I am booking an Alaskan cruise on the NCL Pearl. Wherer is the best place to be on deck to see the glaciers?

Question

I have been told you need to stake out your spot on deck ahead of time as the ship enters the glaciers. Any advise on where and what to do would be appreciated.

Answer 1

My wife and I just got back from an Alaskan Cruise through the inside passage. It was breath taking. We found the best view of the glaciers from the ship was when we were on our own balcony. We took a float plane over a few of the glaciers from Juneau - words can't describe how incredible this was. Highly recommend. We got VERY lucky with weather. We were in T-shirts in some stops. Have Fun

Answer 2

In general you need to get up as high as you can on the top deck of the ship.  What you see will depend on several things, now just where you are.  On some voyages the ice bergs that have fallen off the glaciers may prevent the ship from maneuvering as close as would otherwise be possible.  The going will be slow so that the ship does not hit any of these, or they do not get caught in its propellers.  Also, the ship will generally cruise as close as possible to the glaciers and then reverse its course.  So if you are on one side going in, you may be on the away side going out.

When we went a few years ago we were able to get  a great view from our cabin's balcony.  When you are in close proximity to the glaciers it is cold; I mean like coat and hat and gloves cold.  So being on our balcony was great as we could just duck in for a few minutes to warm up and have some hot tea/coffee.  Because it is cold, many people will go up to the enclosed lounges that offer a view.  You see the same things but may not get as clear a photograph through the window.

Answer 3

we were on ncl pearl in the carrib on 5/17 sailing.  i believe that they said that the starboard side was best as you enter it and the port side (left side of the ship) as you fact the front has a good view as you leave.  you can call NCL, customer relations Phone [phone] during they day 9 am to 5 pm, i believe to confirm that i am giving you the correct information.  i have heard that the alaska is a nice cruise to have a balcony on it , but this costs a bit extra.  be assured that there are many places on board that you can lounge / sit and have a great view of the glaciers.  there is a big lounge in the front of the ship that is all glass that has great huge pink/ blue funky velvet kind of lounge chairs that is perfect for viewing.  have a great time.