disney alaska cruise port or starboard

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Alaska port or starboard?

• Thread starter ktate82
• Start date Mar 22, 2021

DIS Veteran

• Mar 22, 2021

We have a large group going to Alaska 2022 and was wondering is one side of the ship was better than the other to book verandas? We will be on deck 6.  

PrincessShmoo

Dis veteran.

ktate82 said: We have a large group going to Alaska 2022 and was wondering is one side of the ship was better than the other to book verandas? We will be on deck 6. Click to expand...

See the line where the sky meets the sea?

PrincessShmoo said: That said, up/outside on deck is best - that way you can go back and forth to see things. Click to expand...

professorandmom

My favorite girls.

My Alaskan cruise was my 5th Disney - full of research and previous experience with preferences. I loved my verandah (our family had 2 inside and 2 port side navigator's). I can support either side of the ship...and while, yes, we were on the upper decks for some of the sightings, coffee in the morning watching the mountains pass by was a highlight of our trip. The shore is SO close and beautiful  

Retired and living 2 miles from The Castle.

Agree that it really doesn't matter. But, you are perhaps more eager to look out on the way "up" so Starboard would be good. On the way back you might be feeling that you've already seen the coast.  

Thanks everyone. It looks like we can't get rooms in a row on starboard, so that helps make the decision for port side lol.  

HiStitch626

You probably can get starboard side rooms, but may need to call. The DCL website does not show all available cabins and tends to default to port.  

Question anything the facts don't support.

It's Alaska. The views will be spectacular on either side. But we spend most of our time on the top deck (on HAL) wrapped in a blanket enjoying Split Pea soup they were handing out on the deck. Our friends did splurge of a balcony, and we did sneak out there a few times.  

HiStitch626 said: You probably can get starboard side rooms, but may need to call. The DCL website does not show all available cabins and tends to default to port. Click to expand...

• Mar 23, 2021

Generally, either side is fine since it's a roundtrip cruise. The top deck is better suited for the glacier day, while the verandah is perfect for the Inside Passage. Here are some thoughts to keep in mind: 1 . If you are in a large group, the first sea day will be spent in socializing and exploring the ship. There is also a formal night that day. You won't really be on your verandah much. 2 . Glacial fjords are cold, so you will have to keep moving around. The top deck - not your verandah - provides that room and also a panoramic view. On the flip side, you can wrap yourself silly on your own verandah - in your PJs if you like! 3 . On the way down - when the exploration is over - you want to slow it down and get some "me" time. That's when you will be on your verandah. This is also a full day cruising through BC's Inside Passage, which - for us - is the most beautiful part of this trip. The ship hugs the coast on that last day - and the port side is where you want to be.  

Someone mentioned in another thread about avoiding port side because of possible smoke from smoking section. Is that something to consider when deciding? LAX  

Have earned one ear!

• Mar 24, 2021

LAX said: Someone mentioned in another thread about avoiding port side because of possible smoke from smoking section. Is that something to consider when deciding? LAX Click to expand...

• Mar 25, 2021

GPaLarry said: Yes, we were forward, port side stateroom 8006. During the glacier day when the Wonder stands still (wind was also calm), we went out on our verandah and it was covered in ash with smoke rolling down the side from the smoking section on the open deck above. Smokers were hanging over the railing flipping their ashes and puffing away. We had an adjoining stateroom with our daughter's crew and their verandah was a mess as well. I called guest services and they roped off the section next to the railing so that ashes were not dropping. However, the smoke still came down, even when they rotated the ship so the other side could see the glacier. Why they don't have smokers aft or in the engine room is beyond me...some cruise ship are smoke-free. If you have a porthole stateroom you are OK, but with a verandah forward, port side, you take your chances. Click to expand...

TeaWithOtters

Mine mine mine.

I booked Starboard for the same reason. Looks like both sides get an excellent view and if there is a slight chance of smoke blowing in I am unwilling to take it  

LAX said: Thanks. I booked starboard just in case. I am assuming the smoking section is fixed and doesn't change. LAX Click to expand...

• Mar 26, 2021

GPaLarry said: You never know!!! With the Covid mess/mashup anything can happen. Would like to see DCL ships smoke-free since they are already casino-free. Click to expand...

Cruising Engineer

We've sailed Alaska twice and both times on the port side. Enjoyed the views of the small islands on the ocean side going north then the Alaska coastline going south. Portside is great. You should enjoy it. Bring your binoculars ( a good set but lightweight).  

Cheburashka

• Mar 27, 2021

Cruising with the Crazies

• Apr 1, 2021

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10 things to know about sailing on a Disney Alaska cruise

I don't like to pick favorites, but we just got back from what may have been our most enjoyable vacation to date: a three-generation family cruise to Alaska on Disney Cruise Line . The trip had it all: nature, excitement, relaxation, scenery, entertainment, food, fun, swimming, hiking and so much more.

If you're considering sailing on a Disney cruise to Alaska, realize it's a big adventure. It's a once-in-a-lifetime type of trip in terms of length, distance and financial commitment. But our group of travelers ranging from 7 to 74 years old all loved it.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

With our cruising crew now off the ship and back home in the lower 48, here are 10 things to know before you set sail on a Disney Alaska cruise.

The cheapest time to book is the day cruises go on sale

Let's talk about the price upfront. An Alaska cruise is one of the more expensive Disney Cruise sailings, and it's pricier than similar itineraries on other cruise lines. Once the cruises go on sale, the prices often only go up.

Because of this, one of the best ways to save on a Disney cruise is to book your Alaska sailing the first day it goes on sale. You can get additional discounts from booking through an agent offering an onboard cruise credit. Plan far enough in advance, and you can save 10% by putting $250 down on your next cruise when you're already sailing on a Disney ship. We used all of these money-saving tricks — and the Alaska vacation was still very expensive.

For example, the cheapest Alaska sailing in 2024 is about $5,000 for a family of four in a windowless inside cabin and over $8,000 in a room with a private balcony. Those prices are for shoulder-season May and September sailings; the peak June through August sailings, such as the early June one we were on, cost more.

Disney Premier Visa Card : Earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening + unlock Disney-specific perks

'Glacier day' is a marathon, not a sprint

The "glacier day" on the ship can be confusing if you haven't done it before and don't know what to expect.

Essentially, the ship will sail as close as it safely can (both for the ship and wildlife) to one of a few glaciers. For example, it's common on sailings to head to the Stikine Icefields, though weather and conditions do play into exactly where you may go on a given voyage.

No matter where you head, you will not be getting off the ship to set foot on a glacier on the glacier viewing day; it's a view-from-a-ship experience. However, you can book an excursion that leaves from the cruise ship to get a closer view of the glacier on a smaller boat for an additional fee ($199 for kids and $299 for adults).

On our sailing, the captain explained that it was a marathon day and to pace yourself watching the "show" of the scenery on deck ... and he was right.

As the day went on and we got closer, the scenery got better and better. If we had gotten our fill of looking around the deck that morning, we'd have missed some of the best views that came that afternoon.

Just before dinner, we sailed close to a waterfall. The whole day was an incredibly special experience because the view changed from hour to hour. You need to keep checking back outside, so you don't miss anything.

Related: These are the best Alaska cruises

Book some excursions — but price them carefully

Don't sail all the way to Alaska and just walk around the shops near the pier in cities like Juneau and Skagway, especially if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

On the other hand, you don't need to book the $800 helicopter excursions to the glaciers to have a good time (though those flights look amazing). You can find plenty of full- and half-day tours in the $100 to $300 range that are excellent. But no matter how you choose to spend your days, get out and experience something you can only do in Alaska in at least one or two ports.

We loved the excursion in Juneau that included an hour at the Mendenhall Glacier (though 30 more minutes would have been ideal), whale watching and a surprisingly good outdoor salmon bake. It was expensive at $279 for adults and $199 for kids, but it was a highlight of the trip, and I wholeheartedly recommend it if those activities sound fun to you.

In Skagway, we booked an excursion that included learning about dog sledding, interacting with sled dog puppies, gold panning and a ride on the White Pass railroad . Unfortunately, the train portion of our excursion was canceled due to mechanical issues, but normally the tour is the same price as the Juneau excursion. Without the train, it came to $169 for adults and $119 for kids — and you can book it that way from the start.

While I can't speak to the train portion (I hear it's worth doing), the dog sled demo and gold panning were quite enjoyable. And this was a perfect example of how in Alaska, nothing is set in stone. It is common for operators to make adjustments to excursions based on weather, safety concerns and other factors. Helicopter and small plane tours are especially likely to be canceled or adjusted. My advice is to be flexible and not stake the trip's success on any one excursion.

For the long, multi-faceted excursions that get you a good distance away from the ship, booking through Disney makes sense, even if it is a little more expensive, as the ship won't leave without you if your tour gets delayed. In one port, we did see a group on a ship come back right at the designated sailaway time, which I'm sure would have been extremely stressful if they'd been traveling independently.

With other, shorter excursions, it can make a lot of sense (and save a lot of dollars) to book on your own directly with a tour operator.

For example, by booking directly, we paid much less for the silly but fun Disney-branded lumberjack show right next to the ship in Ketchikan. Booking direct also lets you take advantage of discounts, such as lower rates for veterans or active military. The show takes place a few steps from the dock, so there's no risk of not returning to the ship on time.

Oh, and whatever you do, make a point to get the sweet fry bread in Skagway from the Klondike Doughboy. It's a 10-minute walk from the ship and worth every step and penny.

Related: 15 Alaska cruise mistakes you don't want to make

You can warm up with free hot chocolate

Disney tries to think of everything, so complimentary hot chocolate is always waiting for you on deck during glacier day and at the pier as you return from port. It's a small touch, but one that was a fun treat when we got a bit chilly.

If you're looking for an adult version that will warm you to the bones, keep an eye out for bar carts out on deck during glacier viewing. You get a cool Alaska-themed reusable cup with the price of your drink.

Choose the late dinner

Days are long in Alaska, both in terms of the time in port and the sun itself.

For example, in Skagway, we were in port from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. With Disney, you need to choose the early or late dinner seating, and while eating late may sound like a bad idea with kids, it's the best choice on an Alaska cruise. If you choose the early dinner, you're being seated at 5:45 p.m. every night. Not only is the sun going to be up for at least four more hours, but you'll have to cut your port time short to make it to dinner on time.

Your show time is opposite your dinner time, so if you have late dinner, you see the show early. On a typical seven-night Alaska cruise, the ship puts on only three Broadway-caliber shows, which are usually scheduled on sea days or on days you leave ports earlier. It's not as big a trade-off to miss a few minor shows as missing out on port time to get to dinner at 5:45 every night.

On a night when you're wiped out and don't want to do a late dinner, you can always order free room service or visit the quick-service option up on deck for a burger, pizza, chicken fingers and other casual quick bites. Hands down, late seating is the better option in Alaska.

Pro tip: Don't miss lobster night on the ship, where you can order as many lobster tails as your heart desires.

Related: Is Disney Cruise Concierge Level worth it ?

Characters aren't in their Alaska outfits every day

If you're going to spend the bucks to sail on a Disney cruise, you need at least one photo with Mickey, Minnie or their friends in their Alaska-exclusive outfits.

Typically, the first (and arguably best) time you'll see them in these outfits is on glacier day. You'll see the times and locations in your Disney Navigator app once on board, and you can bet there will be lines — some of the longest you may encounter on the cruise.

I recommend getting at least one photo with the characters out on the top pool deck on glacier day as it's the most sure-fire time to do so, and it's the best only-in-Alaska backdrop.

If you're planning your day around the photo sessions, don't choose the morning option if you care about background because you'll likely not be right up to the glacier, snow and ice yet.

Wait until later in the day for photos, so you'll be closer to the glacier. During our sailing, Mickey was on the glacier side of the ship multiple times that day, but it wasn't visible in the background until just after lunchtime.

Glacier day isn't the only time Mickey and his friends wear these adorable outfits. On our cruise, they also wore them the day we were in Skagway. In fact, as we sailed away from port, we ran into Mickey out on Deck 4 — with no line — waving goodbye to land with the rest of us.

Pro tip: Have one person get to the spot where the characters will be on deck about 30 minutes before the stated time to secure your spot in line. Sometimes the line can get too long to take more guests even before the official photo start time.

