cruise ship port definition

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Why do ships use "port" and "starboard" instead of "left" and "right?"

Unlike left and right, "port" and "starboard" refer to fixed locations on a vessel..

Port side of NOAA Ship Fairweather.

Since port and starboard never change, they are unambiguous references that are independent of a mariner’s orientation, and, thus, mariners use these nautical terms instead of left and right to avoid confusion. When looking forward, toward the bow of a ship, port and starboard refer to the left and right sides, respectively.

In the early days of boating, before ships had rudders on their centerlines, boats were controlled using a steering oar. Most sailors were right handed, so the steering oar was placed over or through the right side of the stern . Sailors began calling the right side the steering side, which soon became "starboard" by combining two Old English words: stéor (meaning "steer") and bord (meaning "the side of a boat").

As the size of boats grew, so did the steering oar, making it much easier to tie a boat up to a dock on the side opposite the oar. This side became known as larboard, or "the loading side." Over time, larboard—too easily confused with starboard—was replaced with port. After all, this was the side that faced the port, allowing supplies to be ported aboard by porters.

More Information

NOAA's Ship Tracker

NOAA’s Marine Operations

NOAA Ship Fairweather

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer , "America's Ship for Ocean Exploration"

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Author: NOAA

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• Food & Drink
• How to Plan
• Shore Excursions
• Onboard Activities
• What to Expect

Ocean Lingo: Glossary of Cruise Ship Terms

By Carnival Cruise Line

If you’re a newbie to cruising culture, take a few minutes to learn the cruise ship lingo. Knowing the language both on board and on shore will make you feel more at ease on your very first cruise . We’ve compiled a list of the most essential terms for you to be familiar with before you step on board.

From knowing the ins and outs of stateroom design to understanding cruise ship nautical terms, you’ll be ready to hit the waves with confidence.

Planning Your Cruise

• Crossing: A voyage across the water – in other words, a cruise is a crossing. For example, if you take a cruise to Europe , you can depart from New York and cross to ports of call, including Northern Ireland .
• Departure port/embarkation port: Both of these terms refer to the port or location where your cruise begins and ends . Carnival has many departure ports in the United States. For example, you can cruise to the Western Caribbean from the departure port of Mobile, Alabama .
• Disembarkation: This is when you leave the ship at the end of your trip.
• Embarkation: It’s when you board your cruise ship at the beginning of your trip.
• Port of call: A port of call is a destination on your cruise and where you’ll likely be able to enjoy shore excursions. For example, if you take a cruise to Mexico , you can depart from one of three ports in California and visit multiple ports of call in one trip, including Cozumel , Costa Maya and Mahogany Bay .
• Shore excursion: A shore excursion is an activity off the ship at a port of call that you can purchase as part of your itinerary. For example, if you cruise to The Bahamas , you can take a shore excursion in Half Moon Cay. You may want to book the educational Stingray Adventure shore excursion there that allows you to interact with the sea creatures.
• Tender: Also called a lifeboat, a tender is a small boat that takes you from the ship to shore when the cruise ship anchors in a harbor.

Stateroom Speak

Even before booking your cruise , you’ll want to know the types of staterooms that are available to ensure a comfortable trip. Whether you’re cruising solo or with a group, this list helps you choose the right stateroom for your needs.

• Balcony stateroom: This room has a small, personal, outdoor balcony. A balcony stateroom is recommended when taking a cruise to Alaska , for example, so you don’t miss any unexpected wildlife or glacier sightings.
• Interior stateroom: Located in less active spots on the ship, interior staterooms are comfortable for sleepers who prefer a quiet place to curl up after a day of fun and activities.
• Ocean view stateroom: An ocean view stateroom with a porthole or window lets you gaze out at ocean vistas and ports of calls.
• Specialty stateroom: This has a thematic setting that caters to families, couples or solo guests. Specialty staterooms include Cloud 9 Spa staterooms located next to the Cloud 9 Spa Family Harbor staterooms are next to the Family Harbor Lounge, a great escape when traveling with kids .
• Suite stateroom: Larger rooms that are ideal for family cruises . These suites give everyone in your group ample room to stretch out.

Cruise Ship Terminology

It pays to understand cruise ship terms and definitions so you don’t wander around too much during your vacation. Although, while on board, you’ll never be truly lost. You can find a deck plan of each vessel so you can get to know it before your trip in the comfort of your home. Until then, here’s a crash course in ship architecture.

• Bow: The bow is the front of the ship.
• Bridge: The bridge is the location from which the captain steers the ship.
• Galley: A galley is a ship’s kitchen. On a cruise ship, there are many galleys.
• Gangway: The gangway is the ramp or staircase that you’ll use to embark or disembark the ship.
• Helm: The helm is the area of the bridge on which the steering wheel is located and used by the crew only .
• Hull: The hull is the outside of the ship.
• Keel: The keel is the ship’s bottom center.
• Leeward: The side of the ship where you’ll feel most sheltered from wind is leeward.
• Lido: Lido is an often-used term because it’s the deck where you’ll find the outdoor pools .
• Midship: This is the middle of the ship.
• Port: The left side of the ship as it’s facing forward is called port. If you have a hard time remembering that, just keep in mind that “left” and “port” both have four letters.
• Starboard: The right side of the ship is starboard.
• Stern/aft: This is the rear part of a ship closest to the casual dining
• Upper deck: The upper deck is typically the area closest to the entertainment , fun and outdoor deck areas.

Dining Discussions

• Cruise casual: This is what you can wear most nights at dinner. For men, that includes slacks, khakis, jeans, dress shorts and collared sport shirts. Women wear casual dresses and skirts, pants, capri pants, dressy shorts and dressy jeans.
• Cruise elegant: This is the one or two nights on a cruise where it’s suggested you wear evening wear to dinner in the main dining room and some other restaurants. For men, that means dress slacks, dress shirts and sport coats (optional). For women, it’s cocktail dresses, fancier pant suits or skirts. In restaurants, such as the Steakhouse , you will be required to wear tasteful attire.
• Formal night: There are two formal, or elegant, nights on longer cruises. Elegant nights mean formal suits and ties or tuxedos for men and evening gowns for women. It’s not required to dress formally, yet formal attire is welcome.
• Main seating/late seating: This means there’s an assigned schedule and seating for passengers in the main dining rooms.
• Open seating: There’s no fixed schedule and no seating arrangements for dining with open seating.

Crew Member Chatter

Who wouldn’t want to be a crew member on a cruise to Hawaii ? Here are some of the cheerful faces you’ll meet on board:

• Cabin steward: Crew member responsible for the housekeeping of your stateroom.
• Captain: Crew member in charge of the cruise ship, responsible for the crew and passenger safety.
• Cruise director: Crew member who organizes for the ship’s activities and entertainment and is often the emcee for onboard events.
• Maître d’: Crew member responsible for the dining room.
• Porter: Crew member on land to help you with your luggage curbside before you embark the ship.
• Purser: Crew member in charge of onboard billing and monetary transactions.

Nautical Lingo

Knowing nautical terms in the cruise ship world is important when you’re underway (which means moving through the ocean). You may hear the captain discussing knots with another crew member.

• Knot: A unit of speed at which ships travel, which is one nautical mile per hour.
• Mooring: A place where a ship is tied, such as the dock when in port.
• Wake: The trail of water created at the back (stern) of the ship as it moves forward in the water.

It’s perfectly fine if you forget your cruise-speak and just say “meet me at the room,” instead of stateroom, or “where’s customer service?” instead of asking to see the purser. On a Carnival cruise, you can just be yourself and learn at your leisure. Once you have your first cruise under your belt, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned cruiser with insider tips of your own.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.

Related articles

What to expect.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-ships.aspx

Which Ports are Tender Ports? Full List for Every Cruise Line!

June 17, 2024

Hello my beautiful cruise lovers, today we will talk about a quite interesting topic: tender ports .

You may think I am a little crazy, but I like tender ports . They give me that feeling of adventure and exploration that I love so much.

However, if you are not familiar with this topic I will explain, in a simple way, what tender ports are . Following that explanation, there’s a complete list with all the tender ports for each cruise line. I am sure it will be useful to you.

Table of Contents

What is the meaning of tender ports?

Tender Ports are ports where cruise ships cannot dock directly at a pier due to different reasons . The most common are shallow water depth, the port’s size being too small for large cruise ships, or environmental and preservation concerns.

To solve this, and to allow passengers to still reach land, cruise ships anchor offshore and passengers are transported to and from land via smaller boats known as tenders or water shuttles.

Very often these tenders are part of the cruise ship’s own lifeboats or can be provided by the local port authorities.

This type of disembarkation requires a more rigid organization . For big cruises, passengers are usually assigned to groups and given specific tender times to avoid overcrowding and ensure a smooth transfer.

As I was saying at the beginning of the article, the use of tenders adds an adventurous element to the cruise experience .

I like it, and I think it is an interesting experience for children as well. The journey between the ship and the shore, although short, can offer unique views and a closer look at the sea and the local marine environment. It’s almost like it’s an integral part of the excursion experience .

However, as with most things, there are also downsides. One of the most evident and most frequent among passengers is seasickness .

The boats used for this transfer are quite small and are greatly affected by wave movement.

Moreover, I don’t like that this method is not 100% accessible to passengers with disabilities . Usually, cruise lines offer assistance to people in need but passengers who use assistive devices may not be able to get on or off the ship .

List of tender ports

Destinations that require tendering often include hidden gems . These kinds of places usually offer more intimate and exclusive exploration opportunities.

There are many tender ports around the world, so let’s start by discovering them all based on the different cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean

• Airlie Beach, Australia
• Ajaccio, Corsica
• Bali (Padang Bay), Indonesia
• Bar Harbor, Maine
• Bay of Islands, New Zealand
• Belize City, Belize
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia
• Buzios, Brazil
• Cabo Frio, Brazil
• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Cannes (Monte Carlo), France
• Champagne Bay, Vanuatu
• Corfu, Greece
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Denarau, Fiji
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Esperance, Australia
• Exmouth, Australia
• La Spezia (Florence, Pisa), Italy
• Geiranger, Norway
• George Town, Grand Cayman
• Hanoi (Halong Bay), Vietnam
• Icy Strait Point, Alaska
• Ilha Grande, Brazil
• Ilhabela, Brazil
• Ilheus, Brazil
• Isle of Pines, New Caledonia
• Jeju, Republic of Korea (South Korea)
• Kailua Kona, Hawaii
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Lahaina (Maui), Hawaii
• Lifou, Loyalty Island
• Lombok, Indonesia
• Malacca, Malaysia
• Moorea, French Polynesia
• Mykonos, Greece
• Mystery Island, Vanuatu
• Naples (Salerno), Italy
• Nha Trang, Vietnam
• Villefranche (Nice), France
• Ouvea (Wadrilla), Loyalty Island
• Phuket, Thailand
• Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
• Port Douglas, Australia
• Port Vila, Vanuatu
• Portbelo, Brazil
• Punta Del Este, Uruguay
• Rockland, Maine
• Samana, Dominican Republic
• Santorini, Greece
• Split, Croatia
• St. Peter Port, Channel Islands
• Ushuaia, Argentina
• Visby, Sweden

Carnival Cruise Lines

• Belize (limited availability of accessible water shuttles)
• Bermuda (water shuttles are sometimes required, accessible water shuttles may not be available)
• Catalina Island, California
• Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (limited availability of accessible water shuttles)
• Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas
• Icy Strait Point, Alaska (water shuttles are sometimes required, accessible water shuttles may not be available)
• Juneau, Alaska (water shuttles are sometimes required, accessible water shuttles may not be available)
• Ketchikan, Alaska (water shuttles are sometimes required, accessible water shuttles may not be available)
• Kona, Hawaii (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Nanortalik, Greenland
• Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada (water shuttles are sometimes required, accessible water shuttles may not be available)
• Princess Cays, The Bahamas
• Qaqortoq, Greenland
• Sitka, Alaska (water shuttles are sometimes required, accessible water shuttles may not be available)
• Skagway, Alaska (water shuttles are sometimes required, accessible water shuttles may not be available)
• St. Anthony, New Foundland and Labrador, Canada
• Andalsnes, Norway 
• Douglas, Isle of Man, UK
• Dublin (Dun Laoghaire), Ireland
• Edinburgh, Scotland 
• Grundarfjordur, Iceland 
• Heimaey, Westman Islands, Iceland
• Holyhead, Wales, UK (water shuttles are sometimes required, accessible water shuttles may not be available)
• Isles of Skye, Scotland
• Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, UK (water shuttles sometimes required, accessible water shuttles may not be available)
• Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland
• Mykonos, Greece (water shuttles are sometimes required, accessible water shuttles may not be available)
• Portimao (Algarve Region), Portugal
• Santorini, Greece 
• Seydisfjordur, Iceland 
• Stornoway, Scotland
• Airlie Beach, Australia (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Bay of Islands, New Zealand (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Benoa, Bali (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Bora Bora, French Polynesia (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Cairns (Yorkey’s Knob), Australia
• Conflict Islands, Papua New Guinea (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Dravuni Island, Fiji (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Isle of Pines, New Caledonia (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Kiriwina, Papua New Guinea (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Kitava, Papua New Guinea (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Komodo Island, Indonesia (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Lifou Isle, New Caledonia (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Lombok, Indonesia (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Mare, New Caledonia (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Moreton Island, Australia (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Moorea, French Polynesia (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Mystery Island, Vanuatu (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Port Arthur, Tasmania (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Port Denarau, Fiji (no accessible water shuttles available)
• Port Douglas, Australia (no accessible water shuttles available) 

