Which side best for cruise to Sawyer Glacier?

[Molokai-Chuck]

I am thinking of doing the NCLs "Jewel" cruise next summer in Alaska. Going up the fjord to the Sawyer Glacier, is one side of the ship better or more scenic than the other?

 

Thanks for the help and info...

 

Chuck

[sdmike]

I suggest taking the excursion. You get much closer to the glaciers on a smaller boat.

 

If you're not into that, I would say the starboard side has a longer view when we went. It came around the corner from the right side, so the starboard side had the first view. However, there was a HAL ship blocking better access, and the Jewel was not able to get closer. The HAL ship had the PORT side facing the lower glacier, so maybe that's what Jewel would do as well. I would also think that the captain would make every attempt to give a great view to both sides.

 

Here are a couple of pictures.

 

Here's how the HAL ship was sitting, with the port side towards the glacier (we are closer to the glacier on our excursion boat). The HAL ship was hitting the bergs, and it was making a horrible noise. We all commented that the captain might get in trouble for being that close

 

 

Here is how the Jewel entered the main area in front of the glacier. You can see the starboard is facing Sawyer

 

 

This is the top deck of our excursion boat. You get a lot closer than the ships

 

 

 

[sdmike]

As for overall scenery on that day, it really doesn't matter. Heading down from Juneau you will be in a channel. You'll be closer to land on the port side, but will get great views from each. In the fjord the views are stunning on both sides. Again, I suggest the excursion because they take you up to waterfalls, etc. that the ship doesn't. Here are some general pics of Tracy Arm from the excursion boat. It was a cold, overcast and rainy day

 

 

 

 

[sdmike]

ok..here's one thing that might impact your decision. The scenery on the leg out of Skagway is stunning from the starboard side. You pass Sullivan Island during the day, and it might have been the most scenic 3-4 hours of the entire vacation

 

This is from my balcony:

 

 

 

 

 

[roger001]

Wow. We've been twice and sure need to go again. And I concur. It's hard to say if one side of the ship is better than the other. Both sides see beautiful things constantly. While at the Glaciers, I go out on deck and try to view from every angle.

[Cubechick]

Thanks for all of those pics from the excursion, Mike. I can't wait to book that on our cruise next year!

[Molokai-Chuck]

Thanks for the answers....and sdmike, wow ... I just finished reading/looking at your review from last year on the Jewel. Great and beautiful it was.

I think it is going to be a starboard room for sure ...and also probably a tour on the Tracy Arm like you took.

 

Thanks again all...

 

Chuck

[sdmike]

You're welcome, Chuck. Have a great trip