In short
On a port day you wake up in a new place, go ashore after breakfast and must be back before the all-aboard time; the evening is dinner and a show. Sea days are slow: pools, spa, talks and classes. The ship moves at night, so you never pack, check in or look for a restaurant again.
A day in port, hour by hour
Most days of a cruise are port days. This is how one usually goes — an illustration, not a fixed schedule: every ship and port is different.
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 6:30–8:00 | The ship sails into port. Many people watch the arrival from the deck with a coffee — it is one of the nicest moments of the day. |
| 7:00–10:00 | Breakfast: a large buffet, or a calmer breakfast with table service in the main restaurant. |
| 8:00–9:00 | You go ashore. Guests on the ship's own excursions meet at a set time and place; if you explore on your own, you simply walk off with your cruise card. |
| 9:00–16:00 | Time in port: a city walk, a beach, an excursion — or lunch back on board while the pools are quiet. |
| 16:00–17:30 | All-aboard time, usually 30–60 minutes before departure. It is printed in the daily programme and the app, in ship's time. |
| 17:00–18:00 | Sail-away: the ship leaves port, often with music on the pool deck. |
| 18:00–21:30 | Dinner — at a fixed time and table, or whenever you like, depending on the cruise line and your booking. |
| 19:00–23:00 | A show in the theatre, live music in the bars, a quiz, dancing — or a quiet evening on deck or the balcony. |
| Night | The ship sails to the next port while you sleep. |
If a port is reached by small boats (tenders) instead of a pier, going ashore takes longer, and on the ship's own excursions you usually go first. See what happens if a port is cancelled or you miss the ship.
A day at sea
On sea days the ship is the destination. There is no alarm, and the day is as full or as empty as you want it to be:
- Morning: a late breakfast, a walk around the promenade deck, a fitness class or a lecture about the next ports.
- Midday: pools and sun loungers are busiest now; quieter places are the library, the spa and the observation lounges.
- Afternoon: cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, dance classes, games, a film — some activities are included, some are paid.
- Evening: on many lines one sea-day evening is a "gala" or dress-up night, with a special menu and photos. Dressing up is welcome but never required.
Sea days are also when you find out whether you get seasick. Most people do not on large modern ships; a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck helps. See how to choose a cabin.
The daily programme
Every evening you get the plan for the next day — in the cruise line's app, on the cabin TV and often on paper. It shows:
- arrival, departure and all-aboard times in the next port;
- opening hours of restaurants, bars, the spa and the shops;
- shows, talks, classes and activities, with places and times;
- the dress code for the evening and any changes to ship's time.
Reading it for two minutes before bed is the single most useful habit on a cruise.
First and last day
- Embarkation day: you board at your check-in time, usually around midday. Your cabin may not be ready straight away, so lunch and a walk around the ship come first. Before departure everyone takes part in the safety drill (muster). Your suitcases are delivered to the cabin in the afternoon or early evening.
- Disembarkation day: the evening before, you put your large suitcases outside the door, or carry them off yourself. In the morning you have breakfast and leave the ship at your assigned time, usually between 7:00 and 10:00. Plan your train or flight home with time to spare.
More in our first cruise checklist.
What is included in a day — and what is extra
| Usually included | Usually extra |
|---|---|
| Buffet and main restaurant, shows, pools, most activities, water, tea and coffee at the buffet | Most drinks, specialty restaurants, the spa, excursions, Wi-Fi, laundry |
Everything extra goes on one on-board account. See money and tips on a cruise.
What you are not doing
- Booking hotels or arranging transfers between stops
- Deciding from scratch where to eat every day
- Packing and unpacking more than once during the trip
- Working out how to get to the next city — the ship does that overnight
Common questions
How much time do you get in each port?
Usually six to ten hours, often from early morning to late afternoon. Some ports have an overnight stay. The times are in the itinerary and the daily programme.
What happens if I am late back to the ship?
The ship does not wait for guests who explore on their own. On the ship's own excursions it waits if the tour is late. Plan to be back at least an hour before the all-aboard time.
Do I have to take part in the activities?
No. Nothing on board is compulsory except the safety drill on the first day. Many people spend a sea day with a book and do nothing else.
Do I have to dress up for dinner?
No. Most evenings are smart casual. On gala nights many guests dress up, but it is a choice; the buffet stays open for anyone who prefers to keep it casual.
When does the ship sail between ports?
Mostly in the evening and at night, so you arrive in the next port in the morning. On longer distances there are sea days in between.
How the club fits in
A day on board is the same whichever way you book. Through the club you pay either the member price (INsider Pricing), about 17% below the retail price, or with your Reward Points, which can cover up to half of the price of qualifying bookings. They do not add up in one booking. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing in the club's search. More about booking with points.
General information; daily schedules, dress codes and inclusions differ by cruise line, ship and itinerary. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.