Not Getting Off Ship at a Port on Norwegian?

[Mr&MrsBennifer2022]

Cruise newbie.  Leaving in 10 days.  I know that arrival and departure times are estimates.  That said we are supposed to arrive in Tortola at 6AM and depart at 1 PM.  I am reading that you can typically get off the ship in about 30 minutes.  I am also reading that we need to be back 30 minutes before the ship leaves.  So that further reduces our time and frankly 6 AM is kind of early even for this early bird. Is it typical for passengers to choose not to get off the ship at a port?  Does the ship have things to do for the people who stay on?  I am thinking that maybe people who have mobility issues may choose to not get off at every port.  This may not be the correct Board for this.  Does anyone have suggestions for something that we absolutely must do in Tortola?  Ben is a big fan of sleep.  😆

[KeithJenner]

Lots of people don’t get off at ports for a variety of reasons. We always pick

a day or two to just have a relaxing day onboard when it will be quieter.

 

There will be stuff open, but a lot less than when you are at sea. Many bars won’t open until later in the day (although some will be open) and lunch will likely be the buffet or 24 hour place, but there will be things going on.

[ChiefMateJRK]

I agree with Keith.  I love to just stay on the ship and eat/drink/sleep.  If the weather is nice, I'll grab a lounger on the pool deck.  If not, I'll hang out in the observation lounge until other venues open up.  I only got off the ship once on Tortolla.  That was enough Tortolla for me.

[RocketMan275]

My wife and I have not left the boat on our last three cruises.  We typically only do the Eastern and Western Caribbean since we do not like to fly and we want to mnimize the time our two dogs spend in the kennel.  We've been there, done that.  If  you don't see a shore excursion that you think is worth the money (most aren't), then stay aboard and enjoy a ship without the crowds.  BTW, no better time to enjoy the ship's pool.  It won't be crowded and you will be able to get a lounger.  Why spend money to travel to a beach and sit around their pool?

Do what you want and don't feel compelled to do shore excursions.

[complawyer]

there are many times and different ports where my wife and i choose to stay on the ship. i wont bother with GSC, Harvest caye or Nassau.  we were on bliss in july,to alaska and only took the whale watching tour  (waste of time an $$$) i see more fish in my aquarium. having been  to alaska before and seen  these ports, we just watched the scenery, vegged out in the observation lounge, had leisurely lunches at the buffet and/or mdr.

if youre wondering why we bothered to take this cruise and not leave the ship, (1) wanted to experience the NCL Bliss (2) the cruise was a freebie)

[ChiefMateJRK]

4 minutes ago, complawyer said:

we were on bliss in july,to alaska and only took the whale watching tour  (waste of time an $$$) i see more fish in my aquarium. having been  to alaska before and seen  these ports, we just watched the scenery, vegged out in the observation lounge, had leisurely lunches at the buffet and/or mdr.

Yep.  The real show in AK is the scenery, which we get plenty of without stepping off the ship.  The Jueneu tram is quick/easy/free-cheap, so that's a no brainer for us.  The gondolas weren't running at Icy Strait last time we were there, but we'll do them (again, for the scenery).  Glacier Bay is easily my favorite (non)Port.

 

[gmbhardy]

If I can give the OP some advice, always state what ship you will be on so posters can accordingly tailor their responses. We seldom get off the ship. There’s plenty of things to do on most ships and although some venues are closed until later in the day, including the casino and shops there’s enough things open to satisfy any food and booze cravings you may have. Although the MDRs are closed, the Local, buffet and the snack buffet in the Observation Lounge are open for breakfast and lunch. Many people enjoy watching movies on the big screen in the atrium and it might be the only time you can secure a nice lounger on the pool deck. It’s also nice exploring the ship without having to deal with crowds. We actually look forward to port days to simply relax in an uncrowded environment.

[pcakes122]

I can't remember the last time I got off the ship lol. And I cruise a lot.

[Mr&MrsBennifer2022]

1 hour ago, gmbhardy said:

If I can give the OP some advice, always state what ship you will be on so posters can accordingly tailor their responses. We seldom get off the ship. There’s plenty of things to do on most ships and although some venues are closed until later in the day, including the casino and shops there’s enough things open to satisfy any food and booze cravings you may have. Although the MDRs are closed, the Local, buffet and the snack buffet in the Observation Lounge are open for breakfast and lunch. Many people enjoy watching movies on the big screen in the atrium and it might be the only time you can secure a nice lounger on the pool deck. It’s also nice exploring the ship without having to deal with crowds. We actually look forward to port days to simply relax in an uncrowded environment.

