You may think the vacation planning is over once you’ve chosen your itinerary, cruise line, and cruise ship. However, planning your days in cruise ports of call can make or break your vacation.
Whether you’re a new cruiser or a seasoned cruiser, you will want to make the most of your days in port.
With that said, here are 12 cruise port tips every cruiser needs to know.
12 Cruise Port of Call Tips
1. Plan Your Day in Advance
The worst thing any cruise passenger can do when visiting a port of call is to “wing it.”
Sure, you can walk off the cruise ship and explore the cruise port on your own. However, once you’ve explored the immediate port area, there is not much left to see.
By planning your day in advance, you’ll make the most of your day in port. Whether you’re booking a shore excursion or researching in advance and taking a taxi to a nearby beach or tourist attraction, you’ll want to prepare.
On a recent cruise, we stopped in St. Thomas, a cruise port we’ve visited many times. We were looking to try something different, so we booked a private catamaran excursion through a third-party shore excursion provider.
The shore excursion was a great way to relax on a beautiful yacht, take amazing photos, and snorkel with turtles. Without planning our day, we would have never been able to enjoy this wonderful experience.
2. Start Your Day Early
On port days, you’ll want to start your day bright and early. When you wake up early, you’ll get the chance to see the cruise ship sail into port, which is a great time to take some photos and enjoy the amazing view.
Whether you have a shore excursion booked or plan to explore the cruise port on your own, getting off the cruise ship can take time. If many people are disembarking at the same time, expect there to be lines.
Furthermore, since most cruise ship passengers are leaving port, be prepared for a hectic buffet area. You’ll also want to make sure you have all of your essentials and important documents with you before you disembark.
This process takes time, and forgetting to eat or leaving your important essentials onboard can ruin your day in port. It’s best to start your day early so you can enjoy a relaxed and stress-free day.
3. Bring Cash
Bringing cash is essential when preparing for your cruise vacation. Although many places accept credit cards, cash can still be useful in ports of call.
For instance, it’s possible that your credit card does not work when you’re in port due to suspicious activity. If this happens, you’ll be happy that you brought some cash along with you.
Furthermore, cash is great when you’re negotiating with vendors and taxi drivers.
4. Avoid Tourist Traps
Whether it’s your first cruise or you’re an experienced cruiser, you’re going to want to avoid tourist traps. Unfortunately, there will be many tourist traps when you visit a popular port of call.
The best way to avoid tourist traps is to be vigilant when walking in port and research in advance. There are plenty of YouTube videos and articles about potential tourist scams and traps that cruise passengers must look out for.
From illegal taxi drivers to free bracelet tourist traps, avoid falling victim to any potential scams in port.
Although they’re not always tourist traps, the gift shops near the cruise port will always be pricier than those outside the port area. If you want to save money in port, do your shopping outside the immediate cruise port area (and don’t forget, you can negotiate!).
Related: 12 Tourist Scams that Cruisers Need to Watch Out For
5. Try Local Cuisine
When visiting a port of call, it can be easy to stay near the cruise terminal. However, if you’re looking for an authentic experience in port, consider trying local cuisine.
A little secret that many first-time cruisers don’t know is that the food will always be more expensive in the main tourist area. However, if you venture out, you’ll find some great local restaurants that are more affordable and taste better.
If venturing in port isn’t your thing, consider booking a food tour excursion. Many cruise line excursions offer food tours, where you get to explore the port of call while trying local dishes.
As a foodie, I love exploring cruise ports while trying delicious local meals. A few years back, we did an island tour in St. Lucia, during which we ate a local meal at a restaurant that overlooked the whole island.
To this day, this is one of those experiences that I think about regularly, as it was a great way to experience a different culture.
6. Head Back to the Cruise Ship Early
If you’re exploring a cruise port alone, it’s important to head back to the ship early. New cruisers often don’t realize that the cruise ship will leave without you if you don’t return to the port on time.
Whether taking a water taxi, taxi, public transportation, or walking back to the cruise port, you should plan to arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before the cruise ship leaves port.