Norwegian Cruise Lines

• La Digue, Seychelles
• Luderitz, Namibia (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Mossel Bay, South Africa
• Port Elizabeth, South Africa
• Praslin, Seychelles
• Richard’s Bay, South Africa (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Astoria, Oregon (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Juneau, Alaska (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Ketchikan, Alaska (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Santa Barbara, California
• Sitka, Alaska (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Charlottetown P.E.I., Canada (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
• Newport, Rhode Island
• Saguenay, Canada (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Sydney Nova Scotia, Canada (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Basseterre, St. Kitts (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Castries, St. Lucia (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Cozumel, Mexico (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• George Town, Cayman Islands
• Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
• Harvest Caye, Belize (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Ocho Rios, Jamaica (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Road Town (Tortola), British Virgin Islands (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
• Huahine, French Polynesia
• Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
• Ile des Pins, New Caledonia
• Hilo, Hawaii
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Kahului (Maui), Hawaii
• Kona, Hawaii
• Nawiliwili (Kauai), Hawaii
• Papeete, French Polynesia
• Raiatea, French Polynesia
• Castro, Chile
• Puerto Chacabuco, Chile (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Puerto Montt, Chile (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Stanley, Falkland Islands
• Augusta, Italy
• Bar, Montenegro (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Cannes, France
• Dubrovnik, Croatia (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Katakolon, Greece (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Korcula, Croatia
• Kotor, Montenegro (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Monte Carlo, Monaco (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Mykonos, Greece (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Nafplion, Greece
• Nessebar, Bulgaria
• Paros, Greece
• Patmos, Greece (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Praia da Vitoria, Portugal
• Sorrento (Capri), Italy
• Split, Croatia (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Varna, Bulgaria
• Villefranche, France
• Cobh (Cork), Ireland (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Dun Laoghaire, Ireland
• Eidfjord, Norway (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Guernsey, Channel Islands, United Kingdom
• Hellesylt, Norway
• Invergordon, United Kingdom (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Isafjordur, Iceland (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Kirkwall, United Kingdom (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Newhaven, United Kingdom
• Nuuk, Greenland (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Nynäshamn, Sweden (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Olden, Norway (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• South Queensferry, United Kingdom
• Stornoway, United Kingdom
• Ullapool, United Kingdom
• Ulvik, Norway
• Visby, Sweden (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Benoa (Bali), Indonesia
• Coron, Philippines (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Hanoi (Ha Long Bay), Vietnam
• Ishigaki, Japan (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Hirara (Miyakojima), Japan
• Kanazawa, Japan (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Ko Samui, Thailand
• Komodo Island, Indonesia
• Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Muara, Brunei Darussalam (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Naze (Oshima island), Japan (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russian Federation
• Sabang, Indonesia
• Akaroa, New Zealand
• Albany, Australia
• Cairns, Australia (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Cooktown, Australia
• Dravuni, Fiji
• Geraldton, Australia (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Gisborne, New Zealand (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)
• Kangaroo Island, Australia
• Lautoka, Fiji (ship can dock or anchor, varies by call)

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Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports and Tender Boats on a Cruise

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: May 28, 2020  - Last updated: June 29, 2022

On a cruise, a tender port is one where the ship doesn’t dock at a pier. Instead, the cruise ship drops anchor offshore and passengers are ferried to land on smaller boats, called “tenders”.

Cruise lines usually specify which ports of call on each itinerary will be tender ports, and passengers have the opportunity to obtain tender tickets if they wish to go ashore.

When you’re planning a cruise, you might notice that some port descriptions will say, “ this is a tender port .” Or you might see that tender boats or “tenders” are mentioned.

Confused? Don’t worry. I’ll explain everything you need to know about tender boats and tender ports on a cruise.

Why do cruise lines have tender ports?

Some cruise ports have shallow harbors that don’t allow for today’s massive cruise ships to pull right up to a pier. Other ports only have a limited amount of berths at their piers, so any extra ships that visit just don’t have a spot available.

Or, as in the case of some cruise line private islands , they haven’t built a pier yet!

Why is it called a tender port?

Usually when we think of the word tender , it’s in the context of something being gentle and caring (a tender kiss), or soft (a tender cut of meat). But tender ports have nothing to do with being gentle or soft!

The word tender has been used nautically since at least the late seventeenth century , meaning a “small boat used to attend larger ones”. It actually comes from the Middle English verb  tenden , meaning “to attend to”.

On a cruise, “tender” can be used as a noun (“We’re going to take a tender to the island”), a verb (“We’re going to tender to the island”), or an adjective (“We’re going to take the tender boat to the island”).

In the most common usage with today’s cruise lingo , “tender port” is used as an adjective to describe a port that cruisers need to access via a small boat.

You might say something like, “Yesterday we had a tender port at Princess Cays , but thankfully this morning we can pull right up to the dock at Nassau “.

How do you know if a port will be a tender port?

Cruise lines will note in the itinerary if a port requires tenders. You’ll see this in your cruise planner on the cruise line’s website, or ask your travel agent if you’re not sure.

During your cruise, you’ll also get a reminder in your daily newsletter before visiting a tender port.

However, remember that cruise ports of call are always subject to change at any time. You might have a scheduled tender port changed to a docked port (or vice-versa).

Unpredictable weather can alter a cruise’s itinerary, causing the Captain to change ports or skip the port altogether.

What boats do cruises use to tender passengers?

Tenders on your cruise generally will be one of three types of boat:

• Lifeboats from the cruise ship
• Privately-owned boats from the port
• Tenders owned by the cruise line kept at the port

Maximum occupancy on most tender boats is generally between 100 and 150 passengers .

So on a cruise ship that holds thousands of guests, tender operations can take quite some time, even if they use several boats!

How do you get a tender ticket?

Years ago when I was researching my very first cruise, I noticed there were a few tender ports on our itinerary. Wanting to make sure that all of our major expenses were pre-paid before we left for vacation, I started searching for instructions on how to pay for our tender tickets.

Silly me, tender tickets are free! But you do need to get them on board for each port as soon as you can. Tickets are issued on a first-come-first-served basis.

On most major cruise lines, you’ll need to get one tender ticket for your group or each member of your party for each tender port.

Read your daily newsletter carefully each day! It will list times and locations to pick up your tickets. Tickets often will be available the afternoon before you’ll be tendering, as well as the morning of.

Many cruise lines will set up an area (often in the theater) where a crew member hands out tender tickets to passengers during specific times. Be sure to note the times listed in the newsletter. You won’t be able to pick up a ticket at these locations outside of those times.

Tip: Pick up your tender tickets the day before you visit the tender port if you want a popular tender time. Early tickets go fast!

Are there any restrictions for tendering?

Tender boats don’t have age or weight restrictions for cruise passengers. However, if you have mobility challenges , you might not be able to board the tender.

Some cruise lines require that guests be able to step on and off of tender boats with only minimal assistance. Most tenders have at least a couple of steps you’ll need to use to get on and off of the boat.

Wheelchair-accessible cruise tenders with roll-on capability aren’t very common. Often, passengers who use a wheelchair and are unable to walk won’t be allowed to board a tender.

Some cruise lines specify that their crew will only carry a passenger on board in a wheelchair if the total weight is less than 100 pounds (45.5 kg). That rules out most people (except for some children) because they include the weight of the mobility device in the total.

Tip: For wheelchair users, reach out to your cruise line before you sail. Ask what their specific rules are regarding boarding a tender in a wheelchair . It’s also a good idea to speak with a customer service manager on board at least a few days before arriving in port. A timely heads-up might make them more willing to help you if they’re able.

Can any cruise passengers get priority tendering?

Passengers who’ve booked shore excursions directly through the cruise line will have priority tendering to make sure the tour groups meet their guides on time.

Some cruise lines also offer priority tendering to passengers who are at a high level in their loyalty program. Some also extend this privilege to guests staying in a full suite.

If you’re sailing on a Carnival cruise, you can pay a little extra for this perk! They allow passengers who purchase their “ Faster to the Fun ” pass to have priority tendering as well.

Priority access is only available for ship-to-shore tendering. When returning to the ship, all passengers wait in the same line.

Tip: Booked an independent shore excursion at a tender port? It’s a good idea to get the earliest tender ticket you can. Tender operations can run behind schedule, and your tour operator won’t wait very long if you’re late to the meeting point. It’s better to have some time to kill on land than to miss your excursion entirely!

Do you have to pick up a tender ticket to return to the ship?

You’ll only need a tender ticket to travel from the ship to shore. On the way back, you won’t need a ticket to return to the ship. However, you’ll need to wait in line, and those lines can be long at peak times!

Plan to return with plenty of time to avoid missing the last tender. Final tender times are published in the daily newsletter, and are also on signs as you’re leaving the cruise ship.

Tip: You might need to stand in a long line in full sun while waiting to board your tender. Reapply your sunscreen, and carry a hat and a lightweight layer to avoid a late-day sunburn. Some cruise lines will offer water while you wait, but don’t rely on that at every port.

What is open tender on a cruise?

If you missed getting a tender ticket or you overslept and missed your tender time, you’ll still have a chance to get to shore. (If you miss your tender time I’d still recommend asking if you can board with another group, but there are no guarantees.)

After all the scheduled tender groups are called, the tendering process will change to “ Open Tender “. From this time on, passengers without a tender ticket will be allowed to get off the ship.

Often, a specific time for Open Tender is posted, but this schedule can be pushed back if tendering takes longer than expected.

If you decide to wait for Open Tender, just know that you might have to wait for the remaining passengers with scheduled tender tickets to board their boats.

Will you get seasick on a tender boat?

Modern cruise ships, with their vast size and high-tech stabilizers, usually don’t cause passengers to feel much of the sea’s motion—except in stormy weather.

But small tender boats don’t have those things going for them, so they definitely can rock on the waves!

Some ship’s tenders are pontoon-style, which are known for their stability. But if the conditions are choppy, you’re going to feel it!

If you have a tendency to seasickness or motion sickness, be sure to take an OTC remedy (lots of cruisers swear by Bonine ) at least an hour before boarding the tender boat.

Or see your doctor before your cruise to find out if you might need a scopolamine patch or other prescription meds.

Most cruise tender rides last only about ten to fifteen minutes, so at least it won’t be a long, rough journey!

Read more: How to Avoid Getting Seasick on a Cruise

Why are tender ports skipped more often than docked ports?

If it’s stormy or the seas are rough, your Captain may choose to change ports or skip a tender port completely. Transferring thousands of passengers in and out of smaller boats in bad weather just isn’t a risk that the cruise lines want to take!

For passenger safety, the Captain is more likely to cancel a stop at a tender port compared to a docked port if the weather isn’t cooperating. If the weather is really bad, docked ports can also be canceled. It’s not only tender ports that can be nixed!

Weather conditions can change rapidly at sea. When you choose a cruise itinerary with tender ports, there’s a higher risk that your stop will be canceled or changed to another location.

Have a question that I haven’t answered about tender ports of call or tender boats on a cruise? Ask me in the comments below!

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Monday 1st of April 2024

how deep must a channel be for 100 passenger tender boat be to go thru

Carrie Ann Karstunen

Saturday 6th of April 2024

Hi Al, I can't give you an exact number, mainly because tenders aren't always the same type of craft. However, they're often lifeboats - which usually don't have a very deep draft.

Friday 25th of August 2023

I've been all over the internet and can't find the answer. Perhaps it's glaringly obvious but...how do you know what tender to take back when returning to the ship?

Saturday 26th of August 2023

Hi Kevin, you just return to the spot where the tender from the ship dropped you off, and get in line for the next boat to go back to the ship. The cruise line will have signs and crew members there, and there's often a sizable line of passengers waiting, so you can't miss it! Hope this helps, and happy cruising!

Lynette Smith

Saturday 10th of September 2022

Do you know how high the tender steps are to get down and up. My husband has a hard time with steps do to his knees

Hi Lynette, thanks for the question. Tender boats on cruise ships can really vary. Even at the same port, you might be faced with a different type of boat at different times of day! I wish I could give you a solid answer to your question, but with variations from boat to boat I can only give you a general answer (I also don't know the degree of your husband's knee issues).

In general, to get on and off of most cruise ship tender boats, you'll have a short step or two up, then a few steps down. The steps going down into the tender (and back out again) are generally a bit steeper. It's usually not more than 2-3 stairs going in and out.

If he's fine with walking up or down a few (steep-ish) steps in potentially rocky wave conditions (with handrails and a crewmember lending a hand from the gangway to the landing), I'm guessing he'll be fine.

The one issue on some tenders that could pose an issue is if the lower level of the boat is full and you have to head to the top deck. Some tenders have a full flight of steep metal stairs (with railings) to access the top level.

My advice? If the boat looks full, let the crew know he can't climb the steps to the top deck before you board the tender. Best case scenario is that they ask for volunteers to move upstairs to make room on the lower level. Worst case is you'll need to wait to be the first guests on the next tender. Hope this helps!

Monday 5th of September 2022

Are there port fees at tender ports? If the ship manages to drop anchor but then is unable to run tenders due (for example) to bad visibility, are the port fees refunded?

Hi Dave, thanks for the question! Yes, at tender ports (just like docked ports) port taxes and fees are assessed. You'll have pre-paid these fees by the time final payment is due for your sailing. If any port stop is canceled, the cruise line will refund you the taxes and fees for that specific stop.

If (like in the scenario you asked about) your ship drops anchor but no tenders go out, guests will still be refunded for those fees. But usually, the captain would make the call for weather-related reasons well before approaching the port to drop anchor.

When foul weather causes the captain to cancel the original port and head to a different one, guests are responsible for taxes and port fees at the new port. So you might find yourself paying a little more at the new port, or a little less. Or you might just have an extra sea day if a replacement port isn't practical!

Wednesday 17th of August 2022

I had a stroke about a year ago, and am unsteady walking. Will I be able to board a tender?

Friday 19th of August 2022

Hi Rick, when you're boarding a tender, there's always a crew member or two there offering a hand to help steady you as you're transitioning from the gangway to the smaller boat. You'll often have to step up on a small portable stair before you step onto the tender, but you can mention that you need a hand on the steps as well so you don't lose your balance.

If the water is choppy during tendering, it can be a bit challenging to make the transition to and from the tender boat, even for those of us who are usually pretty steady on our feet. Some tender boats also have a second level, and I've had to go up some pretty steep stairs to find a seat if the first level is full!

I'd advise chatting with Guest Services at least the day before your tender port if the weather looks iffy or if you're worried about getting on and off, climbing stairs, etc. I've been on hundreds of tenders and they're all a bit different. Crowds and weather can also make a big difference in your tender experience, so asking ahead could really help you decide if the assistance that the crew can offer will work with your level of mobility. Hope this helps!

145 Cruise Ship Terms and Meanings

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If you’re new to cruising, you may have noticed there’s a whole world of cruise ship terms and meanings. If it’s your first cruise, it might take a minute to get the hang of the cruise lingo.

We’ve put together a handy glossary of essential cruising vocabulary you need to know before you step on board.

Table of Contents

Cruise Ship Terms

Ship terminology.

Ship: A ship is not a boat. Ships are large vessels intended for ocean or deep water transportation of cargo or passengers.

Cruise Ship: Cruise ships are large passenger vessels whose primary purpose is to transport passengers on leisurely vacations.

Ocean Liner: Their primary purpose is to transport cargo or passengers across seas. For a more in-depth article, visit our cruise ship vs. ocean liner comparison .

Sister Ship: Two or more ships of the same class or nearly identical design. For example, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas are sister ships.

Deck: A platform or section on a ship. Where buildings have floors, ships have decks.

The Bridge: The main control center of the ship. From here, the captains and officers have control over the entire operation of the vessel.

Itinerary: A sailing schedule with the route and destinations you will visit. The itinerary is viewable before you book but may change due to unexpected events or weather.

Atrium: The main lobby of the ship. Most cruise ship atriums are three or more decks high, and the location you first step onto a cruise ship. The atrium is the hub of the vessel, where you’ll often find elevators, stairs, photo booths, and the guest information desk.

Purser’s Desk: Often referred to as guest services, this is where guests can inquire about anything related to billing or ship information.

Deck Plan: A map of the cruise ship’s decks. Most ships have deck plans on each floor to help passengers find their way around the boat. Deck plans are incredibly important for navigating your way around the ship, especially for your first few days on board.

Lido Deck: The lido deck refers to the pool deck on a cruise ship. The name comes from the Italian word “lido,” which refers to a public outdoor swimming pool or beach. Accordingly, the cruise ship lido deck is home to one or more swimming pools, hot tubs, bars, and restaurants.

Gangway: A gangway is a narrow walkway used by passengers and crew to get on and off the cruise ship.

Muster Drill: The muster drill is a mandatory safety drill completed before sailing. The drill prepares guests for safe evacuation in the event of an emergency and familiarizes passengers with life vests, escape routes, and lifeboats. By law, the muster drill must be performed within 24 hours of departure.

Muster Station: Muster stations are where guests and crew meet in cases of emergency. The muster station is where you will find life vests and your assigned cruise ship lifeboat .

Daily Planner (cruise compass, bulletin, or newsletter): The daily planner goes by many names. It is where you will find the day’s scheduled activities. Many cruise lines have dedicated apps that allow passengers to see the day’s schedule from their devices.

Sailaway: Sailaway is the period of time that your cruise ship departs the cruise port. Cruise ships often host a Sailaway party to celebrate the cruise’s start.

Sailaway Party: Cruise lines often host a Sailaway party on the first night of the cruise to kick off the vacation. The party is generally located on the main pool deck or atrium with drinks, live music, and dancing.

Sea Day: A sea day is a full day when the ship doesn’t visit a port. Most cruises of a week or longer contain one or more sea days. But, they are by no means boring. On sea days, the cruise line will host plenty of scheduled events. If that’s not for you, you can simply relax by the pool.

Cruise Card: On most cruise ships, you’ll receive a cruise card that provides access to your stateroom and acts as a form of ID and payment around the vessel. The keycard eliminates the need to carry cash or credit cards around the ship.

Ocean Medallion: Ocean Medallion is a smart technology offered by Princess Cruises. Ocean Medallion replaces the traditional keycard with a wearable device. The wearable provides all of the same functions as a cruise card with several additional benefits.

Pier Runners: A name for passengers who are late to the cruise ship. You’ll find these unfortunate passengers running to the gangway as they race to make it onto the boat before the ship departs. Tip: Make sure you get back to the ship before the all-aboard time. The cruise ship will leave you behind if you’re late.

Lanyard: A lanyard is a common accessory used by cruise ship passengers to attach a cruise card. It’s both convenient and an excellent way to minimize the risk of losing your cruise card.

Rum Runners: Rum runners were people who, during the time of prohibition, traveled by sea to other countries to transport alcohol back to America. Today, a rum runner is a term used to describe a container used to sneak alcohol onto a cruise ship.

No Sail Order: In March 2020, the CDC introduced a no sail order that paused all cruise ship travel within the US. The no sail order was a temporary measure enacted to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Cruise with Confidence: When cruising resumed following the Covid-19 pandemic, cruise lines introduced flexible cancelations policies. For most cruises, passengers could cancel up to 48 hours pre-cruise and receive full credit for a future cruise.

Warm Lay Up: During the period of suspended sailing, cruise lines could quickly bring a warm lay-up cruise ship back to service. These ships had reduced crew levels, fuel, food, and other essential items but were ready to return to service with short notice.

Cold Lay Up: A cold layup refers to a cruise ship that is fully shut down. Cruise lines shut down many cruise ships to save on costs during the no sail order. Ships in cold lay-up require more time to be brought back into service.

Funnel (or Stack): The funnel (or stack) refers to the exhaust on a cruise ship. It functions similarly to a chimney on a home and is used to expel engine exhaust. Most cruise ships have several funnels; however, typically, only one or two are functional (the rest are for aesthetics.)

Onboard Credit: An onboard credit is applied to your account and can be used on the ship to make purchases, such as drinks at the shop or souvenirs in the shops. Cruise lines and travel agents often offer onboard credit as an incentive to book, where you’ll receive a set dollar value when you book by a specific date.

Duty-Free: Duty-free refers to items that don’t have taxes. Duty-free purchases often must be declared when you return to the cruise terminal. If you are visiting from another country, you may need to declare duty-free items upon re-entry to your home country.

Godmother (or Godfather) : The Godmother (or Godmother) serves as a spokesperson for a cruise ship. As a tradition, the chosen individual is responsible for christening the ship and bestowing good luck to the new vessel.

Crossing: When a cruise ship sails across a large body of water. Examples include the Atlantic crossing, where a cruise ship may sail from Europe to America.

Double-Dip: When cruise-goers sail on back-to-back cruises. Sometimes one cruise just isn’t enough.

Maiden Voyage (Inaugural Sailing): The first sailing for a new cruise ship, or after a long pause (such as during repairs).

Dress Code: Cruise lines have dress codes that passengers must follow. Luxury cruise lines have strict policies, while most mainstream cruise lines allow casual wear at all times, except for formal nights.

Formal Night: Formal night is a traditional cruise ship experience where passengers dress up for a night of elegance. Some cruise lines have relaxed formal night dress codes , while Norwegian and Virgin don’t have any.

Planning Your Cruise

Embarkation: Embarkation is the process of passengers and crew members getting aboard a ship.

Embarkation Day : The first day of your cruise. It is one of the most exciting times of cruising, and the day you first step foot on the cruise ship.

Port of Departure: The port where your cruise ship will depart.

Disembarkation: The process of exiting the cruise ship. Often the saddest day of the cruise.

Port of Call: A port where your ship will stop.

Shore Excursion: An organized activity or event that passengers can attend in port. You can book shore excursions through the cruise line, a private tour company, or an independent tour operator.

Tender (Water Shuttle): There are some cruise ports where cruise ships can’t directly dock, usually because of a protected coral reef or the ship’s size. At these ports, the cruise ship will anchor a few minutes away from the port and shuttle passengers by tender boat.

Booking Terms

Onboard Booking: You can book your next cruise while on the ship of your current cruise. Cruise lines offer incentives to passengers to encourage onboard bookings. The incentives are one of the best ways to save money booking your next cruise. And, if you booked your current sailing through a travel agent, you can request that your booking is transferred to the agency.

Cruise Fare: This is the basic cost of the cruise. The cruise fare covers the cost of standard meals, accommodations, activities, and more. Many cruise lines offer basic wifi and drink packages bundled with the cruise fare.

Deposit: When you book a cruise, many cruise lines require a deposit to secure the booking. Each cruise line has different refund rules, and you may be unable to recoup the deposit if you cancel.

Final Payment: As the sailing date approaches, you will be required to make the final payment. The final payment is typically due within 70 to 90 days of the sale date. However, as policies vary, it’s always best to check with the cruise line.

Cruise Contract: You will be asked to sign a cruise contract when booking a cruise. The contract includes a set of terms and conditions that apply to passengers and the cruise line. The agreement is where you will find the refund policy, final payment date, and cancellation terms.

Gratuities: Gratuities, or tips, are customary on cruise vacations . Cruise lines charge gratuities on a daily, per-person basis. Most major cruise lines have automatic gratuities split among the hardworking staff, except bartenders and spa staff. If you don’t pay the gratuities in advance, they are charged to your onboard account and paid at the end of the cruise. Bartenders and spa staff receive tips through the gratuities charged on drinks, drink packages, and spa treatments.

Pre-paid Gratuities: Pre-paid gratuities are paid in advance of sailing. Paying in advance makes it easier to budget and plan for a cruise.

Solo Supplement: Most cruise ships charge a fee for solo bookings in regular staterooms. The added fee is known as a solo supplement. When a solo traveler books a cabin, the cruise line misses out on additional revenue from having two people in a stateroom.

All-Inclusive: All-inclusive cruises are great if you prefer to have all your expenses known before sailing. The all-inclusive definition varies by cruise line but typically includes gratuities, wifi, and a basic drink package.

Drink Package: Most cruise lines offer drink packages that entitle guests to order unlimited drinks. Drink packages typically have rules such as price limits and drink restrictions. If you don’t want to purchase the drink package, you can still purchase individual drinks from the bars, lounges, and restaurants.

Online Check-In: Before embarking, cruise ship passengers can complete online check-in and print any required documents.

Cabin Terminology

Cabin: Your room onboard the ship.

Stateroom: Another term for your room on the ship.

Interior Stateroom: This is a cabin located on a ship’s interior. Interior cabins don’t have windows (portholes) or balconies.

