Best S Class Cabin for New Zealand Viewing?

[tenmile]

I know this has been addressed before, but I have perused CC boards and can not find the information. I just booked a cruise on the Solstice sailing from Aukland to Sydney. Which side is better for viewing the NZ Fiords and the Opera House/Bridge when docking in Sydney--port or starboard? I believe I read that the ship backs into its berth in the harbor. Also, I booked a 1A cabin aft of the hump with a larger balcony on starboard side. I have read on the boards that forward views will be blocked. Have I made a mistake in booking this cabin? The only 1A cabins forward of the hump are on port side. My TA discouraged me from booking a hump cabin because of noise from connecting rooms. This is our first Celebrity cruise, so I appreciate any advice on booking the best cabin for viewing in NZ.

[BSinPNS]

Not sure it makes any difference for NZ as you sail through the fjords except Milford where you go in and do a 180 and return. We did see the overland tour return and board through the starboard tender dock. Solstice is one of the largest ships to dock in Sydney and must dock bow out. That means the starboard side gets the opera house view and the port side gets the bridge and Hyatt. Have a great time.

[tenmile]

Not sure it makes any difference for NZ as you sail through the fjords except Milford where you go in and do a 180 and return. We did see the overland tour return and board through the starboard tender dock. Solstice is one of the largest ships to dock in Sydney and must dock bow out. That means the starboard side gets the opera house view and the port side gets the bridge and Hyatt. Have a great time.

 

Thank you so much for the information. We will keep the room we have booked!

[Oz_Steve]

We just returned from the same trip. We were in 1610 (starboard) and it was excellent. I think it was the better side but do not sit on your balcony when going through the sound, get on one of the upper decks the view is incredible.

[Kartgv]

It doesn't really matter which side you're on - the scenery on both sides is similar and the ship is so close to the fjord walls that you get an excellent view from anywhere on the ship. Our ship also did a 360 turn in front of the most spectacular falls.

[mickey89]

Your visit to Milford Sound will be very much dependant on weather conditions. On many occassions the ship is unable to enter due to rough seas and / or strong winds, hope you have luck with you, many don't get the opportunity. If I did the cruise again I definitely would take the land tour from Dundedin, the scenery is outstanding.