The Top 10 Blunders Cruise Ship Passengers Make on Port Days

You might invest considerable time and effort selecting the perfect cruise route, choosing the best line, and deciding on the ideal ship. Once you finalize these details, booking your cruise may feel like completing all of your vacation planning. However, overlooking activities for shore excursion days would be a significant error. Investing some time to explore what each destination has to offer could transform an ordinary journey into an unforgettable experience.

Don’t let indecision keep you from enjoying shore excursions. Below are the top 10 blunders made by cruise-goers when they hit dry land, helping ensure you avoid these pitfalls and create unforgettable experiences at each destination during your voyage.

Missing the ship

We can address this point right from the start. The most common error made by cruise passengers on port days is failing to return to the vessel promptly and consequently being stranded ashore.
ruins a cruise vacation
It’s like spending extra money to travel by air to reach the next harbor or return home because you were not at the dock when your ship departed into the sunset.

The primary three actions you can take to prevent this error are as follows.

Memorize the all-aboard time.

This differs from the sailaway time, usually occurring about thirty minutes prior. The all-aboard time signifies when you must return to the vessel, and this information is displayed at the gangplank upon your departure as well as included in your daily schedule.

Adjust your watch according to the ship’s time.

Occasionally, cruise ships refrain from adjusting their clocks according to various time zones when docked at ports. The departure times for passengers are consistently based on the ship’s clock rather than local port time. Ensure your smartwatches, fitness trackers, or cellphones stay synchronized with the ship’s timing to prevent any mix-ups.

Intend to head back to your vessel sooner than planned.

It’s wise to include some extra padding when planning your post-port activities. Avoid scheduling your return right at the designated boarding time; instead, aim to be back one or two hours beforehand. This precaution ensures you’re covered in case you lose track of time, encounter heavy traffic, or stop to browse through shops. Should everything go smoothly and you find yourself with free time, many ports offer opportunities for additional shopping or dining experiences before needing to embark.

Winging it

It’s simple to assume you’ll just step off the ship at port and figure things out as you go along. This works well enough if your aim is heading straight to the closest beach or browsing shops downtown. However, in numerous harbors, you could maximize your time more effectively if you put in some preparation beforehand.

Shore excursions
If you decide to go for popular tours or activities, they could get booked up quickly, making it difficult to join them once onboard unless you reserve ahead of time. For those passionate about dining, consider looking into highly recommended local eateries beforehand and securing reservations early. And if adventure sports like hiking or cycling interest you, researching nearby trails and bicycle hire services prior to departure would be beneficial.

Related:
Steer clear of these 10 errors when reserving cruise shore trips

I bypassed a lengthy queue during a stop in Naples, Italy, as I had purchased museum tickets ahead of time online. In France, I arranged for a private tour to Carcassonne independently through research prior to embarking on my journey since this option wasn’t provided by the cruise line. Without pre-planning, my time ashore might have felt more wasted without an itinerary set up beforehand.

Venturing out unprepared

Yet another error made by cruise passengers is failing to pack a well-stocked day bag for when they go onto land. Follow the lead of your mother or a Boy Scout and ensure you’re ready for your day away from the vessel.

Check the weather forecast and bring along any necessary rain gear, warm layers or sun protection. For beach days, you might want sand toys for the kids, extra sunscreen and a change of clothes. Bring a dry bag or zip-close bag to protect your electronics on a water-based tour and cash for a visit to a local market. For any day off the ship, you’ll want a water bottle and some packaged snacks, just in case.

Related:
26 cruise packing tips you should know before setting sail

Not protecting your belongings

Travelers from all over the globe often fall victim to pickpockets and small-time criminals. It would be unwise not to safeguard your possessions when sightseeing in harbor areas.

Keep your wallet and mobile phone inside a zipper-secured purse or backpack, ideally one featuring internal pockets for discreet storage of valuable items. Avoid placing these in your rear pocket or an accessible open tote from which they could be swiftly taken. Refrain from leaving your belongings without supervision, and make full use of lockers whenever possible. Additionally, consider purchasing neck pouches designed specifically for securing money, bankcards, or phones during activities like swimming at the seaside.

Related:
Top 10 Anti-Theft Crossbody Bags, Backpacks, and Accessories That Thwart Pickpockets

There’s no need to carry all your cash, credit cards, or even your passport when you leave the cruise ship for the day. Only take what is necessary so that losing your wallet or bag won’t be too much of an inconvenience.

Sleeping in

After a nocturnal celebration aboard, it might be enticing to snooze in, yet allocating those extra morning hours for when the ship is docked will serve you better during your cruise. By disembarking earlier rather than later, you can optimize your time on land.

For an entire day at your disposal in the harbor, consider embarking on a journey to explore destinations or attractions beyond the confines of the port city. This way, you’ll be able to visit multiple locations within the town or reach the seaside before temperatures soar or crowds gather. It’s wise to purchase ferry or train tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment when supplies run low.

