Port or Starboard

[swokie]

When cruising to Alaska, does it matter which side of the ship you book for your balcony?

[CruiserBruce]

No. There will be beautiful sights on both sides.

[Gonzo70]

If it is a one way cruise then many prefer the starboard side if traveling north (i.e. Vancouver to Seward) or port side if traveling south. For a round trip cruise it does not matter what side you are on.

[chipmaster]

You can post this to the Alaskan board, depending on your thinking for roundtrip or glacier bay there are people who believe that landside for one ways and port site for Glacier Bay.. I think.

 

But in general views are good on both sides and best IMHO from open deck!

 

When cruising to Alaska, does it matter which side of the ship you book for your balcony?

[Putterdude]

We prefer starboard northbound and port southbound; if you are doing a 7 day return it really doesn't matter, what you don't see going up you will see on your return. Some will argue that the port side is better for your glacier day(s) but IMO if you don't get out on deck on that day(s) you are only going to see half the beauty of the glaciers.

[bob brown]

Not all roundtrips take the same route. Some go up the straits between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland, and the other way in the Pacific, west of Vancouver Island. It is usually better to face the coastline in the open Pacific. In the straits, it is scenic on both sides.

[Keith1010]

I've sailed Alaska five times and most recently a few weeks ago and I think either side is fine. I would focus more on where your cabin is located on the deck rather than which side.

 

Keith

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have sailed Alaska quite a few times.

 

We pick the port side as much as possible as we have discovered that at the glaciers the majority of the captains keep that side of the ships facing the glaciers tthe longest.

[Keith1010]

When it comes to seeing the Glaciers my advice is to view them from outside the ship. You can see so much more than being on your verandah and that includes not only the Glaciers but also the wildlife that is in the water.

 

Keith