Which side of the ship should I be on

[kimmy624]

Alaska, one way, going north. Starting in Vancouver, ending in Whittier. I want to be on the side of the ship where I can see land on the balcony. Which side is that?

[don't-use-real-name]

BOTH sides work well - AFT and FORWARD also - anything above the hull line.

Seriously - unless near a port you are some 10 or more miles out to sea and 

will just see the dull edge of the coast line and mountains in the distance.

 

Advantage sailing out of Vancouver you will most likely sail the Canadian INSIDE

PASSAGE but it will probably be in the dark of the midnight sun - sleep time.

 

As for a quick answer - generally northbound cruises starboard (right side) is guaranteed

to see land with binoculars telephoto lens zoom cell phones.

When near a glacier the ship is positioned so that everyone with have an opportunity

to see it.

Another general statement unless cruising at SEA (day) cruising is done at night between

ports so that you can have your port time in the daylight time.

[Coral]

It doesn't matter.

[CruiserBruce]

Probably the most frequently asked question on this board. It doesn't matter.

[Sigyn]

Everyone always says it does not matter. I asked this, too. I do notice that the cabins on the starboard side (right side) sell out before the other side on northbound cruises. So I presume many people don't ask that question and just presume that the land side is better without realizing they won't see much. 

[DougH]

I like port. Most of the time doesn't matter but when going into Glacier Bay the glaciers come on the port side. Capt will spin the ship but port generally gets more viewing time