Which Side of a Cruise Ship is Best for Alaska?

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Which Side of a Cruise Ship is Best for Alaska?

When 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 tricky decision, as there are pros and cons to both sides. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different views and experiences you can expect from each side, so you can make the best decision for your upcoming cruise.

The Pros and Cons of Each Side

Starboard Side

The starboard side of a ship is the right side as you face forward. This side offers some unique advantages for Alaska cruises, including:

  • Better views of glaciers: When sailing through the Inside Passage, the starboard side offers stunning views of the glaciers that line the coast. You’ll be able to see these natural wonders up close and personal, and you may even be able to spot some wildlife.
  • Less motion sickness: If you’re prone to motion sickness, the starboard side may be a better option for you. This is because the ship will be listing to the port side as it sails through the waves, which can help to minimize the feeling of motion sickness.
  • More sun: The starboard side gets more sun than the port side, which can be a plus if you’re looking to soak up some rays.

Port Side

The port side of a ship is the left side as you face forward. This side also offers some unique advantages for Alaska cruises, including:

  • Better views of wildlife: The port side offers better views of the wildlife that inhabits the Alaskan wilderness. You may be able to see whales, seals, sea lions, and bears.
  • More opportunities for shore excursions: The port side is often closer to the shore, which makes it easier to access shore excursions. This can be a big advantage if you’re planning on doing a lot of exploring during your cruise.
  • Less wind: The port side is sheltered from the wind, which can be a plus if you’re looking for a more comfortable cruising experience.

Ultimately, the best side of a cruise ship for Alaska is the one that offers the best views and experiences for you. Consider your personal preferences and the activities you plan on doing during your cruise to make the best decision.

Side of Ship Pros Cons
Starboard
  • Better views of glaciers and wildlife
  • Less motion sickness
  • More sun during the day
  • More wind and spray
  • More crowded
Port
  • Less wind and spray
  • Less crowded
  • More shade during the day
  • Worse views of glaciers and wildlife
  • More motion sickness

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Side of the Cruise Ship

When choosing a side of the cruise ship for your Alaska cruise, there are a few factors to consider.

Location of the ports of call

The first thing to consider is the location of the ports of call on your itinerary. If you’re interested in seeing the glaciers, you’ll want to choose a side of the ship that faces the glacier. If you’re interested in seeing the cities and towns, you’ll want to choose a side of the ship that faces the shore.

Time of day

The time of day can also affect your decision. If you’re going to be spending most of your time in port during the day, you may want to choose a side of the ship that gets the morning sun. This will give you better views of the scenery and the wildlife. If you’re going to be spending most of your time in port at night, you may want to choose a side of the ship that gets the evening sun. This will give you better views of the city lights.

Weather conditions

The weather conditions can also affect your decision. If you’re expecting rough seas, you may want to choose a side of the ship that’s less likely to roll. If you’re expecting calm seas, you may want to choose a side of the ship that offers the best views.

Personal preferences

Finally, you should consider your personal preferences. If you’re prone to seasickness, you may want to choose a side of the ship that’s less likely to roll. If you’re not prone to seasickness, you may want to choose a side of the ship that offers the best views.

Pros and Cons of Each Side of the Cruise Ship

There are pros and cons to each side of the cruise ship. Here is a more detailed look at the pros and cons of the port side and starboard side.

Port side

Pros:

  • Closer to the action in port. If you want to be close to the shops, restaurants, and attractions in port, you’ll want to choose a cabin on the port side.
  • Better views of the scenery. The port side offers better views of the scenery, including mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.
  • More likely to get seasick. The port side is more likely to roll than the starboard side, so if you’re prone to seasickness, you may want to choose a cabin on the starboard side.

Cons:

  • Less crowded in port. The starboard side is less crowded in port, so if you want to avoid the crowds, you may want to choose a cabin on the starboard side.
  • Better views of the glacier. The starboard side offers better views of the glacier, so if you want to see the glacier up close, you may want to choose a cabin on the starboard side.

Starboard side

Pros:

  • Less crowded in port. The starboard side is less crowded in port, so if you want to avoid the crowds, you may want to choose a cabin on the starboard side.
  • Better views of the glacier. The starboard side offers better views of the glacier, so if you want to see the glacier up close, you may want to choose a cabin on the starboard side.
  • Less likely to get seasick. The starboard side is less likely to roll than the port side, so if you’re prone to seasickness, you may want to choose a cabin on the starboard side.

Cons:

  • Further from the action in port. If you want to be close to the shops, restaurants, and attractions in port, you’ll want to choose a cabin on the port side.
  • Less views of the scenery. The starboard side offers less views of the scenery, including mountains, glaciers, and wildlife.

Ultimately, the best side of the cruise ship for you depends on your individual preferences. Consider the factors discussed above and choose the side that’s best for you.

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 are all important factors to consider. By considering these factors, you can choose the side of the ship that’s best for you and enjoy your Alaska cruise to the fullest.

Which Side of 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.