Oceanview Cabins: A cabin with a view of the ocean through a porthole or large window.

Balcony Cabins: As the name suggests, this is a stateroom with a balcony.

Suites: The largest and most luxurious cabin category on a cruise ship. Passengers who book suites often receive additional perks such as a butler, private lounge, bonus loyalty points, and free specialty dining.

Guarantee Cabin: This refers to booking a cabin category without choosing a specific room location. These cabins are lower priced, but with the drawback of having the location assigned by the cruise line. If you’re not picky about the location of your stateroom, guarantee cabins on cruise ships are a great way to save money on your cruise vacation.

Obstructed View Stateroom: You may have an ocean view or balcony cabin, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have unobstructed ocean views. Obstructed view staterooms have an object, such as equipment or a lifeboat, in the direct view of your window or balcony. These staterooms cost less than those with unobstructed views.

Veranda: Veranda is another word term used to describe a balcony. The word originates from the Hindi varandā, but it is related to the Spanish baranda, meaning “railing.”

French Balcony: French balconies are located on the interior of an outside-facing stateroom. They are often a result of modifications to older cruise ships or added as a lower category cabin. Though termed a balcony, it’s more of a wall-to-wall open window.

Virtual Balcony: Virtual balconies are wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling screens providing the illusion of a balcony for interior staterooms. They project real-time video of the outside, so your virtual balcony displays precisely what you would see from a real balcony.

Virtual Porthole: Like a virtual balcony, a virtual porthole projects real-time outside video. They provide interior cabins with the feeling of a porthole. Despite sounding tacky, they provide an extraordinarily realistic view.

Pullman Bed: Pullman beds are like little bunk beds where the top bed pulls down from the ceiling or wall above the main bed, accessible by a ladder. If you book with three or four people to a cabin, your cabin may have a Pullman bed.

Double Occupancy: Double occupancy indicates two people booked in a stateroom. The advertised cruise fare is often based on the double occupancy rate. Additionally, cruise lines often use double occupancy as the measurement of passenger capacity, as it is unrealistic that every stateroom would be booked at maximum capacity (e.x. two passengers staying in a cabin that could hold four.)

Single Occupancy: Most cruise lines charge a single occupancy rate to solo cruisers. The single occupancy rate adds a solo supplement. The total cruise fare for single occupancy is often near the cost of booking two people in a cabin.

Solo Cabins or Studio Cabins: Some cruise ships have staterooms dedicated to solo travelers. Solo cabins or studio cabins are comparably smaller than typical cabins, but they are cheaper as they forgo the solo supplement. The best cruise lines for solo cruisers feature solo staterooms.

Triple and Quad Cabins: As the name suggests, triple and quad cabins can accommodate three or four passengers.

Towel Animals: One of my favorite memories from cruising as a child is returning to the cabin and finding a beautiful towel animal on the bed. Room stewards often create cute towel creations to put a smile on your face. You’ll usually find them on family-oriented cruise lines .

Types of Cruises

Charter: People or tour operators may book out an entire ship to host a special event.

Repositioning Cruise: A sailing occurs when a cruise ship transfers to another part of the world. For example, a cruise ship offering Caribbean itineraries may reposition to the Mediterranean for two months. Repositioning cruises are often cheaper than regular itineraries as cruise lines look to fill the vessel to earn revenue from an expensive voyage.

World Cruise: As the name suggests, a world cruise offers an extensive itinerary that sails around the globe and visits several continents. World cruises may last anywhere from two to twelve months.

Canal Cruise: A type of cruise that sails through a canal. Popular canal cruises such as the Panama canal take passengers on a unique voyage through several ship locks.

Barge Cruise: The smallest-sized cruise ship available. They usually consist of six to sixteen people. The cruise acts as a floating hotel able to traverse very shallow and narrow waterways.

Expedition Cruise: Expedition cruises offer sailings to the most remote locations in the world. These cruises emphasize the journey, adventure, and experience with a special focus on adventurous shore excursions.

River Cruise: A river cruise is sailing along inland waterways. In our opinion, river cruising is totally underrated. We love the calmness of river sailing, intimate ships, and uniqueness of itineraries. If you’ve only sailed on ocean cruises, you should definitely take a look at river cruising.

Day Cruise: A cruise that sails for a limited number of hours and does not include an overnight stay. Day cruises are typically limited to media and press tours.

Transatlantic: A cruise that sails across the Atlantic. Before airplanes, transatlantic sailings were the only transportation between Europe and North America. The ocean liner Queen Mary 2 regularly sails traditional transatlantic voyages from South Hampton to New York.

Cruise to Nowhere: A cruise itinerary that consists only of sea days before returning. They are typically only a few days long and don’t call in any ports.

Closed-Loop Cruise: A closed-loop cruise starts and ends in the same port . For example, a voyage that departs and returns to Miami, Florida, is an example of a closed-loop cruise.

Open-Jaw Cruise: An open jaw cruise starts and ends at different ports. Passengers embark at one port and disembark in another. For example, a voyage that departs Seattle, Washington, and arrives in Ketchikan, Alaska, is an open-jaw cruise.

Cruise Ship Dining Terminology

Assigned Seating: Many cruise lines provide assigned tables in the main dining room. The assigned seating is usually dinner-specific.

Early and Late Dining: Some cruise lines with assigned seating split dining times into two seatings. The first and second seating is often referred to as early and late dining.

Open Dining (or Open Seating): Many cruise lines offer open seating, whereby passengers may eat in the main dining room without a specified time for seating. Norwegian Cruise Line only offers open dining, which they call Freestyle dining. Other cruise lines, such are Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises, provide passengers with the option of set dining times or open dining. While open dining offers more flexibility, you may need to wait in line for an empty table.

Specialty Restaurants: Specialty restaurants refer to alternative dining choices that aren’t included in the base cruise fare. Specialty restaurants offer an intimate dining experience with a better culinary experience. The ship charges the meal to your onboard account when eating at a specialty restaurant.

Maitre d’Hotel (Maitre d’, for short): The Maitre d’ is in charge of the restaurant on the ship. This person greets customers, supervises the restaurant staff, and ensures that the experience meets the highest quality standards.

Captain’s Table: As the name suggests, the captain’s table is a chance to enjoy dinner with the ship’s captain.

Ship Crew Member and Staff Terms

Captain: The ship’s captain holds the ultimate command and responsibility of the vessel. In addition to steering and navigating the boat, the captain is responsible for the safety of all passengers and crew.

Cruise Director: You’ll often find the cruise director leading activities around the ship. During your sailing, the cruise director acts as the face of the cruise, and it’s their job to be friendly and outgoing.

Cabin Steward or Cabin Attendant: The cabin steward is responsible for cleaning and maintaining your stateroom. These crew members work hard to keep your room tidy and clean for when you return.

Deckhand: The deckhand is responsible for maintaining the exterior of the ship. They are responsible for general cleaning and maintenance of the deck areas and ship gear. They are also the ones responsible for loading and unloading supplies and equipment.

Bosun (Boatswain): A bosun is the highest-ranking, non-officer role in the deck department. Among their responsibilities, a bosun supervises deckhands, coordinates work, coaches staff members, maintains ship appearance, and overseas the mooring and anchoring operations.

Purser: The purser is responsible for handling the ship’s finances. Specifically, the chief purser oversees the staff who manage money, passenger accounts, and guest services.

Porter: The porter is responsible for helping passengers with their luggage. They are employed by the port authority, not the ship.

Passenger-Crew Ratio: The ratio of the number of passengers to the crew. The ratio gives a quick feel for the quality of service on board a cruise ship. In theory, the lower the ratio, the better the service. A ratio of 1:1 (a ratio only seen on luxury ships) means that there is one crew member for every passenger on board the vessel. Ratios of 3:1 are considered good.

Cruise Terminal: The building where you check-in for your cruise and board your ship . Like how airplanes have airports, cruise ships have terminals or cruise ports.

Port: A maritime facility with loading areas for ships to load and unload passengers and cargo.

Home Port: The primary cruise port for a ship. The home port is the port where the cruise ship begins most cruise itineraries.

Cay (Pronounced “kay” ): A small, sandy island with a low elevation on the surface of a coral reef.

Marina: A dock or basin that provides mooring services for small boats and yachts.

Dry Dock: A dock that can be drained of water to allow for construction, maintenance, and repair work on ships.

Shipyard: A facility where ships are built and repaired.

Navigational Terms

Port: When facing towards the front (bow) of the ship, the port is on your left. If you face the back of the boat (aft), the port is on your right.

Starboard: When facing towards the front (bow) of the ship, the starboard is on your right. If you face the back of the boat (aft), the starboard is on your left.

Insider Tip

If you need help remembering port and starboard, check out our article: How to remember port and starboard on a cruise ship .

Bow/Forward: The front of the ship.

Stern: The rearmost part of the exterior of the ship.

Aft: The rearmost part of the interior of the ship.

Prime Meridian: Prime meridian is the earth’s zero of longitude (0º), which passes through Greenwich, England. Together with the anti-meridian, they divide the earth into two hemispheres.

Nautical Twilight (Nautical Dawn): Nautical twilight begins in the morning when the sun’s center is between 6 to 12 degrees below the horizon. During nautical twilight, the stars and horizon are visible, even on moonless nights, allowing sailors to take reliable star readings for navigational purposes.

Celestial Navigation: Navigation by observing the sun, moon, and stars. Before advancements in technology, celestial navigation was the primary method for sailors.

Nautical Terminology

Midship: The middle of a ship or boat.

Overall Length: The length of a ship from bow to stern.

Beam: A measure of the width of a ship or boat.

Gross Tonnage: A measure of a ship’s overall internal volume. Gross tonnage is determined by dividing by 100 the contents, in cubic feet, of the vessel’s enclosed spaces.

Wake: A moving ship generates a tace on the water’s surface. The frothy white water trailing a moving vessel is called the wake. Watching the ship wake as you sail away from the port can be mesmerizing.

Berth: The term berth has a dual meaning. The first is a name for a bed on a ship. The second is a space where a vessel may be moored.

Helm: The helm is the position from which the captain steers the vessel. It also refers to the lever or wheel that controls the rudder on a ship.

Hull: The main body or structure of a vessel. The hull includes the bottom, sides, and deck of the ship. The watertight hull is how cruise ships float .

Porthole: A small exterior window on a ship. Portholes are usually circular.

Mast: On a sailboat, the mast is a pole rising vertically from the hull, which serves to support the sail. There is only one mast on a small sailboat, but larger boats have several.

Mainsail: The largest and most important sail on a boat. On a square-rigged vessel, the mainsail is the lowest and largest sail on the mast.

Boom: The boom is a thick pole that extends at a 90-degree angle from the mast. It anchors the bottom of the sail and provides sailors with greater control and maneuverability.

Rudder: The rudder is an underwater verticle blade positioned at the vessel’s stern. It is controlled at the helm and is the primary method of steering. When the captain turns the wheel, it rotates the rudder. As the rudder rotates, the vessel’s head turns in the same direction.

Mooring: Refers to a permanent structure to which a ship can attach.

Docking: The act of mooring a ship at a dock.

Latitude: A geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position on the earth’s surface. Latitude lines run in parallel lines from east to west. When looking at a globe, latitude lines are horizontal. The latitude angle ranges from 0° at the equator to 90° at the poles.

Longitude: A geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position on the earth’s surface. Latitude lines run in parallel lines from north to south. When looking at the planet, longitude lines run vertically.

Equator: The equator is a latitude circle dividing the earth into the Northern and Southern hemispheres. It is located exactly halfway between the North and South poles. The equator’s location is at 0 degrees latitude.

Flag Country: The country where the ship is registered. You can quickly identify the ship’s flag country by looking at the ship’s stern, where you’ll usually find a flag and the country’s name.

If you are curious about why cruise ships have a different flag country, check out our article: Why do cruise ships sail under foreign flags?

Knots: Knots are a unit of speed used by ships and are short for nautical miles per hour. One knot is equivalent to 1.15 land miles per hour. Cruise ships have cruising speeds of around 22 knots .

Provisions: Refers to supplies needed on the ship

Lock: A device used to raise and lower ships between stretches of water at different levels.

Zodiacs: Small inflatable boats used for water bases shore excursions. Zodiacs are named after the company that invented them. The inflatable boats were created in the 1930s for the military but are now commonly used in tourism.

Stabilizers: Stabilizers are fin-like devices mounted to the ship’s hull beneath the waterline. They help counter the roll of a vessel due to waves or wind and provide a smoother ride for passengers.

Anchor: A heavy object attached to a rope or chain used to keep a vessel stationary.

Galley: The galley is another name for the kitchen of the ship. Many cruise lines offer tours of the galley, which provide a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world hidden from passengers.

