-around promenade deck aft. No one is back there!

Have a great time. Alaska is bee-yoo-ti-ful!!! :)

[terigo]

We have done South Bound -- book the port side -- so often you will have great views as you arrive and leave from the ports.

And many times the port side faces inland -- no guarantees though.

Thanks! We were thinking the port side was the way to go...and you reaffirmed that.

however, reading beyond, it looks like it won't matter so much... hmmmm

[jtl513]

Thanks! We were thinking the port side was the way to go...and you reaffirmed that.

however, reading beyond, it looks like it won't matter so much... hmmmmI believe that when the ships are at the glaciers they tend to spend more time with the glacier at the 10 o'clock to 11 o'clock position before slowly rotating the ship ... so if you intend to stay on your own balcony at that time I would pick one on the port side fairly far forward.

[Backstage Traveler]

I have read on the Alaska board that many people think the port side faces the glaciers longer in Glacier Bay. We had a port side cabin on our Zuiderdam cruise, and I did think this was the case, but I wasn't timing, so who can really tell? The real answer to your question is probably that it doesn't make much difference, but I am still kind of partial to the port side. Don't sweat it if you can't get it, though, either way you will have wonderful views and a fantastic cruise.

[GeriatricNurse]

We're looking at the Zaandam cruise/tour, touring Alaska first and then cruising south to Vancouver.
Are we going to get better views from the balcony on the port side or the starboard side?
This may sound like a silly question, but we do spend time on the balcony, and would appreciate feedback from those who have done this.
Thanks!


Without any doubt, port side! ;)