Baltimore cruise port

[judgen]

I am considering a cruise out of Baltimore this fall. This would be my first cruise from Baltimore and was wondering if there was a better side of the ship for the Chesapeake Bay part of the sail away? I will be in a balcony room. Thanks for your help.

[HeWhoWaits]

Initially, you'll be on the Patapsco River leaving Baltimore and neither side is "better" than the other unless a view of Fort McHenry is important to you (in which case you'll want to be on the port side). Once you get out into the Chesapeake, the ship channel is roughly the mid-point of the bay and the views in either direction are similar.

Far better during sail away from Baltimore is to be up on deck when your ship passes under the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

[Last2Know]

1 hour ago, HeWhoWaits said:

Far better during sail away from Baltimore is to be up on deck when your ship passes under the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

I agree.  We've sailed from Port of Balt several times and either side is good.  The transit through the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic and international waters takes longer than most ports.  Plan to take advantage of the onboard entertainment, dining, etc. because the casino won't be open for many hours after you set sail.

[judgen]

Thanks for the info. I usually sail from Bayonne but wanted to try Baltimore because I've read it's a beautiful cruise to the ocean. Also I can drive there in just a couple more hours than Bayonne. Will take about 6 hrs. from CNY. Don't like planes, large person and can't afford 1st class.