Related: Is the Disney Visa worth it?

It's easy to overpack

I get it — packing for an Alaska cruise is tough.

You're packing for glaciers, chilly outdoor adventures and potential rain but also for a cruise, swimming and a dress-up night or two. In the summer, even in Alaska, it can be warm. But of course, on a glacier, it can be cold.

During our early June sailing, we swam in the heated pools, dunked in the hot tubs and careened down the waterslides multiple times on both sea days and port days.

While the time of year and the forecast for your sailing should influence what goes in your bag, try and resist the urge to overpack. Bring too much stuff, and your cabin will feel crowded with your belongings, you'll be less nimble and flexible in the airport and you won't have as many options for ground transportation. Plus, you'll spend more time packing and unpacking.

For a cruise to Alaska, you'll need layers, including accessories like a vest, hat and gloves you can take on or off. What you often don't need much of, at least during the summer months, is a variety of winter gear. It's possible you may not need a super heavy winter coat at all, but you will need rain gear and possibly a fleece vest or jacket, so you can probably opt for layers over individual bulky pieces, especially in June, July and August.

Our coldest day was the morning of the glacier day when it was windy and overcast out on deck. The weather went from the high 40s that day to the high 70s and sunny at other times, but we didn't need much bulky winter gear.

Here's a guide to packing for an Alaska cruise to get you started. The thing we used the most: magnetic hooks to hold and organize all those layers inside the stateroom, so get some of those, for sure.

Related: When is the best time to sail to Alaska

The 'Frozen' deck show isn't a must-do But the stage show is a must-see

Most of the elements of our Disney Cruise to Alaska were exceptional, but the much-anticipated "Frozen night" with deck show wasn't one of those things. It was fine; the littlest kids enjoyed it, and if it's convenient for you to pop up and see, then do it. But don't plan your evening around it or stress if you are tired and need to miss it, especially if you don't have young kids.

Elsa and her friends led a 15-minute sing-a-long and show with a minute or so of "snow," but it rated two out of five snowflakes in my book.

An earlier Frozen-themed indoor party, where there was an interactive activity to decorate the maypole, was almost more interesting, in my opinion. Look forward to Frozen night and attend some of the events and activities, but don't expect anything to knock your socks off.

That said, the "Frozen" Broadway-caliber stage show in the Walt Disney Theater is exceptional and not to be missed — but also somewhat confusingly not offered on Frozen night.

So to recap: You can skip Frozen Night and the deck show, but make a point to attend the Frozen show in the Walt Disney Theater.

Plan an extra day in Vancouver

Disney cruises to Alaska leave from Vancouver, as opposed to Seattle, where some other lines embark passengers for their Alaska sailings.

I highly recommend arriving in Vancouver at least the day before the cruise departs to ensure you don't miss it (that happened to some folks on our sailing) but also to enjoy the city. Plan an extra full day to enjoy Vancouver if you can. It's as fun and interesting as some of the Alaskan ports.

An easy excursion to do, even if you have just a few hours in Vancouver, is the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Free shuttles leave from multiple downtown spots to the park, including from near the port itself, and it's a fabulous way to spend a few hours on land, or rather, in the trees.

The highlights are the suspension bridge itself and some other walkouts that take you all around the large park with great views of the trees, river, ponds and more. Sometimes there's live music, cozy fires to warm up by and free talks from staffers to learn about the totem polls, wildlife and other aspects of the park.

You don't need a verandah room

We started with the price, and we'll close with it.

Rooms with verandahs (aka balconies) always cost more on cruises than inside cabins and rooms with ocean views through a window. But on an Alaska Disney cruise, verandah rooms don't just cost a few hundred dollars more — they cost a whole lot more, usually to the tune of thousands of additional dollars for the stateroom over the cost of an ocean-view cabin.

Looking at prices for four on the early June 2024 seven-day sailing similar to the one we took this year, it costs an additional $4,000 to go from an ocean-view to a verandah.

If you have the money to spend, go for it and enjoy it. But if you don't, or if booking that room type means having to skip excursions or not being able to afford other trips, then relax and book the ocean view. It's also fabulous.

My parents had a verandah room, and they loved having that balcony. This was my dad's first cruise at 74 years old, so the trip really might be a once-in-a-lifetime thing. My dad said having a verandah made the trip at least 25% more enjoyable overall, which is a large amount of happiness, and they spent time out there each day. (It also made their room about 35-40% more expensive.)

Right next door to them, my girls and I had an ocean-view room. We had just as excellent of a cruise as they did.

It was fun to look out the window and see where we were, but honestly, I'd happily sail in an interior room if it meant we got to do the cruise all over again.

All my favorite moments of the trip happened outside the room, and I don't think that would have changed if we had a balcony. I enjoy having a balcony on warm Caribbean and Mexico sailings more than in Alaska, where it can be windy and chilly outside as the ship is moving.

Additionally, on truly exceptional viewing days, you probably don't want to be confined to the specific angle you can get from your cabin. Better to embrace the 360-degree view from out on the top deck.

That said, if you have mobility limitations or other logistical issues that will keep you in the room more often (aka a frequently napping little one), then the equation may shift because you do want to see and enjoy where you are. If you need to do that from your room, book the verandah if possible.

Related: Which type of cruise cabin is right for you?

Bottom line

It's highly unlikely you'll regret taking a Disney Alaska cruise.

Alaska is special, cruising is special, and a Disney cruise to Alaska is incredibly special. You can feel the shared appreciation for the journey with the other passengers. It's a camaraderie of sorts as you spot and point out wildlife on deck, talk about what you did in port at the bar in the evenings, and even agonize over what to pack in the unofficial Facebook groups leading up to the sailing.

Sailing with Disney specifically costs more than many other options, but getting to experience Alaska while interacting with favorite characters, seeing amazing Disney shows in the evening and relaxing while Disney Cruise Line took care of everything made what was already a great trip one of our favorites of all time.

If I were to add an 11th thing you should know about sailing on an Alaska Disney cruise, it's that you're going to be really sad when it's over.

I saw plenty of real tears the final night and on the morning of debarkation. At the risk of sounding like a cheesy commercial, the only real solution for this will likely be to start planning either a return trip to Alaska or another Disney Cruise ... or both. If you feel that happening to you a few days into the trip, be ready to put that $250 deposit down on a future sailing to get the 10% discount before you get off the ship and it's too late.

That's exactly what we did, so at the end of seven magical days, it wasn't "goodbye" — it was "see ya real soon."

Related reading:

• How to save money on a Disney Cruise
• Best Disney Cruise Line tips and tricks
• Review of Disney Magic, the original ship in the Disney fleet
• Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore

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• Travel Tips

Which Side Of The Ship Is Best For An Alaska Cruise

Published: January 6, 2024

by Laurella Wilkey

• Travel Guide

Introduction

Planning an Alaska cruise is an exciting adventure, filled with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences. One decision that often perplexes travelers is which side of the ship is best for an Alaska cruise. While there is no definitive answer, as it ultimately depends on personal preferences, there are several factors to consider when making this choice.

Alaska is known for its stunning landscapes, including towering glaciers, majestic fjords, and abundant wildlife. As you sail along the coastline, you’ll want to ensure you have the best views possible. Whether you choose the port side or starboard side of the ship can greatly impact your cruise experience.

In this article, we’ll explore the factors to consider when deciding which side of the ship is best for an Alaska cruise. We’ll discuss the advantages of both the port side and starboard side, as well as other considerations that may influence your decision. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed choice and optimize your Alaska cruise experience.

Factors to Consider

When determining which side of the ship is best for an Alaska cruise, there are several factors to take into account. These factors can help you gauge which side will offer the most stunning views and memorable experiences. Consider the following:

• Itinerary: Review your cruise itinerary and identify the ports and destinations you’ll be visiting. Some ports may have specific attractions or landmarks that are best viewed from a particular side of the ship. Take note of any excursions or shore excursions you plan to participate in, as this may influence your decision.
• Time of Day: The time of day you’ll be sailing can also play a role in your decision. Consider whether you prefer sunrise or sunset views, as this may impact which side of the ship you choose. Take note of the sunrise and sunset times during your cruise and plan accordingly.
• Glacier Viewing: Alaska is famous for its majestic glaciers, and witnessing their stunning beauty is a highlight of any cruise. Research which glaciers are on your itinerary and find out if they are predominantly visible from the port side or starboard side. This can help you choose the side that offers the best glacier viewing opportunities.
• Wildlife Spotting: Alaska is teeming with wildlife, from whales and seals to eagles and bears. Depending on the region and time of year, certain wildlife may be more prevalent on one side of the ship. Research wildlife spotting tips for your specific cruise dates and destinations to make an informed decision.
• Scenic Features: Consider the scenic features you’re most interested in capturing during your cruise. Are you more captivated by rugged coastlines and mountains, or do you prefer picturesque fjords and waterfalls? Understanding your preferences can guide you towards choosing the side with the most scenic highlights.

By taking these factors into consideration, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about which side of the ship is best for your Alaska cruise. Ultimately, it’s about maximizing your opportunities for stunning views, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable moments along the way.

Port Side vs. Starboard Side

Choosing between the port side and starboard side of the ship can be a tough decision. Both sides offer unique advantages and stunning views, so it’s important to understand the differences. Let’s explore the port side and starboard side in more detail:

Port Side: The port side of the ship refers to the left side when facing forward. Here are some advantages of choosing the port side:

• Glacier Views: If your itinerary includes glaciers, the port side often provides better views of these icy wonders. Glaciers are typically located on the left side of the ship when sailing northbound in Alaska. Choosing the port side ensures you won’t miss out on these spectacular sights.
• Scenic Cruising: Many of the scenic highlights, such as narrow waterways and stunning fjords, are often visible from the port side. Sailing along the port side allows you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking wilderness and capture incredible photographs.
• Wildlife Viewing: While wildlife can be spotted on both sides of the ship, some travelers claim that the port side offers better opportunities for wildlife sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea lions, and seabirds as you cruise along the coastal waters.

Starboard Side: The starboard side of the ship refers to the right side when facing forward. Consider these advantages of choosing the starboard side:

• Coastline Views: If you’re interested in capturing picturesque coastal landscapes, the starboard side may be the better choice. This side often provides stunning views of rocky shorelines, towering cliffs, and charming coastal towns as you sail along the pristine Alaskan coastline.
• Sunrise Views: For early birds and sunrise enthusiasts, the starboard side is known for offering picturesque sunrise views. Start your day with a radiant sunrise over the horizon as you embrace the tranquility of the open sea.
• Evening Light: As the day comes to an end, the starboard side can offer soft, warm lighting during sunset hours. Enjoy the soothing hues of the sky as the sun sets over the water, creating a truly magical ambience.

It’s important to note that the exact views and experiences can vary based on your specific itinerary, as well as weather conditions and wildlife activity. Always check with your cruise line or consult with experienced travel advisors to ensure you have the most up-to-date information when choosing your preferred side of the ship.

Advantages of the Port Side

Choosing the port side of the ship for your Alaska cruise offers several advantages that can enhance your overall experience. Here are some compelling reasons to consider the port side:

• Glacier Views: Many of Alaska’s stunning glaciers are located on the left side when sailing northbound. By choosing the port side, you’ll have a better chance of enjoying unobstructed views of these awe-inspiring icy wonders. Imagine witnessing massive chunks of ice calving into the ocean or observing the mesmerizing blue hues of the glaciers up close.
• Scenic Cruising: Alaska is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and narrow waterways. The port side often provides better views of these scenic highlights, including majestic fjords, rugged coastlines, and cascading waterfalls. Sailing along the port side allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Alaska and capture stunning photographs.
• Wildlife Spotting: While wildlife can be spotted on both sides of the ship, some travelers claim that the port side offers better opportunities for sightings. Keep a close eye on the waters and shoreline, as you may have the chance to spot whales, sea lions, seals, and various seabirds. The port side provides a vantage point for observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
• Shore Excursions: If your cruise includes ports of call with exciting shore excursions, the port side may be advantageous for specific activities. Research the excursions offered at each port and see if any are better experienced from the port side of the ship. Whether it’s kayaking through pristine waters or taking a helicopter tour over glaciers, being on the same side as the excursion can enhance your experience.

