You might invest considerable time and effort selecting the perfect cruise route, choosing the best line, and deciding on the ideal vessel. Once you finalize these details for your vacation, booking the cruise feels like completing the main task of holiday preparation. However, neglecting to consider how you will spend your days ashore would be quite unwise. Investing some time in exploring each destination that your ship plans to visit could significantly enhance your journey from merely good to truly remarkable.
Don’t let indecision keep you from enjoying shore excursions. Below are the top 10 errors cruise travelers often commit when visiting ports of call, ensuring you can avoid these pitfalls and create memorable experiences at each destination during your voyage.
Missing the ship
We can address this issue right from the start. One major error cruise passengers often commit on port days is failing to return to the vessel promptly and consequently being abandoned. No ruins a cruise vacation It’s like spending extra money to travel by air to reach the next harbor or return home because you were not at the dock when your ship sailed away into the sunset.
The three main actions you can take to steer clear of this error include:
Memorize the all-aboard time. This differs from the sailaway time, usually occurring about thirty minutes prior. The all-aboard time signifies when you must return to the vessel and is displayed at the gangway upon debarking as well as noted in your daily planner.
Adjust your watch according to the ship's time. Occasionally, cruise ships refrain from adjusting their clocks according to various time zones when docked at ports. The departure times for passengers are based on the ship’s clock rather than local port time. Ensure your devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, or cellphones stay synchronized with the ship’s timing to prevent any mix-ups.
Intend to head back to your vessel sooner than planned. It’s wise to include some extra time in your post-cruise plans. Avoid scheduling your arrival just as the ship departs; instead, aim to be back one or two hours beforehand. This precaution ensures you’re covered if you lose your way, encounter heavy traffic, or stop for a bit of window shopping. Should everything go smoothly and you find yourself with free time, there’s usually additional shopping or dining options available at the port that you can take advantage of prior to boarding.
Winging it
It might seem simple to just step off the ship at port and come up with a plan spontaneously. This works well enough if you're aiming for the closest beach or planning to explore town for some shopping. However, in numerous ports, you could maximize your time more effectively if you prepare ahead of time.
Shore excursions If you decide to go for popular tours or activities, they could get fully booked quickly; hence, planning ahead with reservations can secure your spot. For those who enjoy good cuisine, researching top-rated local eateries beforehand and making table bookings will enhance your dining experience. Additionally, if adventure sports like hiking or cycling interest you, checking trail maps and reserving bicycles prior to departure would be beneficial.
Related: Steer clear of these 10 errors when reserving cruise shore trips
I bypassed a lengthy queue during a stop in Naples, Italy, as I had purchased museum tickets ahead of time online. While in France, I arranged for a private tour to Carcassonne independently through some research prior to the voyage since this option wasn’t provided by the cruise line. My visit would have lacked much value if I had disembarked without any itinerary set.
Venturing out unprepared
Yet another error made by cruise passengers is failing to pack a well-stocked day bag for excursions on land. Channel your inner mother or Boy Scout and ensure you’re ready for your daily adventures away from the vessel.
Check the weather forecast and bring along any necessary rain gear, warm layers or sun protection. For beach days, you might want sand toys for the kids, extra sunscreen and a change of clothes. Bring a dry bag or zip-close bag to protect your electronics on a water-based tour and cash for a visit to a local market. For any day off the ship, you'll want a water bottle and some packaged snacks, just in case.
Related: 26 cruise packing tips you should know before setting sail
Not protecting your belongings
Travelers from all over the globe often fall victim to pickpockets and small-time criminals. It would be unwise not to safeguard your possessions when sightseeing in harbor areas.
Keep your wallet and mobile phone in a zipped purse or backpack, ideally one with internal sections for discreet storage of valuable items. Avoid placing them in your rear pocket or an accessible open bag that could be readily accessed by others. Always keep your belongings within sight and utilize lockers whenever possible. Additionally, consider purchasing neck pouches designed specifically for carrying money, credit cards, or phones securely while enjoying activities like swimming at the seaside.
Related: Top 10 Anti-Theft Crossbody Bags, Backpacks, and Accessories That Thwart Pickpockets
There’s no need to carry all your cash, credit cards, or even your passport when you leave the cruise ship for the day. Only take essentials to minimize the impact if your wallet or bag gets lost.
Sleeping in
It’s enticing to hit the hay after a nocturnal celebration aboard, yet you’ll find greater value during your cruise by reserving those extra-morning-snoozes for when at sea. To fully capitalize on your time on land, it’s best to disembark as soon as possible instead of dawdling later.
If you've got an entire day in port, consider embarking on a journey to explore locations beyond the immediate city area. This way, you’ll be able to visit multiple attractions within town or reach the seaside before temperatures soar or crowds gather. Make sure to purchase your ferry or train tickets ahead of time so as not to risk them selling out.
Moreover, should your vessel depart earlier, you will manage to explore for a complete half-day instead of just a few hours. Naturally, if your ship arrives later as scheduled, feel free to take advantage of the extended opportunity to catch some extra shut-eye.
