Which side of the ship?

[Scoup]

we are looking to book the Oosterdam North (from Vancouver) to Anchorage. I want to book a balcony, but does it matter which side of the ship we are on? Port or Starboard? Seems to me we should be Starboard. What about forward or aft? Best location advice??

[CruiserBruce]

It doesn't matter what side of the ship. The scenery is 360 degrees and you are not locked in your cabin.

 

You will see a great number of recommendations for the stern balcony cabins.

[mskaufman]

Agree, the scenery is 360 deg. If you sit on your balcony, you are likely to miss things.

[CowPrincess]

I'd say starboard. And also tell you to get off your balcony and view from public spaces :D

[caribsun]

If I had a choice I would go with the right side. :D

[fishin' musician]

I'd say aft facing. 2 advantages:

 

1. You see both sides.

 

2. If it is cool (and it typically is), you are out of the wind.

[Ashland]

Our most recent Alaska cruise Northbound this past May we had an amazing corner aft...hard to beat those views :D

[bonvoyagie]

I don't know if you are going into Glacier Bay, but my experience there is that on the way in - most of the narration on the way in happens on the Left or Port side of the ship.

 

However the best views are from the upper decks.

 

I also like Aft cabins for AK as well - for the same reasons mentioned by others - out of the wind and you can see both sides.