What do you want to see
In short
If everything worth seeing is close to the pier and the call is long, going on your own is easier and lets you set your own pace. If the main sight is tens of kilometres away, the call is short or it's a tender port, a ship excursion is safer: the ship waits for its own tours when they run late, but not for independent guests.
Updated: October 2026
Three ways to spend a day in port
| On your own | Ship excursion | Local tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| If you're late | The ship doesn't wait: you catch up at the next port | The ship waits for the group | Depends on the operator; the ship doesn't wait |
| Pace | Your own: stay longer where you like | Shared, on the group's schedule | Usually small groups, more flexible |
| Preparation | Transport, tickets and route are up to you | Hardly any: it's all arranged | Book ahead, meet at the pier |
| Language | English or the local language helps | Guides in several languages | Mostly in English |
| Best for | A town close to the pier | Distant sights and short calls | Distant sights on a long call |
If you go on your own
- Take your cruise card and photo ID — you need them to get back on board.
- Set an alarm for the all-aboard time in the ship's daily programme, not for the departure time.
- Take a photo of the ship's port agent number — it's in the daily programme.
- Check the port's time zone: the ship's clocks and your phone may show different times.
- Head back with time to spare: traffic, queues at the port gate and security take longer than you think.
Frequently asked questions
Will the ship wait if I'm late?
Not for independent guests. The ship only waits for groups on its own excursions. If you miss it, you have to catch up at the next port and arrange the journey yourself.
How much time should I allow to get back?
You usually need to be on board 30–60 minutes before departure — the exact all-aboard time is in the daily programme. Add extra time for traffic and the queue at the port gate.
Can I go ashore without an excursion?
Yes, in most ports you can explore on your own. Take your cruise card and photo ID; some countries require a visa or entry permit, so check in advance.
What is a tender port?
A port where the ship anchors offshore and guests are taken ashore by small boats called tenders. It takes longer, landings can be cancelled in swell, and ship excursion groups often go first.
How does this check work?
It compares your time ashore with the travel to the places you picked and the time to see them. Distances are measured from the pier in a straight line with a correction for roads, so treat the result as a guide, not an exact calculation.
Also useful
This is an estimate: travel times depend on traffic, timetables and weather. The all-aboard time and the rules for going ashore are set by the cruise line — always check the ship's daily programme.