Going through the Panama Canal from West to East, which side of the ship is better for cabin location Starboard or Port or does it make much difference?

I don't think it matters. But I prefer the outside!

It depends on which locks you are going through, the one on the left or the one on the right. You want to be facing the middle where you can watch the mules that open and close the locks. The other side is basicly senic. When we did it they opened the decks normally closed to passengers. Best place to see everything is on the bow (front) of the ship. You can get a chair and put next to railing if you want. From here you can watch the dramatic water levels and watch the mules. There will be a lot of ships waiting to go through but we were told cruise ships take all priority.
On other hand, if you aren't going all the way through, just in to Lake Gatun, it again depends on which lock you go through! If its the same one you came in on then you'll see the other side of the lock!

Thanks. We'll be returning to Ft. Lauderdale from South America on a cruise.

In August, we went through the canals from West to East, and enjoyed the starboard side where we were able to see the locals wave to us, and later watch ourselves on the PanCam (the Panama Canal's webcam).

Woody

Here's a trivia note to remember when you go on your cruise newyorkgolfer. You actually will not be traveling from West to East (even though I know what you mean when you describe it like this).

Due to the S-shape of the Isthmus of Panama, the canal actually runs from south-east, at the Pacific end, to north-west at the Atlantic.

To avoid confusion, the canal authorities classify transits of the canal as northbound, meaning from Pacific to Atlantic, or southbound meaning Atlantic to Pacific.

Dont change the way you described it, its the way most people think of the passage (East to West), but if you want to stump some of your fellow passengers, use this bit of trivia on them.

In answer to your original question, either side is fine. We like to get a cabin with a balcony at the rear of the ship and see everything. This will however give you more up-and-down motion to the ship when in open seas.

Enjoy your cruise!

Hold is correct about the S-shape. I did a double take the first time I saw it on a map before our cruise. A good bit of trivia, indeed!

Interesting info! Thanks guys.