If several ships are in port, factor in the extra traffic from the number of passengers heading back to their respective cruise ships around the same time.
Missing the cruise ship is every cruiser’s worst nightmare, and it will absolutely ruin your vacation. By being cautious and heading back to the cruise ship early, you can avoid any potential issues.
Related: 11 Best Reasons to Stay on the Cruise Ship When in Port
7. Avoid Sketchy Areas
If you plan on exploring a cruise port of call on your own, avoiding the sketchy areas is important. The reality of many cruise ports is that near the terminal will be safe. However, the further you venture out, the more dangerous it can become.
Although it rarely happens, there are cases of cruise passengers getting robbed in port when they’re off exploring on their own.
A good rule of thumb to avoid going in any sketchy area is to stay near other cruise passengers. Once you no longer see cruise passengers, you may want to head back towards the cruise ship to avoid any potential issues.
Related: 6 New Tourist Scams that Are Targeting Cruise Travelers (Right Now)
8. Never Leave Valuables Unattended
Beach days are a great way to spend family time together in port. However, many cruisers make the mistake of leaving valuables unattended.
Leaving your valuables unattended in a cruise port of call is a recipe for disaster. The last thing you want is for someone to steal your phone, wallet, cruise card, or other important documents.
When you’re in port, it’s best to always keep your belongings close by. This way, you can have peace of mind and not worry about your personal items being stolen.
I put together this guide with anti-theft cruise tips that can help: How to keep your belongings secure while on a cruise vacation
9. Don’t Overdo It
Visiting a cruise port of call is exciting. However, it’s important to remember that you have a limited time in port, so you don’t want to overdo it.
Although fitting several activities into one day may seem like a good idea, it often ruins the day as you won’t fully be able to enjoy yourself.
Rushing from one thing to the next will be exhausting and can ruin your day in port. It’s best to be realistic with your time and to plan your day accordingly.
10. Bring Your Cruise Essentials
Packing your cruise essentials for your day in port in a carry-on bag or a tote bag is a good idea. If you plan on visiting a beach or pool, you’ll want to bring sunscreen, water bottles, and towels.
Furthermore, you may want to bring a change of clothes and other port day essentials.
Taking the time to pack your carry-on bag is so important! The last thing you want is to forget your sunscreen or towels on the cruise, and then your day in port is ruined.
I put together a list of popular cruise essentials to consider: 75 Cruise Essentials to Enhance Your Cruise
11. Avoid Bringing Food Off the Cruise Ship
Most major cruise lines don’t permit passengers to bring food off the ship. This is often because cruise ports have laws and regulations where fruits, vegetables and other food items are not permitted.
Leave the food on the cruise ship to avoid any issues while you’re disembarking.
Although it can be pricey, plenty of local restaurants will be in port. If you prefer to eat on the cruise ship, you can always get off the cruise and head back for lunch.
12. Ask a Crew Member for Recommendations
Asking for crew members recommendations for what to do in a port of call is a cruise tip that is rarely talked about.
Something many cruisers often forget to consider is that the crew members visit the same destinations multiple times throughout their contract. This means that they know where the most beatiful beaches, best places to shop, and the best restaurants are.
Over the years, I’ve taken several crew members’ advice on what to do in port, and it’s never let me down. From my cabin steward to staff that work in the buffet, the cruise crew members always know where the hidden gems are.
While other cruise passengers are off the cruise ship exploring the port of call, consider staying on the ship. When you stay onboard the cruise ship in port, you’ll get to enjoy a quiet ship.
Furthermore, you can get discounts on spa treatments, you won’t have to make restaurant reservations, and you won’t have to wait for onboard activities and attractions. Furthermore, you can relax alone in a hot tub or by the pool.
Recently, I was on a Carnival cruise ship, and we stopped in Grand Turk. Grand Turk is a cruise port that I’ve visited several times, so instead of getting off in port, I stayed on and enjoyed the quiet cruise ship atmosphere.
Related: 11 Best Reasons to Stay on the Cruise Ship When in Port
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What’s your favorite thing to do in a cruise port of call? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.