Cruise Industry Acronyms

OBC (Onboard Credit): Onboard credit can be used like cash for purchases on the ship. You might receive onboard credits as an incentive offered by a travel agent or cruise line.

GTY (Guarantee Cabin): An abbreviation for guarantee cabin (see the definition above for guarantee cabins).

FCC (Future Cruise Credit): Future cruise credits work little like store credits. Cruise lines offer FCCs in place of refunds which can be redeemed when booking a new sailing. Always read the fine print as they almost always have expiry dates.

TA: Short for a travel agent.

Cruise Industry Organizations

CLIA: The Cruise Line International Association is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association based on the number of passenger ships operated by CLIA members. Among other responsibilities, the CLIA’s focus is to set standards for cruise lines and represent the interests of the cruise industry. According to their website , “CLIA is the global organization that fosters our members’ success by advocating, educating, and promoting the common interests of the cruise community.”

NOAA: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association is part of the US Department of Commerce. Their responsibilities include “daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce.”

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What Is a Tender Port?

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: May 23rd, 2024

• Find a Cruise

Sometimes on your cruise itinerary, you’ll see the words “tender port”. But what is a tender port?

In most ports of call, your ship will dock alongside a jetty and you’ll walk down the gangway onto dry land. But not all ports in the world are able to accommodate every cruise ship. Sometimes, a ship is too long for the dock, or may have a draft that’s too deep for the harbor.

Ports may be subject to very high and very low tides, which doesn’t work for cruise ships. There may be precious coral reefs that can’t be crossed. Or navigation may simply be too tricky; you have to remember that a cruise ship can take you pretty well anywhere in the world, which includes some very small and out-of-the-way spots.

When it’s not possible to dock, a cruise ship will drop anchor in a suitably sheltered spot and lower its lifeboats. There’s no cause for alarm when you see this happening; the lifeboats on most ships double up as tenders, which means they are used to ferry passengers to and from the nearest dock.

Places where this happens are known as tender ports. Here’s all you need to know about the tender port meaning and how to make the most of the process.

How do tender ports differ from regular ports of call?

Celebrity Equinox in Santorini, Greece

Tender ports are different in that they don’t have a suitable harbor big enough to accommodate modern cruise ships. A tender port might be a small island; Grand Cayman is an example, as is Santorini, where ships tie up to big concrete buoys in the middle of a volcanic caldera.

But not all tender ports are islands; sometimes, fairly big towns and cities are accessed by tender, including Villefranche in the south of France and Waterford in Ireland .

The difference when you arrive in one of these destinations is that you’ll be invited to the ship’s tender embarkation area. You’ll swipe your SeaPass card and embark the tender, which will ferry you ashore to a landing area that’s been set up by the crew. You’ll see the ship’s tenders buzzing back and forth all day.

What are tender boats like?

Tender boats, or the ship’s lifeboats, have a surprisingly large capacity—but for normal tendering operations, they’re only ever filled to a level that’s comfortable for everybody.

The boats are enclosed to protect you from the sun, wind, and rain. They have comfortable seats and windows. They’re also stable and extremely safe.

Experienced crewmembers will help you on and off the tender once it’s safely secured to the embarkation area or the jetty. Safety rules are strictly observed; you can’t get up and walk around during a tender transfer, for example.

Panga in the Galapagos

In the Galapagos , where all forays ashore are by tender, the situation is different. You’ll board the ship’s pangas, or rigid inflatable boats, in small groups and zoom ashore to pull up on remote beaches or rocky landing areas.

Celebrity’s Edge series ships have the most state-of-the-art tenders in the business, with bucket seats, plenty of space, air conditioning (a rarity on a tender boat), and big picture windows so you can enjoy the views on your tender ride.

From time to time, tender operations will be in local boats where it’s a requirement of the port authority but the procedure and safety rules are exactly the same.

How long does it take to tender from the cruise ship to the shore?

This depends entirely on where the ship is anchored, but the local authorities and the ship’s officers will always try to aim for the shortest distance for the tenders to travel.

You could have a ride of five minutes or as long as 20 minutes. Everything is subject to the tides, the weather, and the local conditions.

Can passengers with mobility issues or disabilities access tender ports easily?

Celebrity Cruises offers boarding and departure assistance to guests with mobility disabilities. Request assistance once you arrive at the pier or contact us prior to your cruise so that we may prioritize your needs during boarding. During peak times, there may be a wait for assistance.

Many ports provide easy access for wheelchairs and scooters. However, due to various conditions like the steepness of the gangway, tendering, weather, tidal and sea conditions, and shore-side facilities, guests using assistive devices may be precluded from getting on or off the ship.

We will make reasonable efforts to assist our guests, but for safety reasons, our staff is not permitted to lift guests or equipment. Assistance with manual wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc. will be provided. The vast majority of tenders do not have roll-on capacity and are not able to carry mobility scooters.

Magic Carpet

Celebrity’s Edge-series ships are different and have vastly improved tender access for wheelchair users. On these ships, the Magic Carpet , the giant, multipurpose platform suspended over the side of the ship, serves as a very stable tender embarkation area when it’s level with Deck 2.

Wheelchair users, including those using powered wheelchairs, can access the tenders by a ramp connecting the Magic Carpet with the tender launch.

Ultimately, though, the captain and crew will assess the conditions in any tender port and decide whether tender operations are safe for those with limited mobility.

Read: Accessible Travel Guide

How can I find out if my itinerary has tender ports?

Portofino, Italy

If you are less mobile, choose your cruise itinerary carefully. Every cruise featured on the Celebrity website includes information about whether the ports of call are tender ports or places where the ship will dock alongside.

If, for example, you want to go to the Norwegian fjords, you’ll see that Flam, Olden, and Bergen are all places where the ship will be alongside a pier. But Honningsvag, in the far north of Norway , is a tender port.

If the Caribbean is calling, be aware that Belize City and Grand Cayman are tender ports. But Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and Antigua are not. You will always have plenty of choices when it comes to itinerary planning.

Is the disembarkation process different?

Celebrity Flora

The process of getting ashore is a little different when the ship is at anchor and the tenders are in use. There’s a procedure to ferrying everybody ashore that’s designed to keep everything running smoothly.

Once the ship is at anchor and has been cleared by the local authorities, the tenders are put in the water. If you have booked a shore excursion , you will have priority for disembarkation.

Typically, passengers on pre-booked shore excursions will be asked to gather in one of the ship’s lounges. The group will then be led by a crew member to the tender embarkation area.

Guests who have chosen The Retreat® will also have priority tender embarkation, one of many good reasons to elevate your vacation with this premium experience.

Guests going ashore independently will need to wait until the shore excursions have departed before they go ashore. A ticketing system will be used in some ports, whereby you collect tender tickets for your party and head down to the tenders at your allocated time.

When it’s time to sail to the next port, you’ll have been told when the last tender departs from the dock, so arrive in good time. The embarkation area on the dock will always be manned by crew members, with water and shade available.

If a large number of guests arrive at once for the last tender, don’t worry—you won’t be left behind. The boats will keep going back and forth until everybody is safely on board.

Read: Disembarkation: Everything You Need to Know

Do I need to plan my day differently?

There are a couple of considerations for planning your day in a tender port.

First, wear comfortable shoes to board the tender; you are stepping onto a moving vessel, so this is not a time for heels. You might want to bring water for the ride if it’s a hot day, too.

If you’re prone to motion sickness and the tender ride is a long one, consider taking medication before leaving the ship.

Make sure you have everything with you for the day. If you’ve left something vital behind, it’s time consuming to board a tender to get back to the ship, collect your belongings, and then take yet another tender back to the dock.

When you return to the tender at the end of the day, have your SeaPass card ready to show the crew. You will not be allowed to board the tender without this.

Read: How To Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise

How can I make the most of a tender port?

The Destination Gateway

Riding in the ship’s tenders can be fun. Celebrity’s Edge-series ships have turned tender embarkation into an adventure, thanks to The Destination Gateway, a sleek, multipurpose environment that leads you to the Edge Launches (the tenders) and your adventure ashore.

Giant LED screens display highlights of the destination as you wait in air-conditioned comfort, the excitement mounting. You’ll then step out onto the Magic Carpet, the multipurpose platform that’s cantilevered over the side of the ship. When it’s level with Deck 2, it serves as a stable tender embarkation area. You can board the tender easily from here.

A tender ride can be a great opportunity to snap the best shot of your ship at anchor, too. Have your camera ready and get a seat by the window to prepare.

Tender ports can also offer spectacular views of the destination, much more so than a busy commercial port where you could be docked alongside container ships. In Santorini , you’ll have dramatic views up at the black and red cliffs of the caldera, brilliant white towns spilling over the edge.

From Villefranche, the tender port for Nice , there are sweeping views from the ship of the glittering Côte d’Azur and the hazy mountains beyond.

What are some of the most popular tender ports that cruise ships visit?

Mykonos, Greece

Often, ports that require tender access are some of the most scenic. A lot of the Greek Islands , for example, were built for the ferries that provide vital transportation routes, but do not have harbors big enough to accommodate cruise ships.

Mykonos is usually a tender port, with tenders dropping you next to the old fishing harbor, right by the tangled alleys and alluring shops and restaurants of the old town. Santorini is, too, and in this instance, cruise lines have to use the local tenders rather than their own lifeboats.

If you’re going ashore independently here, allow plenty of time to return, as there can be long lines for the cable car that connects Fira , the capital, to the dock.

The alternative is to walk down the zig-zag donkey path, which takes about 30 minutes. Luckily, there are several tavernas on the dock offering ice-cold beers while you wait for your boat back to the ship.

Hydra, Greece

Beautiful Hydra is also a tender port. As you approach the horseshoe-shaped harbor, you’ll have fantastic views of the superyachts and fishing boats framed by an amphitheater of colorful old mansions and whitewashed houses.

In the Caribbean, you’ll arrive in the heart of George Town, Grand Cayman by tender. Ships use local tenders here, which are much bigger than lifeboats, making the disembarkation process extra-speedy.

If your travels take you to Belize City , tenders will drop you at the convenient location of the Tourism Village, a custom-built complex of shops, restaurants, and bars. This can be a fun place to pass a little time after your tour, too, before you board the tender back to the ship.

Sitka, Alaska

Occasionally, ports in Alaska require tender operations when there are several cruise ships in town. But this is no hardship; Alaska’s waters are so rich in wildlife that you could spot whales, dolphins, and sea otters during your tender ride. Sitka is a case in point.

Are you inspired to explore the world with Celebrity Cruises? Browse itineraries here and plan your dream vacation.

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

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15 Must-Know Things About Visiting Ports of Call on a Cruise

When it comes to your cruise, the majority of time is spent on the ship, but perhaps nothing is looked forward to as much as visiting ports of call.

These port visits are a chance to get out, stretch your legs, explore a new place, and perhaps hit the beach or take in the sights. And during all of that, you’ll hopefully make some memories and do things you’d never get a chance to do back home.

But before you get off the ship, there’s plenty you will want to know about visiting. From what you need to bring with you into port to what the debarkation process (getting off the ship) is like, to safety, we’ve covered everything you’d want to know.

In This Article...

What Is There to Do in Port?

Every port is unique, offering different things for cruise passengers to do. As well, different regions offer different options. For example, what you do in Cozumel, Mexico isn’t going to be the same as what you’d do in Ketchikan, Alaska.

For trips to the Caribbean (which make up the bulk of cruises from the United States), most things to do revolve around eating, shopping, and the beach. Ports will have lots of restaurants catering to cruise passengers, as well as plenty of shops selling everything from cheap trinkets to fine jewelry.

The cruise line will also offer excursions that you can book that will give you a chance to do things you wouldn’t be able to back home. These trips can range from tequila or chocolate tasting to visiting cultural sights, but most often tend to be beach activities. This includes things like snorkeling tours and beach getaways with catered food and drink.

One nice thing is that cruise excursions offer a wide variety of options and purposely have options that are good for families or people with mobility issues. So if you want to go on an adventure sailing a catamaran or scuba diving, you can. But you can also have an easy driving tour of the port with a meal.

Ports in other parts of the world are decidedly different and are more likely to revolve around cultural activities or exploring the area. For instance, in Alaska you can go on trips to see glaciers or explore the natural scenery.

No matter where you visit, however, there will be plenty to do. 

How Long Does the Ship Stay in Port?

For as much as ports are featured when booking your cruise, you spend surprisingly little time in each under most circumstances.

Each ship has a different schedule, but you can expect to normally spend about 8-9 hours in port at each stop. Ships normally arrive first things in the morning (7-8 a.m.) and then leave in the late afternoon or early evening (4-6 p.m.). As well, passengers normally aren’t let off right when the ship docks and they also need to be onboard before the ship departs. This limits the time more.

While that stay may seem short, for most people it’s perfectly fine. It offers plenty of time to explore and go have an adventure, while making it back for dinner and evening on the ship.

Some cruise lines are opening up more overnight stays in ports or extended hours that stretch well into the evening.

Do I Have to Book a Shore Excursion?

A shore excursion is essentially a guided tour or activity in a port. This can include everything from simple walking tours to scuba diving to days at the beach. They are sold through the cruise line, but they are completely optional. ( See our full guide to shore excursions here. )

Your time in port is yours and you can spend it how you want. Shore excursions give you an easy way to go enjoy a port that you might not be familiar with. Booking through the cruise line is normally a little pricey (expect to spend about $100 per person), but offers an amazing amount of convenience. In our experience, we’ve always thought prices were high when booking, but afterward always felt like they were worth the money.

But if you want to save cash, or simply want to take it easy, then you don’t have to book anything. In fact, many people simply go explore ports on their own instead of being part of a bigger tour.

Do You Have to Get Off the Ship in Port?

When you are on a cruise, the ship is your home away from home. And just like at home, you don’t have to go anywhere if you don’t want. Getting off the ship is optional.

In fact, many people enjoy staying onboard while in port as the ship is much calmer with fewer people. While there aren’t as many crew-led activities, the ship is still open. Meals are still served, and services like the spa, shopping, and more are also open. (The casino will likely be closed, however.)

For some, ports of call can be more fun on the ship than off.

What Is the Debarkation Process in Port Like?

You might think that getting off the ship is as simple as just walking off when you’re ready. It’s slightly more complicated than that.

First, once the ship docks in port, expect it to take about 30 minutes for the ship to be cleared by the authorities to let passengers off. At that point there will be an announcement that you are free to go ashore.

At this time you’ll head down to the gangway deck. Early in the day there will likely be a line to leave the ship. As you leave the security staff will scan your keycard, which lets them know you are off the vessel.

If the ship is anchored offshore (some ports are too shallow or don’t have the facilities to dock large ships), then you will be tendered to shore. The tender is a smaller boat that carries dozens of passengers at once into the port of call.

If your ship is docked at a pier, you then simply walk off the ship and head into shore. It can be a long way from the pier to land, and there are often shuttles for those with mobility issues.

What’s the Embarkation Process Like?

Ready to get back on the ship? You can head back anytime. When you leave the ship, the staff will let you know if you need your keycard and ID to get back on, or just your keycard. These days it’s a good idea just to bring both items with you as more ports seem to be requiring them to return to the ship.

When you’re ready to go back, there is often a checkpoint on land where you’ll show your ship keycard and/or ID. This is to ensure only cruise passengers are heading back to the ship. Show the security officer your card, and you’ll then be able to access the pier to get back. (Note: Some ports have started a security screening on land as well, with metal detectors and x-ray machines.)

Once at the ship, you’ll head through a security checkpoint with a metal detector and an x-ray for your belongings. If you bring any alcohol back on the ship with you, it will be taken and held in storage until the end of the cruise and then returned. Your keycard will also be scanned.

After being cleared, you are free to enjoy the ship, head back to the room, or anything else you’d like to do.

Are Ports of Call Safe?

In general tourist areas of the Caribbean and The Bahamas (the most visited destinations for American cruise passengers) can be considered safe. These spots cater to cruise passengers, which means making them comfortable. Crimes against cruise passengers are simply bad for business.

In fact, many ports now have built up areas right around the pier that feature lots of shops, restaurants, and more for passengers to enjoy, along with limited access from the general public. Apart from vendors, these areas are nothing but other cruise passengers.

That said, except for the case of private islands, ports of call aren’t an extension of the ship. So we suggest not letting your guard down. Feel free to enjoy yourself, but don’t flash fancy jewelry or cash or otherwise make yourself a target for crime.

The vast majority of people will have no issues regarding crime in ports, but it can happen.

What Should I Bring Into Port?

When you go into port, it’s important that you pack everything you’ll need for the day. After all, getting from the ship to the actual port can be about 10-15 minutes between getting your card scanned and walking down the pier to land. If you forget something, that means it’s a 20-30 minute round trip at a minimum. Instead, it’s a good idea to pack what you need.

We have a full list of suggestions here , but a few of the more important items include:

Your Keycard & ID: You don’t have to worry about forgetting your keycard. You have to have it in your hand to get off the ship. Still, it is a must as you won’t be able to get back on the ship without it. As well, it’s a good idea to bring some ID. It doesn’t have to be a passport, but many ports require some sort of photo ID (like a license) before letting you get back to the pier to board the ship.

Walking Shoes: Sandals or flip-flops are a good idea for hitting the beach, but many people do a surprising amount of walking in port. For instance, the pier alone can be 1,000 feet long, and that’s just to get into port. We suggest wearing some comfy walking shoes as you head in and bringing a pair of flip-flips with you for once you are on the beach.

Cash: On the ship everything is paid for with your room keycard. It is extremely convenient, but it doesn’t work for spending in ports of call. There, you can use a credit card, but it’s a good idea to bring some cash for the day.

For more things to bring in port, see our article here .

Do I Need to Know Another Language in Port?

No, you don’t have to know Spanish in ports in the Caribbean. While many ports have Spanish as the local language, English is widely spoken in all ports of call. Even if you don’t know “hola” from “adios,” you will be just fine.

Do I Need to Exchange Money in Port?

Having to change currency multiple times as ships head from port to port would be a major hassle. Luckily, ports of call in North America all widely accept U.S. dollars. There’s no need to change over money, but you should know that if you pay in dollars you might get change back in a different currency.

You can also use your credit card in many locations, just as you would back home.

If traveling Europe, you’ll want euros as the most convenient way to spend money.

What if I am Late Getting Back to the Ship From Port?

Thinking you might be late to go back to the cruise ship? The “all aboard” times are not suggestions. While the ship doesn’t leave the dock right when everyone is supposed to have been aboard, there is a limited window for you to make it back. Our suggestion is to plan to be back on the ship one hour before the all aboard time that’s given. That gives you some wiggle room in case something comes up.

And yes, cruise ships will leave even if you aren’t back aboard. It’s not something you want to happen to you.

Will My Phone Work in Port?

In the middle of the ocean, there is cell service, but it is expensive to access. In port your phone will work, but keep in mind that you will be accessing via international towers, which can be pricey.

The good news is that these days cell plans often include some international access, especially for Mexico. That means some people can use their phone just like they can back home. As well, cell companies sell cruise ship and/or international plans if they don’t give you access already. For a small fee you can use your phone while in port without seeing huge charges. That gives you a chance to call home or check email without spending a fortune.

If you aren’t sure what your plan allows, contact them to see how they can help. International plans for cruise travel are typically affordable. You can see more information about using your phone on a cruise here .

Is There Wi-Fi in Port?

Cruise ships offer wi-fi access even in the middle of the ocean, but it can be expensive — $20-30 per day in many cases.

If you can, wait until you get into port. Sometimes there are stores or restaurants in the port area that offer customers wi-fi for free. This gives you a chance to hop on and check email without having to pay a fortune like you would on the ship. Other times there are vendors selling wi-fi access in the port area.

Keep in mind this isn’t the case for every port, so it’s not a guarantee that you’ll be able to get online. Even so, given the cost of access while on the ship, it can be worth taking the chance.

What’s the Difference Between Private Islands and Normal Ports of Call?

Many cruise lines offer stops at their own private islands, such as Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay .

The islands are exactly what they sound like. They are for the private use of cruise line passengers. So when you get off the ship, everyone there with you will be a passenger from your ship. Private islands cater to those visiting from the ship, typically offering easy access to beaches, drinks, food, and lots of activities and excursions. In short, they are a paradise created for cruisers and largely an extension of the ship. In fact, drink packages and wi-fi bought on the ship often work on private islands as well.

Typical ports of call also cater to cruise passengers, but they are independent of the cruise line. They are a jumping off point to go explore the area, and offer things you can’t get on private islands like cultural activities and an experience that’s not perfectly curated by the cruise line. While still touristy, they are more authentic than you’d get on a private island.

Think of the differences as similar to visiting Miami on vacation versus visiting Disney World. Both can offer a great time, but a very different atmosphere and experience.

What Else Should I Know About Visiting Port?

We highly recommend doing at least one excursion when visiting a port of call during your cruise . They can be pricey, but offer the ability to do things you simply can’t do back home and will make lifetime memories.

If your cruise is stopping at a private island and then one or two regular ports of call, we suggest scheduling the excursion for one of the regular ports of call. Private islands typically have easy-to-access beaches and things to do for free and without much fuss. The better things to do in most regular ports often carry costs, so it makes sense to pay for the excursion in these places.

Another tip is that ports of call are great if you forgot something at home. Didn’t remember deodorant? Or maybe you packed a toothbrush, but no toothpaste? Or you want some ibuprofen for a headache or more sunscreen?

To be sure, all of these items are available on the ship. Cruise ships have small shops selling sundries that you might need. The only issue is that they are expensive. For instance, we’ve seen a bottle of cold medicine for more than $17.

Instead, most ports have a small shop or pharmacy that sells anything you might need at more reasonable prices.

Have more questions about visiting ports? Let us know in the comments below.

More on Visiting Ports:

• Worth It? 15 Shore Excursion Questions & Answers 
• Heading to Port? The 9 Must-Have Things to Bring With You

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What is a Tender Port on a Cruise? Tips for Tendering on a Cruise

So exactly what is a tender port on a cruise? Learn more about boat tender definitions and what it means for your vacation.

Are you about to embark on your first cruise vacation and wondering what is a tender port on a cruise ? Think of tendering as a way to get from your large cruise ship to the small port or island you are visiting. In some regions, ocean liners are too large to anchor close to port for a variety of reasons. A simple boat tender definition is when you take a tender boat (a smaller vessel) from your ship directly to your destination. Tender boats are either lifeboats from your cruise ship or boats commissioned from an outside company and can typically hold up to a hundred people at a time.

Now that you know a little more about what tendering is, you might be wondering how does it work, and what are the advantages and disadvantages? Once you have docked in your cruise ship tender port, it will be time to get in line in order to take a tender boat to your destination (if you plan to get off the ship). Most people get in line early and want to get off the ship as soon as possible in order to fully enjoy their time in port. What does this mean for you? Waiting in line and the need to be patient. Some cruise ships will use a ticket system, which will give you a specific tender time that you will be able to leave the ship.

Some people who prefer not to wait in line will opt to have a long, leisurely breakfast or lunch (depending on dock time), and entertain themselves aboard the ship until the tender line has decreased. Whether you wait in line, use a ticketing system, or patiently stay behind until the tender line has diminished, there are no ticketing systems for the return trip. This means there will likely be lines for tender boats in order to reboard your ship. Because of the possibility of long lines, make sure you allot yourself plenty of time to get back on to your cruise ship after enjoying your excursions while in port.

Cruise Ship Tender Tips

There are a few things you should be aware of regarding cruise ship tender ports . Because tendering involves going from one boat to another, there are typically steps involved and sometimes a gap stepping from one ship to the other. For those with mobility issues, this might be a concern (though there are usually accommodations in place for these scenarios). Some ships might asked guests to prove they can step a specific distance before proceeding to the tender line, in addition to parents being able to demonstrate they can pass or carry their children over the gap between boats.

Tendering Advantages and Disadvantages

Depending on your personality, age and health, you may see tendering as another piece of your cruising adventure or as an annoyance. The drawback of having cruise ship tender ports on your itinerary is that the process takes time. In addition, the tender boats aren’t particularly comfortable and cruisers will likely have to wait in line to return to their ship. Last, bad weather can impact cruise ship tender ports and itinerary schedules. Because tender boats are smaller, port stops might be cancelled if poor weather is in the forecast.

That being said, there are some advantages of tendering. First, you get an incredible vantage point of your cruise ship (ideal for unique photos). Plus, tender boats can take you to remote, untouched locations that cannot be accessed by large cruise ships.

Now that you are fully aware of a boat tender definition, you can decide if you want to select a cruise itinerary that will have tender-involved stops. Not sure if a cruise itinerary will involve tender boats? Let an experienced and knowledgeable CruiseExperts.com agent help you determine which cruise would be best for you. Visit CruiseExperts.com or contact us directly at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) to learn more. And, don’t forget to like us on Facebook and join our InnerCircle for exclusive offers and cruise news you can use! Also, check out our new Resource Center , where you can receive expert knowledge from us before your next cruise or cruisetour.

Don't Overpay for Your Cruise

Port Economics, Management and Policy

A comprehensive analysis of the port industry

Chapter 3.6 – Cruise Terminal Design and Equipment

Author: dr. athanasios pallis.

