Northbound Pacific Coastal cruises - rougher seas than southbound?

[cruising808]

We are thinking of taking a northbound (LA to Vancouver), but were told that it is much rougher sailing than taking a southbound cruise. Is this true?

[SeaTeacher]

We are thinking of taking a northbound (LA to Vancouver), but were told that it is much rougher sailing than taking a southbound cruise. Is this true?

 

The answer is a qualified yes.

 

The Alaska current travels south along the coast. Since the ship has to sail north against the current, it has a better chance of being rough when compared to southbound. However, it also depends on the general weather and how much movement you consider to be "rough." Movement on a sunny day with little wind will be minimal. Northern California has had a pretty wet winter, so perhaps the chance of a calm spring is reduced.

 

If you are quite sensitive to movement of the ship, you might want to look at a repositioning cruise in the fall, from Vancouver to SF southbound. Fi you don't get motion sickness easily, you should have no problem.

[cruising808]

Thanks for the information, SeaTeacher. We'll pass on the northbound cruise and look for some other destination in May. My husband suffers from motion sickness quite easily, and this would not be a good trip for him. Maybe we'll do another cruise to Alaska . . .

[mctrekkie]

Thanks for the info. No sea sickness here, but smoother sailing is always better!