It’s important to note that while the port side offers these advantages, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll miss out on anything if you choose the starboard side. The views and sightings can vary depending on the specific cruise itinerary, weather conditions, and wildlife activity. Be sure to consult with your cruise line or travel advisors to determine the best side based on your preferences and the details of your itinerary.

Advantages of the Starboard Side

Opting for the starboard side of the ship during your Alaska cruise offers its own set of advantages that can enhance your overall experience. Consider the following reasons to choose the starboard side:

• Coastline Views: The starboard side often provides stunning views of Alaska’s picturesque coastal landscapes. As you sail along the pristine coastline, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of rocky shorelines, towering cliffs, and charming coastal towns. The starboard side allows you to capture the beauty of these scenic coastal features.
• Sunrise Views: For early risers and sunrise enthusiasts, the starboard side is known for offering captivating views of the sunrise. Start your day by witnessing the golden hues of the sun rising over the horizon, illuminating the vast expanse of the open sea. It’s a serene and magical experience that can set the tone for the rest of your day.
• Evening Light: As the day comes to an end, the starboard side can offer soft, warm lighting during sunset hours. From the starboard side, you can enjoy the beautiful hues of the sky as the sun sets over the water, casting a golden glow on the surroundings. It’s an ideal time to soak in the tranquility of the moment and capture stunning sunset photographs.
• Glacier Views (Southbound Cruises): If you’re traveling on a southbound Alaska cruise, the starboard side might offer better views of glaciers. While the port side is typically favored for northbound cruises, the starboard side can provide unique perspectives of glaciers as you sail southward. Be sure to check your specific itinerary to determine if this applies to your cruise.

It’s important to note that choosing the starboard side doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on glacier views or wildlife sightings. The experience can vary depending on your itinerary, weather conditions, and wildlife activity. Consulting with your cruise line or experienced travel advisors will help you make an informed decision based on your preferences and cruise details.

Other Considerations

While choosing the best side of the ship for your Alaska cruise primarily revolves around the port side and starboard side, there are a few other important considerations to keep in mind. These factors can further enhance your overall cruise experience. Here are some additional aspects to consider:

• Midship vs. Forward/Aft: In addition to choosing between the port side and starboard side, consider the location of your cabin on the ship. Midship cabins generally offer a more stable ride and minimize the feeling of motion. However, if you have a specific preference for being closer to the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship, take that into account when choosing your side.
• Ship Layout: Familiarize yourself with the layout of the ship. Some ships have more open deck areas on one side than the other, providing better viewing opportunities. Research the ship’s deck plans and take note of any specific areas that may offer exceptional views of the scenery and wildlife.
• Flexibility: Keep in mind that weather conditions and wildlife activity can be unpredictable. Being flexible and open to exploring different parts of the ship can increase your chances of encountering stunning views and wildlife sightings. Take advantage of the ship’s public viewing areas and keep an eye out for announcements from the cruise staff regarding notable sightings.
• Crew Recommendations: The ship’s crew often have firsthand knowledge and experience with the best viewing spots. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for advice and recommendations. They can provide valuable insights based on the specific itinerary and conditions during your cruise.

Remember, while choosing the best side and considering other factors can enhance your Alaska cruise, it’s important to embrace the overall experience and appreciate the beauty of the destination. Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife sightings can be enjoyed from various vantage points throughout the ship, so make sure to take the time to explore and savor every moment of your cruise.

Deciding which side of the ship is best for an Alaska cruise is a personal choice that depends on various factors. While there is no definitive answer, understanding the advantages of the port side and starboard side can help you make an informed decision.

The port side offers advantages such as better glacier views, scenic cruising, and potential wildlife sightings. On the other hand, the starboard side provides stunning coastline views, breathtaking sunrises, and magical evening light.

When making your decision, consider factors such as your cruise itinerary, time of day, glacier viewing opportunities, wildlife spotting possibilities, and your personal preferences for scenic features. Research specific ports and excursions to determine if one side offers a better experience for certain activities.

Keep in mind that both sides of the ship can offer incredible views and memorable moments. It’s essential to be flexible and explore different areas of the ship to maximize your opportunities for breathtaking scenery and wildlife sightings. Consult with the ship’s crew for their recommendations and stay open to unexpected occurrences.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to embrace the overall experience of your Alaska cruise. Let the awe-inspiring landscapes, captivating wildlife, and the spirit of adventure guide you as you sail along the stunning coastline. No matter which side of the ship you choose, you’re sure to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

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Cruising Alaska with Disney Cruise Line: A First-Timer’s Guide

Avital Andrews

Avital Andrews, SmarterTravel's editor-at-large, is a travel and lifestyle journalist who is also a contributing editor for AAA's Via magazine. Her stories have been among the 10 most emailed or viewed on the Los Angeles Times, Outside, Sierra, and SmarterTravel websites, and have also appeared in USA Today, HuffPost, Apple News, Business Insider, and many other nationwide outlets. Her travel book , sold at bookstores and on Amazon, is in its fourth edition, and her journalism gets national media attention, including from The New York Times , The Atlantic , Time , NPR, and MTV. She's currently working on her first children's book. Follow her on Twitter @avitalb .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: My laptop—the lightweight and stylish HP Spectre x360—since I'm almost always on deadline.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: A round-the-world cruise that makes stops to experience Aurora Borealis, the Olympics opening ceremony, Borneo, Madagascar, the Jerusalem Festival of Light, the Bolivian salt flats, Kenya's Giraffe Manor, the Galapagos, the Maldives, Bora Bora, the Seychelles, and every Disney park. (That itinerary definitely exists, right?)

Travel Motto: I'll steal Saint Augustine's: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Window, always. For the views and also the naps.

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If you’re like many travelers, you’ve long dreamed of taking a cruise to Alaska—and for good reason. An Alaskan ocean voyage provides an enviable almost-Arctic itinerary, opportunities for adventure at every port, and a constant supply of magnificently icy views, the likes of which probably won’t exist in 50, or even 20, years. You get all this via the comfort of an ocean liner that’s stocked with restaurants, theaters, hotel-like guest rooms, and much more.

I, too, had yearned to cruise to Alaska, so when the opportunity to hop aboard the Disney Wonder presented itself, I enlisted my husband and daughter as my travel mates. We flew to Vancouver to embark on a trip that would end up supplying us with exhilarating experiences, unforgettable nature encounters, heaping helpings of Disney fun, and, ultimately, lifetime memories.

If you’re not sure whether a Disney Alaska cruise is right for you, here’s a good idea of what you can expect based on my experiences and observations as a fellow first-timer.

Why Choose a Disney Cruise?

There are a few factors to keep in mind if Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is among the companies you’re considering for your journey to the Last Frontier.

Foremost among them: If any of the travelers in your group is a Disney fan, a Disney cruise will very much play into that enthusiasm. This may be too obvious to mention, but almost everything on a Disney cruise is Disney-themed, right down to the ketchup that’s squirted onto kids’ plates—in the shape of Mickey’s head. The characters and their stories pervade the ship, as well as some of the shore excursions.

The level of service, too, is thoroughly Disney. Everyone who works on the ship is there to make their guests’ experience magical, and it’s obvious that the hiring process is geared toward picking cheerful people who love to make other people—children, especially—happy.

“We have a fabulous, diverse team on board,” says Martin Kemp, Disney Wonder ’s hotel director. “Basically, we get to go around the globe and hire the best talent out there. And when our team members first come onboard, we go through a very, very extensive training program to introduce them to our Disney brand, our culture, and our heritage.”

In addition to providing the exemplary hospitality that the company has become known for, other Disney-specific elements that you can expect during a Disney cruise to Alaska include exclusive shore excursions that are enhanced with Disney touches, like Goofy showing up at the lumberjack show in Ketchikan, or Donald Duck panning for gold alongside your kids in Skagway. Disney hand-picked the top Alaskan tour operators, then worked directly with them to create experiences that are reserved solely for Disney Cruise Line guests.

Onboard, Disney characters wear Alaskan gear—resulting in photos that are Instagram gold—while naturalists lecture about glacier science, and nightly menus spotlight regional cuisine: buttered king crab legs one night, roasted salmon steak the next, alongside Alaska-inspired cocktails that carry the theme even further. Also exclusive to Disney’s Alaskan itineraries: a “Frozen” deck celebration featuring Anna and Elsa, plus a joyous Pixar party in the atrium.

“We truly do believe that Disney Cruise Line is a great way for families to see Alaska,” says Melanie Curtsinger, a company spokesperson. “From our themed dining spaces to the live entertainment, extensive children’s spaces, and exceptional detailed service, there truly is something for everyone in the family on these sailings.”

Disney Alaska Cruise Itinerary

Disney’s Alaska cruises depart from Vancouver for five-, seven- and nine-night summer cruises, with stops, depending on your specific itinerary, for Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Victoria, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier, and Endicott Arm.

Mine was a seven-night cruise, and we spent a full pre-cruise day in Vancouver , where we rented bicycles from Club16  and took the spectacular waterfront ride around Stanley Park. (Other excellent in-Vancouver-for-the-day options include the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain.) We stayed overnight at the Fairmont Vancouver Waterfront Hotel , where Canadian hospitality is on full display, and where they personalize your shampoo bottles with your last name. The hotel is conveniently across the street from the Port of Vancouver, where we boarded the Disney Wonder. (Tip: Before boarding the ship in Vancouver, try an exotic flavor, like osmanthus flower, in a black cone at Bella Gelateria .)

After a day at sea, our first port of call was Skagway, where we took a stunning helicopter ride to a glacier (more on that below), hiked to land’s end, explored the Western-style State Street full of shops and saloons, and watched the visitor center’s film about the short-lived and ill-fated Klondike gold rush.

Next up was Juneau for some satisfying whale watching and browsing the shopping strip. There’s also the Mount Roberts Tramway , an aerial gondola that transports visitors to the top of the 3,800-foot peak for a wide-spanning, eagle-studded view over Gastineau Channel. Everyone kept saying how lucky we were to be here during such gorgeous weather.

In Ketchikan, we took a morning trolley tour to see the town’s iconic totem poles at Saxman Village. The afternoon was reserved for the raucous Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show (more on that below). In the early evening, as a light rain started to fall, we meandered the above-water walkways past Ketchikan’s former brothels—as colorful as the local characters—that now house curated art galleries, one-of-a-kind souvenir shops, and down-to-earth places to eat and drink.

At each port, there’s souvenir shop after souvenir shop, giving you no excuse to come home empty-handed. To save money, we returned to the Wonder for lunch, but there was plenty of opportunity to sample the local restaurants, many of which seem to be mom-and-pop outfits.

We also spent three full days at sea, including one in the Endicott Arm fjord during which the captain pulled the ship in as close as possible to see the 600-foot-tall Dawes Glacier, then did very slow 360-degree turns so that every passenger could take in its full splendor. Meanwhile, smaller icebergs floated past, crackling their presence. It was poignant to be in the presence of such threatened beauty—people all around us were telling their children to remember this scene, since they might not ever be able to see it look this way again. During the glacier viewing, Disney characters, donning galoshes and parkas, were on deck for hugs and photos.

After our last night onboard, we were shuttled back to Vancouver for an early-morning disembarkation. (Tip: Pack your bags the night before to have staffers lug them off the ship for you.) During our bus transfer back to the airport, Disney trivia played on the screens overhead, though our fellow passengers mostly slept through the ride, happily exhausted from such an activity-packed journey.

The Shore Excursions

Called “Port Adventures” in DCL lingo, there’s a menu of more than 200 family-friendly things to do whenever the Wonder docks in Alaska. Make sure to reserve ahead of time for these memorable shore excursions—you can easily find independent vendors to haggle with once you’re at the destination, but you’re taking a chance with the quality of your experience. You’re much better off booking in advance through Disney, whose contracted operators are total pros.

Disney’s most popular shore excursions in Ketchikan include the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour  (a Disney exclusive that gives an inside look at the life of Alaskan crab harvesters) and the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show , a down-home demonstration of manly men showing off their impressive timber-sport skills, like chainsawing and log rolling. There’s plenty of enthusiastic audience participation, and Goofy makes an appearance. Wear red-and-black plaid if you’ve got it.

In Skagway, there’s the Klondike Gold Dredge and White Pass Railway  excursion, during which you take a gorgeous train ride and pan for gold; and Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp , which includes a narrated motor coach tour of Skagway, panning for gold (you’ll find some, guaranteed), a scavenger hunt, a puppet show that’s both hilarious and educational, a Donald Duck cameo, and a salmon bake.