Cruise terminals have a unique set of characteristics and operational considerations since they need to handle a large number of passengers and cruise ship supplies.

1. Cruise Terminals

Cruise terminals are designed to serve the requirements of cruise vessels and their passengers . At the same time, they have to be integrated with transport, tourism, and the urban planning strategies of the port city and nearby destinations. From a maritime viewpoint, cruise terminals need to fulfill minimum requirements for draft, berthing lines, and navigation channels for cruise ships. Inside the cruise terminal, there are provisions for various spaces, including the apron area, terminal building, and ground transportation. Due to the nature of their customers and the nature of cruise operations, connectivity to the city, car parking, and public transport facilities are particularly important.

Operational considerations are a critical factor in implementing the design of a cruise terminal is carried out at a specific port. The cruise port’s function as a home port, a transit port, or a hybrid port, implies different needs and design considerations:

• In a home-port , the cruise vessel that begins or concludes its itinerary commonly arrives early in the day so that passengers proceed to customs and immigration, have their luggage (un)loaded, and make their flight connections (more an issue for arriving passengers). Provisions for the next cruise need to be loaded, baggage from arriving passengers scanned and loaded, passengers processed through ticketing, spare parts, deck supplies, and bunkers (potable water and fuel oil) taken aboard. Minor repairs may also be undertaken. A portion of the crew visits the port city and returns before the ship departs. All these activities need to take place within up to 24 hours and preferably within 12 hours. Handling a large number of passengers in a short amount of time requires a terminal building, parking areas, and good access to the local transport system, particularly airports. The conditions and performance of the cruise port terminal are strongly linked with  homeports selection by cruise lines.
• A  port of call (transit) is visited for only a few hours within a day, or overnight, and requires a fast and efficient system for transporting passengers to points of interest or recreational spots.
• Hybrid cruise ports are used for both home-porting and transit activities. The terminal is designed to handle home-port and visitor flows at the same time.

Once designed and constructed, the operating costs of cruise terminals are generally smaller than in other port terminals , as cruise terminals do not require heavy equipment and do not consume much energy. The main operating cost items are the staff for managing the terminal, security, and luggage handling. These are frequently outsourced owing to the seasonal nature of the industry. On the other hand, security is a fundamental issue as cruise ships and passengers at ports might be vulnerable. A large number of passengers concentrated in a small restricted area might be considered a potential risk. Cruise ships also have high symbolic and economic value. Consequently, cruise port design and operations must comply with several security regulations, while cruise lines and regulatory agencies constantly audit port security.

2. Maritime Infrastructure

The core consideration for cruise terminal design is related to the expected technical characteristics of the cruise ships . Indicators, such as the tonnage, overall length (LOA), beam, and draft of modern cruise ships, along with the passenger capacity, and the number of crew on board, are the most considered. Due to the range of cruise vessel types, sizes related to cruise ships scale of dimensions and capacities , the maritime infrastructure of a cruise terminal depends on several factors:

• The number, size, and class of the cruise vessels that could utilize the terminal. Since the 2000s, the average size of cruise ships has increased in all dimensions (i.e. larger, wider, and higher passenger capacity). The average cruise ship capacity has increased from 1,300 to 3,100 passengers, and the average length from 200 to over 300 meters.
• The characteristics of the vessel types that could call at the port are key aspects. Due to design changes and technology, the mass and dimensions of cruise vessels include a variety of deck designs. These features contribute to the design of shoreside infrastructures like shore-power location, gangway placement, and cruise terminal building dimensions and facilities.
• Operational conditions imposed by weather. Some cruise ports may be exposed to the seasonality of weather risks, such as hurricanes in the Caribbean.
• The operational needs of stevedoring for activities such as mooring, bunkering, and stores.
• The desired potential berthing patterns and the average number of cruise ships expected to be docked.
• For home-ports, the number of crew members is also significant. Depending on the size and market segment of the cruise, the ratio varies from one crew member per passenger in a luxury cruise ship to one crew member per three passengers in a standard ship.

Entrance channels to berths and maneuvering areas provide safe clearance during vessel movements and operational loading conditions. Their minimum depth incorporates the maximum draft and allowances for technical and wave conditions anticipated during vessel approaches. Modern cruise vessels are very maneuverable in most sea conditions. The berth area length required for safe mooring and securing the vessel allows for a minimum clearance of 10% of the vessel’s overall length (LOA). Where turning basins are required, a diameter of two times the LOA plus an allowance for adverse weather conditions is necessary. In home port operations, the port maintains contingency plans in case of extreme weather due to the need for passengers to connect to the various modes of transportation from the terminal. Ports of call do not need such plans, as ships have the option of skipping a port of call in the case of inclement weather.

Mooring of cruise vessels generally uses arrangements where the maximum pier frontage adjacent to the vessel offers loading/unloading efficiencies. In some transit ports, vessels are moored to piers shorter than the vessel, using dolphins to secure the offshore end of the vessel. Cruise vessel facilities are typically provided with fender systems along the full frontage of the berth area to absorb the energy of an impact during vessel berthing and provide a soft buffer between the pier and vessel while moored.

3. Apron Area of the Cruise Terminal

Aprons are fenced secured areas immediately adjacent to the cruise building and vessel service doors. While cruise vessel loading can occur with small widths of apron surface, the wider and less obstructed the surface in the area is, the better. The apron area provides space for any of the following operations:

• Stevedoring services including line-handling, baggage movement, utility connections, and waste processing from the vessel. Luggage is moved by forklift and baggage handling carriages from/to the ground floor of the cruise building to/from the vessel luggage doors.
• Supplies to the vessels to serve the needs of passengers, crew, systems, and equipment. The provisions arrive on trucks soon after the ship arrives at berth. With larger ships served by a total of between 20 and 40 tractor-trailer size trucks, managing this flow and providing proper maneuvering, unloading, and turn-around space is critical to the success of this process. In addition to space, two other factors are important, connectivity with the ground transportation area, and storage areas where certain perishable provisions can be placed before being loaded onto the ship in order to avoid any damage.
• Access for vehicle circulation, parking, unloading, and access for load/unload equipment.
• Emergency vehicle access .
• Provisions for site-specific needs of terminal operations, such as vehicle controls.

All these operations take place in the apron area via the various service doors of cruise vessels . Within the apron, the operational pier service loading area for vehicles servicing cruise vessels, such as containers and tanker trucks, is separated from the cruise terminal passenger areas. Gangways are the single most important passenger processing element of the entire terminal as they are crucial for turning vessels around quickly and efficiently.

The gangway (also known as seaport passenger boarding bridge) is the means of getting on and off a ship. In general shipping terms, it refers to a walkway or bridge connecting the vessel to land. Because access varies widely from one port to another, a cruise ship gangway refers to the place on the ship where passengers enter and exit.

Gangways transfer passengers from the vessel doors to the terminal building through the boarding corridor (boardwalk). For example, on embarkation and debarkation days, the gangway will often consist of an enclosed raised bridge like a jetway in an airport. For larger vessels, the embarking and disembarking processes entail the need for two fully automated mobile gangways per berth to move in excess of 1,000 passengers per hour. Cruise terminal operators might select one of the various types of cruise gangways available to meet these needs and provide safe boarding in all conditions.

For home-ports, the demand for some or all of the following  vessel utilities  might require further infrastructure that might even extend beyond the facility property in order to provide sufficient capacities to allow vessels to be serviced during their limited time at berth:

• Bunkering  for ship refueling.
• Waste reception facilities such as oily wastes, garbage from ships, and sewage.
• Potable water . A 3,500 passenger vessel can use approximately 1.40 million gallons during a seven-day excursion. Most of this water demand is provided through onboard desalination systems. However, it is not uncommon for cruise vessels to take on water while at the pier.
• Ballast water .
• Energy such as shore power (cold ironing and LNG provisioning).

4. Cruise Terminal Building

The presence of a cruise terminal building is part of the evolution of the cruise business. As the market matures, cruise ports have started developing purpose-built terminal buildings to serve cruise passenger movements. Still, for ports where cruising activities are in their initial phase, the terminal is often a temporary structure, or a building primarily having a non-cruise use and is convertible on the days a ship calls. A range of structures is used:

• Temporary cruise terminal buildings exist in cruise ports with few calls and are managed only when a ship is calling. This includes vessel navigation and berthing, provisioning, passenger debarking, ship hoteling, passenger embarking, and vessel deployment. The methods of handling these needs rely primarily on essential services only, and on occasion, there is no building dedicated as a cruise terminal. In these cases, organizing and segregating functions are handled on-site with temporary event-type facilities with movable barriers, traffic control elements such as bollards and cones, and tape lines.
• Convertible cruise terminal buildings focusing on hospitality, civic, commercial, retail, or warehousing as the primary function. As these facilities are not specialized cruise terminals, passengers, baggage, and supplies are managed on a day-of-cruise basis. Before a ship berths, specific cruise use elements such as signage, furniture, equipment, and space-dividing material will be set up for a cruise and then removed after the ship departs. Several processes (including immigration) may be handled on the vessel rather than in the terminal.
• Purpose-built cruise terminal buildings address the entire needs and functionality of cruises on both disembarkation and embarkation. On occasion, some of the building spaces may be designed for dual-use (embarking and debarking). Most often, each space is designed and built for specific functionality. These buildings can also have secondary uses such as event space for shopping areas, cafeterias, and restaurants. Sill, cruising remains the primary design and operational driver. Embarkation and disembarkation spaces, equipment, furniture, signage, and agency requirements are all designed to optimize flow, heighten passenger satisfaction, minimize staffing levels, and maintain security. Often these buildings are part of a larger port community, or combined waterfront context, but they stand alone, not usually offering other uses when no ship is at berth.
• Mixed-use cruise terminal buildings are the most developed response to cruise tourism, along with the need to serve a waterfront community. Recognizing the multi-functionality that a single building can provide, such mixed-use buildings include all the necessary elements of a purpose-built terminal. They also add other uses to their plan and volume, such as shopping areas, commercial areas, theatres, and conventions. As with other mixed-use buildings, the economics of capital investment, operating cost, and revenue stream are combined in order to benefit from multiple uses. This creates a beneficial cycle of increased use, greater revenue, heightened visibility, and a stronger tourism market. Simultaneously, regardless of whether or not cruising is the dominant purpose of the mixed-use building, the cruise market must perceive that the building is successfully serving the core cruise terminal mission.

Cruise terminal buildings are either single-story or multi-story . A single-story terminal has the advantage of fitting on an open site, especially in relation to the length of a cruise vessel and the need for ground transportation, and the absence of vertical core elements such as stairs, escalators, and elevators. On the negative side, the operational distances are longer on one level than in multi-story terminals. Multi-story terminals are becoming the more common form of cruise terminal buildings, especially in the bigger home-porting cruise ports. This format takes advantage of the inherent differences between embarkation and disembarkation processes to segregate them by floor level, a design common in airport facilities. The stacking of spaces on different levels has greater advantages when co-locating other activities, such as parking. Most often, a multi-story terminal will have the majority of disembarkation spaces on the ground floor and most of the embarkation space on the upper level. This has the operational advantage that embarking passengers are brought upstairs to check-in and wait to board while disembarking passengers flow through immigration check, baggage pickup, customs, and ground transportation pickup.

5. Embarkation and Disembarkation Processes

The embarkation process of cruise passengers begins upon arrival at the cruise terminal. In home-ports, a number of different spaces and services are provided to facilitate the process:

• Entrance space is a gathering space for passengers arriving at the terminal, a shelter from the weather, a place to seek information, and a place to queue for the next step in the process.
• Bag drop space where bags are brought for the security check and organizing prior to loading onto the ship.
• Luggage security controls (X-ray scanners ) that allow thorough luggage monitoring, and detecting objects that are not allowed to be taken on board.
• Queuing space that includes multiple lanes for passengers to process through security controls boarding the vessel.
• Passenger security controls (passenger X-ray lanes), with operating schedules adapted to the size of traffic, peak hours, and other local and cruise-ship requirements.
• Ticketing where passengers pick up their tickets before check-in if not available through prior arrangements.
• Ticket area queue where passengers queue before checking in so that people can move quickly from ticketing to boarding.
• Check-in area with counters where cruise-line staff process passengers for the designated cruise trip. The use of new technologies like mobile applications or bar-coded wristbands in the check-in process is already bringing changes in the layout of this area.
• Waiting areas for checked-in ticketed passengers to wait until boarding can begin. This space is large enough to allow for ample seating and circulation area, as well as space for cruise information and other pre-travel material the cruise lines have.
• Boarding corridors where passengers move toward the vessel.
• Staff offices for cruise operator staff, cruise line staff, and port security.
• Other spaces, such as spaces where passengers can have their pictures taken, VIP lounges separated from the general embarkation experience, and even wedding and other special group spaces.

