Which side of the ship?

We often get asked which side of the ship to be on for the best view.  This is a difficult one as Itineraries are different.  The only Itinerary i can definitely say is from Southampton – New York Port Side, and from New York – Southampton would be Starboard side, this is where the acronym POSH comes from – Port out Starboard home.

For other ocean cruise Itineraries, the ship normally sails approximately 15 nautical miles from land so the view of the coast will be quite small.

Panama Canal, guests normally go on the top deck so they can walk from one side of the ship to the other and get pictures on both sides.  As you can see, normally you can see into or onto the passing vessels.

Alaska, again either side of the ship is ok.  If your Itinerary includes a glacier, i.e. Hubbard Glacier, the Captain normally pirouettes the ship 360 degrees so everyone can get a picture.

If you are in the Mediterranean it doesn’t really matter.  There are some people who think if you are on the Port side of the ship, that is the side you will dock.  This is not the case.  It really depends on the Captain and how good his reverse parking is i guess.  Oh in Venice, Venice Island is on the left side so if you wanted to see down the Grand Canal then Port side, or alternatively go on the top deck or the observation lounge.

I hope this helps a few questions with different Itineraries.