Is it better to be on the port or starboard side of a cruise ship to Alaska?

Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.



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Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.

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Eastbound cruises get the most sun on the port side; westbound on the starboard side. Watching a sunset over the ocean or seeing the sun slip behind distant islands can also be a reason for a side preference. To catch sunsets, you'll want to be on the port side on northbound cruises and starboard on southbound cruises.

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Midship staterooms on the lowest passenger deck are the most excellent spot to be on a cruise ship in this instance because you don't feel the vessel sway as much. The front and back of the ship are a no-no.

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The best deck on a cruise ship is different for every traveler. For example, if you get motion sickness, you won't want to stay on the same deck as those who enjoy looking at the scenery. And travelers with limited mobility may not want to stay on the vessel's top deck.

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Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park, Haines, Sitka, Wrangell, and Thorne Bay are the best ports of call for cruises throughout Alaska.

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Royal Caribbean: Has some of the most feature-filled ships and is suitable for families. Princess Cruises: Offers more Alaskan cruises than most other lines, good for guests with no young kids. Holland America Line: Among the best cruise lines for Alaskan food and culture, good for older cruisers.

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It really doesn't matter! When you enter a fjord, the only way out is to go back again. The Norwegian Fjords are beautiful, but you'll see the scenery no matter which side of the ship you're on, the only difference is in whether you see it in the morning when you arrive, or in the evening when you're sailing out.

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The side that your ship docks into port will vary depending on such factors as weather conditions and how busy the port is on that particular day. There is no real concern for cabin position on Mediterranean cruise unless you have an individual preference or are looking to see something specific.

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If you're after views, the best room on a cruise ship will be a balcony cabin at the ship's rear end. Aft balcony accommodations at the ship's corners are also the largest and often give more outside area than conventional balcony cabins, allowing you to enjoy both the beautiful views and the extra space.

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On a cruise to Ketchikan, your cruise ship will dock in the downtown area, parallel to Front Street. It's an easy walk to shops, restaurants, and Creek Street.

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Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid
  • Cabins with obstructed views. ...
  • Cabins with a connecting door. ...
  • Those that are close to the lifts or stairs. ...
  • Staterooms that are too far from the lifts or stairs. ...
  • Cabins near the laundry room. ...
  • Beware of cabins with little privacy. ...
  • Staterooms directly below public and entertainment areas.


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Midship staterooms on the lowest passenger deck are the most excellent spot to be on a cruise ship in this instance because you don't feel the vessel sway as much.

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Lower Decks In addition to picking a midship stateroom, which are usually spread out across several levels, it's also a good idea to opt for one that's below the water level. This is because this part of the ship, its lowest and most central area, is the most stable during rough sea conditions.

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