Which Side of a Cruise Ship is Best?

Cruise Ship Conundrum: Which Side Is Best?

When it comes to choosing a side of a cruise ship, there are a few factors to consider. The best side for you will depend on your personal preferences and what you want to get out of your cruise experience.

On the one hand, you have the port side of the ship. This is the side that faces the shore, so you’ll have stunning views of the coastline as you sail. You’ll also be closer to the action in ports of call, as this is the side where the tenders dock.

On the other hand, you have the starboard side of the ship. This is the side that faces away from the shore, so you’ll have uninterrupted views of the open ocean. You’ll also be less likely to experience motion sickness, as this is the side of the ship that’s less affected by the waves.

So, which side is best? Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide. But by considering the factors above, you can make an informed decision that’s right for you.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of each side of the ship, so you can make the best choice for your next cruise vacation.

Side of the Ship Pros Cons
Starboard
  • Scenic views of the ocean
  • Less likely to experience motion sickness
  • More sunlight
  • More expensive
  • More crowded
  • More noise from the engines
Port
  • Less expensive
  • Less crowded
  • Less noise from the engines
  • Scenic views of the land
  • More likely to experience motion sickness
  • Less sunlight

When choosing a cabin on a cruise ship, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is which side of the ship you want. There are pros and cons to both sides, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the starboard and port sides of a cruise ship, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the best side for your next cruise vacation.

Pros and cons of the starboard side

The starboard side of a cruise ship is the right side of the ship when you’re facing forward. It’s the side that’s closest to the coastline, so you’ll have better views of the land as you sail. You’ll also be less likely to experience motion sickness, as the starboard side is less affected by the waves.

Here are some of the advantages of choosing a cabin on the starboard side:

  • Better views of the coastline: As mentioned above, the starboard side of a cruise ship offers the best views of the coastline. This is especially true if you’re sailing in a scenic area, such as the Caribbean or the Mediterranean.
  • Less motion sickness: The starboard side is less affected by the waves, so you’re less likely to experience motion sickness. This is a major advantage for people who are prone to seasickness.
  • More sun during the day: The starboard side gets more sun during the day, so you’ll have more opportunities to soak up the rays. This is a great option if you’re looking to get a tan or just enjoy the warm sunshine.

Disadvantages of the starboard side

There are also a few disadvantages to choosing a cabin on the starboard side.

  • More noise from the engines: The starboard side is closer to the engines, so you’re more likely to hear noise from them. This can be disruptive, especially if you’re trying to sleep.
  • More exhaust fumes: The starboard side is also closer to the exhaust fumes from the engines. This can be unpleasant, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.
  • More crowded: The starboard side is typically more crowded than the port side, as it’s the side that most people prefer. This can make it difficult to find a place to relax or sunbathe.

Pros and cons of the port side

The port side of a cruise ship is the left side of the ship when you’re facing forward. It’s the side that’s farthest from the coastline, so you won’t have as good of views of the land. However, you’ll also be less affected by the waves, and you’ll have more privacy.

Here are some of the advantages of choosing a cabin on the port side:

  • Less noise from the engines: The port side is farther from the engines, so you’re less likely to hear noise from them. This can be a major advantage if you’re looking for a quiet cabin.
  • Less exhaust fumes: The port side is also farther from the exhaust fumes from the engines. This can be a major advantage if you have allergies or sensitivities.
  • Less crowded: The port side is typically less crowded than the starboard side, as it’s the side that fewer people prefer. This can make it easier to find a place to relax or sunbathe.

Disadvantages of the port side

There are also a few disadvantages to choosing a cabin on the port side.

  • Worse views of the coastline: The port side is farther from the coastline, so you won’t have as good of views of the land. This is especially true if you’re sailing in a scenic area.
  • More motion sickness: The port side is more affected by the waves, so you’re more likely to experience motion sickness. This is a major disadvantage for people who are prone to seasickness.
  • Less sun during the day: The port side gets less sun during the day, so you’ll have fewer opportunities to soak up the rays. This is a major disadvantage if you’re looking to get a tan or just enjoy the warm sunshine.

Ultimately, the best side of a cruise ship for you will depend on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for the best views of the coastline, the starboard side is the way to go. If you’re prone to motion sickness, the port side is a better option. And if you’re looking for a quiet, private cabin, the port side is the best choice.

Here are some additional tips for choosing the best side of a cruise

Which Side Of A Cruise Ship Is Best?

When choosing a side of a cruise ship, there are a few factors to consider. Your personal preferences, the type of cruise you are taking, the time of year, and your budget will all play a role in determining which side is best for you.

Personal Preferences

The most important factor to consider when choosing a side of a cruise ship is your personal preferences. If you are a sun worshipper, you will want to choose a side that gets the most sun. If you prefer to stay in the shade, you will want to choose a side that gets less sun.

You should also consider your view preferences. If you want to have a view of the ocean, you will want to choose a side that faces the water. If you want to have a view of the land, you will want to choose a side that faces the shore.

