Which Side Is Better on Alaska Cruise?

By Michael Ferguson

Alaska is a land of spectacular natural wonders, and a cruise is one of the best ways to explore its rugged coastline. When planning an Alaska cruise, one of the most frequently asked questions is which side of the ship is better: port or starboard? Let’s explore both sides to help you decide which side to choose.

Port Side

The port side of the ship is the left-hand side when facing forward. One of the main advantages of choosing this side is that you’ll have better views of glaciers and other scenic wonders if your itinerary includes cruising through Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier. These glaciers are located on the east side of Alaska, so if your ship sails northbound from Vancouver or Seattle, it will be on your port side.

Another advantage of choosing the port side is that it faces inland, so you’ll have more opportunities to see wildlife and small towns along the coast. You may also have a better chance to spot whales and other marine life since they tend to swim closer to shore.

Pros:

  • Better views of glaciers and scenic wonders
  • More opportunities to see wildlife and small towns
  • Possible sightings of whales and other marine life

Starboard Side

The starboard side is located on the right-hand side when facing forward. One advantage of choosing this side is that it’s usually less crowded than the port side because most people tend to choose that side for glacier viewing.

If your itinerary includes sailing through Tracy Arm Fjord, you’ll want to choose the starboard side because it offers better views of Sawyer Glacier. The ship typically spends more time on this side for better glacier viewing.

Another advantage of choosing this side is that you’ll have better sunset views since the sun sets in the west, which would be on your starboard side if sailing northbound.

Pros:

  • Less crowded than port side
  • Better views of Sawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm Fjord
  • Better sunset views

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of which side to choose comes down to personal preference and itinerary. If glacier viewing is a top priority, then the port side might be a better choice.

If you’re looking for less crowds and better sunset views, then the starboard side might be more appealing. No matter which side you choose, an Alaska cruise is sure to be an unforgettable experience.