#3. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. If youre seeking unparalleled adventure in the Last Frontier and want to see one incredible sight after the next, look no further than the variety of seven-night cruises on board Brilliance of the Seas. These 7-day cruises usually spend a day in Glacier Bay or another glacier area, and two days at sea. When you book through CruiseExperts.com, you can take advantage of exclusive upgrades and our Price Advantage Alert Deals, with prices lower than if you booked direct so balcony cabins are a bit more affordable. Dont Miss: How Much Does An Alaska Cruise Cost. The Alaska cruise season typically runs from April through September. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. 7-day Alaska Cruises . Regardless, think you'd want to be on the side facing land. http://travel.webshots.com/album/570xIpXIT?start=0, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. If you are cruising north, its best to select a starboard (or right side) stateroom since the land is on that side. The days are longer than they are in the winter, and theres usually much more to do. We recently went on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas for a 7 night Alaska Glacier Cruise (departure date August 16, 2019). Norwegian Communications Center. You get to meet new friends and learn how to socialize. Adventure on the Wild Side Travel Agents, Cruises, RCI. Explore more of the family adventures that await on Quantum here. Which side of the ship is better on a river cruise? Crowds are the bane of cruisers with any type of mobility impairment, and while you cant avoid people all the time on a cruise ship, you certainly can choose a cabin in a location thats easier to navigate to or from. Eating hot dogs. Starboard Or Port Side Alaska Cruise. Is it better to be on front or back of ship? Choose one that allows you to have a complete view of whats outside the ship. You cannot visit the breathtaking glaciers of Glacier Bay by car. Typically, this is a round-trip cruise from Seattle or Vancouver, then back to the same port, with stops at three or four port towns, such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and either Sitka, Haines, or Victoria, B.C. Inland, there are dozens of places that you can visit too. Which is the best side of a cruise ship to be on? For more information please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am-5:00pm, Pacific Time. A Holland America ship sailing out of Vancouver, Recommended Reading: Mobile Al Cruise Lines, What Kind Of Cabin Is Best For An Alaska Cruise VI Podcast, How I Organize My Inside Cabin For An Alaska Cruise, ALASKA SUMMER TRAVEL What to expect during your Alaska vacation, What Is Included In Concierge Class On Celebrity Cruises, Which Is The Best Princess Cruise Ship For Alaska, What Cruise Lines Depart From Savannah Ga, Best Time Of Year To Take An Alaskan Cruise, complete guide to riding the Alaska ferry here, 15 ways cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise, Best Travel Sleep Aids: Ways to Sleep Better on Your Cruise, Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Reykjavik Iceland, Where Do The Cruise Ships Dock In Puerto Rico, Which Side Of The Ship Is Better For Alaska Cruise. Posted April 28, 2010. Adventure on the Wild Side Travel Agents, Cruises, RCI. Alaska is a beautiful and diverse state with plenty of things to see and do. June is the ideal time to cruise in Alaska. Pro tip: In Alaska, we recommend dressing in thin layers you can easily add or remove when the temperature outside changes. Posted January 31, 2016. When scenic cruising in Glacier Bay, Endicott Arm or Dawes Glacier, the Captain will turn the ship around slowly, so you wont . Although it may seem counterintuitive, if youre worried about seasickness on a cruise, book a stateroom with a window or a veranda. How Much Is a Jet Ski? Check the itinerary map and choose accordingly. Why post SPECIFICS about your question initially? The largest ships in Alaska are typically found on these routes and most major cruise lines like Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Disney. Cookie Policy - Smaller Expedition cruise ships only carry around 60100 people and tend to be less formal, with more adventurous outdoor activities. A popular spot to visit in Juneau is the Red Dog Saloon. Advertising - This question is most often asked by people who wanted to go on an Alaskan cruise. #9. Emergency Orders and Closures. Owned by Alaska Natives, Icy Strait Point offers hiking, whale watching, and a glimpse into the Tlingit people's culture. In many Alaskan ports you will find a historic or western-themed saloon. Con: Built in 2003, this ship is on the older side for Royal Caribbean, . CC Help Jenn Bargain hunters who are more flexible can often snag deals during the "Wave" booking season in January and February, when