In Juneau, the Dog Sled Summer Camp  lets you feel what it’s like to be pulled through the Alaskan wilderness at the speed of sprinting huskies, while the Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest  on Stephen’s Passage guarantees humpback and bald eagle sightings aboard a comfortable catamaran stocked with a full bar; an expert naturalist explains everything you see.

By far the most memorable event of our Disney Alaska cruise—and that’s saying a lot—was the Glacier Discovery by Helicopter  excursion, operated by Temsco Helicopters in Skagway. After a quick safety briefing, we boarded an Airbus helicopter manned by a very capable and personable pilot who was also an expert at calming any nerves, mine included. We flew over crystal-blue lakes, above vast expanses of gleamingly white ice fields, and incredibly close to steep, lush mountainsides. When we landed, it was on the 650-foot-deep Meade Glacier, but it may as well have been another planet. Confident, reassuring guides were there to explain what we were seeing—and to stop us from walking into danger—as we took in the surreal scenery before flying back to the Disney Wonder . The word “awesome” is egregiously overused, but this was awesome.

If you’re worried that your children won’t be able to make it all the way through that excursion you’re eyeing, or you’d just prefer some grownup time ashore, don’t feel bad about dropping your little ones off at the ship’s kids’ spaces before you disembark for some adventure. Most youngsters are ecstatic to have more time in these colorful rooms, where the storytelling is epic, the games and crafts are age-appropriate, and the movies are all Disney. Attentive camp-counselor types from around the world do an excellent job of supervising. (Read on for more about the kids’ spaces.)

Life Onboard Disney Wonder

The Disney vessel that shuttles passengers to and from Alaska is the impressive Wonder, which first set sail in 1999 and is one of DCL’s fleet of four (a fifth will be added in 2021; a sixth in 2023). The 83,000-ton ship has 10 floors, 875 guest rooms, 950 employees, and room for up to 2,713 passengers, a third of which are typically children.

Every day, there’s a program so packed with entertaining activity options that it’s easy to fall prey to some initial FOMO, but once you get into the swing of life onboard a Disney cruise (which doesn’t take long), the fun really begins.

Putting together the ship’s complex entertainment and dining schedule, says Natalie Bailey, Disney Wonder ’s cruise director, “is a Tetris puzzle, truly a group effort of everyone coming together to try to create variety for our guests throughout the day, and the entire cruise. Our biggest thing when it comes to planning is truly ensuring that we do have something for everyone.”

To that end, there are live shows, deck parties, character greetings, first-run movies in the theaters, trivia games, karaoke, crafts, bingo, chef demos, and plenty more. The handy Disney Cruise Line Navigator app , which you should download before your trip, tells you what’s going on at any given time. In addition to providing the day’s full lineup, it lets you “heart” the activities you don’t want to miss, text your fellow travelers for free, book shore excursions, make spa and specialty dining reservations, link your reservation number, and check in online.

Disney is, first and foremost, an entertainment company, so yes, you will be thoroughly entertained the whole way to Alaska and back. Twice nightly in the extravagant 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre, a cast of Broadway-caliber performers display their prodigious talents, with a new live production to enjoy each night, including the Alaska-appropriate “Frozen, a Musical Spectacular,” “Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Classic” (a production that helped launch Jennifer Hudson’s career), and the life-affirming “Golden Mickeys.” You don’t need to reserve a ticket or pay anything extra to see these shows—just show up; seats are first come, first served. (Tip: Even if the theater appears packed when you enter from the back, there are often seats available way up front.)

If you time your sailing to coincide with the release date of a new Disney movie, you’ll get to see it premiered onboard, to much fanfare—we were at sea the day Toy Story 4 came out and got to see it for free, with Green Army Men photo opps in front of the theater and a bag of popcorn as an in-room amenity.

As mentioned above, children have a whole realm of entertainment catered to them: the fifth-floor Oceaneer Youth Club. Whenever I came there to pick up my daughter, she asked to stay longer, a testament to the amount of fun she was having and the level of comfort she felt with the kind staffers.

These elaborate kids’ spaces were created to immerse youngsters in Disney stories—kids can hang out in the Wandering Oaken trading post from Frozen, Andy’s playroom from Toy Story , or the Marvel-themed Super Hero Academy, where kids train alongside their favorite superheroes. There are many enriching activities for kids to choose from, like crafting, scavenger hunts, dance parties, performing in a talent show, story times, character greetings, and so on; you can use the Navigator app to find out what’s going on in the kids’ spaces. (Tip: Once you’ve made your cruise reservation, you can have a Disney character call your child to get them excited for the trip.)

As for the guest rooms, they’re comfortable and cleverly designed, with enough space for a full family to live, sleep, bathe, and store luggage in. While we dined, our room attendant transformed the couch into a kid’s bunk, adding a guard rail for safety. He also left memorable Disney amenities on our bed, along with Ghirardelli chocolates and towels folded into amusing figures.

The themed restaurants aboard the Wonder  are extraordinarily thought-through and exist for much more than just feeding you. Take Tiana’s Place, based on The Princess and the Frog, a movie in which the title character dreams of opening a restaurant in New Orleans. Yes, the menu at Tiana’s Place includes gumbo and beignets, but the stage also features a talented quartet jazzing up favorite Disney tunes, while Tiana herself visits each table to take photos with young fans; the grand finale is a joyful parade that stars all the servers.

Over at Animator’s Palate, a screen-enhanced shrine to Disney’s drawn history, your server instructs you to draw a character on your placemat. Soon thereafter, your drawing, alongside those of your fellow diners, gets animated into a magical on-screen mashup. The food is good, too.

There’s also Triton’s, a traditional cruise restaurant, and Cabanas, a huge buffet on the ninth floor with great ocean views. Several walk-up-and-go snack counters hand out pizza, gyros, ice cream, and more. All food and beverage is included in the cost of your cruise (except alcohol; you can bring a small amount onboard), so you can order whatever you want without fretting about the tab.

The only restaurant with an upcharge is Palo, the adults-only Italian eatery atop the ship. The cuisine there is a step up, and the service is top-notch, too. If you’re interested in dining at Palo, make a reservation as far ahead of time as possible.

As you cycle through Tiana’s Place, Animator’s Palate, and Triton’s each night at your set dining time (5:45 p.m. or 8:00 p.m., your choice), your dedicated team of servers follow you from restaurant to restaurant. They’re genuinely kind and accommodating, and clearly hired in part for their ability to make kids smile, laugh—and eat. They joke around, bring you whatever you want, do magic tricks and origami, and give generous hugs and high fives.

If you’d rather skip the dining room, though, or if you get hungry in the middle of the night, room service is included in the cost of your Disney Alaska cruise, and you can order as much as you want without being charged extra.

Other features worth mentioning on the Wonder include the spacious spa and top-floor fitness center, where you can run on a treadmill while watching glaciers and icebergs glide by. No matter the weather, people are always using the swimming pool and outdoor hot tubs, while Disney movies play on the huge outdoor screen above. And the “nightlife district” is a collection of three handsome bars, including a classic British pub.

Wi-Fi on the Wonder is prohibitively pricey ($89 gets you 1,000 megabytes), so it’s wise to use your cruise as an excuse to unplug from email and social media.

Whatever you’re planning to do onboard, book as much of it that’s bookable well in advance, before departing for your vacation, to make sure that you get the spots you want. This includes nursery times, spa appointments, character meet-and-greets, shore excursions, and specialty dining reservations. Then once you get onboard, you can simply relax and enjoy.

What to Pack for a Disney Alaska Cruise

Once you’re ready to get your stuff together for your Disney cruise to Alaska, check out DCL’s full list of what to pack —and what not to.

There are some pretty specific things that you’ll want to bring along for this type of cruise, including binoculars (which are available for purchase at the Port of Vancouver), rain gear, boots, layers, and waterproof jackets. Bring fancy attire for the ship’s formal and semi-formal nights, and if you plan to dine at Palo, keep in mind that the dress code there encourages dress pants or slacks and a collared shirt for men, and a dress, skirt, or pants and a blouse for women.

It’s fun to wear red-and-black plaid in Ketchikan, especially if you’re planning to see the lumberjack show there, and it’s also fun to bring Disney-themed door decorations—check Pinterest and Etsy for ideas. Don’t forget Disney autograph books for your little ones to get signed, princess dresses for the young princesses in your life, Disneybounding gear for you (if you’re into that), and at least two bathing suits so that you can wear the dry one while the wet one dries.

It’s also smart to fold an extra duffel bag into your suitcase—what with the merchandise available onboard and the many souvenir shops on shore, you’ll be coming home from Alaska with way more than you packed.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
• What to Expect on Your First Disney Cruise
• 10 Best Disney Hotels Around the World

Follow Avital Andrews on Twitter  @avitalb  or on  Facebook .

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Port vs Starboard: Which Side Is Better on a Cruise?

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: July 16, 2021  - Last updated: June 27, 2022

When you’re choosing a cabin for your cruise vacation, you might wonder which side of the ship has the best views. Is there really a difference between the port vs. starboard side?

Find out which side of a cruise ship is the best side to book if you’d like to enjoy peaceful sunrises or stunning sunsets from your stateroom. Make sure you read to the end to learn some easy tricks to remember which side is starboard and which side is port!

Port vs. starboard: what’s the difference?

As you’re facing forward on a ship, toward the bow, the port side of the ship will be on your left and starboard will be on your right.

The term starboard comes from the Old English  steorbord , meaning the side on which the ship is steered. Before ships had central rudders, a steering oar was mounted on the right side of the stern because most people are right-handed.

With the steering oar on the right side of the ship, it made more sense to tie up at the port on the left side. So the left side of the ship became known as the port side.

But with today’s modern ships, why do we still use these old terms? Why can’t we just use left and right to refer to the sides of a ship?

When we think of left and right, it’s usually from our own perspective. If you turn around 180°, suddenly what was on your right is now on your left!

When navigating a ship, it’s important that all of the crew are on the same page with which side of the ship is which. Port and starboard never change, regardless of which direction you’re facing.

Which side of a cruise ship is better?

There’s nothing inherently better about either the port side or the starboard side of a cruise ship. But if you’re sailing in a balcony or veranda stateroom, you might want to choose to stay on a specific side of the ship based on the direction of your itinerary.

You may also like: The 10 Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid

Which side of a cruise ship is better for sunrise and sunset?

One of the perks of sailing in a balcony cabin is having that private outdoor space to enjoy beautiful ocean views. Like many cruisers, I enjoy just sitting in peaceful silence watching the sunrise over the water in the morning. In the evening, there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on the balcony with a cocktail to enjoy a gorgeous sunset.

If you want to make sure you’ll be able to enjoy sunrises or sunsets from your balcony, take a look at the map of your cruise’s itinerary. Remember that no matter where in the world you’re cruising, the sun will always rise in the east and set in the west.

For a closed-loop cruise that begins and ends at the same port, your ship will turn around during the voyage. For part of the itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to see sunrises from your balcony. During the other part of the cruise you’ll be able to enjoy the sunsets.

The image below is an example of a closed-loop cruise in the Caribbean, round trip from Fort Lauderdale. Following the arrows, you can see that the ship starts out traveling southeast until it reaches St. Kitts. At that point it turns around 180° and sails northwest, back toward Florida.

Passengers on this cruise sailing on the port side of the ship will enjoy sunrises from their balcony during the first half of the itinerary, and will see the sunset on the way home.

But those with starboard cabins will have sunsets for the first half of the cruise, and sunrises for the final few days.

In general, when the ship is heading north or west, the port side will get the sunsets and starboard will have the sunrises. When the ship is headed south or east you’ll have the opposite—port will see sunrises and starboard will have sunsets.

But if you find yourself on the wrong side of the ship for the prettiest view, don’t worry! You’ll always be able to find a spot to sit and enjoy it on a public deck away from the busy areas of the ship.

Should you pick a port or starboard cabin for a one-way cruise, like in Alaska?

If your cruise is one-way, starting at one port and finishing in another, you may want to consider more carefully whether you want your stateroom to be on the port or starboard side.

Many Alaska cruises are one-way, either northbound or southbound. For northbound Alaska cruises, port side cabins will have a sunset view, and starboard cabins will see the sunrise. For southbound cruises, the opposite is true.

