Which side of ship to be on when cruising Glacier Bay

[CounselorCruiser]

We're looking at a Princess cruise southbound from Whittier next summer and want to know what side balcony is best when cruising Glacier Bay.

Thanks!

[dforeigner]

When entering the Glacier area, the Naturalist will be giving a narrative based on the view from the port (left) side of the ship.

[coiran]

Doesn't make any difference - the Capt. will turn the ship around at the furthest point and both sides will see the same thing - other than glaciers calving, and that is a crapshoot.

Ron

[lizzy77]

We had a balcony, port side. It was excellent, especially as DH had a cold when we got to the glaciers, we didn't have to move from the balcony. At each port we also had the better side.;)

We have also had window and balconies and I have to admit that Alaska was the best cruise to have a balcony.

[WWCJR]

Port side is probably better for most of the cruise southbound. While watching the glaciers calving it does matter. The captain will sit at them for a half hour with one side of ship facing the glacier and then will slowly turn the ship around and sit for another half hour with the other side facing the glacier. You can go to one of the decks to see while your balcony is not facing the glacier.

[deadzone1003]

Port side. Most of the slow-downs and stops will occur on the port side. When it has to turn around to exit, it generally takes a bee-line to the mouth of the bay. Of course, it will stop or slow down for anything interesting such as calving or whales being sighted, but timewise the port side will be viewing glaciers the longest. Remember, Glacier Bay is a very, very long day. Most of the excitement is generated when entering the Bay, i.e. port side. When

the ship turns around to excite, the crowds on the top decks begin to thin as people want to eat or they are simply tired.

[cruisinmama0]

Just got off Coral a week ago and our cabin was on the starboard side. The ship is turned so both sides get a view if you want to sit on your balcony.

 

I found that many people were up on the decks listening to the naturalist give the tour of the area. You could either listen up on decks 14 or 15 OR be in your cabin tuned in on the tv to the ship's channel with the webcam view of the bow.

 

We ended up doing both. You have to bundle up because it was mighty cold in that area. It felt like walking into a large fridge. The rest of the time it was cool, but never too cold. We even had some days where you didn't need even a light jacket. They do loan nice blankets up on deck 14 that you can use all day then turn back in.

 

Overall one of the best experiences I've ever had.

[Julia’s Journey’s]

I think you get better views etc from up on deck where you can move around:D

[sashas_mom]

It's really a good idea to get a covered balcony for Alaska that way even if it rains you are still able to be out there enjoying the views. We were on our balcony with the TV on and heard the naturalist giving us the details or the sightings. One time we went to the 'secret spot" on the Coral in front of the ship and we were spotting whales and pointing them out to the naturalist who would then announce it. Make sure you also get yourself wide angled binoculours (we got some on sale at Big 5...keep your eyes open for sales). WE saw whales every day from the ship. You'll learn what to look for and if you keep your eyes peeled and have your binoculours with you, you'll have a wonderful time. Alaska was one of our favorite cruises.

[ellbon]

my cabin had warm blankrts for my balcony-guess some people took them up top. we had a warm day there and i was hot tubbing in between taking pictures