Type of Cruise

The type of cruise you are taking will also play a role in determining which side is best for you. If you are taking a cruise to see the sights, you will want to choose a side that has a good view of the ports of call. If you are taking a cruise to relax, you will want to choose a side that is less crowded.

Time of Year

The time of year you are taking your cruise will also affect which side is best for you. If you are taking a cruise during the summer, you will want to choose a side that gets the most sun. If you are taking a cruise during the winter, you will want to choose a side that gets less sun.

Budget

Your budget will also play a role in determining which side of the ship you can afford. The higher decks typically cost more, but they also offer better views. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to choose a lower deck that offers less expensive views.

There is no right or wrong side of the ship, the best side for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. By considering the factors listed above, you can choose the side that is best for you and enjoy your cruise to the fullest.

Additional Tips

In addition to the factors listed above, there are a few additional tips that you may want to consider when choosing a side of a cruise ship:

  • If you are prone to seasickness, you may want to choose a side that is less likely to rock. This is typically the starboard side.
  • If you have children, you may want to choose a side that is close to the children’s play area.
  • If you are a smoker, you may want to choose a side that is close to the smoking areas.
  • If you are a wheelchair user, you may want to choose a side that is close to the elevators and accessible facilities.

    Which side of a cruise ship is best?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best side of a cruise ship depends on your individual preferences and needs. Some factors to consider when choosing a side of the ship include:

  • Your cabin location: If you have a balcony, you’ll want to choose a side that offers the best views. This is typically the starboard side (right side) of the ship. If you don’t have a balcony, you may want to choose a side that’s less exposed to the sun, such as the port side (left side) of the ship.
  • Your activities: If you plan on spending a lot of time on the pool deck, you’ll want to choose a side that’s close to the pool. If you’re more interested in exploring the ship, you may want to choose a side that’s close to the main dining room, shops, and other attractions.
  • Your seasickness: If you’re prone to seasickness, you may want to choose a side of the ship that’s less likely to experience motion sickness. This is typically the center of the ship.

Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of each side of the ship:

| Side of the Ship | Pros | Cons |
|—|—|—|
| Starboard (right) | Best views | More exposed to the sun |
| Port (left) | Less exposed to the sun | Less desirable views |
| Center | Less likely to experience motion sickness | Farther from the pool and other attractions |

Ultimately, the best side of the ship is the one that’s best for you. Consider your individual preferences and needs when making your decision.

What is the best deck on a cruise ship?

The best deck on a cruise ship depends on your individual preferences and needs. Some factors to consider when choosing a deck include:

  • Your budget: The higher the deck, the more expensive the cabin will be.
  • Your view: If you want the best views, you’ll want to choose a deck that’s high up.
  • Your noise level tolerance: The higher the deck, the more noise you’ll hear from the engines and other activities.
  • Your seasickness: If you’re prone to seasickness, you may want to choose a deck that’s closer to the center of the ship.

Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of each deck on a cruise ship:

| Deck | Pros | Cons |
|—|—|—|
| Upper Decks | Best views | More expensive |
| Mid-Decks | Good views | More affordable |
| Lower Decks | Less expensive | Less desirable views |

Ultimately, the best deck on a cruise ship is the one that’s best for you. Consider your individual preferences and needs when making your decision.

What is the best time of year to go on a cruise?

The best time of year to go on a cruise depends on your destination and interests. Some factors to consider when choosing a time of year to cruise include:

  • Weather: The weather in your destination will vary depending on the time of year you visit. If you’re looking for warm weather, you’ll want to go during the summer months. If you’re looking for cooler weather, you’ll want to go during the winter months.
  • Peak season: Peak season for cruising typically runs from May to September. If you’re looking for a more affordable cruise, you may want to consider going during the off-season, which runs from October to April.
  • Events: Some destinations have special events that take place during certain times of year. For example, the Caribbean is a popular destination for Christmas and New Year’s cruises.

Here is a table summarizing the best times of year to cruise to different destinations:

| Destination | Best Time of Year |
|—|—|
| Caribbean | December-April |
| Mediterranean | May-October |
| Alaska | May-September |
| Hawaii | December-April |
| Europe | May-September |

Ultimately, the best time of year to go on a cruise is the time that’s best for you. Consider your individual preferences and needs when making your decision.

What is the best cruise line for first-time cruisers?

There are many great cruise lines to choose from, but some are better suited for first-time cruisers than others. When choosing a cruise line for your first cruise, consider the following factors:

  • Price: The cost of a cruise

    there is no definitive answer to the question of which side of a cruise ship is best. The best side for you will depend on your personal preferences and the type of cruise you are taking. If you are looking for a more active and social experience, then the starboard side may be a better option, as it is typically where the ship’s activities are concentrated. If you prefer a quieter and more relaxing experience, then the port side may be a better option, as it is typically less crowded. Ultimately, the best way to decide which side of a cruise ship is best for you is to try both sides and see what 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.