Alaska Cruise Which Side Of The Ship Is Best

The same would apply if you are going north.

Alaska cruise which side of the ship is best. Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float. However as a consolation the seaward side starboard is the better for viewing whales from your balcony. If your ship is going to Glacier Bay and College Fjord then the best side to be on is the port side.

A difference does matter IF you are in Glacier Bay and are NOT going to leave your balcony then you need a port side if you want the glaciers and commentary to match up. During scenic cruising such as Glacier Bay in Alaska or the Napali Coast in Hawaii the captain will usually turn the ship 360 degrees so both sides. We saw whales from our suite in Glacier Bay humpbacks while enroute to Vancouver orcas and in Price William Sound.

Since Alaska cruises are basically coastal cruises the route paralleling the Alaskan coastline you might think that the coast side of the ship is best. This means you will be facing towards to shore more than open sea which is a bit better in the few areas that have open passages to. The front of the ship is by far the best place to be for seeing things like wildlife or scenery.

The Mendenhall is a fun whitewater trip that starts with a spectacular view of the Mendenhall Glacier. On the sailing from Seward to your first port there is more to see on the port side. Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier so your best view of Alaskas scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship.

And they also feel quiet. The best deck on a cruise ship is located in the central area and at the lowest part of the ship. There are even more if you count all of the small ship and expedition vessels.

Saw so many eagles and such beautiful scenery. While theres certainly plenty of scenery to enjoy the open sea-facing side can offer spectacular marine life watching. We really used the balcony too.