I’ll never forget my first Alaska cruise—the crisp air that wakes you up faster than coffee, the way glaciers look almost alive as they crack and tumble, and those mornings when you pull back the curtains and gasp at the view.
But here’s a question almost every cruiser asks before booking:
Should I choose the port side or the starboard side?
The truth is—it depends. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect and whether it’s worth paying extra to be on the so-called “right” side of the ship.
It All Depends on Your Route
The best side of the ship isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—it changes with your itinerary and sailing direction.
- Northbound itineraries → The starboard side (right-hand side when facing forward) usually gets better glacier and land views.
- Southbound itineraries → The port side (left-hand side when facing forward) is preferred. If you’re unsure, here’s a quick guide on how to remember port and starboard so you can easily pick the right side for your Alaska cruise.
Why? Because you’ll want your cabin facing land and glaciers, not the open Gulf of Alaska.
Pro tip: Don’t stress about wildlife like whales or dolphins—they can appear on either side at any moment.
And as for the ports? You’ll enjoy them most when you’re ashore anyway. The real difference comes down to those glacier and coastline sail-bys.
Departure Ports Matter
Most Alaska cruises leave from one of four places:
- Seattle (USA) – Usually round-trip or northbound.
- Vancouver (Canada) – A mix of one-way (to Seward/Whittier) and round-trips.
- Seward (Alaska) – Typically southbound.
- Whittier (Alaska) – Also almost always southbound.
Here’s how this plays out:
- Seattle round-trip → Doesn’t matter much. One side sees more northbound, the other southbound.
- Vancouver one-way → If northbound, starboard is better. If southbound, port is better.
- Seward/Whittier → Always southbound → book port side for land-facing views.
When I cruised from Seattle, I picked starboard, and waking up to glaciers sliding past my balcony on the way north felt unforgettable.
But friends on the port side? They had equally magical views on the return leg.
The Inside Passage: Both Sides Win
If your itinerary includes the famous Inside Passage, stop stressing about which side of the ship you’re on—it genuinely doesn’t matter.
Here’s why:
- On the starboard side, you’ll see the dramatic Alaskan coastline, forests, and fishing towns.
- On the port side, you’ll have a panorama of beautiful islands and rugged wilderness.
No matter where your cabin is, you’ll be surrounded by postcard-worthy scenery.
I remember walking from one side of the deck to the other and feeling like the views just kept competing for my attention.
A Few Key Ports Along the Passage
- Juneau – Alaska’s capital, surrounded by glaciers and mountains.
- Wrangell – A quieter, authentic Alaskan town.
- Petersburg – Known as “Little Norway,” tucked between islands.
If you’re northbound, the starboard side does give you the better “approach” view into towns.
But since you’ll spend time ashore exploring, you won’t miss much by being on port side either.
Glacier Bay: The Exception
One place where side can matter is Glacier Bay National Park. Ships often position themselves so the starboard side faces the most dramatic glaciers.
That said, captains usually rotate the ship to give everyone a chance to get photos.
Translation: if you can’t get starboard here, don’t panic—you’ll still see those jaw-dropping glaciers.
Cruises from Seattle: Which Side Wins?
Seattle is one of the most popular departure ports for Alaskan cruises, especially 7-night roundtrips.
- Northbound one-way (Seattle → Alaska) → Go starboard to face land and glaciers.
- Round-trip Seattle cruises → Doesn’t matter much, since the port side catches the return views.
On my Seattle sailing, I stayed starboard and loved it.
But honestly, my friends in port-side cabins had spectacular views coming back, especially during sunset hours when the light hit the mountains differently.
Balcony Cabins: The Alaska Must-Have
In the Caribbean, a balcony is nice for sipping a cocktail in the sun. In Alaska, it’s something else entirely—it’s your front-row seat to glaciers, mountains, and wildlife.
Here’s why balconies shine in Alaska:
- Uninterrupted views – No crowds, just you and the scenery.
- Wildlife spotting – Look down for seals, dolphins, or even whales right beside the ship.
- Private photo ops – Perfect for early mornings or late evenings when you don’t feel like rushing to the deck.
I still remember standing on my balcony at 6 AM, wrapped in a blanket with coffee in hand, as a glacier came into view. It was cold, but worth every shiver.
Ocean View Cabins: A Decent Middle Ground
If a balcony stretches the budget, a large-window ocean-view cabin can still be a solid choice.
Just make sure you:
- Avoid small portholes—the view feels more like peeking through a keyhole.
- Look for floor-to-ceiling windows where possible.
- Double-check cabin layout (some ocean view cabins have obstructed views from lifeboats).
