Can we stay on board?

[CRUISING71]

Hello,

 

Do we have to leave the ship when we reach port? Can we stay on board while the ship port?

 

If we return from our tour early...can we get on board early?

 

Thanks

[Cymro1953]

Hello,

 

Do we have to leave the ship when we reach port? Can we stay on board while the ship port?

 

If we return from our tour early...can we get on board early?

 

Thanks

Hi,

Yes to both questions.

Just because its in port doesn't mean you have to go ashore.

Also if you are in port and don't do an excursion you can wander on and off the ship all day if you want as long as you are back before the boarding time before leaving.

So you could for example wander into town, then back on the ship for lunch and then off again and back for more shopping

 

Berwyn

[Arwenmark]

Yes to all your questions, they don't force you off at gunpoint, well not till debarcation day at least LOL!

Many people never get off the ship in port, some can't if they are tender ports and you are in a power wheelchair there is a good chance you won't be allowed to leave the ship. but that is another story.

 

The big thing with getting off whether you have to tender by boat or just walk off is be sure you are back ON 45 min before the time they are to LEAVE port.

in the case of embarcation day, that would be be on board 90 min prior to sailing at the latest.

[Mrs.C05]

Yes to all.....you can stay on board if you'd like and if you get done early, you can get back on also. I just wonder why you wouldn't! I love getting of the ship in different ports and explore the city and life there.

 

Keep in mind the time you need to be back on board before leaving that port. I've seen videos of people not making it back to the ship in time and getting left behind.

[paul929207]

The only port where you must get off is the last one. :)

 

You can get back on any time you want. You can even get off and on several times if you want

[eandj]

Consider your ship your house and come and go as you please.

 

Actually if you don't want to visit a port, staying on the ship on a port day is great. Very quiet and great service from all the staff. There are often spa specials and a few activiteis not offered on sea days because of the crowds. Perfect to rejuvenate expecially on a port intensive itinerary.

[cb at sea]

There are several ports that don't "thrill" us...and staying on the ship is a great way to get the most of the money you've paid to USE the ship! The shops and casino won't be open, but everything else should be...(the dining room may not serve lunch on that day, but the buffet will!)

There are virtually no crowds and it's a lovely day at the pool!

[cruisingbajan]

Hello,

 

Do we have to leave the ship when we reach port? Can we stay on board while the ship port?

 

If we return from our tour early...can we get on board early?

 

Thanks

 

Its your cruise so you can pretty much do what you want:). Lots of ppl like to say onboard when ships are in port becaue hardly anyone is left on the ship and you have the entire ship for your self :D.

 

Enjoy your first cruise

[CRUISING71]

Thank you so much for all the great advices. We are very excited.

[Sheffie]

Thank you so much for all the great advices. We are very excited.

 

Yes, you can stay on the ship, but we never do! We LOVE going to beaches and visiting the islands. It is good that there are choices, but staying on the ship, no matter how lovely it is, isn't ours.

 

Have a great cruise, no matter what you choose to do!

[kescott98]

You can absouletly stay on board the ship. If you get back early, you can always board early and beat the crowds. On port days the ship salon offers discounts on some of their services.

[Sir PMP]

Hello,

 

Do we have to leave the ship when we reach port? Can we stay on board while the ship port?

 

If we return from our tour early...can we get on board early?

 

Thanks

 

Yes, you need to get off the ship, if you don't go on a tour, they keep you in a holding area with just water until the last tour returns..;)

[arlee]

On the NCL Dawn, I noticed there were specials in the spa, etc. on port days. it's nice to get off and do some exploring, you don't have to be off the ship the entire time it's in port. you can do half and half if you wish.

[Sheffie]

Yes, you need to get off the ship, if you don't go on a tour, they keep you in a holding area with just water until the last tour returns..;)

 

That is not exactly true. They aren't completely heartless. They also give you bread to eat with that water. Of course, it is bread left over from the last week's cruise, though. So maybe they are heartless.

[HappyCampers3]

When we took our first cruise, we were somewhat hesitant to take too many excursions or go too far from the ship. Being that it was our first time cruising and we had no idea what to expect, I suppose it was a feeling of lack of security not to go too far. Now, after four cruises, we are waiting to get off the ship as soon as possible! Not because we don't like being on the ship, but because we now have a love of exploring new places and feel more confident in foreign places. As long as you do your homework before you go, by reading as much as possible on these boards or picking up books related to your travles and places of travel, you will have a better idea what to expect and feel more confident with your travels. Relax and make the most of you trip!

[cassieroll]

On our last two Mexican cruises, we never left the boat. LOL!

[2Cruise4Ever]

We usually stay on board one day of each cruise. We take advantage of an empty ship (hardly anyone at the pool) and the drink and spa specials can't be beat!

[WeBeGone]

I just don't understand staying on board. :confused:

For us, the cruise to to get to thw port so we can experience a new place, see all in can in a day, then return for a night's sleep so we can do it all over again in a new port in the morning.

Staying on board !! :eek: Might as well stay home !! :(

[2Cruise4Ever]

Well, when we've been to a port numerous times (for instance, Nassau), been there, done that. We'll usually go ashore for a little while for shopping (early) and then come back to enjoy the specials. The ship is a destination in and of itself. Why not explore and enjoy without the crowds? :D

[Shifra]

I just don't understand staying on board. :confused:

For us, the cruise to to get to thw port so we can experience a new place, see all in can in a day, then return for a night's sleep so we can do it all over again in a new port in the morning.

Staying on board !! :eek: Might as well stay home !! :(

 

News Flash! Do to our situation all our cruises have been in the caribbean. dh & I spend more time on the ship than getting off. Believe me when I say that it is definately not like staying home (or at least it's not like my home). I love the water and being away from land and I enjoy the pampering & relaxing when most are off the ship. When we cruise it is all about the ship. That's why there are many ships I will not go on. I would enjoy just being out at sea the whole cruise. :)

 

Once we retire and do longer cruises to more exotic regions it will be different but for now our cruises are more about the ship & sea than destination.

[krogerlady]

My first cruise was in something like 1983 or 4. A three night thing to Nassau with a bunch of girls from a dance team. It was either the Holiday or the Carnival. I have pics that show both ships, so don't remember which one was mine...sigh....but, did not have a clue there was such a thing as a "shore excursion". I know we got off the ship for a little while and walked thru some markets that the main theme seemed to be the baskets that were for sale. They had a midnight buffet, and we went down to the disco twho or three nights. Cute guys !!And, I spent virtually no cash at all. How times have changed, thanks to the internet, and of course, Cruise Critic.