Staying on the ship during port days

[23BAR]

Hi Everyone , due to some unforeseen circumstances the money that I had saved for shore excursions is no longer available. This cruise is a gift from my parents. We are going on the Vista Christmas week, and we have always gotten off the ship on port days. I was wondering what fun things people do during port days on the ship while everyone else is off exploring the ports? Does IMAX show movies during the day while in port ? Do they play bingo or anything ? Are all of the restaurants open while in port ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated !! Thanks !!

 

 

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[SkyMaster]

There are limited activities available during the port days, but the best thing is that the pools are all empty, and available, as are the hot tubs etc. No chair hogs and it's a time for relaxing. The buffet is open, as are some of the specialty restaurants. No big screen movie, but there usually is some other activities, like trivia, etc. Bottom line, the ship is yours to rest, relax, and enjoy.

 

"SKY"

[cb at sea]

Go to your library and pick up a guidebook on your ports. There may be things that cost little to no money to do ashore. But, if you don't get off the ship, no worries. The pool will be virtually empty (compared to sea days!) and the buffet is open, as are bars. There will be activities...but not as many as on sea days. The shops and casino will be closed. Everything else (for the most part) is up and running.

[Micahs Grandad]

Very often we will get off the ship go for a walk and come back to the ship and perhaps other than a bottle or two of water the day costs nothing extra.

[coevan]

Remember all beaches in the Caribbean are public. You can usually find a bus or a cheap cab to a beach. You do not have to buy a all inclusive package. We have also hired a cab and had him do an island tour, lots of fun. As to staying on the ship, we love it. The Serenity area is wide open, no lines for food, and a very relaxed atmosphere.

[Fla Senior]

Ride the Vista Skyride. It opens on port days around midday. Find out the time and get there just before. You'll be able to ride it multiple times without much of a line. The line on sea days is massive!

[OCruisers]

Not much on the ship will be open and the activities on the ship will be limited.

Still a nice time to enjoy the pool area with no "chair hogs".

Also, it cost nothing to just get off the ship and walk around.

Enjoy! :)

[riclop]

Hi Everyone , due to some unforeseen circumstances the money that I had saved for shore excursions is no longer available. This cruise is a gift from my parents. We are going on the Vista Christmas week, and we have always gotten off the ship on port days. I was wondering what fun things people do during port days on the ship while everyone else is off exploring the ports? Does IMAX show movies during the day while in port ? Do they play bingo or anything ? Are all of the restaurants open while in port ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated !! Thanks !!

 

 

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We love to stay on and enjoy the pool and no lines for lunch.

[lcpagejr]

Not sure if your doing the 6 day or 8 day.... If your doing 8 day....All the port stops are docking. Plenty of oppty to walk around port area and stretch your legs and get a feel for each island without spending a dime. Also as previous posters mentioned you will have alot of free space if you stay on board.

[kcdancerkc]

We are for the first time going to stay on the ship .....

in Progresso! Its my birthday and I am not interested in the port and will be hungover from NYE and will be enjoying the hot tubs, sun bathing, drink package. This is probably the only time we will do this, so having a relaxing day is the goal before we drink and dance and repeat throughout the short cruise. :cool:

[Keith1010]

It's a quiet time to enjoy the ship including the pool

 

You cold go off the ship in some of the ports and just walk around a bit as well.

 

Keith

[sanger727]

I wouldn’t stay on the ship simply because you aren’t able to do shore excursions. Figure out what you can budget for cruise spending and do some research online. You may find a free beach a reasonable walk or short cab ride from the port. You may find a free walking tour around the port town. You may be able to get on a driving tour or snorkeling tour in the port area inexpensively.

 

 

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[EBFURR]

We often stay on board at the private islands and there are things to do but not as much as on a sea day. The ship is not completely empty but nothing is really crowded and it can be very pleasant. On the other hand, we have not booked any shore excursions in years and usually go ashore at most ports and just wing it. There are also excursions and activities available to book online outside the cruise line that can be much cheaper. Just don't book anything that might make you late for sail away - they will not wait for you. My advice would be to research your ports online before hand and find some things that you might want to see or do that fit your budget or are free. You can always do a combo of getting off at your leisure, sight seeing, and then re board early to enjoy the ship. Things usually start to crank up before actual sail away as people come back from the port. We are often on a budget and always manage to have a good time. Enjoy!

[mmb3124]

We actually intentionally pick itineraries that have a stop we don't like / aren't interested in getting off for. The pool is uncrowded, the buffet and most quick serve restaurants & bars are open, and the spa runs port day specials. We love excursions.....but also really enjoy "quiet ship" days. Give it a try, you may really enjoy it!

[23BAR]

Thank you everyone for all of the great advice and information !! I really appreciate it !! I am going to do some research on our ports , we are actually on the 6 day and also enjoy the ship while most are on port !! Thank you again for all of the suggestions !!

 

 

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[FloridaMommyof3]

I've enjoyed staying on the ship when it's almost empty. Once trip I spent 4 hours playing trivia with a small group of about 10 and we had a blast!!! Also the waterworks is empty and it's just nice and quiet.

[Baatman]

Hi Everyone , due to some unforeseen circumstances the money that I had saved for shore excursions is no longer available. This cruise is a gift from my parents. We are going on the Vista Christmas week, and we have always gotten off the ship on port days. I was wondering what fun things people do during port days on the ship while everyone else is off exploring the ports? Does IMAX show movies during the day while in port ? Do they play bingo or anything ? Are all of the restaurants open while in port ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated !! Thanks !!

 

 

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Enjoy the solitude. No lines, no chair hogs, excellent service in the MDR. Enjoy a good book, take in the sun or enjoy a walk around the ship.

[Schoifmom]

Thank you everyone for all of the great advice and information !! I really appreciate it !! I am going to do some research on our ports , we are actually on the 6 day and also enjoy the ship while most are on port !! Thank you again for all of the suggestions !!

 

 

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Make sure you check out the ports of call forums for your ports. I found my most useful information there, from those who have been there!