Moreover, should your vessel depart at an earlier time, you will manage to squeeze in a complete half-day of exploring instead of just a few hours. Naturally, if your ship arrives later, feel free to take advantage of the extended opportunity for additional rest.

Overdoing it

It’s simple to get carried away when mapping out your itinerary for a new city or country. You may try to fit in every major attraction during a single day, dashing between sites without enough moments to truly soak them in—leaving both you and your traveling companions drained and exhausted.

Acknowledge that you won’t be able to experience all desired sights during a single port visit, so concentrate your efforts on select highlights or experiences. For instance, when traveling with children, allocate moments for refreshments or leisurely breaks. This approach allows you to savor each chosen activity more thoroughly without stress. Should you adore the location, consider planning another journey back someday to explore further.

This rule also pertains to physical activities at ports. Avoid reserving that cycling tour unless you’ve been riding regularly over the past decade. If you face mobility challenges, reconsider participating in excursions with extensive walking on uneven, cobbled roads. Assess your capabilities and structure your itinerary accordingly.

Skipping the local cuisine

Since you’ve covered dining costs with your cruise ticket, it might seem like eating every meal onboard would make the most sense to get your money’s worth. However, missing out on sampling local dishes when you’re in port is a missed opportunity.

There’s no need to reserve a lavish dinner at a Michelin-starred eatery. You can get a feel for the culinary landscape and gain insights into daily life by indulging in some local ice cream, stopping by a bakery, or sipping on a regional brew. It’s always exciting to sample new dishes such as conch salad when in the Bahamas or tucking into a tortilla española sandwich while in Barcelona.

A preferred activity is to locate a marketplace or grocery store close to the cruise terminal. During my visit to Stockholm, I enjoyed exploring a 7-Eleven where I purchased salty licorice and various exotic candies for my relatives back home. While in Belize, I sampled every flavor of Fanta that was previously unknown to me. It’s not necessary to splurge significantly or indulge in an entire meal just to experience something novel during your time ashore.

Sticking around the port

Frequently, first-time cruise passengers err by staying within the vicinity of the dock due to their anxiety over exploring abroad. While you might discover numerous visitor-friendly spots like eateries and boutiques near where your vessel berths, venturing further into the city will provide you with a richer and truer sense of what the port town has to offer.

In certain locations, this involves traveling to the downtown area using a shuttle bus or taxi. For instance, at ports like Civitavecchia or Livorno in Italy, you may have to arrange an excursion beyond the port itself—say, heading to cities such as Rome or Florence. Alternatively, sometimes finding your ideal experience within the port requires venturing over to another part of the island or exploring the rural areas nearby.

If you want to arrange a tour or hire a vehicle, seize the chance to explore further away – provided that you have ample time in port to get back before departure.

Only taking tours

A frequent error made by novice cruise passengers is solely reserving the ship’s tours. You might succumb to the pressure of signing up for an excursion daily or may be hesitant about exploring independently. While shore excursions offer excellent opportunities to experience key attractions at each stop, they aren’t your sole option—nor are they always essential.

In certain harbors, you might spend an ideal day exploring the city, meandering through charming alleyways, browsing souvenir shops, and savoring regional dishes. In contrast, other ports require just a taxi ride to enjoy a splendid beach day.

In Flam, Norway, I opted out of the ship’s organized excursion to trek to a stunning waterfall without a guide. During our stay in Hilo, Hawaii, we chose to rent a vehicle so we could discover Volcanoes National Park independently rather than join a crowd of forty fellow cruise passengers. These experiences were notably enriched by traveling solo.

Related:
Cruise line-organized versus individual shore tours: Which one should you choose?

Never taking tours

Conversely, certain adventurers take pride in avoiding all guided tours and solely embarking on independent explorations. While asserting command over your time ashore can be rewarding, dismissing tours entirely would be an oversight.

Occasionally, similar to visiting the ancient ruins of Pompeii, having a guide can enrich your visit by offering background information and vivid details. For trips exceeding an hour’s drive away from the dock, however, you might prefer assurance that the cruise ship will hold off for you should you return late. An experienced local guide can manage the intricate arrangements needed to move between various sites or help bypass long queues for tickets and entry points.

Never say never, and maintain an open mindset about the finest way to utilize your time in port.

Bottom line

When booking a cruise, you’re just as excited about the destinations it reaches as the vessel itself. Maximize your time on land with thorough planning and preparation for each excursion. Avoid letting minor errors spoil what could be a fantastic day away from the ship.

Thinking about taking a cruise? Begin with these tales:

• The top 5 sought-after cabin positions on any cruise liner
• An introductory guide to selecting a cruise line
• The 8 least desirable cabin positions on any cruise ship
• The definitive checklist for packing essentials before your cruise voyage
• A brief overview of the top cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks to ensure your cruise goes seamlessly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin