See Pitons from the ship?

Do the cruise ships normally sail past the Pitons entering or leaving port?

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We were on Carnival Valor (southern itinerary out of San Juan) in May 2013. In the morning that we were coming into St. Lucia we sailed up the coast past the Pitons at about 5:30AM. I had gotten up early, just in case, and was able to see them from our balcony, which was on the right side of the ship. At that point, the ship wasn't sailing right up next to them, but could still see them. We had been in Barbados the previous day. Attaching a few pictures so you can get an idea of what you may see. This was Carnival Valor though, so different cruiselines may take different routes and it would also depend on the itinerary and the order of the islands. Hope this helps.

Depends. If the ship is coming from Barbados, you will most likely sail by early in the morning, as noted above - although you won't be close up, you will be several miles out due to currents, etc. If sailing to Barbados after St Lucia, then you will pass them in the evening after leaving port, however again - you'll be far out to sea, not close up. If you are arriving from another island besides Barbados to the south, the same applies - passing early in the morning, out to sea. If heading to another island to the south, same applies also, passing in the evening, far out to see.... you will not sail by them twice in one day.

It also depends on the ship / Captain.

I stopped sailing HAL a few years ago because of the smoking policy, but several times previously on HAL ships they made a point of passing fairly close to the Pitons after sailaway, so the passengers could get a good view.

It was even on the itinerary "scenic cruising to the Pitons" or something like that.

Highly recommend a catamaran or at minimum, a land trip, to see them.

Like the Grand Canyon and other natural beauties, photos simply do not do justice.

Here's my picture of the piton(s) from Emerald Princess - not as good as pghsteelerfan's I fear, but at least it's another sight ticked - without having to endure a bumpy coach ride or heaving boat trip!

when they pick up the cruisers day trippers in Soufriere