  • Your interests and preferences. If you’re interested in seeing glaciers, you’ll want to choose a side of the ship that faces the glacier-studded coast. If you’re interested in wildlife, you’ll want to choose a side of the ship that faces the open ocean.
  • The cruise ship’s itinerary. If your cruise ship is sailing along the Inside Passage, you’ll have more opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife on the port side of the ship. If your cruise ship is sailing along the Gulf of Alaska, you’ll have more opportunities to see whales and other marine life on the starboard side of the ship.
  • Talk to the cruise ship’s staff. The cruise ship’s staff can give you advice on which side of the ship is best for seeing the sights you’re interested in.

Here are some additional tips for choosing the best side of the cruise ship for your Alaska cruise:

  • If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a side of the ship that’s less likely to roll. This is usually the starboard side of the ship.
  • If you want to get some sun, choose a side of the ship that faces the south. This will give you the best views of the glaciers and wildlife.
  • If you want to avoid the crowds, choose a side of the ship that’s not as popular with other passengers. This is usually the port side of the ship.

Ultimately, the best side of the cruise ship for you will depend on your individual interests and preferences. By considering the factors listed above, you can make an informed decision about which side of the ship to choose for your Alaska cruise.

Tips for Choosing the Best Side of the Cruise Ship

When choosing a side of the cruise ship, there are a few things you can keep in mind to help you make the best decision.

  • Consider your interests and preferences. If you’re interested in seeing glaciers, you’ll want to choose a side of the ship that faces the glacier-studded coast. If you’re interested in wildlife, you’ll want to choose a side of the ship that faces the open ocean.
  • Check the cruise ship’s itinerary. If your cruise ship is sailing along the Inside Passage, you’ll have more opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife on the port side of the ship. If your cruise ship is sailing along the Gulf of Alaska, you’ll have more opportunities to see whales and other marine life on the starboard side of the ship.
  • Talk to the cruise ship’s staff. The cruise ship’s staff can give you advice on which side of the ship is best for seeing the sights you’re interested in.

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

  • If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a side of the ship that’s less likely to roll. This is usually the starboard side of the ship.
  • If you want to get some sun, choose a side of the ship that faces the south. This will give you the best views of the glaciers and wildlife.
  • If you want to avoid the crowds, choose a side of the ship that’s not as popular with other passengers. This is usually the port side of the ship.

Ultimately, the best side of the cruise ship for you will depend on your individual interests and preferences. By considering the factors listed above, you can make an informed decision about which side of the ship to choose for your Alaska cruise.

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. If you’re not sure which side to choose, consider the factors listed above and talk to the cruise ship’s staff for advice.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when choosing a side of the cruise ship:

  • The time of year. The best side of the ship will vary depending on the time of year. During the summer months, the port side of the ship is often the best for viewing glaciers and wildlife. During the winter months, the starboard side of the ship is often the best for viewing whales and other marine life.
  • The weather. The best side of the ship will also vary depending on the weather. If the weather is clear, you’ll be able to see more from either side of the ship. If the weather is cloudy or rainy, you may want to choose a side of the ship that faces away from the

    Which Side of Cruise Ship Is Best for Alaska?

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

  • Time of year: If you are sailing in Alaska during the summer months, the best side of the ship will be the port side (left side), as this will offer the best views of the glaciers. During the winter months, the best side of the ship will be the starboard side (right side), as this will offer the best views of the wildlife.
  • Activity level: If you are planning on spending most of your time on shore exploring, the best side of the ship will be the side that faces the land. This will allow you to get the best views of the scenery and wildlife as you approach and depart from ports. If you plan on spending most of your time on the ship, the best side of the ship will be the side that faces the open ocean. This will offer the best views of the glaciers and wildlife.
  • Personal preference: Ultimately, the best side of the ship for Alaska is the side that you prefer. Some people prefer the port side for the views of the glaciers, while others prefer the starboard side for the views of the wildlife. There is no right or wrong answer, so choose the side that you think will give you the best experience.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of each side of the ship:

Port side (left side)

  • Pros:
  • Best views of the glaciers, especially during the summer months
  • More opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially during the winter months
  • Less motion sickness, as the ship will be facing the direction of the waves
  • Cons:
  • May be more crowded, as this is the side that most people prefer
  • May have less sun exposure, as the ship will be facing the sun during the day

Starboard side (right side)

  • Pros:
  • Best views of the wildlife, especially during the summer months
  • More sun exposure, as the ship will be facing the sun during the day
  • Less motion sickness, as the ship will be facing away from the waves
  • Cons:
  • May be less crowded, as this is the side that fewer people prefer
  • May have obstructed views of the glaciers, especially during the winter months

Ultimately, the best side of the ship for Alaska is the side that you prefer. If you are still undecided, you can always ask your cruise director for their recommendation.

the best side of a cruise ship for Alaska depends on your interests and preferences. If you want to see the most glaciers, the starboard side is the way to go. If you want to see more wildlife, the port side is a better option. And if you want to enjoy the best views of the mountains, either side will work. No matter which side you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable cruise in Alaska.

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

  • The best side of a cruise ship for Alaska depends on your interests and preferences.
  • If you want to see the most glaciers, the starboard side is the way to go.
  • If you want to see more wildlife, the port side is a better option.
  • And if you want to enjoy the best views of the mountains, either side will work.

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.