Overdoing it
It’s simple to get carried away when mapping out your schedule for a new city or country. You may try to fit numerous attractions into a single day as you aim to visit all the major sites, leading to hurried transitions between locations without much chance to truly soak in each experience—resulting in fatigue for both you and your companions.
Acknowledge that you won’t be able to experience all desired sights during a single port visit. Concentrate your efforts on highlighting just a handful of must-see spots or experiences. For families with children, allocate moments for refreshments and fun breaks. This approach ensures an enjoyable and stress-free adventure. Should you adore the location, consider planning another journey back someday soon.
This rule also holds true for physical activities at the harbor. Avoid reserving that cycling trip if you last rode a bicycle over a decade ago. Should you face mobility challenges, reconsider participating in an adventure that requires extensive walking on uneven, ancient roads. Assess your capabilities, then structure your schedule and choices accordingly.
Skipping the local cuisine
Since you’ve already covered meal costs with your cruise ticket, it’s quite appealing to utilize these services fully during mealtimes. However, missing out on sampling regional dishes when docked would be an error.
There’s no need to reserve a costly dinner at a Michelin-starred eatery. Opt for simpler delights such as tasting the nearby ice cream, dropping by a bakery, or sipping some regional brews to get a feel for the culinary landscape and gain insights into daily life. Exploring novel dishes can be quite exciting; consider indulging in conch salad when in the Bahamas or enjoying a slice of tortilla española in Barcelona.
A preferred activity of mine is locating a marketplace or grocery store close to where the cruise docks. During my visit to Stockholm, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the local 7-Eleven, purchasing salty licorice and various exotic candies for relatives back home. When visiting Belize, I indulged in sampling every flavor of Fanta that was unfamiliar to me. It’s entirely possible to experience novel tastes without spending significant funds or having an elaborate meal right there in the harbor town.
Sticking around the port
Frequently, first-time cruise passengers err by staying within the vicinity of their initial landing point due to anxiety over exploring abroad. While you might come across numerous visitor-friendly spots like eateries and stores near where your vessel docks, venturing further into the actual city will provide you with a richer and truer sense of what the place has to offer.
In certain locations, this involves traveling to the downtown area using a shuttle bus or taxi. For instance, at ports like Civitavecchia or Livorno in Italy, you may have to arrange an excursion beyond the port itself to reach destinations such as Rome or Florence. Alternatively, you could be looking at venturing to the opposite end of the island or exploring rural areas to discover your ideal experience during your time in port.
If you're looking to reserve a tour or hire a vehicle, feel free to explore further away from your starting point — provided you have ample time remaining at the dock to get back before departure.
Only taking tours
A frequent error made by novice cruise passengers is solely reserving the ship’s tours. You might feel compelled to sign up for an excursion each day, or maybe you’re hesitant about exploring independently. While shore excursions offer excellent opportunities to experience key attractions at your destinations, they aren’t the sole option available—nor do they always prove essential.
In certain harbors, you might spend an ideal day exploring the city, meandering through charming backstreets, browsing for keepsakes, and savoring regional dishes. In contrast, elsewhere all you may require is hailing a taxi to enjoy a splendid beach day.
In Flam, Norway, I opted out of the ship’s organized excursion to hike to a stunning waterfall without needing a guide. During our stay in Hilo, Hawaii, my family chose to rent a vehicle so we could explore Volcanoes National Park independently rather than join a crowd of forty fellow cruise passengers. These experiences were enriched by traveling solo.
Related: Cruise line-organized versus individual shore tours: What should you choose?
Never taking tours
Conversely, certain adventurers boast about their refusal to join guided tours and insist on solo exploration every time. While asserting command over your visitation day is admirable, it’s unwise to completely dismiss the idea of going on a tour.
Occasionally, similar to visiting the ancient ruins of Pompeii, having a guide can enrich your visit by offering background information and vivid details. For trips exceeding an hour’s drive away from the dock, however, you might prefer assurance that the cruise ship will hold off until you return, should delays occur. An experienced local guide can manage the intricate arrangements needed for transportation between sites or help bypass queues for tickets or entry.
Never say never, and maintain an open mindset about the finest way to utilize your time in port.
Bottom line
When booking a cruise, you're just as excited about the destinations it reaches as the vessel itself. Maximize your experience on land by thoroughly planning and readying yourself for each shore excursion. Avoid letting minor slip-ups prevent you from fully savoring a fantastic day away from the ship.
Thinking about taking a cruise? Begin with these tales:
- The top 5 sought-after cabin positions on any cruise liner
- An introductory guide for selecting a cruise line
- The 8 least desirable cabin positions on any cruise ship
- The definitive checklist for packing essentials before your cruise voyage
- A brief overview of the top cruising companies
- 21 tips and tricks to ensure your cruise goes seamlessly
- Main ways cruise travelers fritter away their cash
- The definitive handbook for selecting a cruise ship stateroom
Editorial disclaimer: The views shared here belong solely to the author and do not represent the opinions of banks, credit card issuers, airlines, or hotels. These organizations have not reviewed, approved, or supported this content in any way.
