Sally

We are booked for an Alaska Cruise next spring and I was wondering if we should be on port or starboard side of the ship for the best view. My husband said it shouldn't matter since we'll see views coming and going from/to Vancouver. I selected a balcony facing the rear of the ship just to be safe...did I do OK or is this a mistake?

Monica

What ship are you going to sail? I'm planning to get a room with a balcony somewhere in the middle and either side would be fine as I agree with your husband.

sandy

You need to be on the Starboard (right) side of the ship, since the land will be on your right as you head north out of Vancouver. You won't see anyting on the way back into Vanvouver because you will be asleep.

Rod

I went on the Rhapsody last year and had a balcony on the port side of the ship. I was glad we did as when we cruised Hubbard Glacier, I was able to sit out on my balcony the entire time and enjoy the scenery from my cabin. I have heard that cruise ships normally turn the ship around when cruising the glaciers so people with balconies on both sides of the ship can enjoy the view. I can definitely tell you that our ship didn't turn around.

Monica

Sandy, since the itinerary I'm considering (Infinity)has 2 days cruising the inside passage, I don't see that it matters to be on one side or the other. The map shows the ship going through the center of the inside passage. The ship leaves Vancouver at 5:45pm and the next day is all day inside passage. Then coming back, the ship leaves Ketchikan at 8pm, then the next day is all day cruising the inside passage.