Do You Have to Leave the Cruise Ship at Ports?

By Alice Nichols

Cruise ship holidays are a great way to get away and relax, with plenty of food, entertainment, and sightseeing opportunities. But when you go on a cruise, you may be wondering if you’re required to leave the ship at each port.

The answer is that it depends on the cruise line and your preferences.

Cruise Line Policies

Most cruise lines will require passengers to disembark the ship at each port of call during the voyage. This is so that they can meet their immigration and customs requirements in each country they visit.

This usually won’t take long, but it means that you will have to plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss any excursions or activities while the ship is docked.

Optional Shore Excursions

Many cruise lines also offer optional shore excursions for passengers who want to explore each destination more thoroughly. These excursions can range from guided city tours to dolphin-watching trips, and they are usually available for an additional fee. If you choose to take part in one of these excursions, then you will need to disembark the ship in order to participate.

Staying Onboard

If you prefer to stay onboard during ports of call, then this is usually allowed as well. Most ships will offer a variety of activities for passengers who choose not to go ashore, such as poolside games or movie screenings.

Conclusion:

Do You Have To Leave The Cruise Ship At Ports? It depends on the individual cruise line’s policies and your own preferences.

Most cruise lines require passengers to disembark at each port in order to meet immigration and customs requirements, but there are also optional shore excursions available if travelers want an even more immersive experience. For those who prefer not to leave the ship at all, there are usually plenty of onboard activities available as well.