Do Cruise Ships Carry Their Own Tenders?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re planning a cruise vacation, you may have wondered how the ship gets you to shore when it’s anchored in the middle of the ocean. Do cruise ships carry their own tenders? The short answer is yes, most cruise ships do have their own tenders.

What are Tenders?
Tenders are small boats that transport passengers from a ship to shore when the ship is unable to dock at a port. This is often the case in smaller or more remote ports where there are no docking facilities for large ships. Tenders can also be used when the water at a port is too shallow for a large ship to dock.

Do All Cruise Ships Have Tenders?
Not all cruise ships have tenders, but most larger ships do. Smaller ships that specialize in luxury or adventure cruises may not need tenders as they can typically dock at smaller ports. However, most mainstream cruise lines have larger ships that carry thousands of passengers and cannot always dock at every port, so they rely on tenders to get passengers ashore.

How Many Tenders Does A Cruise Ship Have?
The number of tenders a cruise ship carries depends on its size and capacity. Smaller ships may only carry one or two tenders, while larger ones could have up to ten or more. The tenders themselves are usually stored on deck or in a designated tender bay when not in use.

How Are Tenders Launched?
Tenders can be launched from either side of the ship using special cranes or davits. Crew members lower the tender into the water and secure it before passengers board. Once all passengers are aboard, the tender makes its way to shore.

What About Safety?
Safety is always a top priority on cruise ships, and this includes tender operations. Crew members undergo extensive training before operating tenders, and there are strict safety protocols in place. Passengers are also given safety briefings before boarding tenders, and life jackets are always available.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while not all cruise ships have tenders, most larger mainstream ships do. Tenders provide a means of getting passengers ashore when the ship cannot dock at a port. They are an essential part of the cruise experience and provide a unique way to explore remote or smaller ports.