Inside Cabins: Budget-Friendly But…
Inside cabins save money, but here’s the truth: you’ll miss out on those magical wake-up-to-glaciers moments.
For Alaska, that’s a big trade-off. If you go this route, plan to spend a lot of time on the open decks or in lounges with big windows.
Forward vs. Aft vs. Midship
It’s not just about port vs. starboard—location along the ship matters too.
- Forward cabins (front): Amazing views, but often windy. Sometimes, balconies can’t be used while sailing.
- Midship cabins (middle): Best for seasickness. Views are solid, but not as dramatic as aft.
- Aft cabins (rear): Widely loved! You’ll see both sides of the scenery as the ship sails away, and the wake views are incredible.
If you book an aft-facing balcony, you can skip the port/starboard debate—you’ll get a stunning panorama either way.
Deck Height: Go Higher for Wider Views
Higher decks offer longer-reaching views, which is priceless in Alaska. Just one caution: if you’re prone to seasickness, a mid-level deck might be more comfortable.
Round-Trip Cruises: Why Side Can Still Matter
If you’re booked on a round-trip Alaska cruise (say from Seattle or Vancouver), it’s easy to assume that cabin side won’t matter—you’ll be heading north one way and south the other, so you’ll see both sides eventually, right? Well… not always.
Here’s the catch:
- Depending on your itinerary, the most scenic ports and glacier days may all happen on one leg of your trip.
- If that’s the case, you’ll want to be on the side that faces land and glaciers during that stretch.
Examples from common itineraries
- Hubbard Glacier: No worries here—the captain usually spins the ship slowly, so everyone gets a full view.
- Anchorage: Also a non-issue. This port is ringed with mountains and dramatic landscapes in every direction.
- Juneau (with the Mendenhall Glacier), Glacier Bay, and Seward: These are the spots where it really pays off to be on the correct side of the ship for your sailing direction. That way, you can enjoy those breathtaking approaches right from your balcony.
My tip: pull up your cruise map before you book and trace which way the ship is heading into each port.
If the biggest highlights are all northbound, book starboard. If they’re southbound, the port will serve you better.
The ports themselves are often more about what you see ashore than from your cabin, so don’t stress too much.
But if you’re aiming for those balcony wake-up moments, the right side does add magic.
Should You Pay Extra for the “Right” Side?
I still remember standing on deck one chilly morning in Alaska, coffee in hand, as dolphins popped up alongside the ship.
My cabin wasn’t on the “right” side, but I didn’t feel like I missed anything—I just had to wander over to the open decks.
Still, I can’t deny the luxury of waking up in bed and seeing glaciers through the curtains.
You Won’t Miss Much on the “Wrong” Side
Even if you don’t book the “preferred” side, the scenery is always accessible. Step outside and you’ll find endless viewpoints around the ship.
- Open decks give 360° panoramic views of mountains and glaciers.
- Observation lounges keep you warm while still enjoying the sights.
- Wildlife like whales and dolphins appear on both sides of the ship.
Why the “Right” Side Feels Extra Special
There is something magical about drawing the curtains and having Alaska greet you without leaving your room.
That convenience alone makes the upgrade worth it for many cruisers.
- Private photo moments without crowds.
- The feeling of a personal viewing platform from your balcony.
- Ideal for those who like to relax in their cabin with coffee or wine.
Things to Consider Before Paying More
Deciding whether to splurge depends on how you cruise. If you love relaxing in your stateroom, it’s a worthy treat.
But if you’re hardly ever in your cabin, you can save money and still enjoy the views elsewhere.
- Perfect for quiet mornings or evenings in your cabin.
- Skip the cost if you only sleep, shower, and change there.
- Public areas often provide better angles and perspectives than your balcony.
FAQs I hear a lot
Q: If I choose the wrong side, will I miss everything?
Nope! Glaciers are rotated, and open decks have sweeping views.
Q: Are aft balconies really worth it?
Yes. They let you see both sides at once—perfect for Alaska.
Q: What about forward-facing balconies?
They can be amazing in port, but too windy to use much while sailing.
Q: Do ships always position themselves the same way at glaciers?
Not always—it depends on conditions and park rules.
My Final Word
If you want the short answer:
- Northbound → Book starboard.
- Southbound → Book port.
- Round-trip (Seattle or Vancouver) → Doesn’t really matter—you’ll see both ways.
But here’s the truth: in Alaska, every side is the best side if you know how to enjoy it.
Whether you’re sipping coffee on your balcony, leaning over the rail at Glacier Bay, or bundled up on the aft deck, Alaska has a way of stealing the show no matter where you stand.
So don’t lose sleep over port vs. starboard. Focus on the itinerary, the ship style, and your budget. The scenery? That part’s guaranteed to blow you away.