 

We are on the Escape. 

[mtrancher]

There's so much to do on a cruise, you can't possibly get it all done. Every time I've disembarked at the end of the cruise I still have things I wish I would have had time to try. So, if you are open to trying new things, or if you just want to relax... you're covered in port or on a sea day.

[SplashOfWater]

We hardly get off the ship anymore, especially in the Caribbean since we've been so many times. We now enjoy the quiet of an empty ship on port days. 

[BirdTravels]

4 hours ago, Mr&MrsBennifer2022 said:

Cruise newbie.  Leaving in 10 days.  I know that arrival and departure times are estimates.  That said we are supposed to arrive in Tortola at 6AM and depart at 1 PM.  I am reading that you can typically get off the ship in about 30 minutes.  I am also reading that we need to be back 30 minutes before the ship leaves.  So that further reduces our time and frankly 6 AM is kind of early even for this early bird. Is it typical for passengers to choose not to get off the ship at a port?  Does the ship have things to do for the people who stay on?  I am thinking that maybe people who have mobility issues may choose to not get off at every port.  This may not be the correct Board for this.  Does anyone have suggestions for something that we absolutely must do in Tortola?  Ben is a big fan of sleep.  😆

While us cruise old folks stay on the ship a lot, as a cruise newbie, you should get off and see the new country you’re in each day. Yes, all aboard time is 30 min before departure at each port after which you could be left behind. 

[grobma]

Surprised no one has also mentioned that spa services are discounted on port days 😄

[kollegekreed]

Plenty, and I mean plenty, of people get on the ship the first day and don’t get off it until it docks back at home. 

[dpepper64]

Jost VAn Dyke is the best beach.  Go relax and have a 30 min boat ride to the beach and you will return in time for departure.

[phillygwm]

13 hours ago, complawyer said:

if youre wondering why we bothered to take this cruise and not leave the ship, (1) wanted to experience the NCL Bliss (2) the cruise was a freebie)

This is a common rationale.  Years ago, when BA was new, I took a Nassau cruise because of the ship.  I've seen enough Nassau for one lifetime.  I've never been to Harvest Caye but it's on my next itinerary and I can see myself staying on board, or maybe just walking around for 1/2 hour to see what it's about and getting back on the ship.  I rarely take advantage of the full time in any port.

 

To OP:  The nice thing is that spa services are discounted on port days (if you're into that.)  I don't think salon services are, though that would also make sense.  Better still, it seems as though you have the ship to yourself.  Go up to the pool deck, find an open bar, restaurants are empty, take a nap...it's great!

 

PS, I hope you'll LOVE the Bliss.  It's my favorite.

Edited November 24, 2022 by phillygwm

[graphicguy]

Have done the Bahamas, Caribbean and the Mexico twins (Cancun and Cozumel) many, many times.  So, if there were a time I wouldn’t get off the ship, it would be for those ports.  That said, if you’re a newbie and have never been to those ports, it might be worthwhile to get off and check them out.  There are always bus tours if you are limited.

 

New England, Alaska, Mediterranean?  Definitely get off the ship at any ports they stop at because they’re so rich in things to see and do, as well as the spectacular scenery.

 

As far as times to embark after an excursion, DO NOT ignore the “all aboard” times posted.  That’s a mistake many have made and nearly always regretted.

 

Some of us make sport of the “pier runners”….watching those run to catch a ship sailing away because they were unwilling or unable to make the ship’s posted all aboard time.

[Turtles06]

18 hours ago, Mr&MrsBennifer2022 said:

That said we are supposed to arrive in Tortola at 6AM and depart at 1 PM. 

 

Some years ago on NCL, we had a similar time window in Tortola.  We took a ship's excursion to snorkel at the Indians (a well-known snorkeling spot), and it was fabulous.  Also, no worries about not being back on time.

 

Yes, many folks don't get off the ship in ports.  But when it's a new port for us, we do like to find something interesting. Or at least get off and walk around a bit.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

 

(photo by turtles06)

[phillygwm]

15 hours ago, Mr&MrsBennifer2022 said:

We are on the Escape. 

