Make The Most Of Your Shore On Shore With These Eight Tips:

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Know Your Ship's All-Aboard Time (and the Local Time!)

This is the golden rule of cruising. Your ship will depart precisely at the announced time, and it will not wait for you.

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• Always check the ship's daily bulletin for the exact "All-Aboard" time. This is usually 30 minutes before the official departure time.
• Be aware of time zone changes. The local time in the port may be different from the ship's time. Your captain will usually inform you which time the ship operates on (ship time), but always verify. Set your watch to the earlier time to play it safe.

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Pre-Book High-Demand Excursions Early.

If there's a specific, must-do excursion—like visiting a famous landmark, a small-group cooking class, or a snorkeling trip with limited spots—book it as soon as the cruise line allows (often months in advance).

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• Benefits of pre-booking: Secures your spot and lets you research the activity in detail before your trip.

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Wear Comfortable, Appropriate Footwear.

You'll be walking, climbing, and exploring far more than you realize. Your choice of shoes can make or break your day.

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• Opt for broken-in walking shoes, sturdy sandals, or athletic sneakers. Leave the flip-flops for the pool deck.
• If your excursion involves historical sites, cobblestone streets, or water, choose footwear that is non-slip and provides good support.

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Bring Local Currency and Small Bills.

While many ports, especially in the Caribbean, accept USD, having the local currency makes transactions easier and is often necessary for smaller vendors, local buses, or tipping.

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• Bring a mix of small denominations for quick purchases like bottled water, snacks, or souvenirs.
• Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates to prevent your cards from being flagged and blocked.

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Pack an Excursion Day Bag Wisely.

Be prepared without being weighed down. A light backpack or crossbody bag is ideal.

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• Must-Haves: Ship ID (Seapass/key card), government-issued photo ID (driver's license/passport copy), credit card/cash, sunscreen, bug spray, a reusable water bottle, and a compact umbrella or poncho (weather dependent).
• Bonus: A portable phone charger/power bank, as taking photos can drain your battery quickly.

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Set a Personal Turn-Around Time.

If you are exploring a port independently, build a significant buffer into your schedule. Do not rely on the ship's all-aboard time as your return time.

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• If the ship's all-aboard time is 4:00 PM, aim to be back at the pier or tender line no later than 3:00 PM.
• Traffic delays, long taxi lines, or unexpected bus stops happen frequently. That one-hour buffer accounts for most common delays.

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Research Port Logistics Ahead of Time (Tender vs. Dock).

The method of getting from the ship to the shore can significantly impact your schedule.

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• Docked: The ship pulls up to a pier, and you walk straight off. This is the fastest and easiest option.
• Tendered: The ship anchors offshore, and you take a smaller boat (a tender) to the port. This adds time, as you may have to wait in line for a tender both to and from the shore. If your port is tendered, plan to be back at the tender dock early to avoid the final rush.