Pearl Glacier Viewing - which side is better?

[Alaska_or_bust]

We will be sailing next August on the Pearl. Which side of the ship is better for a balcony room to see the sights while sailing Glacier Bay?

[Len3]

It really doesn't matter. From your balcony, you will see one side going in and the other side going out. When you reach the glacier, the Captain will turn the ship completely around, so that everyone has a clear view.

The ship's camera crew will be on deck to take the ever popular professional photos. You're going to love everything about this experience.

[Toyz711]

sorry, it reall does matter. as the ship enters glacier national park..all views are on the port side, the ship is going slow and the park rangers will be giving a talk (broadcasts through the ship's loudspeakers on the port side and on the tv). as the ship approachs each of the glaciers and views are forward and port side. when the ship stops at the glacier, it ship will turn slowing, allowing the starboard side a view. when the ship leave, it is going faster and won't stop, plus no comments from the park rangers of what you are seeing.

you can look at my pictures (see link below) to see the stillness of the water as the ship approaches the glaciers, taken from my port balcony last sept.

[purpose]

How do the balcony cabins on the aft of the Pearl compare with those on port side for viewing? We have booked one of two balconies on the aft, deck 9, but I'm having second thoughts.

[adjournthis120]

We felt that it definitely mattered which side of the ship you were on in Glacier Bay. We had port cabins, and upon entering Glacier Bay, almost all the views were on the port side. When we arrived at Margerie Glacier, the Captain positioned the Pearl with port side facing the glacier. We did a very slow rotation and had the most fantastic views, including seeing and hearing the calving. We went up top as the ship turned and faced Margerie on the starboard side. The ship was a little further out and it definitely did not linger as long as it did when the port side was facing the glacier. So in our case, the port side was definitely the money shot.

[Toyz711]

for us, the starboard side was further out. also. plus another cruise ship had come up to get the closer position. the starboard side got a quick look (with another ship between them and the glacier) as the ship left the area. 2 ships can't be there at the same time.

[colmil]

I have been to Glacier Bay this year, not with NCL, and simply cannot understand the problem, some people, apparently,would like Alaska to revolve around them!

[jcallcut]

I cast no stones, but do offer advise. Forget the balcony and get out on deck. I have been on four Alasks cruises, and the highlight of every trip is the trip to the glaciers and to be honest, the worse the weather, the better. The glacier is the focal point, but the 360 degree view is amazing. Sitting on a balcony limits the view to probably 120 degrees at best. Standing on the deck wrapped in blankets in s slow rain with a mug of hot chocolate is an experience you will never forget. Do not cheat yourselves out of it.

 

Food for thought....