Which Side of the Cruise Ship is Best for Viewing Alaska’s Wildlife?

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Which Side of the Cruise Ship Is Best for Alaska?

When you’re planning a cruise to Alaska, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which side of the ship to book. This can be a surprisingly difficult decision, as there are pros and cons to both sides.

The starboard side offers stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. You’ll be able to see whales, seals, and bears from a close distance. However, the starboard side is also the most popular side, so it can be crowded during peak times.

The port side offers views of the open ocean, which can be just as beautiful as the views of the glaciers. You’ll also have a better chance of seeing icebergs from the port side. However, the port side is often overlooked by passengers, so it can be quieter and more peaceful.

Ultimately, the best side of the ship for you depends on your personal preferences. If you want the best views of the glaciers and wildlife, then the starboard side is the way to go. If you prefer a quieter and more peaceful experience, then the port side is a better option.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of each side of the ship, so you can make an informed decision about which side is right for you.

Which Side Of The Cruise Ship Is Best Alaska?

| Side of the Ship | Pros | Cons |
|—|—|—|
| Port side | Views of glaciers and mountains | More likely to experience rough seas |
| Starboard side | Views of open ocean and wildlife | Less likely to experience rough seas |
| Midship | Balanced views and less motion | Less dramatic views |

When choosing a side of the cruise ship for your Alaska cruise, there are a few factors to consider. The location of the ports of call, the time of day, the weather conditions, and your personal preferences will all play a role in determining which side is best for you.

In this article, we will discuss the factors you should consider when choosing a side of the cruise ship, and we will provide pros and cons of each side. We will also give you some tips on how to choose the best side for your specific needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Side of the Cruise Ship

There are a few factors you should consider when choosing a side of the cruise ship for your Alaska cruise. These factors include:

  • Location of the ports of call: The location of the ports of call will affect which side of the ship you want to be on. If you want to have the best views of the scenery, you will want to be on the port side of the ship when you are sailing past glaciers, mountains, and other natural wonders. If you want to be closer to the action in the ports of call, you will want to be on the starboard side of the ship.
  • Time of day: The time of day will also affect which side of the ship you want to be on. If you want to enjoy the sunrise, you will want to be on the port side of the ship in the morning. If you want to enjoy the sunset, you will want to be on the starboard side of the ship in the evening.
  • Weather conditions: The weather conditions can also affect which side of the ship you want to be on. If it is a windy day, you will want to be on the starboard side of the ship to avoid the wind. If it is a sunny day, you will want to be on the port side of the ship to avoid the sun.
  • Personal preferences: Finally, your personal preferences will also play a role in determining which side of the ship you want to be on. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to avoid the port side of the ship, as it is more likely to experience rough seas. If you are looking for peace and quiet, you may want to be on the starboard side of the ship, as it is typically less crowded.

Pros and Cons of Each Side of the Cruise Ship

There are pros and cons to each side of the cruise ship. The following table provides a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each side:

| Side of the Ship | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|—|—|—|
| Port side | Better views of the scenery | More sun exposure |
| More opportunities for wildlife viewing | More wind |
| Less motion sickness | More noise from the engines |
| Starboard side | Less sun exposure | Worse views of the scenery |
| Less wind | Fewer opportunities for wildlife viewing |
| Less noise from the engines | More motion sickness |

Tips for Choosing the Best Side of the Cruise Ship

When choosing the best side of the cruise ship for your Alaska cruise, there are a few things you can keep in mind.

  • Consider the ports of call: If you want to have the best views of the scenery, you will want to be on the port side of the ship when you are sailing past glaciers, mountains, and other natural wonders. If you want to be closer to the action in the ports of call, you will want to be on the starboard side of the ship.
  • Consider the time of day: If you want to enjoy the sunrise, you will want to be on the port side of the ship in the morning. If you want to enjoy the sunset, you will want to be on the starboard side of the ship in the evening.
  • Consider the weather conditions: If it is a windy day, you will want to be on the starboard side of the ship to avoid the wind. If it is a sunny day, you will want to be on the port side of the ship to avoid the sun.
  • Consider your personal preferences: If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to avoid the port side of the ship, as it is more likely to experience rough seas. If you are looking for peace and quiet, you may want to be on the starboard side of the ship, as it is typically less crowded.

Ultimately, the best side of the cruise ship for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can make an informed decision about which side is best for you.

Choosing the best side of the cruise ship for your Alaska cruise can be a difficult decision. There are a number of factors to consider, including the location of the ports of call

Which Side of the Cruise Ship Is Best for Alaska?

When choosing a side of the cruise ship for your Alaska cruise, there are a few factors to consider. The best side for you will depend on your personal preferences, the time of day and weather conditions, and the ports of call you will be visiting.

Personal Preferences

The first thing to consider is your personal preferences. If you are a sun worshipper, you will want to choose a side of the ship that gets the most sun. If you are prone to seasickness, you may want to choose a side that is less exposed to the motion of the waves. And if you want to enjoy the best views of Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife, you will want to choose a side that faces the open ocean.

Time of Day and Weather Conditions

The time of day and weather conditions can also affect which side of the ship is best. In general, the best side to be on in the morning is the starboard side, as this will give you views of the sunrise over the ocean. In the afternoon, the port side is usually the best side to be on, as this will give you views of the glaciers and mountains. And in the evening, the starboard side is again the best side to be on, as this will give you views of the sunset over the ocean.