OK.  You'll already have 2 sea days but those are entirely different than staying onboard on a port day.  I've never been to Tortola so I'd probably at least walk around the port for a while.  GSC would be my "stay onboard" day (and it may be yours too; it often gets skipped if there are rough seas.)  People have different tastes, though, so you may love what I hate.

[kitkat343]

Since the port times don't work out so well for you, if you like food you can also research nice restaurants nearby and just enjoy a nice local lunch after sleeping in.  Waking up at 6 am is reserved for destinations like St. Petersburg or Stockholm where there's so much to see that most cruise ship passengers are fighting to get off early.  

 

I'd agree with the previous poster who recommended getting off at every port once, and then staying on the ship on subsequent sailings if you find you don't love those locations.  But its your vacation and you do get to enjoy it however you want - I once met someone who lived in Tampa and took the cruise to Cozumel, Belize, Roatan and the Grand Cayman Islands whenever it was available cheaply as a last minute cruise because all he did was go on a carnival golfing excursion in each port to local golf courses.   He was pissed because one of the excursions was cancelled due to low enrollment.  But usually he's really happy just going on vacation and golfing.  You might find you are happy just on the ship.  But I would recommend at least briefly visiting each new destination once, but it is ultimately up to you.  Have a great vacation!

[ChiefMateJRK]

38 minutes ago, phillygwm said:

GSC would be my "stay onboard" day

I'm not a beach person due to health concerns.  That said, GSC is a nice way for me to occasionally "get my feet wet" on a beach without a lot of bother.  It's an easy tender ride and I can walk around the beach, have a drink or two, stand in the water for a while and chill in a shaded lounger.  I can get right back on the ship if/when this gets old.

[Treasure Hunter]

The best  excursion in Tortola. Is the boat or cat. To The Baths ( giant sculptures boulders in the water to swim or snorkel around. ) Do not do the excursion that has you walk through the cave to the beach. It takes too long especially if you get behind someone gingerly walking slowly in flip flops ( it’s single file). We did this excursion once and it was spectacular. In 50+ cruises we never bother to get off the ship in the Caribbean anymore. The ship is so nice we enjoy watching the 80% who do get off , get off. Ah, peace .

[PTC DAWG]

Your cruise, your choice…my Wife likes to get off and buy a T shirt or something with the City/Island name on it…

 

I sometimes enjoy finding a local restaurant and getting a taste of local food/drinks..

Edited November 25, 2022 by PTC DAWG

[The Traveling Man]

We frequently just get off the ship to walk around town a bit and look for a great place for lunch.  My wife and I both really enjoy seafood and we have found some great seafood restaurants in many of the ports we have visited.  Unlike some cruise lines, NCL does not locally source their food so they can provide unique menu offerings featuring local ingredients, so a special meal in port is always a treat.

[weltek]

On 11/23/2022 at 4:19 PM, Mr&MrsBennifer2022 said:

Cruise newbie.  Leaving in 10 days.  I know that arrival and departure times are estimates.  That said we are supposed to arrive in Tortola at 6AM and depart at 1 PM.  I am reading that you can typically get off the ship in about 30 minutes.  I am also reading that we need to be back 30 minutes before the ship leaves.  So that further reduces our time and frankly 6 AM is kind of early even for this early bird. Is it typical for passengers to choose not to get off the ship at a port?  Does the ship have things to do for the people who stay on?  I am thinking that maybe people who have mobility issues may choose to not get off at every port.  This may not be the correct Board for this.  Does anyone have suggestions for something that we absolutely must do in Tortola?  Ben is a big fan of sleep.  😆

If nothing else, I do recommend walking around Tortola and having a Pussers Rum drink and doing a little browsing at shops. Tortola is a great water and beach stop, but if you don't want to get up early, a beach or boat probably isn't in the cards for you. So yeah, just take a stroll for an hour or so. Not everyone agrees with me, but I absolutely adore the mix of rugged island and gorgeous water in Tortola. It's always on the top of my "islands I'd like to spend a week on," but is expensive to get there. 

And I agree with those that enjoy grabbing some food on every island to get a taste of local cuisine. For example, I'm not planning to do anything in Puerto Plata for our upcoming cruise, but I have been looking at restaurants near port to check out. We'll sleep in, lounge at the ship pool/hot tub, then head out for lunch.

Edited November 25, 2022 by weltek