What Does Tender Mean on a Cruise Ship?

By Robert Palmer

Cruising is a popular way to see the world, and many people choose to take these trips every year. But what does “tender” mean when referring to a cruise ship? Understanding the term is essential before you embark on your journey.

A tender is a smaller boat that is used to transport passengers from the cruise ship to shore. This type of boat is necessary because the larger cruise ships cannot safely dock in many ports.

Instead, they must anchor offshore, and guests must use the tender boats to get between the ship and land.

Tenders are also used for exploration purposes. For instance, if you are on an Alaskan cruise and want to visit a glacier or other remote area, you will likely need to take a tender boat from the main vessel.

Tenders are usually equipped with life jackets and other safety gear in case of emergencies. They also have seating for everyone who needs to transfer from one vessel to another. Depending on where you are traveling, some tenders may include amenities such as snacks and drinks.

In Summary: Tender boats are a necessary part of cruising. They provide transportation between large vessels and ports that cannot accommodate them, as well as for exploration purposes when visiting remote areas. Tender boats typically come equipped with safety gear and seating for passengers.

Conclusion: When traveling on a cruise ship, understanding what tender means is essential so that you know how you will be traveling between the vessel and land when needed. Safety equipment should always be present on tenders, so be sure to ask about it before getting onboard.