Ports of Call

Finally, you will also want to consider the ports of call you will be visiting. If you will be visiting ports on the west coast of Alaska, such as Ketchikan or Juneau, the best side of the ship to be on will be the port side. This will give you views of the mountains and glaciers as you approach the ports. If you will be visiting ports on the east coast of Alaska, such as Skagway or Whittier, the best side of the ship to be on will be the starboard side. This will give you views of the open ocean as you approach the ports.

Tips for Choosing the Best Side of the Cruise Ship

Here are a few tips for choosing the best side of the cruise ship for your Alaska cruise:

  • Consider your personal preferences. If you are a sun worshipper, you will want to choose a side of the ship that gets the most sun. If you are prone to seasickness, you may want to choose a side that is less exposed to the motion of the waves. And if you want to enjoy the best views of Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife, you will want to choose a side that faces the open ocean.
  • Consider the time of day and weather conditions. In general, the best side to be on in the morning is the starboard side, as this will give you views of the sunrise over the ocean. In the afternoon, the port side is usually the best side to be on, as this will give you views of the glaciers and mountains. And in the evening, the starboard side is again the best side to be on, as this will give you views of the sunset over the ocean.
  • Research the ports of call to see which side offers the best views. If you will be visiting ports on the west coast of Alaska, such as Ketchikan or Juneau, the best side of the ship to be on will be the port side. This will give you views of the mountains and glaciers as you approach the ports. If you will be visiting ports on the east coast of Alaska, such as Skagway or Whittier, the best side of the ship to be on will be the starboard side. This will give you views of the open ocean as you approach the ports.

Final Thoughts

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a side of the cruise ship. The best side for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. By considering your personal preferences, the time of day and weather conditions, and the ports of call you will be visiting, you can choose the side of the ship that will give you the best possible experience on your Alaska cruise.

Tips for Choosing the Best Side of the Cruise Ship

When choosing a side of the cruise ship for your Alaska cruise, there are a few factors to consider. The best side for you will depend on your personal preferences, the time of day and weather conditions, and the ports of call you will be visiting.

Consider your personal preferences

The first thing to consider is your personal preferences. If you are a sun worshipper, you will want to choose a side of the ship that gets the most sun. If you are prone to seasickness, you may want to choose a side that is less exposed to the motion of the waves. And if you want to enjoy the best views of Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife, you will want to choose a side that faces the open ocean

Which side of the cruise ship is best for Alaska?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best side of the ship depends on your personal preferences and interests. However, there are a few factors to consider when making your decision.

  • What do you want to see? If you are interested in seeing glaciers, wildlife, and mountains, then the best side of the ship will be the port side (left side). This is because the ship will be sailing closer to the shore on the port side, and you will have a better view of the scenery.
  • How much do you want to be outside? If you want to spend as much time as possible outside, then the best side of the ship will be the starboard side (right side). This is because the ship will be sailing away from the shore on the starboard side, and you will have a better view of the open ocean.
  • How much do you want to avoid motion sickness? If you are prone to motion sickness, then the best side of the ship will be the center. This is because the center of the ship is the least affected by the motion of the waves.

Ultimately, the best side of the ship is the side that you enjoy the most. So take some time to think about your preferences and interests, and then make your decision.

What are the pros and cons of each side of the ship?

The port side of the ship offers the following advantages:

  • You will have a better view of glaciers, wildlife, and mountains.
  • You will be closer to the shore, which makes it easier to take shore excursions.
  • You will have more opportunities to see marine life, such as whales, seals, and sea lions.

The port side of the ship also has the following disadvantages:

  • You will be facing the sun for most of the day, which can be uncomfortable in the summer months.
  • You will have less privacy, as there are more people on the port side of the ship.
  • You will be more likely to experience motion sickness, as the ship will be sailing closer to the shore.

The starboard side of the ship offers the following advantages:

  • You will have a better view of the open ocean.
  • You will be facing away from the sun for most of the day, which can be more comfortable in the summer months.
  • You will have more privacy, as there are fewer people on the starboard side of the ship.

The starboard side of the ship also has the following disadvantages:

  • You will have a worse view of glaciers, wildlife, and mountains.
  • You will be further from the shore, which makes it more difficult to take shore excursions.
  • You will have fewer opportunities to see marine life.

Ultimately, the best side of the ship is the side that you enjoy the most. So take some time to think about your preferences and interests, and then make your decision.

What is the best time of day to be on each side of the ship?

The best time to be on the port side of the ship is in the morning, when the sun is rising and you can see the glaciers and mountains in all their glory. The best time to be on the starboard side of the ship is in the evening, when the sun is setting and you can enjoy the beautiful colors of the sky.

What are some other factors to consider when choosing a side of the ship?

In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are a few other things to consider when choosing a side of the ship.

  • The size of your group. If you are traveling with a large group, you may want to choose the starboard side of the ship, as there will be more space for you to spread out.
  • Your budget. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to choose the port side of the ship, as it is usually less expensive than the starboard side.
  • Your personal preferences. Ultimately, the best side of the ship is the side that you enjoy the most. So take some time to think about your preferences and interests, and then make your decision.

    there is no definitive answer to the question of which side of the cruise ship is best in Alaska. The best side for you will depend on your personal preferences and interests. If you want to see the most glaciers, then the starboard side is the best option. If you want to see the most wildlife, then the port side is the better choice. And if you want to enjoy the best views of the mountains, then the middle of the ship is the best option. Ultimately, the best way to decide which side of the ship is best for you is to experience it for yourself. Take a cruise to Alaska and see which side you prefer.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.