Alaska: Port or Starboard Preference?

[Racer X]

I know the ship takes pretty much the same course to and from, but just curious if anyone has a recommendation on Port or Starboard side. TIA.

 

[cruisingwithcarrie]

We had a port-side cabin and I was perfectly happy. The ship does dock on starboard side, so if you like to people watch at the port from your cabin, that might influence your choice. I honestly think it doesn't matter much otherwise.

 

[sc426]

We had a verandah room on the starboard side. My husband is in the coast guard and he said that the vibrations from the engine were felt less on the starboard side them the port side. But whatever side you choose, you will love. If you do not see it going out to Alaska, then you will see it on your way back from Alaska.

 

[lorimay]

I don't remember which side we were on, but I was so happy that at Tracy Arm, the Captain got us so close and then did a complete 180 of the ship, so everyone got an amazing view.

The views throughout the entire cruise are amazing.
Have a wonderful time

 

[GeorgeY]

On our Alaskan cruise we had port balcony stateroom 6134 and my sister had the exact same room on starboard side 6634. The only time I think they had a better view was when docked in Vancouver, as it was cool to see the people at Canada place and the dock workers loading the ship. In Ketchikan our side was facing the city, which was nice. Other than that, we went back and forth pretty much equally to see things.

 

[xlxo]

I vote port side....

• my 2013 trip, port side got 3x times the Sawyer exposure
• beautiful views of Ketchikan
• privacy in Vancouver. Wonder docks on the starboard side in Vancouver or major ports. The elevated public walkway is just 15 feet from your cabin.... you lack privacy as they take pictures. Please keep your curtains closed.

 

[anricat]

We had a verandah room on the starboard side. My husband is in the coast guard and he said that the vibrations from the engine were felt less on the starboard side them the port side. But whatever side you choose, you will love. If you do not see it going out to Alaska, then you will see it on your way back from Alaska.

This is the first I've ever heard of this. Are the engines more situated on one side of the ship vs. the other?

 

[Racer X]

Thanks very much for the replies

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I have also read through the years it really doesn't matter as much for Alaska. In 2013 we had port and this year we are doing starboard (deliberately so I can "test" the difference). I do agree it was cool in Ketchikan to be facing the dock and town and in Juneau we were facing away from the dock and the view wasn't amazing, but it did provide a prettier view than the dock/industrial side. For most of Alaska in the ports we'll be IN the ports doing excursions so not a huge deal for us and since the ship does a full 360 at Tracy Arm and goes in facing one direction, then obviously the other side reverses on the way out - it's really pretty equal. It truly is amazing!

Heather

 

[sc426]

This is the first I've ever heard of this. Are the engines more situated on one side of the ship vs. the other?

Not really. They are centrally located on the ship. It was more of where the vibrations were felt. One side as apposed to the other.

 

[anricat]

Not really. They are centrally located on the ship. It was more of where the vibrations were felt. One side as apposed to the other.

But what would be the technical reason behind them being felt more on one side if they are central? And is this the case in all 4 ships or just a certain class? Or was he speaking more generally about ships in general? But then, if that's the case, how would that even work?

 

[xlxo]

Do ships have more than one engine? Could they be running one engine while giving the second engine a rest?

https://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20130215060337AAUG1KW

 

[anricat]

Maybe we need @Tonka's Skipper or @truck1 to chime in?

 

[truck1]

Dcl ships have 5 main engines and 2 electric drive motors. (Not counting the 5 thrusters) The 5 mains basically basically generate all of the electric power the ship needs for a cruise. There's a computer that dictates how much power the ship is using vs how many engines are running and need to be running. Some times all 5 are running sometimes it's 3 or less. Depends on the power load. When the mains are running, they are connected directly to a generator which creates the power. That power goes thru a power distribution box, (kind of like a big circuit breaker) which then sends it on computer command, thru the ship.

The 2 electric drive motors, are connected directly to the prop shafts, which turn the props to make the ship go. Typically both are running at any given time the ship is at sea, while the mains are alternated between the power load needs of the ship and scheduled maint. At any given time at sea, 1 main engine is dedicated for each drive motor, with the rest going to the ships power needs, as needed.

As far as the reason that you would feel a vibration on 1 side of the ship and not the other, are numerous. Take your pick. 1 prop could have a blade out of balance. Could be the way the ship is heading vs the current. A bearing set could be wearing out. Something could be wrapped around the shaft or prop itself. The isolators on the engine or drive motor could be wearing out. Take your pick.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Dcl ships have 5 main engines and 2 electric drive motors. (Not counting the 5 thrusters) The 5 mains basically basically generate all of the electric power the ship needs for a cruise. There's a computer that dictates how much power the ship is using vs how many engines are running and need to be running. Some times all 5 are running sometimes it's 3 or less. Depends on the power load. When the mains are running, they are connected directly to a generator which creates the power. That power goes thru a power distribution box, (kind of like a big circuit breaker) which then sends it on computer command, thru the ship.

The 2 electric drive motors, are connected directly to the prop shafts, which turn the props to make the ship go. Typically both are running at any given time the ship is at sea, while the mains are alternated between the power load needs of the ship and scheduled maint. At any given time at sea, 1 main engine is dedicated for each drive motor, with the rest going to the ships power needs, as needed.

As far as the reason that you would feel a vibration on 1 side of the ship and not the other, are numerous. Take your pick. 1 prop could have a blade out of balance. Could be the way the ship is heading vs the current. A bearing set could be wearing out. Something could be wrapped around the shaft or prop itself. The isolators on the engine or drive motor could be wearing out. Take your pick.

Thank you for such detailed information.

 

[anricat]

Agreed! That was really interesting. So basically, it sounds like one cannot really say that one side of the ship is "better" than the other in terms of vibration unless there's something unusual going on.

 

[bumbershoot]

privacy in Vancouver. Wonder docks on the starboard side in Vancouver or major ports. The elevated public walkway is just 15 feet from your cabin.... you lack privacy as they take pictures. Please keep your curtains closed.

I have taken pictures of the ship in Vancouver, and you cannot see into a cabin with balcony doors closed. With the doors open you can see someone the first few steps and then they are invisible.

I wouldn't have been taking pictures if I could have seen into the cabin.

No what you CAN see is people blatantly ignoring the muster sirens until the bitter end...

 

[truck1]

Agreed! That was really interesting. So basically, it sounds like one cannot really say that one side of the ship is "better" than the other in terms of vibration unless there's something unusual going on.

Thank you for such detailed information.

Your Welcome. DCLs set up is typical of most ships, with the exception of some ships today that use azipods instead.

But yes, unless there is something physically wrong with the drive motors, or bearings or props, there is no advantage over 1 side of the ship or the other in regard to vibrations. Another time you will hear/feel vibrations is if you happen to have a cabin directly over the thruster tunnels, and you will hear them. I know from experience on the Magic. but those are short lived and you only notice it coming from or to the pier.