Or maybe you’re planning a river cruise and you’re less concerned about sunsets—you’d like to have the best views from your balcony of the picturesque towns and cities you’ll be passing. You’ll see plenty of gorgeous scenery on either side of the ship—but you can always consult your itinerary map to see if the views you’re interested in will be on the port or the starboard side.

Thankfully river cruise ships are much smaller than the ocean-going megaships, so it’s always just a quick walk to the top deck for a panoramic view of everything.

Is port or starboard better when the ship is docked?

When a cruise ship is docked at a port, one side of the ship sometimes has a better view than the other. In a busy port, you might step out on your balcony to discover the only view you have is the side of a neighboring ship—and its passengers on their own balconies!

Unfortunately, when you book a cruise it’s nearly impossible to determine which direction your balcony will be facing when your ship docks at various ports. It can depend on the layout of the port, how many other ships are already there, and what direction the ship is sailing in.

Sometimes governmental regulations specify how ships need to be arranged at a certain port. At other ports, it’s up to the captain to choose how they want to position their ship.

Of course, some ports are tender ports, and your ship will drop anchor in the harbor. Your balcony could be facing in any direction at a tender port, but you’ll never be too close to another ship or be facing right onto a noisy pier.

Learn more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise

Does the acronym POSH really hold true?

You may have heard that the word posh, meaning fancy or luxurious, comes from an old term used by passengers on steamships and ocean liners. The story goes that you’d have a better view on a round-trip voyage by booking a port stateroom on the first part of the trip, and a starboard cabin on the return— P ort O ut, S tarboard H ome.

Per the story, it was more expensive to book these coveted staterooms, and wealthy passengers would have their tickets stamped with the acronym POSH to show that they had paid for the best rooms.

Although this tale has been passed around for decades (it even makes an appearance in the classic children’s film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , when Grandpa Potts sings about his posh method of travel ), there’s zero evidence that it’s true. (The fact-checkers at Snopes actually debunked the POSH story in 2010.)

But even if the word posh didn’t come from “port out, starboard home”, you might be wondering if the legend remains because there’s some truth to it.

Not really! Although in some situations it can be true—let’s say you’re doing a transatlantic cruise from your home in Florida to a European port, and back home again. You’d get better sunset views if you used the POSH theory.

But if home for you is the UK, you’d do best by booking starboard out and port home. The “best side” of the ship just depends on the direction you’re sailing.

How to remember port vs. starboard

If you have a hard time remembering the difference between port and starboard, you’re not alone! There are several tricks that people use to remember.

One way is that starboard has more “R”s in the word than port does, so starboard means R ight.

Another trick is to think about how close the first letters of port and starboard are in the alphabet to the first letters of left and right. The P in port is closer to the L in left ( L M N O P ). The S in starboard is closer to the R in right ( R S )

I find that the easiest way to remember port vs. starboard is that both “port” and “left” contain four letters. But use whichever method works best for you!

One of my readers, Candice, submitted a helpful tip to remember that port equals left, courtesy of her husband. He uses the phrase “Is there any port wine left ?” to remember that port equals left! Submit your best tip in the comments!

Lots of people have trouble remembering port and starboard. Have you ever heard the story about the old sea captain?

Once upon a time, there was a famous sea captain. For years he guided his ships all over the world. Nothing got the best of him—not stormy seas or pirate attacks. The captain was admired by his crew and fellow captains alike.

However, there was something strange about this captain. Each morning he had an unusual ritual. He would open a small safe in his quarters and take out an envelope with a single piece of paper inside. He would stare intently at the paper for a few minutes, then lock it back up. Then he would go about his daily duties.

This went on for years, and his crew became very curious. What was on that paper? A treasure map? A letter from a long-lost love? Everyone from the officers to the deckhands had a theory about the contents of the strange envelope.

One day the captain died at sea. After laying his leader’s body to rest, the first mate led the entire crew into the captain’s quarters. He opened the safe, took out the envelope, and removed the paper inside. Unfolding the paper, he suddenly went very pale.

The first mate slowly turned around and showed the paper to the others. Four words were written on the paper.

“Port Left, Starboard Right”

Want more cruise jokes? Check out 10 Funniest Cruise Jokes That Will Make You Laugh

Do you have a preference for port vs starboard on certain cruises? Let me know in the comments below!

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Monday 7th of August 2023

Loved your article! I've cruised many times and never considered which side of the ship is best. I'm going on a NW Passage cruise from Greenland to Nome and which like to know which side of the ship you think is better for viewing sites and wildlife. Thanks

Tuesday 8th of August 2023

Hi Iris, I'm glad you enjoyed my article! I've never done a Northwest Passage cruise, but if I was booking one from Greenland to Alaska I'd most likely choose a balcony cabin on the port side of the ship. I only say this because after you pass Banks Island, the land will only be on that side until just before you reach Nome. Hope this helps, and if any other readers have done the NW passage, please feel free to chime in :) Happy cruising!

Ashlee Fechino

Monday 9th of August 2021

Awesome tips! We have never been on a cruise and would never even thought to consider which side is better - port or starboard based on your route. I learned something new today and had fun reading this article. Thanks for the share!

Candice Horn

Friday 24th of June 2022

@Carrie Ann, I thought you and your readers might enjoy this. My husband said he learned how to remember “port means left” by asking, “Is there any more port wine left?”😉🤣🤣🤣

Wednesday 11th of August 2021

Hi Ashlee, I'm happy I could explain the difference between port vs starboard. I hope it's helpful when you book your first cruise!

simplyjolayne

Sunday 8th of August 2021

A great clarification post. And I use the same memory suggestions to remember port and starboard.

I'm glad you enjoyed reading my post! Thanks for stopping by :)

Saturday 7th of August 2021

So interesting, I never really thought about which side to get a cabin on. But what you say is true, no matter where your room is, you can always find a perfect place on deck for great views.

Hi Megan, I think picking port vs. starboard really only matters if you're planning to spend lots of time on your balcony. I'm always out on deck too, so there are amazing views everywhere :D

I've actually always wondered this so I really enjoyed reading your explanation and tips! It's good to know for when I plan my first cruise.

Hi Krista, thanks so much for reading, and have fun planning your first cruise!!

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Port Vs. Starboard: What Side of the Ship Is Best?

Last updated: March 6th, 2023

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When you’re picking your stateroom for an upcoming cruise, you might be wondering whether the port vs. starboard side of the ship is best to stay on. Your decision will depend on a variety of factors, from your stateroom type to your cruise itinerary . Here are helpful tips for choosing which side of the ship will suit you best.

What’s the difference between port and starboard?

Simply put, port is the left side of the ship and starboard is the right side of the ship.

This lingo emerged around the 16th century, as colonization of the New World boomed. Port and starboard were adapted from Old English, specifically in the maritime trading industry.

While terms like “left” and “right” can change based on your own personal perspective, port side and starboard side remain constant, even if your perceived orientation changes. This minimizes confusion for anyone navigating any kind of vessel, including a cruise ship.

Read:  Forward vs. Aft of a Ship

What's the best side of a cruise ship to stay on?

Choosing the best stateroom for your ideal getaway is understandably an important step in the planning process. Luckily, you’ll see incredible views during your cruise whether you’re starboard or port side.

You can choose which side you want to stay on based on your unique itinerary and route.  On some cruises, like through the Panama Canal, you’ll experience breathtaking views from both sides. If you’re planning a Western Mediterranean cruise , take a look at the departure port and work out which direction your ship will sail.

Other itineraries double back to disembark at the original departure port, so you’ll enjoy views from both directions. These are called closed-loop cruises or roundtrip sailings.

The stateroom you choose depends on what you most want to see. Water lovers may be content to look out at the peaceful ocean waves from their stateroom. Some travelers prefer land views, so they can sail up to breathtaking cityscapes or rugged mountain peaks in the distance.

What’s the best side to stay on for an Alaska cruise?

While a cruise is known as the best way to see Alaska , choosing the perfect side to stay on depends on the direction that your ship is traveling in. Some Alaska itineraries are unique in that they tend to focus on one specific geographic direction; for example, Celebrity’s Alaska itineraries include Northbound and Southbound sailings that only travel in that direction.

Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska’s scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship.

Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite. They sail down the coast, so the port side of the ship will face the coastline and the starboard side will face the Gulf of Alaska.

Of course, your cruise ship will rotate a complete 360 degrees at some of the cruising ports like Dawes Glacier and Hubbard Glacier, so you can enjoy incredible views no matter where you’re staying on the ship. Don’t forget that while you’re en route to other destinations, the view from the open sea remains the same no matter what side of the ship you’re on. Plus, you can view Alaska’s majestic glaciers from any of the ship’s viewing decks.

Which side is best for sunrises and sunsets?

Part of the magic of setting sail on a cruise is the sunrises and sunsets you’ll see each day of your vacation. Many travelers choose staterooms with verandas so they can sip coffee from their stateroom early in the morning, or enjoy a golden-hour cocktail as the day wanes.

Keep in mind that the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west. Once you know what direction your itinerary is sailing in, that can impact whether you stick to the starboard side or port side on your vacation.

Here’s the general advice for seeing sunrises and sunsets on a cruise:

• Headed north or west? Choose a port side stateroom for sunsets. Go with starboard for sunrises.
• Headed south or east? Go port side for sunrises and starboard for the sunset.

Choosing a higher deck tends to come with more sweeping views, while some prefer lower cabins midship for greater stability from the natural sway of the ship. Even if you prefer an interior-facing stateroom or one with a window instead, you’ll still have your pick of onboard venues to watch the days wax and wane.

Watch the sun come up from the sweeping windows of Cafe al Bacio with a cappuccino in hand. Relax on the lounge chairs of an upper-level pool deck as the sun fades. Enjoy one-of-a-kind venues on your ship, like a sunset dinner on the cantilevered Magic Carpet on Celebrity Edge , which transforms into new experiences depending on which deck it’s stationed on.

If watching the sunset every evening is on your bucket list, make sure your chosen dinner time doesn’t conflict with the hour that the sun dips below the horizon. Your daily copy of Celebrity Today will list sunset and sunrise times so you won’t miss out. You can always choose to dine in your stateroom so you get a front-row view every night.

Read: What Deck Is Best on a Cruise Ship?

What side do ships dock on?

Ships can dock on either port or starboard side, depending on the layout of the port itself, the direction you are sailing in, and individual government regulations about how cruise ships can be arranged on a pier. It’s also often at the discretion of the captain to choose how to position the ship in port.

No matter what lingo you use while you’re sailing, remember these wise words of Celebrity Edge Captain Kate McCue: “Whatever you do, don’t call it a boat.”

Now that you know a few things about the difference between starboard vs. port side, you’re ready to take the next step in your cruise vacation planning. Browse cruise itineraries on our website.

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Port Side vs Starboard on a Cruise – Which Side of the Ship is Best?

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There are many things that make cruises different than other types of vacations. For starters, you’re living on a cruise ship rather than a hotel and nautical terms are used frequently. Two important ones are starboard and port side.

In fact, when choosing a cabin location, many people wonder if the port or starboard side is better on a cruise ship. 

In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about port versus starboard on cruises, including the answers to the most common questions people have.

Port versus Starboard: Explained Simply

Since cruise ships use nautical terms or cruise lingo , here are a few things to know about the parts or directions of the ship that are used most often. While these are navigational terms, you’ll also notice that they are used by crew and guests on the cruise ship (aft pool, forward cabin, port side balcony etc.).

• Bow (front of ship)
• Forward (direction towards the bow)
• Stern (back of ship)
• Aft (direction towards the stern)
• Port (left side of ship when facing forward)
• Starboard (right side of ship when facing forward)

Read more:  The Ultimate Cruise Lingo Glossary: 85 Nautical Terms You Need to Know

Why don’t cruise ships simply use “left” and “right”?

The words port and starboard have been used in the maritime industry for many years for very practical reasons. The words left and right are subjective and as it’s dependant upon each sailors own point of view. To avoid confusion, the nautical terms, port and starboard, were adopted as these terms indicate the direction which a sailor is facing.

Port side is the left-hand side of a cruise ship when facing towards the front or bow of the ship, while Starboard is the right-hand side of the ship. These are fixed locations of the cruise ship, which are meant to avoid any confusion in particular for sailors when simply using “left” or “right”.

Origins of “Port” and “Starboard” on Ships

It’s interesting to know that the origin of the word starboard comes from the Old English words “Steor” and “Bord” . Most sailors were right handed and the right side was the steering side, which later became Starboard. The left side was the loading side, and called “Larboard”. Since it was easily confused with the word Starboard, and the left side faced the port, the term Port was adopted and those loading supplies were called porters.

Which Side of the Cruise Ship is Best? Port Versus Starboard

Is it Better to Have a Cabin on the Port or Starboard Side of the Ship?

Many people wonder if it’s better to have a cabin on the port or starboard side of the cruise ship. This won’t make a difference if you’re booked in an inside cabin . However, if you’re in an ocean view or balcony cabin , you may have a preference for one side of the ship versus the other.

When in a port of call, some people prefer to have a view facing the cruise port or city, while other people prefer the quieter view of the landscape and sea. Personally, we like the hustle and bustle of what’s going happening on land. Unfortunately, this isn’t easy to predict and can change in every cruise port.

On some itineraries, being on the starboard side or port side, may give you a more scenic view as you sail. I’ll share some tips for Alaska , Hawaii and Transatlantic itineraries, however it’s always a good idea to ask your travel agent or cruise vacation planner for specific advice.

Related:  Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid

Do Cruise Ships Always Dock Portside?

When docked, the port side of the ship is usually closest to land, while the starboard side is typically closest to open water. However, this isn’t always the case. In fact, these days, cruise ships might be docked with the starboard facing the cruise port, and vice versa.

This can be dependent on a few factors including the number ships that will also be in port, the direction that the ship is sailing in, government regulations and the discretion of the ship’s Captain.

While you can join message boards and Facebook groups to try to figure out which side the ship will most likely be docked on, we’ve noticed there are no guarantees.

How to Remember Port and Starboard Side on a Cruise

I learned this easy tip for remembering Port and Starboard on my first cruise and it always stuck with me.

PORT has 4 letters and ends with the letter T, just like the word LEFT. The word STARBOARD has an R in it, just like RIGHT.

How to Find Your Cabin: Port or Starboard

When on the cruise ship and get off the elevators, it’s easy to get disorientated and forget if you’re on the port or starboard side. Many cruise ships make this easier by using two slightly different patterns on the hallway carpets. The port side may be mainly blue with red details, for example, and the starboard side carpet may be mainly red with blue details.

Learn this quickly and it will be much easier to find your way back to your cabin.

Related:  75 Genius Cruise Hacks and Tips: Get Organized, Save Money, Cruise Better

Starboard or Port Side? Which Side is Best by Cruise Itinerary

Is one side better than the other when on the open sea? Most cruisers don’t have a strong preference between starboard and port side, as both sides of the cruise ship are equally good for most itineraries. If you’re sailing round trip to and from the same embarkation port, you’ll get an equal opportunity to see any land portions.

While there are a few itineraries where being on the port or starboard side it can make a difference in the scenic view, most cruise ships are sailing round trip and this isn’t the case.

Which Side of the Ship is Best for Cruises to Alaska?

When sailing round trip to Alaska from Seattle or Vancouver, you’ll see different parts of the coast at different times, so either starboard or port side is just fine. When scenic cruising in Glacier Bay, Endicott Arm or Dawes Glacier, the Captain will turn the ship around slowly, so you won’t miss a thing.

However, if you’re going on a Northbound or Southbound Alaska cruise, you’ll be on one side of the cruise ship the whole time. On Northbound Alaska cruises, many people prefer the Starboard side of the ship, where you’ll see the rugged coastline.

For Southbound cruises, you may want to have a Port side cabin. The view on the opposite side is the Gulf of Alaska, also peaceful and beautiful.

Something to note is that on Northbound sailings, you’ll get sunrises and morning sun on the starboard side and sunsets on the port side. On Southbound sailings you’ll get sunrises and morning sun on the port side and sunsets on the port side. While neither is better, this information may help you to decide what you prefer.

Related:   Going Whale Watching in Alaska? Here are 5 Tips You Need to Know

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Which Side of the Ship is Best for Cruises to Hawaii?

Many people wonder what side of the ship is best for Hawaii cruises, in particular the amazing port intensive 7 day Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America. While the cabins on port and starboard side will both be good, you’ll see the best view of the Napoli Coast from a port side balcony cabin.

Which side of the ship is best for Mediterranean cruises?

Most Mediterranean cruises sail at night and there isn’t much land to see, so the consensus for most cruise passengers is that the side of the ship doesn’t really matter. However, on Eastern Mediterranean cruises, you’ll likely have more sun than shade on balcony cabins.

Which Side of the Ship is Best for Transatlantic Cruises and Crossings?

Which side of the cruise ship is better for transatlantic cruises or crossings ? If you’re doing an Eastbound transatlantic sailing, for example New York to Southhampton, choose a starboard cabin for more sun than shade. Westbound crossings will get more sun on the port side of the ship.

However, many people who have done repositioning and transatlantic crossings caution that the sun’s position, and therefore how much time you’ll actually have sun on the balcony, does depend on the time of year of your sailing.

Related: Queen Mary 2 Crossing Review and Tips

Which Side of the Cruise Ship is Best for Sunrises and Sunsets?

On most itineraries which are round trip, leaving and returning to the same embarkation port, both sides of the cruise ship will be equally good for a combination of sunrises and sunsets.

However, if you are sailing a one way itinerary or simply want to check, something to note is that the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. You’ll need to look at your itinerary to know the direction you’ll be sailing. 

I admit to being a bit directionally challenged, so I always need a few specific tips. A good suggestion is to join a roll call for your specific cruise where you can discuss all things related to your cruise, and get some great advice and share information with others on your sailing.

*Ultimate Cruise Travel Planner*

Over the last year, I put together a 47 page cruise travel planner that has everything you need as you plan and get ready for your cruise.

If you could use cruise packing lists, to-do checklists, shore excursion forms and more, you’ll love the Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner .

Plus, for a limited time, it’s $10 off. Hope you enjoy!

See details here: Ultimate Cruise Planner -What’s Included

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Final Thoughts: Starboard or Port Side on a Cruise Ship

When booking and planning a cruise, it’s clear that there are many things to consider. Depending on your cruise itinerary, you may have a preference for a port side or starboard side balcony cabin.

In this post we went over some information about the nautical terms PORT and STARBOARD, how to remember them, as well as some useful information on choosing a cabin based on your itinerary. 

Please let me know if you prefer a starboard or port side cabin, and share any tips for the the best cabins for Alaska, the Caribbean and other itineraries. Your comments will surely help others!

Happy cruising!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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WOW!!! Thanks Ilana for all of the great information!!

My pleasure Donna. So glad the post was helpful!

On a recent Transatlantic cruise in September, the ship was forced to sail south from Europe to avoid two hurricanes in the Atlantic. As a result, we had to skip one port and we arrived at our final destination, Brooklyn, a day early. While many got off the ship to roam around New York, we had a starboard balcony overlooking New York harbor. We spent the afternoon watching the busy harbor activity and sipping beverages. It was the highlight of the trip.

How interesting! Thanks for sharing.

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Alaska Cruises

The breathtaking beauty of nature. the magic of disney., ports of call.

Explore quiet seaside hamlets, where gold prospectors once walked and land animals and sea-life abound

Navigate the Inside Passage to the last frontier, home to historic mining towns and stunning natural beauty.

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Helpful Tips for Sailing to Alaska on the Disney Wonder

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a reader who sailed on the Disney Wonder’s second 7-Night Alaskan cruise of 2014. In the email, he told me that he did a considerable amount of online research leading up to the cruise, but was disappointed that most of the information was either outdated, or nonexistent. As a result, Bill was kind enough to share the following tidbits that he thought would be helpful for others cruising to Alaska on the Disney Wonder from Vancouver,

Please keep in mind that the views expressed below were submitted by a reader, and are not our first hand opinions.

Arrival / Check-in at Canada Place

Do not arrive at Canada Place early. The terminal is small with only one entrance/exit. If you arrive early you will not be allowed to start any of the check-in process, and more importantly you will be in the way of ALL of the passengers from ALL of the cruise ships that are trying to get their transportation home. The check-in process begins around 10:30 and will take about one hour. The first step is luggage drop off, which takes about 2-5 minutes. Next you get in a long line to go through security & carry on bag check; this took us about 40 minutes. Third is US Customs & Immigration which takes US citizens, the line moves quickly and took about 15 minutes. Fourth step is cruise line check-in. You can check-in but they will give you a number and you will have to wait in a large waiting room until your boarding number is called. The numbers are assigned based on your pre-registration paperwork that has your check-in time.

Tracy Arm Fjord 

Disney Wonder goes to Tracy Arm Fjord on the second full day with conditions permitting. The first day at sea has very little sightseeing from the decks. The Wonder arrived at the entrance to Tracy Arm around 11 am. It is highly recommended that you attend the morning presentation in the main theatre to hear about the ice fields, glaciers, calving, animal life, where to look for animals, etc. When entering Tracy Arm you want to be on the Port side of the ship for the best viewing. Find a table and chairs and just sit back and enjoy, taking plenty of pics along the way. Around 2:30 you arrive at the glacier. The Wonder stops about 1 mile from the glacier, and will turn slightly to port, shifting the best view of the glacier from the port to the starboard side. The Wonder will come to a full stop at a 45 degree angle from the glacier. The ship sits idle for about 1 hour, so you will have plenty of time to take pics and to watch for calving. Then the ship will resume the turn to port and sail out of the fjord. During our sailing, very few people knew about the BBQ in the outdoor area of Beach Blanket buffet at lunch. Grab a plate of food and take it back to your viewing area.

I recommend signing up for the combo city tour. This way you travel on a much smaller bus, have several more stops along the way to take pics (including the famous Welcome to Alaska sign), and your smaller group will get an entire train car to themselves, so you can spread out more and likely secure a window seat. We took the bus up the mountain, and then the train down. If you are taking the train down from the summit, be sure to sit on the right side of the train for best viewing (and on the left if going up from Skagway to the summit). Cute shops to see, easy to walk the 5 block span of downtown.

The best tour is the float plane tour to the ice fields and glaciers. I was not impressed with Juneau shopping, local artist items, shopping areas. Remember this is a working city, not a tourist city so the shops are interspersed with local bars and stores.

The shopping and site seeing are set up for the cruise ships in a 3 by 5 block area. Suggestions – for art and photos for sale, go to Scanlon Galleries on Mission. Great locally owned store with stuff you won’t see in the big gift shops near the dock. Also walk 5 blocks up Mission or Mill to Creek Street. Great local shopping and great photo op of the creek and colorful shops. You can also take a tram up the hill to a local hotel, take some photos, grab lunch, and then take the easy walk down the hill (which ends at the north end of Creek Street). Fun port if you get away from the big shops along the dock. Ship arrived in port at 10:30 am, departed at 7:45 pm.

On the last day back to Vancouver – around 9:30 am you enter the inside passage where it becomes very narrow. Great opportunity to spend a couple of hours on deck looking for bald eagles, bears, whales, and porpoises. Again in the afternoon there is another narrow stretch of 2-3 hours where you can repeat the viewing. The captain will make announcements throughout the day as to when is best for viewing and when they see whales.

Fresh Seafood

If you want fresh fish, grab a meal in one of the ports.

Flight Home – Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

If you are flying out of Vancouver back to the United States, you will go through US Customs & Immigration at Vancouver airport. It was an easy 20-30 minute process. However, you cannot check-in, and then go through customs until you are within 3 hours of your flight’s departure. To pass the time, the new terminal has a few places to hang out, including a very nice and quite large food court, a couple of sit down restaurants, stores, and a viewing deck area. Once you go through customs, you can’t leave. Once you go through customs there is a sit down restaurant, and four fast food options. The best news is that there is free Wi-Fi in the airport.

Do you have any tips to add? Let us know in the comments below.

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61 Replies to “Helpful Tips for Sailing to Alaska on the Disney Wonder”

This is great info – thank you to the reader for sharing ! That’s great to know they let you know sightings. They did not on the RCCL cruise I sailed. Thank you both!

I will be on this cruise next June so this was great info. Thank you very much for sharing. Question did you go through Disney for your travel arrangements and if so how did they do? Thanks again.

We made our own travel arrangements since we spent a few days in Vancouver prior to the cruise. I highly recommend seeing Vancouver either before or after the cruise. Beautiful city!

Suggestions on what to see there?

While we booked our cruise on board the year before on the Disney Magic (10% discount and reduced deposit) and later took advantage of the generous discount for the Fairmont Waterfront through Disney, we made our own travel arrangements. It was significantly cheaper to book a flight on our own than through Disney.

One addition to “Flight Home” section: If your flight is after 8 pm (like ours) then you’ll go through US Customs & Immigration once you land in the US. The US Customs & Immigration at Vancouver Airport (YVR) closes at 8 pm.

Most shops & restaurants close early too. One sit-down restaurant, Subway, Hanami Express (closes at 9pm), and Starbucks.

Were there many young children on your cruise? I’m concerned the sight seeing and excursions may be too much for my 5 year old. Did you get a feeling the young kids on board were having a good time?

We were on this cruise last year with our (at the time) 6 year old and she had a great time. We visited a musher camp in Skagway, did whale watching in Juneau and went to see the Totem Poles and Lumberjack show in Ketchikan. She loved it all. There were lots of families on board and the kids were all having a great time.

Re arriving at the port early–be sure to check how many ships are in port your day of departure. If there are many, get there when it opens. We had 4 or 5 in port for our September departure to Hawaii on Rhapsody and many passengers waited more than 4 hours to board, many missing the muster drill.

How do you find out?

Thanks so much for this information–would love to hear tips from all who have done Alaska before. We are going next June as well with a large family group–kids of all ages. Curious what excursions everyone recommends?

This is the best!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to give us all this great information. Can’t wait for July 2015

Great info! Hoping to visit Alaska in 2 years. Thank you for the information.

Thanks for the information. We plan on going on the DCL Alaska cruise next summer (2015). Does anyone have any experience with the dog sled excursion? DW and I want to do the one on snow and not the one using a wheeled sled and on a dirt/gravel road. TIA.

We booked a helicopter flight outside of Disney through Temsco Helicopters which took us to the top of Denver Glacier where we visited a summer dog sled camp and went dog sledding on the snow. We saved quite a bit of money booking on our own. The helicopter pad in Skagway was literally right next to the docked ship. Temsco is a very reputable company, I encourage you to book early to get the time you would like as few people fit into a helicopter. We had also booked through Temsco in Skagway to take a Pilot’s Choice trip to walk on ice covered glaciers. Unfortunately due to weather this trip was cancelled. We had no problems with Temsco giving us a refund in a timely manner. We would definitely use Temsco in the future with no hesitations.

For those of you who like the Thomas Kinkade Disney Artwork … Sold on the Disney Ships and at Various Stores in Walt Disney World … We found a Thomas Kinkade Gallery in Ketchikan … 322 Dock St, Ketchikan, AK 99901 … Picked up two of the smaller pieces of artwork for $53 each inc tax … They were £120 each (+tax) on the ship …

Considering the potential for delays with flight connections (particularly international) I agree with what was said above: get to Vancouver a day or two early if you can. Not only there is plenty to see and do, but it considerably lowers the stress level.

I went to Alaska on the Wonder last year in May and I have one more suggestion for those of you going May or early June: bring a terry robe to get out of the pool! The pools are heated but it is COLD outside! 🙂

Any suggestions on what to see/do in Vancouver?

Thank you very much for sharing these excellent tips. We are going this year on the last sailing. I especially liked Ana’s tip of taking a terry robe, so smart! I have signed up for just one excursion as I am concerned about the weather and Disney does not give refunds (found out the hard way on a Mexican Riviera cruise) I wasn’t sure about the Lumberjack show … is it worth seeing? Thank you!

The Lumberjack show was enjoyable. It is a bit of a tourist activity, but worth going to see. We walked up to the show (about 1 block from the docked ship) and bought tickets on the spot. Really no need to book through Disney.

My two cents:

– Book a room with a verandah if you can. There’s a lot to see.

– Bring binoculars, at least two cameras and plenty of memory cards. We took 5,000 pictures on this trip (really).

– In Vancouver do arrive a day or two early and if you can stay at a hotel close to Canada Place even better. There’s a lot to do and see in Vancouver and you won’t have to stress about missed or delayed flights. We stayed at the Fairmont Waterfront and were able to arrange having our luggage brought over the morning of the cruise, leaving us time to walk around Canada Place, take pictures of the Wonder and leisurely make our way down to check in (we arrived at 10, customs was painless, on board by 11:45). Also, treat yourself to “Fly Over Canada”. If you’ve ever experienced “Soarin” at Epcot or Disneyland you’ll love this. Also consider visiting the aquarium or Stanley Park.

– There’s actually a lot to see that first day at sea! Mountains and blue skies as far as the eye can see. Absolutely stunning.

– When you arrive at Sawyer Glacier head down to Deck 4. Great unobstructed views, very few people and photo ops with Disney characters. It’s very nearly a ‘best kept secret’ since most people will head up to decks 9 and 10.

– Try to visit Skagway on foot and visit the town.

– Whale watching in Juneau! Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau!

– Totem poles and Lumberjacks in Skagway!

Some general tips:

– The sun sets VERY late in Alaska and after dinner and shows there’s a lot of great scenery. Glaciers, waterfalls, lighthouses, mountains and (if you’re lucky) Orca’s.

– There’s an unlisted Princess Breakfast for the kids. Ask about it when you get on board because it isn’t listed and won’t be announced.

– Palo is worth the extra $25. Treat yourself!

– Be aware that there is NO Pirate Night on this cruise so if you’ve sailed with Disney before don’t be disappointed.

– If you book an excursion that involves a plane or helicopter have a backup plan just in case. Such excursions can be cancelled because of wind, rain or fog. If your excursion is cancelled they’ll give you the option of booking something else or crediting the amount of the excursion back to your account.

It was an amazing cruise and we can’t wait to do it again someday.

If there is no Pirate party do they do something instead? Just wondering

In 2015 the Freezing the Night Away was the marquee deck party on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder while sailing in Europe and Alaska.

Do people dress up for that like they do for Pirate party?

Do u recommend the later (second) dinner to have more time in port? Thanks

This ia a great article with lots of helpful tips! Thanks Scott and Bill for sharing.

Another idea that I haven’t seen written about much is a qualitative review/comparison of the four ships. There are tons of articles on other sites that compare obvious things (number of staterooms, names of restaurants, etc) but very few that help a first-time or relatively new cruiser decide which vessel to sail.

I’ve been on the Fantasy and Dream a few times, but my only time on a classic ship was on the Reimagined Magic this spring. We’re also contemplating a Wonder cruise when she’s back in Florida next spring, but having only been on new/renovated ships, I’m not sure how I’ll like the older ship. Likewise, there are people that have only sailed the classic ships that aren’t sure if they’ll like the newer ships. Just a thought.

The Wonder is a beautiful ship with a great crew. This may also be your last chance to sail aboard a ‘classic’ Disney vessel. We’re on the Dream in Deceember but are hoping to get one last chance to sail on the Wonder before she receives her make over.

Thanks, Dennis. That’s a big reason wer’re considering it. We got started with DCL- our first cruise was on the Fantasy’s third voyage, but we’ve since racked up quite a few, reaching gold on the Dream this December.

It’s hard to find anything more comparative online than “One has Lumkere’s, one has Triton’s. One has Ariel, one has Mickey, etc” At the end if the day, all the ships are awesome, but I’m curious why frequent cruisers might prefer one ship to another (my all time favorite is Fantasy).

why do you like Fantasy the best? (Honestly, I had never considered your question; I think you bring up an interesting perspective)

This post is very helpful for me and my fiancee. We will be on the Alaska cruise next August 2015 for our honeymoon. He was stationed up in Sitka (now in Los Angeles) because he is in the coast guard. He wants to show me everywhere he worked. But with these tips I will try and include some other port adventures and sightseeing while on the cruise along with him showing me the various towns on foot. The Thomas Kinkade store we will definitely be shopping in.

how was the weather? Going August 2016

so are we, the august 8th trip, driving to bc from nd

Bill, you mentioned that if you want fresh fish to eat in one of the ports, is there much seafood on the ship? Thanks, your article was very helpful:)

All decent tips, but I would add/correct some, based on my recent trip (sail date June 16, 2014). 1.) The views on the frist day are great if the weather is good, especially if you are from a totally different area (we are from Florida). 2.) You can see just as much from deck 4 as you can from the upper decks. In fact, it is a lot less crowded. 3.) If you want to enjoy the views, you don’t need to just stand outside somewhere. Lots of places all over the ship offer stunning views where you can see whales, porpoises, etc, including Palo Brunch, the treadmills and exercise bikes in the gyms, Cove Cafe (upstairs) and the Quiet Cove Pool area on deck 9. 4.) We did NOT go through customs and immigration at Vancouver for our flight to Houston (United), but instead it took forever when we arrived there. If you are transferring through Houston, alow a minimum of 4-5 hours in able to make your connecting flight. 5.) If you’re looking for good family style restaurant in Vancouver that has awesome food and decent prices, try White Spot. There was one in our hotel and we ended up eating there several times for breakfast and dinner. 6.) Mendenhall Glacier is a great economical outing in Juneau for families. Take the Disney excursion (if it rains, they’ll hand out free ponchos!) and you’ll have 2+ hours to hike the trail to the waterfalls and take lots of photos. But skip the visitor center there. When we were there it was raining and the visitor center was so crowded you couldn’t really enjoy it. 7.) The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary excursion in Ketchikan was awesome. I took the Disney excursion (Wildlfie Sanctuary, Raptors and Totems) and we actually got to ask several questions to a real totem pole carver. 8.) We skipped the train in Skagway and booked a bus only excursion to the summit that also made several photo stops along the way and stopped in the cemetery, which included a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. It was much cheaper than the train and we got to see all the same stuff.

Thanks for sharing!

Hi everyone we are going on the last cruise in Aug 2015 so wondering what the weather is like and what clothes to pack

We are going on the same cruise Janice! It’s our first cruise, so any pointers as to what to pack would be greatly appreciated!

wow !! where are you from Katie we are in Australia Queensland so travelling a bit to get to this wonderful ship but can’t wait .Are you sailing with any kids we have one girl who will be 6 she is so excited to meet all the characters (so am i) we are off to hawaii after our cruise so packing is a night mare still don’t know what to take:)

hi katie are you getting excited we are !!! have you booked any excursions yet ? we are doing the train/bus upto the yukon in Scagway through chilkoot tours really looking forward to that.

Katie and Janice, my husband and I will be on the last cruise in Aug 2015. Can’t wait

We are going summer 2016 Can’t wait We were on the dream concierge level And loved it Worried this ship is so run down…. And What is the difference of the steam or another train excursion ????

The wonder is beautiful. All disney ships are well kept. And it’s getting an update

I haven Beene on 15 disney cruises and all four ships.

We are also going during the last week of August 2015 to Alaska. 🙂 Our kids are 4 so I’m trying to decide which excursions would be suitable. All the tips are great. Thanks.

What did you end up doing? I am going June 2016 and was wondering

We ended up not pre-booking anything which is unusual for me but it all worked out. The weather was incredibly stormy and visibility was limited so I’m sort of glad we were just winging it. My 4 year olds were getting blown over anywhere we went. Ha But we enjoyed just walking ( staying upright) around Skagway, spent some time at the visitor centre which was great for kids and free. We were going to just book the train there but like I said the weather was not cooperative. We’re from Canada and are used to the weather and generally just roll with it but it was intense. We rented a car and explored Juneau and our kids caught up on much needed sleep from all the festivities on the boat. ( I underestimated this!) It was nice to get out and enjoy the serenity of it all. We then drove to Mendenhall Glacier and went at our own pace which I liked. I have heard some of the tours are rushed so ?? In Ketchikan we explored the town by foot and had some great seafood. So we went the other route and did not book excursions but still enjoyed ourselves so not sure if this helps .All the towns are walkable. Disney also provides rain ponchos when needed and hot chocolate when you get back on the boat. We were so appreciative. 🙂

Regina & Deb… We’re head to Alaska in June 2016 as well! When is your departure date? Have you decided on excursions? Our family of 6…4 adults, a 4yo & 2yo are trying to figure it out!

