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.

The "best" side of the ship for an Alaskan cruise in 2026 depends entirely on the direction of your itinerary. For a Northbound cruise (Vancouver to Whittier/Seward), you should ideally book a cabin on the Starboard side (right) to have the best views of the coastline, mountains, and wildlife as you head north. For a Southbound cruise (Alaska to Vancouver), the Port side (left) is preferred for the same reason—it keeps the land and scenery visible from your balcony for the majority of the journey. However, for "Round-trip" cruises from Seattle or Vancouver, the side matters less because you will see both sides of the coast at different points in the trip. It is important to note that when the ship enters scenic areas like Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier, the captain will usually rotate the ship so that both sides get a clear view of the ice. A 2026 "pro" tip: if you are prone to seasickness, choose a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck, regardless of the side, to minimize the motion of the ocean during the few segments of the trip that cross the open water of the Gulf of Alaska.