Different places have different ports, knowing what to expect can make cruising a lot less stressful.
A cruise port is a busy place, with thousands of people going to and from different ships in exotic locations all over the world. Some domestic (US) ports can have two or three ships in on a day, while some destination ports can have as many as 15 ships in at the same time!
Let’s get started!
Embarkation port
For the most part, embarkation ports work in very similar ways. Part of this is because cruise lines have been running hundreds of itineraries annually for multiple decades. They know what works, and they keep it as simple as possible. Part of this is also for security. Just as all TSA is similar but not exactly the same, so are cruise ports. The key is to keep your eye on signs and staff directions, and be patient.
We always encourage our clients to arrive the night before, and can book your hotel nearby. This allows you to get to the ship refreshed and unhurried, and leaves some leeway for travel delays. Most hotels near cruise ports will have a shuttle to deliver you to the port. If you stay close enough, you can walk up to most ports and there are always taxis and ride shares available.
When you arrive at the port, you will see porters running everywhere, taking bags on carts down to get loaded on. Your luggage needs to have the cruise ship baggage tags on them when you arrive at the port. Keep medications, documents, money and electronics with you. Typically porters are working for tips, so having some small bills in your pocket is convenient.
After giving your luggage to the porters, you will begin the check in process. Sometimes this can take awhile. You will check into the ship, present your documents, perhaps receive your cruise card, and there will always be the first of many, many photo opportunities.
Once you have checked in, you will use the gangway to board the ship. With many ships only certain cabin levels will have access to the cabin right away (typically suites or higher). Check out our other blogs about what to expect on board to understand the process from here.
Docked ports
Many ports have docks for cruise ships. If you are up early, consider going out on deck and watching the ship shoot the ropes out onto the dock to tie up. Once the ship has cleared customs they will put out the gangway and announce that it is available. At ports with a dock, most shore excursions will meet on the dock. In order to leave the ship you will need your cruise card, and we encourage you to take at least a copy of your passport and some (not all) of your cash/credit cards. Pay attention to the length of the dock so you know how long it will take to get off the ship and back to the boat. If you want a really great show, wait until just before sailing and watch for those folks running the length of a long dock to make it back in time (just don’t be one of them).
Tender ports
No, I don’t mean they are soft and considerate, I mean ports that aren’t deep enough to accommodate the large ships and so they have to anchor off shore and send people in their lifeboats, or tenders. For these ports you may need to sign up for a time to leave, so pay attention to announcements. If you have a shore excursion booked through the cruise line, you will probably meet in one of the theaters or lounges and then go as a group. If you book through a third party, be sure you leave enough time to tender in and still arrive on time. Because lifeboats are frequently enclosed and crowded, some lines will hire water shuttles.
Water shuttles
Water shuttles are a third party boat company hired by the cruise line to shuttle passengers back and forth to the port. These are frequently tour boats, but be aware they will fill them up to capacity in the morning and for the last few back in the afternoon. Be careful not to miss the last boat, or you may have to hire your own taxi back, or be stuck.
Security at port
When leaving the ship and dock, you are entering another country. You are responsible for following their laws and your own security. Do not take any fruits or vegetables off of the ship, and do not bring any back from shore. Have your documents with you and keep them safe. Most cruise ports are very safe – after all, tourism is a major employer in these towns and if they get a reputation for being unsafe, the ships will stop coming. Still, use your common sense and keep your eyes open. Save the excessive drinking for when you’re safe on board the ship.
Watch the clock
Be aware of your time and what time you need to use. Some ships will keep ship’s time no matter what and some will switch to local time as they change zones. This is important because if you turn on your phone at port, it may update your clock, which may not match your ship’s time and then you can be left behind. Keep one watch on ship’s time if your ship doesn’t change, so you always know when to get back.
So, how do you know which kind of ports you will be visiting? When you book your travel through us, you can get a complete rundown of what type of port it is and how many ships will be in that day (and thus how crowded it will be) so you can be prepared!
Read our post about what to do in port for more information on shopping, eating, and enjoying ports as you travel.
Contact us to find your perfect cruise.
Photo copyright Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Ship: Anthem of the Seas performing water shuttle operations