Which side of ship for cabin on No. Europe cruise

[bikinibottom]

Getting ready to book our anniversary cruise - 14 night Northern Europe out of South Hampton on Eclipse - is one side of the ship better than the other for views and overall experience? I have been on many Caribbean cruises, but we have never done Europe so not sure if there is a reason to be on one side or other?

 

We are trying to pick port or starboard for our cabin. Thanks!

[TSC]

Not sure either is better, but because of the position of the sun, the starboard side (right side) will probably get more sunlight as the ship goes east. And the port side more as the ship goes West.

 

Depending on your ports, there might be some advantages to one side or the other, but, it depends on whether you hit the port going eastbound or westbound. Some ports, like Stockholm, are great from both sides as you sail through the beautiful islands on your way to the city.

[upwarduk]

I have chosen starboard.

Which cruise have you selected?

We are on July 25th from Southampton. There were some very good offers when we booked, which included the drinks package and a 55+ discount. However, I noticed yesterday, that the prices for 11th July had been reduced.

[shot2bits]

For the trip leaving Southampton, you want port as this way you can watch the south coast drift past. Can't speak for the rest of the cruise though.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[lara h]

FYI..."Port" has the smokers deck that many have reported can affect their balcony experience. Check the sticky above for individual reviews on many cabins.

Edited November 8, 2014 by lara h
sp

[Kitekat]

From starboard you get to see Fawley refinery (now mostly closed)! And rhen views up the Solent - the stretch of water between mainland UK and the Isle of Wight, and the island itself.

 

From Port, you see the cruise terminals and bits of Southampton, mostly a small modern city. Then the English Channel.

 

The best place is on deck watching the intricate turns as much of the water in this area is very shallow. If you sail on a busy day there can be many cruise ships following each other out to the Channel shipping lanes. Great to watch!

[Kitekat]

You may see some of the UK on the port side but the north bound shipping lane for the channel is on the French side.

[yourpete]

If you have booked an inside cabin it does't matter much - otherwise just think of the route the boat is going to make and go by that.:D