Ports, Excursions & Sea Days
Discover ways to enjoy every destination and make the most of your time onboard
Discover ways to enjoy every destination and make the most of your time onboard
When you book a cruise, part of the excitement is visiting different destinations without having to pack up and change hotels every few days! But what happens when the ship arrives in port? Do you have to book an excursion? Can you explore on your own? And what do you do on a day when the ship stays at sea?
Let's take a look at what to expect!
A port day is when your ship stops at a destination, giving you time to explore the area before returning to the ship.
Depending on the itinerary, you might visit a beach, explore a historic town, discover local food, visit famous landmarks, or enjoy a guided tour.
Your daily schedule will provide the ship's arrival and departure times, along with instructions for going ashore. Always pay attention to the ship's required return or all-aboard time. The ship generally cannot wait for passengers who are late returning from an independent outing.
One important tip: Allow plenty of extra time to get back to the ship, especially if you're exploring on your own. Traffic, transportation delays, and unexpected problems can happen!
Shore excursions are tours and activities you can enjoy while your ship is in port. They offer a way to see the highlights of a destination, often with transportation and a guide included.
Excursions vary widely, so there's usually something for different interests and activity levels.
You might choose:
A sightseeing tour of a city or historic area
A beach day or scenic boat ride
A food or wine experience
Wildlife viewing or a nature adventure
A visit to famous landmarks
A walking tour with a local guide
Before booking, read the description carefully. Check how long the excursion lasts, how much walking is involved, whether there are stairs or uneven surfaces, and what's included in the price.
Both options have advantages. The right choice depends on the destination, your budget, and how comfortable you feel arranging things yourself.
Cruise-Line Excursions
Booking through your cruise line can be convenient, especially if you're visiting a destination for the first time.
Advantages may include:
Transportation and activities arranged for you
Clear meeting instructions
Guides who are familiar with the destination
Added peace of mind if the tour is delayed
Tend to be more expensive than Independent Excursions
Cruise lines generally have procedures to assist passengers if a cruise-line-sponsored excursion runs late, although the exact arrangements depend on the circumstances and cruise line.
Independent Excursions
You can also book with a local tour operator or arrange your own day in port.
Advantages may include:
Smaller groups or private tours
More flexibility to choose what interests you
Different tour options and price points
The ability to explore at your own pace
However, if you book independently, you are responsible for allowing enough time to return to the ship. If your tour is delayed, the ship may leave without you.
My advice? Compare more than just the price. Look at the itinerary, group size, transportation, cancellation terms, activity level, and how much time you'll have to get back to the ship. A less expensive tour isn't necessarily the best value if it doesn't fit your needs.
Absolutely! You don't have to book an excursion at every stop.
In some destinations, you may be able to walk into town, visit nearby attractions, enjoy a local café, or browse the shops. Other ports may require a taxi, shuttle, train, or other transportation to reach the places you want to visit.
Before heading out on your own:
Research how far the attractions are from the port.
Check transportation options and travel times.
Keep track of the ship's all-aboard time.
Carry your required identification and the ship's contact information.
Leave a generous time buffer for your return.
Some ports have restrictions on walking directly out of the terminal, and some attractions may be farther away than they appear on a map. A little research beforehand can save time and frustration.
That's perfectly fine, too!
You can stay onboard if you prefer a quieter day, want to enjoy the ship's facilities, or simply feel like relaxing. Port days can be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the pool, find a peaceful spot to read, or take advantage of onboard amenities.
Just check the ship's schedule and any instructions about remaining onboard. Some services and venues may have limited hours while the ship is in port.
A sea day is a day when the ship doesn't make a scheduled port stop. Instead, you have the entire day to enjoy the ship while it sails to its next destination.
Sea days are a great opportunity to slow down and enjoy the cruise itself.
Depending on your ship, you might:
Relax by the pool or in a quiet lounge
Enjoy a show, live music, or trivia
Visit the fitness center or spa
Try a restaurant or café
Join an onboard activity or class
Enjoy the ocean views from your balcony or an outdoor deck
Larger ships may offer a huge variety of activities, while smaller ships may have a more relaxed atmosphere. Check the daily schedule to see what's happening.
Don't try to see everything. It's tempting to fit as much as possible into every stop, but you can have a wonderful day by choosing just one or two things that interest you.
Consider your activity level. Some tours involve extensive walking, stairs, hills, or standing for long periods. Read the details and choose something comfortable for you.
Check the weather. Heat, rain, and other conditions can affect your plans, particularly for outdoor activities.
Understand the cancellation policy. Excursion costs, refunds, and cancellation deadlines vary by provider.
Keep an eye on the time. Always know when you need to be back onboard, and don't plan to arrive at the last minute.
One of the best things about cruising is that every destination offers a different experience. You can join an exciting guided tour, explore independently, spend the day at a beach, or simply enjoy the ship.
There's no single right way to do it. The key is choosing experiences that fit your interests, budget, and comfort level.
Have questions about what to do in a particular cruise port? I'd be happy to help you explore the possibilities!