I did Freo to Melb on Queen Elizabeth, port balcony. December 2019.
No issues with the sun. Saw a lot of sea, but also some land.
Went from Mel to HK on QM2 in a port side sheltered balcony. Again, got some land views in various places. I did not enjoy the sheltered balcony as much as it felt too enclosed and limited viewing opportunities.. although going into HK, I was able to look down and watch the pilot boarding from a fast launch as the captain was not slowing down.