What Does Tender Mean on Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

Cruise ships are a great way to travel and explore the world. When booking a cruise, you may come across the term “tender”. The term “tender” refers to a small boat or vessel that is used to transfer passengers and supplies from the cruise ship to shore, or vice versa. Tenders are used when a port of call is in a location that doesn’t have a dock large enough for the cruise ship. This means that the tender has to ferry passengers back and forth between the port and the cruise ship, which can be a time-consuming process.

Types of Tenders:
There are two types of tenders – passenger tenders and supply tenders. Passenger tenders are used to transport passengers back and forth between the port and the cruise ship, while supply tenders are used for transporting supplies such as food, fuel, and other materials needed by the cruise ship.

Tender Boarding Process:
The process of boarding a tender can vary from cruise line to cruise line but usually involves waiting in line at designated areas on board the ship.

Once it’s your turn, you will present your ticket or pass (usually provided at check-in) which will be scanned by crew members. After that, you will board the tender boat and make your way to shore.

Tender Safety:
Cruise lines take safety seriously when it comes to tenders and have strict policies in place for boarding them. All passengers must wear life jackets during transit and children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The captain of each tender boat also undergoes extensive training in order to ensure safety on board. Conclusion:
What does “tender” mean on cruise ships? Tender refers to small boats or vessels used for transferring supplies or passengers from one location (usually shore) to another (usually a cruise ship). It is important for all passengers boarding tenders to follow safety protocols such as wearing life jackets during transit, as well as ensuring children are accompanied by an adult at all times.