Can cruise ships request a specify docking orientation?

[Rob Lightbody]

In general, can a cruise ship specify how it would like to dock?  I.e. port or starboard against the quayside?

[Rod]

As far as I am aware, they can ask. But not guaranteed. Most ships are mirror built, so they have the same stuff starboard as they do port. But some request a certain side to for ease of departure.

[Rob Lightbody]

As far as I am aware, they can ask. But not guaranteed. Most ships are mirror built, so they have the same stuff starboard as they do port. But some request a certain side to for ease of departure.

Thanks Rod.

The reason I ask, is because on the Silver Dawn that I was just on, the design has all the outdoor space with views at the back (1 x dining space, 1 x cafe/bar and 1 x bar/nightclub) - it reminded me of QE2 which also had the best outdoor spaces at the back.  In a couple of ports last week, the stern of the ship was positioned with the best view of whatever port we were in, and I was wondering if it was by design, or a coincidence.