What is it like staying onboard on port days?

[charlie52]

We are booked on a two week NYE cruise to celebrate our anniversary later this year. We have just discovered some free time in April to get some down time and the best bang for our $$ seems to be a cruise. The issue is that we prefer to cruise on X but the only cruise available goes to the same ports we have been too several times and will return to the end of the year. I am thinking that since we are just looking to get away and relax perhaps this isn't such a big deal and that we could just enjoy the pool alone on the port days. This is something we have never done. (Honestly, I am not sure that we could do it as snorkeling would be calling our name) What I would love to hear are some experiences of being onboard while most of the passengers are out on excursions. Thanks in advance for helping us make a decision...

[ME Guide]

Hi Charlie52,

This is a best kept secret! We too enjoy "getting away to relax" and have spent many days on board when everyone else seems to be anxious to leave the ship. We have enjoyed leisurely strolling, no chair hogs, uncrowded buffets, and the time to enjoy the ship. Unless it is a new island stop, we often stay on the ship. Some times we take a walk to use wifi on the island or just to "take a walk". We are morning people and there is nothing like being around the pool with out all the crowds!

 

As far as making a decision? Our motto is that "we will do what we feel like doing". Most of the time we choose to relax, read, nap, eat, have a drink, nap, read, relax, smile! You get the picture!

[jelayne]

Staying on board can be great. As mentioned earlier no crowds, gym empty & therefore not so hot, massages are less expensive. A great way to spent time.

[jackretired]

Pool

[trabeler]

If you like to relax and have some "down" time, staying on board in port can be great. However, there will be very little onboard activities and of course the shops / casino will be closed.

 

For some, it's the perfect opportunity to get some extra quiet time!

[tispwisp]

We've done it several times. I usually take the time do my ship pictures and then enjoy the ship when it's nice and quiet! Wonderful time to relax.

[Diane Rose]

Absolutely love staying on board port days. Ship is much less crowded, lots of room at the pool and deals at the spa! What a way to vacation!

 

Diane

[phoenix_dream]

Have stayed onboard a number of times, or sometimes get off for just an hour or so and then come back and chill. One of my favorite times on the ship! Peaceful and quiet - you can find room at the pool or T-pool. Love the discounted massages, and the less crowded gyms. No battle for tables in the buffet. I have found that the amount of people onboard depends on the popularity of the port. Go into St. Maarten or Aruba? The ship will be almost empty (and at these ports, I will be gone too:)). Dock in Dominica (which some love and some hate) or maybe Tobago and there will more people onboard, particularly as the day goes by.

[royalcruz]

We love staying on board...it is so quiet and relaxing. We were surprised last September though when we stayed on board on RCL Majesty of the Seas and found that the buffet was closed for lunch!:eek:

[helen haywood]

It is not true that there will be no activities on board on port days! Trust me, there will be activities scheduled! But I agree that it is WONDERFUL to have the ship less crowded and get in a hot tub or whatever you want. And the port day specials at the spa are great!

[The_Big_M]

I stayed onboard the Millennium while it stayed a day in Sydney (being my home town). I found the ship a ghost ship!

 

As said above, it does depend on the port. While activities weree scheduled, they didn't run any and didn't show up so it was actually disappointingly quiet for me. But with that in mind if you want to hit the pool or something where space is good e.g. photos then it can be worthwhile. Just plan accordingly.

[fishycomics]

Many people like you have that idea. and nothing wrong with it. how you make do with your time is quality time spent . enjoy

[Allis154]

Like having your own private ship...love it! We often stay on board for at least part of the day, if not the whole day..especially if it is a port that we have been to before. Great for quiet 'us' or 'me' time.

[blythe]

We just returned from a 10 night cruise on the Equinox (Feb. 1 -11) and some of our best time was relaxing on the ship while it sat in port. It's like having the ship to yourself. It's easy to relax by the pool, enjoy the solarium, book a massage, browse the library, have a long lunch at Bistro on 5, read a favorite book, stroll the deck, take the time to converse with other passengers, etc. After many visits to some of the Caribbean ports it can be very nice to avoid the crowded streets, jammed-full tour buses, and the general touristy ambiance of the ports.

[teajak]

Please don't tell anyone else how great it is!!!!!!

[LMC]

IMHO, port days are the BEST days to enjoy the ship! We too have been on over 25 Carribean cruises and generally will book a cruise based on the ship, not the itinerary. We like to get off and tour sometimes, but sometimes we just want to "be a sloth"! That's what vacation is for! You can also get some great spa deals on port days, if that's your thing.....enjoy!

[gelo7]

Skipping ports is the way to go, it's like having your own private super yacht.

[alexspepa]

No one has mentioned my favorite port activity - watching the pier runners!

 

About 30 minutes before sailing time, get a large cocktail and find a place with a good view of the gangway and watch the hilarity ensue!

[teajak]

No one has mentioned my favorite port activity - watching the pier runners!

 

About 30 minutes before sailing time, get a large cocktail and find a place with a good view of the gangway and watch the hilarity ensue!

I could write a book about the crazy things we have seen and heard watching the runners.Great entertainment.;)

[jackdiamond]

On the S class, I love the Solarium pool which is essentially vacant.

[ninnau]

It is a wonderful time to relax. I love reading and strolling. Taking ship pictures is also great at this time.

[ladylemondrop]

Its great, especially in a busy port like naples, its usually at the end of our cruise, and twice now we have booked and cancelled a ships tour to herculanneum, as we were toured out, the ship was empty by nine am, bliss!!:D

[dmk]

Please don't tell anyone else how great it is!!!!!!

 

I'm with you:)

Ssssh!

[Dunelm]

No one has mentioned my favorite port activity - watching the pier runners!

 

About 30 minutes before sailing time, get a large cocktail and find a place with a good view of the gangway and watch the hilarity ensue!

 

I agree! Although I am always amazed at what I call the "strollers" who know the crew is ready to roll up the gangway and yet they nonchalantly stroll onto the ship as if the whole world has to stop for them!

[richsea]

We are so looking forward to just staying on board un our upcoming b2b on Summit next January. We've been to all the ports multiple times, @ have stayed on board twice in the past, both times due to rainy weather. However, I think we'll just enjoy the ship in most ports next time.