In short
A port stop usually lasts 6 to 10 hours. Find out in advance whether the ship docks or tenders, how far the centre is and when all-aboard time is. Pick one or two highlights rather than everything, and be back at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Port-by-port guides are below.
Port guides
How to spend a day in port
- Check the daily programme. Arrival time, all-aboard time and how you go ashore (pier or tender) are in the daily programme and the cruise line app.
- What to take. Your cruise card and the ID the ship asks for, a little cash, water, and a charged phone with the port agent’s number from the daily programme.
- Live on ship’s time. If the country is in another time zone, the ship may stay on its own time. Go by the time in the programme, not on your phone.
- On your own or on a ship tour. On a ship’s tour the ship waits if the tour is delayed. On your own it is cheaper and freer, but getting back in time is up to you.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss the ship at a port of call?
The ship does not have to wait for passengers who went ashore on their own. Catching up at the next port is at your own expense, so be back early, at least 30 to 45 minutes before all-aboard time.
What is a tender?
When a ship cannot dock, it anchors and takes passengers ashore by small boats called tenders. This takes longer: allow for queues for the boat at the start and at the end of the day.
Do I need a visa to go ashore?
It depends on the country of the port and on your passport. Check the entry rules for every country on the itinerary well in advance, ideally before you book.
General information. Piers, transport timetables and entry rules change, so check your ship’s daily programme and official sources. Reislite is an independent partner information site, not the inCruises website.