Which Side Of Ship For Northbound Alaska Cruise?

Alaska cruises depart from four main ports: Seattle in the US, Vancouver in Canada, and Seward and Whittier in Alaska itself. These cruises are either northbound or round-trip, with Seward and Whittier being almost always southbound. Choosing the port side of the ship for an Alaska cruise offers several advantages, such as unobstructed views and unique experiences.

The starboard side of the ship offers the best views of scenic highlights like Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier on northbound cruises from Seattle or Vancouver. For inside passage sailing, the starboard side offers the best view of Alaska’s scenic landmasses. If your ship is going to Glacier Bay and College Fjord, the best side to be on is the port side. For the inside passage, the port side (ships left) is the best choice, while the starboard side (ships right) is better.

When facing the front, the right side is the most scenery if you decide to stay on your balcony. If you are going northbound, the starboard (right) side is better. In my opinion, the best choice for Alaskan cruises is a corner balcony suite on the rear of the ship. The rear generally gets the best views when sitting and facing the engine.

Cruise ship directions in port can be either side, with Juneau, Haines, Skagway being dead ends, Hoonah, Ketchikan being sail throughs, and Sitka being a dead end dock. By choosing the best side of the ship, you can enhance your overall experience and explore Alaska’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife.