Should I Book a Port or Starboard Cabin?

It’s a question as old as cruising – port or starboard? The answer to this question is not as simple as you may hope. In fact, the benefits of port and starboard cabins depend on the cruise destination and the itinerary guests are sailing on. From the extraordinary landscapes of North America to the historic cities of Northern Europe, the best cabin selection can vary, but we’ve got all the information you need to make the right decision.

Port or Starboard: Around the World

Alaska

Many passengers prefer to book starboard accommodations when sailing northbound in Alaska but portside cabins when sailing south. This choice offers views over the North American mainland, facing Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Prince Rupert and Vancouver. 

However, if you’re sailing the Inside Passage, there is fantastic scenery on both sides of the ship. Facing away from the mainland, you’ll have views of the colonial Naikoon Provincial Park on the tip of Canada’s Graham Island. There’s also Petersburg, Alaska, which calls itself ‘Little Norway’ because of the fantastic landscape views.

Many ships will turn at glaciers when it is safe to do so, allowing passengers on both sides to get some great photos. Along with your accommodation, you’ll also find exceptional vantage points out on deck, often where most guests tend to spend their time during these itineraries.

Panama Canal

It could be argued that there’s really no better place to view the scenery of Central America’s Panama Canal than up on deck. However, many ships enter the canal in the early hours of the morning, so it’s not surprising that many passengers choose between a port or starboard cabin so that they can simply roll out of bed and admire the view.

While it’s said that which side of the canal you’ll sail on is 50/50, ships typically stick to the right where possible. This means that portside cabins will often overlook the canal and the other ships passing by, while starboard cabins will look out over land, including the cities of Panama and Colon when sailing from the east coast of the USA, and the small town of Las Cumbres when sailing from the Caribbean.

Baltics

Baltic cruises are very port-intensive, giving passengers as much time as possible to immerse themselves in the fascinating history, culture, and atmosphere these unique destinations hold. For many passengers, the real excitement of the cruise is exploring the ports of call rather than scenic cruising, with very little time to really appreciate the view from their staterooms.

One point to consider, however, is that Baltic cruises do often sail back the same way as they came from, so you’ll always have a view no matter which side of the ship you’re on.

Mediterranean

For a Mediterranean cruise, don’t be overly concerned with which side of the ship is best. Sailings from Southampton will often be a round trip, meaning you’ll have the sun on your balcony either on the outbound journey or on the return. 

For exciting destinations such as Venice and Lisbon that provide unique entrances into port, you will be able to experience incredible views no matter which side of the ship you are on. In Istanbul, for example, ships have Europe on one side and Asia on the other – a pretty spectacular attraction! Your ship will again return to where it came from, allowing you to see both.

Norwegian Fjords

When it comes to the Norwegian Fjords, the question of port or starboard really doesn’t matter! When you enter a fjord, the only way out is to go back again, and you’ll see the scenery no matter which side of the ship you’re on.

The only difference is in whether you see it in the morning when you arrive or in the evening when you’re sailing out. Again, this is a situation where the best place for viewing the scenery is out on deck, where you can see both sides of the fjord at once.

Transatlantic

The excitement of a transatlantic cruise often revolves around New York and the sailing either in or out of this incredible city. The key attraction is The Statue of Liberty, and a regular question we get is which side of the ship gets the best views of this iconic landmark.

If you’re sailing from Southampton to New York with Cunard, for example, you might find that portside accommodation sells out quickly. When sailing westbound, you’ll have a fantastic view of the Statue of Liberty as you approach the United States (if you look to the starboard side, you’ll see Brooklyn) and also experience the heat of the sun rather than the cool breezes of the Atlantic. 

Sailing eastbound back to the UK, starboard cabins sell like hotcakes. There is no doubt that the route can play a role in your choice of accommodation, but the open decks are again the best places to take in the views.

Innovative developments are constantly being made to make sailing past the Statue of Liberty even more spectacular. Look out for Royal Caribbean, for example, which has incorporated the North Star viewing pod onto some of its newer ships, which extends out over the sea and provides 360-degree views.

How to Choose the Best Cabin on a Cruise Ship

While deciding between a port or starboard cabin can be important, another decision with tangible impacts on cruise experience is which cabin to choose. The best cabin on a cruise ship can vary depending on the preferences of each individual, but here are a few things to consider:

• Cabin Furnishings: Consider what each cabin type has in terms of furniture and amenities to decide whether it is right for you. Do you need tea or coffee in the morning? Do you prefer a balcony? Are you happy with just a bed and a bathroom?
• Cabin Location: Different accommodations will be closer to different facilities throughout the ship. Especially if you’re travelling as a family, we advise looking at the deck plan of your ship to determine whether you want to be closer to the restaurant, kids’ club, pool, etc.
• Your Needs: Different parties can have unique requirements when it comes to their accommodation, so choosing the best cabin on a cruise ship can come down to whether rooms are connected for easy access or if they have suitable wheelchair accessibility. 

Discover Your Perfect Cruise Getaway with Bolsover Cruise Club

Get ready to book your next cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our Cruise Experts will be happy to assist you.