IV on the Beyond….port or starboard

[Cruise till you drop]

We booked Beyond for a 10 day cruise in Jan 2025.  We decided to try out the IV as all the SV’s are booked 😢 

 

Question - is it better to be on the port or starboard side

 

My thought is if Magic Carpet is on the Starboard side, that’s likely the side facing the port of call when we dock at an island and would have the best views.

On the other hand, it’s possible Magic Carpet will be an interference on sea days.

 

All thoughts welcome

[basenji56]

On a loop cruise I don't think it really matters.  I would stay away from the Magic Carpet because it can obscure your view if you are not right below it (made that mistake before).

 

[Cruise till you drop]

On 7/31/2023 at 6:50 AM, basenji56 said:

On a loop cruise I don't think it really matters.  I would stay away from the Magic Carpet because it can obscure your view if you are not right below it (made that mistake before).

 

Thanks.  We were looking at a spot that seems fairly far away from the magic carpet.

 

Still wondering peoples opinions on whether it’s better to face the water (port) or island (starboard) at the various ports of call

[basenji56]

4 minutes ago, Cruise till you drop said:

Thanks.  We were looking at a spot that seems fairly far away from the magic carpet.

 

Still wondering peoples opinions on whether it’s better to face the water (port) or island (starboard) at the various ports of call

The problem is that the ship doesn't always dock on the same side in the same ports.  The Magic Carpet is rarely used for departures so you can't use that side to judge where your view will be.

 

[ijscheer]

The Magic Carpet is only used for access to tenders. If a ship is docked in port, the MC is not used, and access can be from either side; it depends on which side is facing the port.  

[basenji56]

And been in plenty of ports where you did not want to be facing the side where the ship accesses the dock.  Lots of containers are your view for the day.

[keesar]

53 minutes ago, Cruise till you drop said:

Thanks.  We were looking at a spot that seems fairly far away from the magic carpet.

 

Still wondering peoples opinions on whether it’s better to face the water (port) or island (starboard) at the various ports of call

The Magic Carpet does not always face the port.  As for which side, very often there is another cruise ship on either side of you and it does not matter.  Alot depends on the particular port.  I would rather  look at scenery rather the containers on shore at a particular port.  It can be like tossing a coin.

[tigervixxxen]

Another thing to think about is do you want morning or afternoon sun and it sounds like the IV can get hot with the afternoon sun. As mentioned on a round trip you’ll be sailing multiple directions but something to judge when thinking of your route.

[newtocruiseinblue]

3 hours ago, basenji56 said:

And been in plenty of ports where you did not want to be facing the side where the ship accesses the dock.  Lots of containers are your view for the day.

Although sometimes I find the people watching interesting at times 😆

[basenji56]

3 hours ago, keesar said:

The Magic Carpet does not always face the port.  As for which side, very often there is another cruise ship on either side of you and it does not matter.  Alot depends on the particular port.  I would rather  look at scenery rather the containers on shore at a particular port.  It can be like tossing a coin.

Yes, this is one thing that you shouldn't overthink.  Pay attention to forward or aft, pay attention to what is above and below your cabin.  Pay attention to crew entrances near your cabin.  On a tranatlantic, pay attention to whether you want sun or shade.  But port or starboard otherwise doesn't matter that much.