cruise bookings for all . And be aware that it would be cold out there, so you might not be able to stay long and leisurely smoke your cigarette. Theres nothing inherently better about either the port side or the starboard side of a cruise ship. As noted above, the forward and port sides see the glacier first. Home Travel Which Side Of Cruise Ship Is Best For Alaska. Silver Muse. But guess what? One instance when port versus starboard could make a difference is if youre on a cruise that generally sails in one direction, such as a one-way north or southbound Alaska cruise. - We are booked for an Alaska Cruise next spring and I was wondering if we should be on port or starboard side of the ship for the best . Theres a world of flavors on board, from classic British fish and chips and a hearty lobster roll at Fish & Ships to hand-cut steaks at American steakhouse Chops Grille. Big cruise ships and small cruise ships travel to Alaska. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. STARBOARD The right-hand side of the ship when facing forward. There is no RED PORT wine LEFT in the bottle.Jan 11, 2019. Learn more in my complete guide to riding the Alaska ferry here. Nonetheless, upper deck cabins in small ships are not for people who are susceptible tomotion sickness, as the upper cabins tend to sway and roll more than the lower deck cabins. Kansas City, MO. PROTOCOLS UPDATE: VACCINATION & TESTING NO LONGER REQUIRED FOR MOST GUESTS. During April and May, the daytime temperatures average in the high 40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit, with overnight lows in the 30s-to-40s range. Flickr Judi Knight. Anyone interested in seeing the view from both sides of the ship, together with the forward views, can take advantage of the view deck. They offer: Value. Now, you don't mention if you are doing the inside passage and if it is during the daytime hours. You could even retrace the steps of prospectors who looked for gold on the 33-mile Chilkoot Trail during the Klondike Gold Rush. Where is the least motion on a cruise ship? Grab a drink at a saloon. We have consistently been very pleased with the wonderful service on cruise ships. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. And yes to the action always happening on the side you are not. Here is a list of the cruise ships that will be operating in Alaska in 2021 - and the pros and cons of each. When we book a cabin for our clients, if any complaints or issues have been raised regarding that cabin in the past, it will immediately flag up for us to inform you, giving you the option to remain in the cabin or choose an alternative. No matter which Princess ship you pick, each offers onboard activities, signature attractions, and specialty dining options that will compliment a vacation . Alaska Cruises > Free Alaska Planning Guide > . Best Ultra-Luxury: Seabourn Cruises. Adventure on the Wild Side Travel Agents, Cruises, RCI. For the southbound itineraries I prefer the port side as there's a lot more open water to see while in the inside passage. The DCL website does not show all available cabins and tends to default to port. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. Drinking wine that isnt from Alaska. Gentle rafting and float trips are a less intense way to get outside and bond with nature in this cruise destination. Rather than paying for a partially obstructed balcony view, you can select a cabin without a balcony. Since you are going round trip, you will see the same scenery one way or the other basically from your room. And if you want to see more, there are open jaw cruises that start from one place like Seward and end in another, like Vancouver. You and your travel buddies can scope out Alaskas beauty from the North Starthe world record-holder for the highest viewing deck on a cruise ship. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Read Also: Best Time Of Year To Take An Alaskan Cruise. Re: Alaska cruise- what side of the ship? This is especially nice when leaving or arriving at a port. And as everyone says above, the ship moves around so you can see both sides of the inside passage. At the end of your action-packed days, youll be able to recharge in any way you like on board, whether thats at one of the pools and whirlpools or enjoying full-scale production shows. To see and learn even more, take an excursion offered by your ship to either Totem Bight National Historical Park or Saxman Totem Park. Enjoy Alaskas unparalleled glaciers, wildlife and more on the Royal Caribbean ship that's right for you, like Ovation of the Seas. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111770793', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise to Alaska from Seattle, Going from Seattle - Juneau - Skagway - Glacier Bay (cruising) - Ketchikan - Victoria BC - Seattle. Oct 4th, 2002, 12:17 PM. Don't Lose Your Reservation! Itineraries offered include the following: San Francisco- Juneau- Skagway- Icy Strait Point . Alaska is sometimes thought of as America's last frontier, with the state's rugged mountains covering huge amounts of land, much of it largely untouched by humans. I want to change cabins if we would have much better views if I changed to the other side. It mightmake a difference if you are sailing the inside passage only one way. Where to live/work in Alaska for the summer? Draft Itinerary for 12-day trip in August - your thoughs? Once youve taken in the views, theres plenty more at your fingertips, from surfing and simulated skydiving to rock climbing and bumper cars. August 30, 2009. We stayed in room 13132, which is a Category 5D Ocean View Balcony. 1. Take a closer look at the many places and sights you can explore withBrilliance here. Joined. (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. Its also common to experience rain and snow in these seasons. You can view the scenic spots outside the ship without needing to change clothes to go out on the deck. Why post SPECIFICS about your question initially? I am going to Alaska roundtrip from Seattle. Set sail on the journey of a lifetime on a multi-day Alaska cruise. RELATED: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries. Summer is the best time to visit for warmth, with April to June being the driest months. And the glaciers will always calve when the other side of the ship is toward them EM. Grab an Alaskan beer at a historic saloon, or try local seafood at any number of portside restaurants. During these months, the weather would not be too wet or too cold. This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. 20 Things Everyone In Alaska Should Avoid At All Costs Farmed seafood. Between these months, there is an average of zero inches of snowfall in Juneau and Anchorage. LEARN MORE. Pro: Casual ambiance on board. Quote for 1 - 4 Cabins; Group Cruise Quote; Email Share Print. In Old English, the term was bcbord (in modern German Backbord and French bbord). 2-5 day small ship explorations. The Extended Experience Radiance of the Seas. You can have a view from your balcony without having to changeclothesand be forced to stay among other spectators. With a smaller ship, you gain access to smalls ports. The left side is called port because ships with steerboards or star boards would dock at ports on the opposite side of the steerboard or star. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. If you want scenic views of land, look on a map and see where the cruise will be departing from. Well, the view deck can be cold too, but you would be in the company of other people, making it warmer and more enjoyable. But go a couple of decks down, and youre often right on top of interior entertainment decks that are home to music lounges, theaters and other noisy venues. Enjoy Alaska's unparalleled glaciers, wildlife and more on the Royal Caribbean ship that's right for you . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111781504', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruises sail both directions to the west of Vancouver Island. See stunning natural wonders, such as the Hubbard Glacier, from the comfort of a cruise ship like Brilliance of the Seas. Relish the beauty of the superb views and fresh sea air around you. The view is great either way at the glaciers as the ship will tunr around and give . In some Alaskan cruise ships, virtual views are installed on the windows of some inner cabins. For example, if Cape Horn will be on the left of your cruise as it travels out, select a port side cabin. Shore excursions cost extra, though: from $50 (attraction) to $150 (raft/boat tour) or even $500 and up (helicopter tour). Turn off the lights and you have no idea if its the middle of the night or high noon. But that's starboard on the way north and po. Cruise Ship Nurse Salary, Requirements, and Duties. These guided adventures give a deeper look at Alaskas glacial valleys, river canyons and native culture, like by viewing native woodworking traditions. . Stern of a Boat or Ship - What and Where Is It? Report inappropriate content. Bonnie Mazza. Home Travel Which Side Of The Ship Is Best For Alaska Cruise. Royal Caribbean Southbound from Seward to Vancouver. Theres a lot of ground to cover in Alaska, from its vast and rugged terrain to the many animals that call it home. What is the best cabin location for an Alaska cruise? However, if the view is obstructed from your balcony, then it would be better to do away with the balcony and go out on deck as many travelers do. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Then after returning from unforgettable shore excursions, make each night incredible with live entertainment and music or by rolling into good times at the casino. Which side of a cruise ship is better? The schedule sometimes includes a few sailings in late April or early October as well. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. This is a dream vacation for us and I want to get the most out of it. I explore topics like when is the best time to go to Ala. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Quantum of the Seas May - September 2023 Departing from Seattle, Washington . [New and Used Jet Ski Prices], Kayaking in Ohio [Best 13 Places to Kayak in Ohio], Sit-In vs Sit-On Kayak [Difference Between Sit-On-Top vs Sit-In Kayaks]. Alaska is a beautiful and diverse state with plenty of things to see and do. They are the most affordable cabins on a cruise, with basic accommodations and no windows. Light sleepers, take note: The best place to be if you want the best chance of not being bothered by noise is a cabin that is surrounded by other cabins. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Is it worth the money to get a balcony on a cruise? Since you are going round trip, you will see the same scenery one way or the other basically from your room. You can explore and shoot all angles of a scenic landscape from any vantage point of the viewing deck. Aft of the ship The back of the ship tends to be considered the next best cabin position after midships. Best Overall Cruise: Windstar Cruises. Going back to cabin selection during your Alaskan cruise ship, what would be the best cabin for you to stay? The best side of the ship is the front side - where you can see in front of you and to the sides and move freely if you see something interesting. Get answers to your questions about Alaska. Tatshenshini-Alsek River. However, if you're sailing the Inside Passage there is . Enter Ovation of the Seas. I like to be on the land side at the start of a cruise - when my senses are not yet tired from the landscapes. If possible, try to snag a cabin near an elevator so theres less distance between your cabin door and the lift. Privacy Statement - ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111310355', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Alaska cruise for next summer. I used to think it mattered until I did that cruise and realized while at sea, you are too far away to see the land. While the state is beautiful during any season, the best time to cruise Alaska is between May and September. That said, a visit in winter gives you the chance to capture fog-shrouded landscapes ideal for moody photography. Along the way, youll visit places such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. These also take up less room in your suitcase. There are only minor differences in weather by month. A forward cabin for an Alaska cruise gives the first views of where you are sailing. After that either side has scenery. Icons Captain Henrik Shares The Top Things to Do on The New Ship, Wave Season: The Best Time To Score Deals, New Years Resolutions You can Cross Off on a Cruise. Culturally curious cruisers can visit a totem park or see a performance by native Alaskans. Red is the international convention for the port side, while green is the colour for the starboard side. Sailors began calling the right side the steering side, which soon became starboard by combining two Old English words: stor (meaning steer) and bord (meaning the side of a boat). Below is a link to my Alaska photo albumn. June is actually the best month to . The upper deck cabins are typically more expensive than the lower cabins because their services and amenities are better. Ship can dock with different sides tied up to pier based ondock location, sea conditions and harbor master preferences. How much of a cruise ship is below the waterline? Cruise, Group and Corporate Travel Specialist. Explore Eat & Drink. An Alaskin cruise brings passengers alongside wildlife and glaciers with panoramic views from the ship's deck. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. You will feel any sway of the ship less in this section. Even if you choose a balconied stateroom, choose the lowest level and the most midship one you can find. Related: Best Travel Sleep Aids: Ways to Sleep Better on Your Cruise. Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining. Best New Ship: Princess Cruises. Although nights can get freezingly cold, you'll spend evenings on board your warm and cozy cruise ship. Which side of a ship usually faces the dock? Theyre sometimes described as cruises for people who dont like the idea of cruises. To get more of a glimpse of Alaska culture and lifestyle, get tickets to a lumberjack show, attend a salmon bake, or go on a crab fishing tour. Anyway, you could have an excellent view from any part of the ships deck, or could simply go to the viewing deck and bask in the beauty of the whole scenery. Weather. Dont Miss: Panama Canal Cruise Small Ships. Pre-Cruise; Getting To The Ship; Activities; Ship Safety; About Us; CONTACT US. The port side (left) offers a better view on the return leg as you will see the mainland during day light hours. The best way to experience Alaska is with Norwegian. Katmai National Park and Preserve. There are several you can see downtown, including at the entrance to Creek Street, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center and the Totem Heritage Center. This is the best Alaska cruise port for shopping, with delightful Creek Street and the streets surrounding it offering up more local art and gifts than many other ports . Wrangell St. Snacking on chips from the lower 48. Is it better to be on front or back of ship? Looking to reach new heights? I am on the right side of the ship if you are looking at a diagram of the ship with the front of the ship pointing to the top of the page . There are many different cruise lines that offer trips to Alaska, and each one offers a variety of amenities and options. Based on the route, the best side of the cruise ship to be on will either be port or starboard. Alaska's Inside Passage is a water route between the Gulf of Alaska and Puget Sound. Why would booking this type of cruise room be a good idea? Most people may prefer the viewing deck rather than watching from their balconies, as they can witness the whole scene without interruption. On these itineraries, choose a port side cabin to see sunsets if youre sailing north or west, or to see sunrise if youre sailing south or east. Even if you choose a balconied stateroom, choose the lowest level and the most midship one you can find. The view is great either way at the glaciers as the ship will tunr around and give both sides equal opportunities. Reserve your dining now. BOOKING PERIOD: 3/2/2023 - 3/6/2023 . To some, this sense of timelessness is disconcerting. However, if you're skimping, any area in the cruise ship's deck could offer a great view of the points of interest during an Alaskan . Take a look at a map. Ship can dock with different sides tied up to pier based on dock location, sea conditions and . What is the best month to see the northern lights in Alaska? When youre in the open ocean, the view is pretty much the same, and when docked, a ship can tie up on either side, so one side does not consistently have better views in port. The Family Vacation Quantum of the Seas. Kenai Peninsula - 20 year anniversary trip. In the summer months, temperatures generally range from the 60s to the 80s. In Old English, the term was bcbord (in modern German Backbord and French bbord). One room in the block of veranda rooms isn't open and one of the inside rooms in a block isn't open. Draft Itinerary for 12-day trip in August - your thoughs? Conventional wisdom for Alaska cruises is to book a year in advanceparticularly for travelers who want the best selection of sailing dates and cabins during the June/July peak season. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Cruise ships have narrow and wide bottom surfaces. Many Alaskan cruise ships can provide modern amenities and features that can turn your trip into acomfortable, convenient, and enjoyable journey at the right cost. If a vessel is aiming to cross your path and theyre on your starboard or right side, they have the right of way. Powered by Invision Community. Feb 14, 2012. Round-trip Seattle doesn't matter - The first and last days are sea days where the ship is far enough from land that it's hazy at best. In our experience, prepaying gratuities does not negatively affect the service onboard. On the flip side, you avoid the up-charges and scrambles to secure reservations that go along with additional onboard restaurant options. Pro tip: Look out for one of Royal Caribbeans many GTSC-certifiedmeaning sustainably operatedexcursions, like whale watching. Read on for a breakdown of the four ships you can choose from to explore the Last Frontier. California. Report inappropriate content. Answer (1 of 16): We sailed in August 2019 from Seattle to Glacier Bay and back. Karina35. First, in general you'd want to be on the east side of the ship if you want to see land the most often. But if youre 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. Matanuska Glacier. When looking forward, toward the bow of a ship, port and starboard refer to the left and right sides, respectively. the right ship and itinerary for you. The days are longer than they are in the winter, and theres usually much more to do. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. If you have an excellent cabin view, then its worth it. This system is regularly maintained and set to automatically advise our clients, so you see there really is nothing to worry about! These establishments can be a great place to eat and drink after a shore excursion or relax in before heading back to the ship. Alaskas cruise ports provide plenty of shopping opportunities for souvenirs and locally made crafts. What is it called when a ship comes into port? 7-10 days is the most common. Its also more expensive than people expect and there are lots of hidden costs, such as getting a small cabin and eating in the cafeteria. And lastly, another couple of remembering tricks you could use this when trying to recall which side port or starboard is on: StaRboaRd is RIGHT. it has 2 letter Rs in it. 1. So if youre looking for a luxurious experience with all the bells and whistles, these might be the best option for youbut they come at a premium price tag. You can catch waves on the FlowRider surf simulator or get active at SeaPlexthe largest indoor activity space at seawith bumper cars, roller skating and basketball, to name a few. The right side if south to north. Inside cabins are dark. 37. On sailing ships, the helmsman would steer the craft from the quarterdeck, immediately in front of the poop deck. The question many want to know before booking an Alaskan cruise is which side of it is best? In case youre interested in having this feature, you may want to inquire before booking your stateroom or cabin. Each ship offers a variety of seven-night cruises that start in cities like Seattle; Vancouver, Canada; and Seward, Alaska, and whats in store are experiences in charming villages like Ketchikan and the urban-meets-outdoorsy city of Anchorage, and sights at sea like Endicott Arm and Hubbard Glacier. Royal Caribbean | Alaska's Boldest Adventure 2023. We've found that we usually do the inside passage on the way up and that seems to have the best viewing in my opinion. The only time we were really glad to be on the Port side was at Tracy Arm. Which side of the ship has a better view on the 7 day inside passage cruise starting/ending at Seattle? Have your pick of four epic Royal Caribbean ships headed to the 49th U.S. state: Returning favorites Ovation, Quantumand Radianceof the Seas will be joined byBrilliance of the Seas. Posted December 20, 2020. It is a common route for cruise ships that depart from Seattle or Vancouver, and offers stops along Alaska's panhandle. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so its essential to come prepared for all conditions. Why KEEP ALL QUESTIONS in 1 original thread? Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite. Camping without a view. Spacious cabins in the upper deck areas are more expensive too. The 186-passenger ship sails on 12 and 13-day cruises through Alaska's Inside Passage, from Vancouver to Sitka or vice versa. Bring history books to life when you tour Skagway, the former gateway to the gold rush, and visit Gold Dredge 8 in Fairbanks to learn even more about mining. Hello, planning (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Discover the 6 top Alaska cruise tips that you need to know to make the most of your Alaskan cruise. 7-Night Alaska Glacier Cruise. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Its often cold in the balcony, and you may not be able to stay there for long. On the sailing from Seward to your first port there is more to see on the port side. Cruises range from 10 to 14 days.Passengers can choose to leave from San Francisco or Los Angeles. Sailors began calling the right side the steering side, which soon became starboard by combining two Old English words: stor (meaning steer) and bord (meaning the side of a boat). 7-Night Alaska Glacier Cruise. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111310732', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Seward to your first port there is more to see on the port side. It can take some studying of deck plans, but as seasoned cruisers know, its worth holding out for a cabin that is far away from anything else that could keep you up at night. Sightseeing. You will have great views from either side.We enjoyed the portside for our North Bound Radiance (#1050)..great sailout views of Stanley Park and under LionsGate Bridge.And perhaps lucky, but we ended up with the better dockside views when in our ports . Companies like National Geographic, Silversea and UnCruises small ships can access narrow fjords and small islands, get up close to wildlife, glaciers and waterfalls, and are also more flexible in their itineraries in case of bad weather. What is the best month to go to Alaska on a cruise? So, take that huge leap now, and go on that Alaskan cruise that you have been dreaming of. Thank you, everyone, for your experiences regarding cabin location. You want to look at which way you are sailing. In truth, you will have a pretty similar experience regardless of the side of the ship on which your cabin is located. One of the best things about Ketchikan is its impressive number of totem poles. Balcony cabins are great for giving you that much needed bit of personal space when youre both in the room.