There really is no good/bad side on a ship. As Dave said, sometimes they rotate docking for painting, sometimes they rotate because of availability, sometimes because of maintenance to the docking facility, etc. Arrivals and sailaways are fantastic from your own balcony. Enjoying sunrise/sunset is fantastic from your own balcony. Just be warned, you probably won't want to go back to an inside. It's REALLY hard for me to do now. However, if it's a choice between cruising with an inside or not cruising. I'll be on the inside every time
