Panama Sea to Sea Starboard or Port

[jimlouisesophie]

We are on the Coral in November sailing from San Francisco and have chosen the port side on our balcony in order to see the mainland while coming into port.  Our travel agent said that 99% of the time the starboard side will anchor where the passengers get off.  Would like to hear comments.

[riffatsea]

I don't think that your travel agent knows much!

First of all in some cases you come in straight so you can see land from both sides.

We are usually on the port side and see everything! Don't worry!! You will probably move around the ship a bit and you'll be just fine!

 

[crystalspin]

Your balcony will be in the sun in the canal (esp. Pacific to Lake Gatun). Google a map; it's anti-intuitive. The isthmus of Panama is very contorted. We had a starboard balcony sailing from FLL to LAX; we could not use it in the canal!

 

A hundred people will tell you to move around the ship not to worry about your balcony. It was our first balcony and darn but we wanted to use it. You miss half the views, but when you are moving around the ship, in an elevator or stairwell, you are missing 100% of the view.

 

Also there were almost no views of land and what were, were far-off.

Edited July 13, 2019 by crystalspin

[Essiesmom]

Looking at your itinerary, the only port where a portside cabin might benefit your view is Cartagena.  But you come into a bay - there is not land on just one side.  Cabo is a tender port.  Have not been to San Juan del Sur.  Puntarenas is a barrier island and you dock with bow or stern facing the port, with a long walk to get ashore.  Panama City is Fuerte Amador, and you tender.  

[skynight]

Are you speaking about the Panama Canal Transit? If so it is better to view the transit from the upper open decks and/or from one of the viewing areas on decks 11 and 12. It is better to be able to walk around to get 360 degree views. Actually a port side balcony will be in the shade when transiting the canal. Your ship will travel from southeast to northwest. The morning sun will be on the starboard side. There will be narration through the ship's speaker system. If you stay in your cabin be sure to tune the TV to the station indicated for the narration. 

As far as other ports go I have never seen any real benefit port or starboard. 

[d9704011]

Take the port side cabin for a more interesting view of Cartagena (as per Essiesmom).  Otherwise, there is no great difference.