The size and location orientation of each of the above spaces and respective services varies from one cruise terminal to the other. Not all of the spaces listed will be found in every terminal or found in similar arrangements. Security might take place at the entrance of the terminal building or after check-in. Well-developed VIP spaces do not exist in all terminals, as the configuration is determined to meet the needs of all stakeholders (port, cruise lines, operator, customs, and port security). In any case, the terminal needs to offer a positive experience to passengers , as it might provide the first impression to the embarking passengers and it is thus valued significantly by cruise lines. Further, if the terminal is too small for the capacity of the cruise ship, discomfort can result from passengers being forced to stand up in crowded spaces over periods of time.

The disembarkation process in the home port begins before a passenger leaves the vessel to enter the terminal, aiming at reducing the processing time to a minimum and maximizing this final experience for the passenger. The different spaces and services that are provided in home-port terminals include:

• Boarding corridors for disembarking passengers.
• Customs, immigration, quarantine, and police spaces and processes.
• Baggage lay down , which is often the single largest space in the building. Luggage is brought directly from the ship according to deck level and grouped via a “lay-down” process that takes place before passengers enter the space. While in most cases separation refers to baggage waiting in different spaces per group of passengers, more sophisticated processes of managing bags also exist, the most obvious being carousels such as those used in airports.
• Customs areas for passengers to proceed after luggage collections to processing counters, and to conclude applicable procedures.
• Meeting spaces where passengers gather and meet with others and move to ground transportation.

In ports of call, the disembarkation/embarkation processes are less complex, particularly since passengers do not carry luggage. The terminals do not usually have or need a building to host passengers since the (dis)embarkation time is normally short, lasting less than an hour, with access to the local means of transportation or to the walkways and back to the ship having to be as fast and simple as possible. In the absence of a terminal building, the port provides an open space along the quay to enable passengers to gather comfortably. If a terminal building exists, transit terminals do not require spaces for the check-in process or luggage operations.

6. Ground Transportation

The ground transportation area of a cruise terminal is where passengers arrive from all transport modes to embark on the cruise. It is also where they disembark to take any transportation mode to travel inland, usually through public roads and transit systems. Since the passengers of a single cruise generate large numbers of inland trips , ground transportation is an important function of the cruise terminal. As traffic needs to move quickly, safely, and efficiently from and to the terminal and from and to the city, this area must be located close to the terminal building. The ground transportation area includes spaces for:

• Coach parking , such as shuttle buses provided by the port or the cruise lines and tour buses provided by the ship and independent excursion buses.
• Taxi lines with comfortable space around the cars to facilitate loading and unloading.
• Drop-off spaces such as a short-stay car park earmarked for people dropping off or picking up passengers.
• Parking spaces for passengers who drove to the terminal to take a cruise.
• Regional and local connectivity to both the local and regional intermodal system, such as the airport, needs to be connected to the home port by rail or road.

The modal distribution of cruise passenger mobility differs by port. Passengers can decide to take a coach, a taxi, a private car, or go on foot depending on factors such as proximity to major hotels and connectivity to the regional transport system. Space assigned to ground transportation services at a cruise terminal depends on:

• Type of cruise vessel operations at the port of call, with buses and shuttles being the main transport mode. In a home-port taxis and private transport are the most used transport mode, together with transfers and connections with the airport.
• Port-city distance where the cruise terminal is within a metropolitan district, most of the passengers might go into the city by foot, depending on the presence of pedestrian corridors. However, if the city is far off a shuttle system transport is provided.
• Transport systems available as several transport modes and services near the terminal area, such as car parks, train connections, and airport connectivity, are considered.
• Other factors  such as local, regional, and environmental considerations may affect the design criteria. A terminal in an area of recurrent high temperatures may need to provide air conditioning in most ground transportation areas. In contrast, a terminal in an area prone to security risks will need to ensure that these areas are secured.

In addition to infrastructures such as quays construction, dock expansion, dredging of channels and basins, waiting areas, and gangways that improve traffic flows and accessibility, modern cruise terminals also involve shoreside projects . In many cases, land reclamation, retail, restaurants, and hotels are of equal importance. The multi-purpose use of cruise terminals is of a different type. Due to their service and touristic orientation, the terminals are ‘people-friendly’, rather than ‘cargo friendly’. Thus, they might be used with open access to the public for events or other usages. This is especially the case as the seasonality of cruise activities implies that several terminals host cruise ship calls for only a few months each year.

Beyond the change in the usage of existing infrastructure or the development of greenfield projects, recent developments have also revolved around the adaptive reuse of brownfield assets . Such cases can be found in the United States, both at the East (Brooklyn and Galveston) and the West (San Francisco and San Diego) coasts. In all cases, cruise port infrastructure development takes far longer than building new cruise ships, meaning that ports may lag behind in trying to meet vessel capacity developments in the market.

Related Topics

• Chapter 3.1 Terminals and Terminal Operators
• Chapter 3.2 Terminal Concessions and Land Leases
• Chapter 5.4 Port Pricing
• Chapter 8.1 Cruise Ports
• Cheng, Z. Gong L. and Li C. (2020).  Design and Practice of Cruise Ports. Singapore: Springer .
• Pallis, A. A. 2015. “Cruise shipping and urban development state of the art of the industry and cruise ports”.  OECD-ITF Discussion Paper 2015-14 , OECD: Paris.
• PIANC Working Group 152 (2016). Guidelines for Cruise Terminals. Brussels: PIANC.

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Cruise Ship Tendering – 5 Tips You NEED to Know

If you’re taking a cruise you may have to ‘tender’ to get to land. I’ve been on a number of cruises where this has been the case and I actually find it quite fun.

There are many benefits as well as disadvantages of tendering on a cruise. Not all itineraries have tender ports but some may have multiple.

What Does Tender Mean on a Cruise Ship?

Tendering is where guests use a lifeboat, or smaller boat, to get from the cruise ship to the port. Tendering usually happens when the ship is too big to dock in a certain port or the port is already occupied by another ship.

Guests are able to find out prior to a cruise if a port it tendered as it is detailed on the itinerary.

Can you see before the cruise if you need to tender?

If you are worried about tendering or would prefer not to, you can usually see on the cruise itinerary before you book if the ports are docked or tendered. It certainly is possible to avoid cruises which require tendering. If you chose a cruise with city ports you more than likely, won’t have to tender.

When you book your cruise your itinerary will say if ports are docked or tendered. Below is my itinerary for my weekend cruise with Celebrity Cruises. At the end of this post is a list of the most popular cruise tender ports in the USA, the Caribbean and Europe. It is possible to find out if almost any port is a tender port

Cruise Ship Tendering Tips:

Don’t rush to get the first tender.

I would recommend not rushing to get off on the first tender, I much prefer to have a leisurely breakfast and an explore of the ship without all of the guests!

Tendering is much nicer when you don’t have to line up. If you are on an organised excursion with the cruise line you will, more than likely, meet on the ship and tender off together. In some circumstances, you may be asked to meet on land so make sure you’ve allowed extra time for this.

Head to The Front of the Tender or Top Deck if You Get Seasick

Go to the front of the tender by the windows (or the top) if you get seasick. The breeze will make you feel better. When embarking the tender the crew will usually direct you to a seat if you ask to be seated at the front or on the top, most crew will happily let you do so.

Don’t Wait Until The Last Tender to Come Back

Don’t come back an hour or two before the last tender, this will be the busiest time. If you can come back a few hours before you will skip the queues. Alternatively, you could leave it to last minute and get the last tender, but I wouldn’t be brave enough to do that.

Take Photos of The Ship From The Tender

Use the tender as an opportunity to take photos! It is rare that you will ever see a cruise ship from the ocean so make the most of it. It really is difficult to get an idea of scale until you are right beside the ship.

What boats are used as tender boats?

The tender boats are usually lifeboats from the ship but sometimes can be through an external company. When tendering it is common for multiple tenders to be running at the same time. Passengers will usually queue onboard and be loaded onto the tenders as they arrive.

Cruise ship lifeboats can usually hold around 150-200 passengers, they certainly aren’t cramped and only the biggest lifeboats will be used in the tender process.

Seasickness and cruise ship tendering

I am quite a travel sick person. I get travel sick in cars, coaches, boats etc. However, I have never have had any problem with tenders. The journey usually only takes around 10-20 minutes and for some reason, my body doesn’t think that’s long enough to make me seasick. There is also usually a breeze in the tender which makes me feel better.

If you do still feel unwell I would recommend taking some seasickness tablets.

13 Actionable Tips to Prevent and Treat Seasickness on a Cruise

The drawbacks of tendering:

It takes time.

The actual transit time isn’t usually too long but when you ad waiting for the tender at both ends, loading people into the boat etc the whole experience can take some time. It is definitely slower than docking in the traditional sense where you just walk off the ship.

• The boat isn’t particularly comfortable
• You normally have to queue up to get a return tender

The benefits of tendering:

• You can take some brilliant photos of your ship!
• Can visit small islands
• I quite enjoy the tender, it’s like a free boat trip (sort of).

How does tendering work?

Most cruise lines offer a ticket system if you want to get off soon after anchoring. The ticket system will give you a tender time to get off the ship.

Usually, if you wait for an hour or two you don’t have to get a ticket and can tender off when you like.

On some cruise lines having a loyalty status will get you priority tendering, I have this with Norwegian Cruise Line but I have never used it.

There is no such ticket system to get back on the ship, all you have to do is go back to where you got off the tender, show your cruise card and wait for the next boat.

There are steps involved and a gap to step across between the ship and the boat. This can make it difficult for people with limited mobility.

Having said that I have been on cruises with my Gran who has never had any problem with tendering.

On some cruise lines guests may be asked to prove that they can step a certain distance before being allowed to tender, I believe this is the same if you have small children/babies, you must prove that you can carry/pass them over the gap.

Can cruise ship tenders operate in bad weather?

Tendering does mean that there is a higher chance of the port being skipped if the weather is bad. The tender boats are small and it wouldn’t be a pleasant ride in strong winds. The cruise line cannot risk having guests off the ship and it is too unsafe to get them back to the ship.. so a better safe than sorry approach is normally adopted.

Tender ports in the Caribbean:

Cap Cana, Dominican Republic Cienfuegos, Cuba Devil’s Island, French Guiana Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Gustavia, St Barthelemy Half Moon Cay, Bahamas Saint Kitts, St Kitts and Nevis Saint John, US Virgin Islands Terre-de-Haut, Guadeloupe

Tender ports in the US:

Avalon, California Bar Harbor, Maine Gloucester, Massachusetts Icy Strait Point, Alaska Kona, Hawaii Island, Hawaii Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii Monterey, California Newport, Rhode Island Nome, Alaska Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts Santa Barbara, California Sitka, Alaska

Tender ports in Europe, Africa and the Middle East:

Agadir, Morocco Alghero, Sardinia, Italy Alter Do Chao, Portugal Argostóli, Nissos Kefalonia, Greece Bantry, Ireland Djúpivogur, Iceland Fishguard, Wales Flåm, Norway Geiranger, Norway Heimaey, Iceland Horta, Azores, Portugal Ilfracombe, England Isafjördur, Iceland Korcula, Otok Korcula, Croatia Korsakov, Russia Kotor, Montenegro Le Palais, France Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland Lüderitz, Namibia Mamoudzou, Mayotte Mgarr (Victoria), Malta Monte Carlo, Monaco Mykonos, Nisos Mykonos, Greece Náfplion, Greece Nanortalik, Greenland Nosy Be, Madagascar Ny Alesund, Spitsbergen, Norway Nynäshamn, Sweden Paamiut (formerly Frederikshåb), Greenland Petropavlovsk, Russia Plymouth, England Ponza, Isola di Ponza, Italy Port Elizabeth, South Africa Portoferraio, Elba, Italy Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland Qaqortoq, Greenland Santorini, Greece Sarandë, Albania South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland Split, Croatia St Helier, Jersey St Peter Port, Guernsey Stornoway, Scotland Taormina, Italy Tobermory, Scotland Trincomalee, Sri Lanka Ullapool, Scotland Visby, Sweden Zanzibar

Tendering is all part of the fun. You’re on holiday! Sit back and enjoy.

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Eddie Thomson

Tuesday 2nd of January 2024

Bolivia City, Bolivia is a tender port as well.

You May Feel Movement on a Cruise Ship – Here’s When and Why – Emma Cruises

Thursday 19th of November 2020

[…] In some ports, you may have to take a tender to get to land. A tender is a little boat which takes you to land from the cruise ship. If this happens you won’t feel any movement when docking because the cruise ship will simply drop the anchor. To learn more about the tendering process, (and learn how to skip the lines), check out this post: Cruise Ship Tendering and Tips 2019 […]

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