Port Day? You Don’t Have to Get Off the Ship.
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
When your cruise ship pulls into port, there's usually a flurry of activity. Excursion tickets come out, backpacks go on, and passengers begin streaming down the gangway.
But what if you don't?
Here's a little cruise secret: staying onboard during a port day can be wonderful.
I love a good shore excursion, and cruise lines offer options for almost every interest and activity level. But you don't have to book an excursion in every port to have a great cruise.
Sometimes it's about the budget. Excursions can add up quickly, especially for a family.
Sometimes you've visited the port before and have already seen the sights that interest you.
Sometimes mobility or physical limitations make a long day ashore less appealing.
And sometimes you simply look at that beautiful ship and think, I'd rather stay right here.
You May Have the Ship Almost to Yourself
Port days can be some of the most relaxing days onboard. With many passengers ashore, you'll often find fewer people around the pools, more available loungers, and a generally quieter atmosphere.
Have a leisurely breakfast. Find a chair with an ocean view. Read a book. Take a swim. Enjoy lunch without the usual crowds. Or go back to your cabin and take a glorious afternoon nap.
You're on vacation. A nap counts as an activity.
You Can Still Step Ashore Without Taking an Excursion
Staying “on the ship” doesn't necessarily mean you can't leave it at all.
Many cruise ports have a secured area near the ship with shops, restaurants, or places to pick up a souvenir. You may decide to walk off for an hour, look around, take a few pictures, and then head right back aboard for lunch.
No tour bus required.
Just remember to pay attention to the ship's all-aboard time, even if you aren't venturing far.
What's Open Onboard?
The onboard shops and casino are generally closed while the ship is in port because of local regulations, and some venues may operate on reduced hours.
But you won't go hungry!
Food and beverage venues remain available, pools and other recreational areas may be open, and cruise lines usually schedule some daytime activities for guests who stay aboard. Depending on your ship, you might find trivia, games, fitness activities, spa appointments, or other organized entertainment.
Check your cruise line's app or daily schedule because every ship and itinerary is different.
Don't Forget the Ship Itself
There may also be experiences you've overlooked while planning your port adventures.
Some cruise lines offer behind-the-scenes experiences such as galley tours, ship tours, classes, tastings, demonstrations, or other special activities. Some are complimentary and others have A quieter port day can be a great opportunity to explore more of the ship.
an additional charge, so check what's available on your particular sailing.
Your Cruise Doesn't Need an Excursion in Every Port
This is especially important for travelers watching their vacation budget.
If you're choosing between stretching the budget uncomfortably thin and skipping an excursion or two, skip the excursion.
Pick one or two experiences that really matter to you and consider making another port your “ship day.” You can still walk ashore if you'd like, enjoy the atmosphere around the port, and then return to the vacation you've already paid for.
There is no prize for getting off the ship in every port.
And there is certainly no rule that says you have to spend hundreds of additional dollars on excursions to have a wonderful cruise.
Sometimes one of the best days of the entire trip is the day everyone else walks down the gangway... and you head toward an empty pool chair.