Deb, Because we’ll be in a foreign area (not just a totally different country, but we’re from the southwestern US…nice warm, dry desert!!)…It makes me a little nervous to wing it like you did. What suggestions do you have for us?

Thanks! Amanda

We are going on the 13th; getting ready to start booking soon. Looking at the Family Challenge, dog sledding, and fishing. But nothing is set yet. Getting lots of advice from the FB page for our cruise dates.

Our family is on the June 13th too! We are doing the train / liars like gold pan, the whale watching /science mission/ mendenhall glacier and the alleutian ballardcrab boat Disney exclusive tour with crab dinner with the crew. We’ve done the magic and fantasy to Caribbean, can’t wait for firsts for both the wonder and Alaska. The folks on last too Dcl cruises were so good to my son that he was in tears about how much he’d miss the room attendant and the waiters.

Our family (a senior citizen, 3 adults, a 6 y/o and a 1 y/o) is also scheduled for the 6.13 sailing too!!! I’m not sure what we have planned for excursions.. and I’m tempted to try and save a few $$$ and book things at the dock, rather than through Disney (plus, it gives us flexibility on our schedule)

WE re also going on the 13th of June. Fish Extenders?

We are going June 13th, 2016, what is your cruise in June? How do you sign up for fish extenders? Marybeth, aka Nana

The FE group I’m in is closed so I’m not able to help you on that sorry.

Hi. We are going in August. Any suggestions on what time to book our flight out of Vancouver to East Coast? I can’t seem to find any information about deboarding.

Just booked today for August 1,2016 sailing. We are staying an addict night at the Fairmont in the airport and flying out at 6am on Tuesday the 9th because we don’t want to wait in the airport all day.

I would not do it before noon, I’ve heard that it can take up to an hour to get there after getting off the ship. So it’s recommended to not fly out out before noon.

Regarding Tracy Arm, we went in 2014 as well (in June), but Tracy Arm was blocked by a large ice floe. They had a red buoy there meaning it was closed. The Captain was able to get permission to go up Endicott Arm instead, which looked very much like the videos I’ve seen of Tracy Arm, and there was a giant glacier at the end as well. We still saw tons of harbor seals, eagles, ice floes, and the glacier at the end, but everything was just delayed about an hour or so.

Great info everyone! We leave may 30. So excited. Is there much seafood onboard?? Thanks

what disney cruise are you on marie

We are booking excursions tomorrow for July Alaska cruise Can’t wait!!! I’m bringing my parents for their first cruise. What kind of outfits do you see at dinner for my boys and my parents and myself?

Sailing June 2017 with my husband, 11, 7 and 6 year old. Any updates about excursions anyone wants to add?

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The Brand New Alaska Cruise Port You Need to Know About

A laska has a new cruise port! Located on the Pacific side of Prince of Wales Island, Port Klawock is the latest addition to Alaska’s cruise port circuit. This new port is approximately a 4-hour ferry ride from Ketchikan’s well-known cruise port, a popular destination for Alaskan cruises. The village of Klawock is one of Alaska’s Native Tlingit villages and has a population of around 700 people.

Port Klawock’s First Cruise Ship

Alaska’s newest cruise port officially launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, May 6th, when Seabourn Odyssey arrived. Despite being touted as the newest cruise port in Alaska, it has actually been serving as a port for small Alaskan Dream cruises, which specialize in small expedition-style trips. While it’s new for mainstream, popular cruise lines, it’s not entirely new to the industry.

Port Klawock’s Luxury Cruise Line Up 

Throughout the rest of 2024, Port Klawock will welcome five more ships, all of which are smaller luxury cruise ships. These will include cruise ships from Seabourn, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas. The new port is equipped with a floating tender dock, a welcome center, souvenir stores, and a shore excursions dispatch.

This is a welcome addition to Alaska’s cruise industry since some ports in Alaska are facing massive tourist congestion. Due to the mounting pressure from local residents, Juneau cruise port authorities have decided to limit the number of cruise ships per day. If you’re going to Alaska, check out this article: Alaska Cruise Mistakes to Avoid

Check out these free cruise printables

Alaska cruise packing list

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The post The Brand New Alaska Cruise Port You Need to Know About appeared first on Suburbs 101 .

Port or Starboard on Alaska cruise?

By emmtee , September 10, 2010 in Alaska

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I remember seeing a comment somewhere about one side of the ship having better views on a cruise to Alaska. Now, I can't find the comment anywhere. We're doing the Inside Passage cruise aboard the Sapphire next July. Does anyone here have any suggestions?

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SeattleCruiselover

Reasonably extensive discussion of exactly that:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1261438

Budget Queen

Essentially, it does not matter, UNLESS you plan on ONLY viewing Glacier Bay and/or College Fjords from your cabin, then you are best with a port side, so that the commentary matches up with the glaciers. Otherwise, you are going to miss 50% no matter what side you are on. :)

If doing a 7 day return then it really doesn't matter what you miss going up you will see going down. Otherwise it is starboard going up and port southbound. Which ever glaciers you visit you will want to be out on deck or you will miss a great deal.

gordandmichele

If you are on the NCL Star, I would recommend starboard. The ports and shorelines are always on the starboard side going north, and so are the mountains near Haines on the way south. The only thing you miss is the final approach to Seattle.

klingoncruiser

No real advantage. There have been many questions over the years about this. I know I obsessed about it my first trip 18 years ago. I found I spent so much time on deck it did not matter. I no longer worry about it at all. Pick a room based on access to the upper decks or to the food or whatever you really feel is best for you. (I always choose a forward upper deck that I can get up to the front quickly to keep my usual unending watch for "critters". :D

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Nude cruise and a Taylor Swift cruise: 8 themed ships leaving Florida ports in 2024 and 2025

From swinging to Swifties, there's truly a themed cruise for everything nowadays.

Seasoned cruisers know you can take your travel up a level by boarding a themed cruise, exploring the seas with those with the same passions and interests as you.

Whether you adore the cheesy Christmas movies that come out every year or you're a hip-hop fanatic, here are some of the top-themed cruises sailing out of Florida over the next year.

Big Nude Boat

The " Big Nude Boat " cruise is an 11-day adventure set for 2025 on the Norwegian Pearl, departing from the Port of Miami on Feb. 3 and returns to the same port on Feb. 14 (just in time for Valentine's Day).

"Bare Necessities’ newest nude cruise is a private island double-dip with a brand new travel partner," the company wrote on its website .

The itinerary includes stops at the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia. Rates for an inside cabin start at $2,000 per person and go to up to $33,000 for a top room.

Guests are encouraged to park their bare behinds on towels provided on board in areas including the pool deck and the buffet area, according to the website.

"Passengers can easily follow our rule on nudist etiquette by always placing a towel down before sitting," it reads. "Remember to pack a swimsuit; not all excursions are clothing optional."

In My Cruise Era

The “ In My Cruise Era … ” is a  Taylor Swift-themed cruise  that is set to launch from Port of Miami on Oct. 21,

The cruise, on a Royal Caribbean ship, leaves for the Bahamas the day after Swift's final show of her three-day stop in Miami. According to the website, the cruise fare includes stateroom accommodations, dinner in the main dining room nightly as well as additional buffet and a la carte options around the ship. It also includes entertainment.

All aboard the Taylor Swift ship! Popstar-themed cruise sets sail in Florida next year

"This cruise is for all fans, so bring your besties, your moms and dads, your baby fans, and if you need someone to room with, post on our page and ask," the organizers wrote on the  website .

The itinerary, though not finalized and "subject to change," includes:

• " We can’t make any promises now can we babe, but you can make me a drink " Welcome Cocktail Party
• " Make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it " Friendship Bracelet Swapping
• " I don't wanna dance if I'm not dancing with you " ThemedDance Party
• " Heartbreak is the national anthem, we sing it proudly " Themed Karaoke
• " Can I ask you a question? " Taylor Trivia
• "Lately she’s been dressing for revenge " Nightly eras outfit themes

Halloween on the High Seas on the Disney Cruise Line

Looking for a more family-friendly option? The Disney Cruise line has you covered.

The Disney Cruise Line will offer its " Halloween on the High Seas " cruises in September and October. Patrons can choose from sailings ranging from 3-7 days, most of which travel to the Bahamas or the Caribbean islands. The Halloween-themed cruise is offered on four of the Disney cruise ships, including the Disney Magic, Disney Wish, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

While on board the Halloween on the High Seas cruise, AAA writes guests will enjoy magical, spooktacular entertainment every day, such as:

• Meet and greets with your favorite Disney characters, all decked out in their own Halloween costumes.
• Halloween parties with Mickey, Minnie and the whole gang.
• Ghoulish menus at every meal.

Hallmark Christmas Cruise

In case Halloween isn't your preferred holiday to spend on the seas, why not pretend you're in your own made-for-TV Christmas movie?

The Hallmark Channel, holiday season film factory, will host a Christmas Cruise that will embark on a four-night sailing on Nov. 5 from Miami. According to USA Today, passengers will be able to experience holiday cheer on the high seas, complete with cookie making, “carol-oke,” photo ops with network stars, and an exclusive movie premiere of one of the famed Countdown to Christmas films.

The Christmas cruise will take place aboard the Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship, a 965-foot Jewel-class ship.

The company announced that the cruise has already sold out, sharing to USA TODAY via email last year: "Christmas cheer filled every tier, and now the first ever Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise is SOLD OUT."

Rock the Bells Cruise

Hip Hop Hooray! The Rock the Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience is a four-day jam session founded by LL Cool J back in 2023. After seeing major success last year, the cruise is returning for 2024.

MCs, DJs, and producers will lead nonstop parties and live performances on the Norwegian Gem from Nov. 13 through 17. The cruise leaves from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau.

Some of the acts lined up for the cruise include Busta Rhymes, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Method Man & Redman, Scarface, Kid Capri and more.

Comic-Con: The Cruise

Get ready to join the CCU (Cruise Cinematic Universe). San Diego Comic-Con and Entertainment Cruise Productions have team up for Comic-Con: The Cruise . It will run from Feb. 5 through 9 of 2025.

Sailing on Royal Caribbean's  Serenade of the Seas  from Tampa to Cozumel, participants will interact with Comic-Con icons and attend nonstop activities on board, such as cosplay events, trivia, parties and more

Some of the stars who are slated to be on board include:

• George Takei
• Robb Pearlman
• Mary McDonnell

Star Trek - The Cruise

Live long and prosper! Trekkies can geek out with one another on best cruise experience in the galaxy, according to U.S. News .

Sailing on Royal Caribbean International's Explorer of the Seas, the Star Trek cruise will sail from Miami on Feb. 23-through March 2 of 2025. Passengers will head to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Belize.

"Each night of the cruise celebrates a different dimension of the Star Trek experience and, since the cruise's debut in 2017, guests have knocked it out of the park with show-stopping costumes," U.S. News writes.

Norwegian: Ultimate Disco Cruise

Dig out those old bell-bottom pants and practice your dance moves while you have time!

Norwegian Cruise Line Ultimate Disco Cruise leaves from Miami on Feb. 19 through 24, 2025. During this groovy cruise, you will travel aboard the Norwegian Pearl to ports of call such as Cozumel and Costa Maya. Awhile attending the hottest disco parties along the high seas.

AAA notes these are some of the performers and guests that are going to be on board alongside you:

• Kool & The Gang
• Original Stone City Band
• The Spinners
• Shalamar featuring Howard Hewett, Carolyn Griffey and Jeffrey Daniel

When is the best time to cruise?

Here are AAA’s trend forecasts for the best times to cruise in 2024, according to the kind of cruise you choose:

• The Caribbean  is popular year-round, but spring and summer are the most popular sailing times. 
• Alaska cruise  season runs from May to September. Because this is an abbreviated period, there’s more competition for availability.  
• Weekend cruises  have gained popularity in recent years. Weekend warriors have realized the value an all-inclusive cruise compared to a weekend getaway in a big city resort. Cruise lines have recognized this growing trend and are making weekend cruises more of a priority in 2024, by mobilizing some of their newest ships to accessible ports for weekend excursions. 
• European river cruising  is now operational year-round. Because European travel is most popular during the summer, travelers can avoid the crowds and find lower priced cruises and airfares in the early and later parts of the year.