I realize nobody has asked recently, but I found a good map to illustrate that, at least in Southeast Alaska, it makes no difference which side of the ship you are on--port or starboard:

That is a good map. Now I want to run down to the TA and book the Alaskan Cruise we have not booked yet.
My wife spend most of our last cruise in the Crow's Nest on the Zaandam. The best views on the ship!!