Bow-in at San Pedro

[GoHuskies!]

Somewhere earlier on a Princess thread someone asked whether the Princess ships docked bow-in or bow-out at the cruise center at San Pedro. The point, I think, was to determine whether a starboard cabin could see people on the pier as they leave.

Here is a video from 2014 showing a ship bow-in (portside docking). Don't know whether this is a standard procedure or if it changes.

https://www.videoblocks.com/video/huge-cruise-ship-leaving-port-of-los-angeles-time-lapse-15sec-vcui9cs5likp7i32u/

[timtrek]

We have boarded at the San Pedro Cruise Terminal numerous times, mostly the Ruby, and the ship has always been bow-in on our cruises. Maybe it is easier to back out than to back in. :)

[Colo Cruiser]

I agree bow in.

[cr8tiv1]

Are you specifically looking for someone on the pier or just an observation? Every Princess ship that I have been on has been moored bow in. She backs up and pulls forward. Somehow....all of my cabins have been on the starboard side....lol....I get to watch the Vincent Thomas Bridge then Port of Call as we sail out the channel. The Angel's Gate lighthouse/marker is also on that side. So is the sunset (go figure). If you really want someone to bid you a bon voyage, have them drive to Fort McArthur or that vicinity. They will be an ear's reach of you.

[nukesubsailor]

We have sailed out of that port 4 times---Coral, Golden, Sapphire, and Ruby. Each time the ship was tied up with the port side to the pier----(ie. bow in)

[wineglass]

We have departed 3 times and arrived 4 times at San Pedro. The ship was always bow forward in front of the old cruiser

[DrivesLikeMario]

Bow-in is what you'll usually get there. We have only been stern-in one time out of about 13 times.

[tonit964]

Since the early 2000's when I was dropping/picking up my parents at San Pedro, it has always been bow in.

[polmcs]

Just got off the Ruby on Saturday. As we were in a balcony cabin on the Starborad side, I expected to see the road bridge out of the slider when I opened the curtains that morning. I was a little surprised to see the terminal instead. Looks like the captain backed it in this time. First time in 6 cruises out of San Pedro that I haven't seen it bow in.

 

The next cruise was a short 4 day coastal. Maybe they wanted a quick exit on departure to maximize the cruising time! ;) (I.E. Casino and shops time!)

[toescat]

Bow in

[cardiffman]

Rumor has it that "port" side is the loading side, that is, where the dock is. I've also heard the term "larboard" but only for comedy effect.

[satxdiver]

There are 3 piers for cruise ships in San Pedro. It will depend on the pier the ship is attached to. One the ship is "bow in" meaning the port side is adjacent to the pier. Another one at right angle to the first one and parallel with the channel the ship is tied up on the starboard side (right side of the ship). I have never been to the third pier but understand it is a little distance from the huge parking lot.