Should You Skip a Port on a Cruise?

Is it worth getting off the ship at every port? One of the things I love about cruising is waking up in a new destination after a great evening on board. Exploring a new port is always exciting. But there are times when I’ve stayed on board.

At first I thought I’d be missing out but I ended up discovering a side to cruising I hadn’t realised existed. So, if you’ve ever wondered should you skip a port on a cruise, here are some of the situations where I’d recommend staying on the ship, along with some of the benefits of staying on board during port days.

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When You Need Proper Rest

Port intensive cruises can be surprisingly busy. Not only have you got early departures for ship organised excursions but you’ve also a lot of walking in port. When this is combined with late evenings filled with fantastic entertainment on board it can leave you feeling drained by the end of your first week. It gets even worse if your itinerary includes consecutive port days.

This is often when it is best to stay on a cruise ship in port. Taking the opportunity to remain on board can give you some valuable recovery time and is one of the most overlooked reasons to stay on a cruise ship during port days.

One of the things I discovered when I first decided to stay on board is that the ship becomes incredibly peaceful. If you’ve ever asked, are cruise ships quieter on port days? the answer is usually yes. You’ll find loungers readily available, even on sunny days. There’s hardly anyone in the hot tubs and you feel under far less pressure to follow a schedule.

I love having a long breakfast, or even breakfast in bed, and taking things at a much slower pace. It is also part of making the most of sea days and port days on a cruise by recognising when your body needs to recharge.

When You’ve Visited the Destination Before

If your ship is docking somewhere you already know well and have previously visited on several occasions then you might not feel as motivated to get off and explore again. Rather than retracing your steps, it might be worth spending a day on board to enjoy the facilities in a less crowded atmosphere.

I often do this in ports that involve a lengthy transfer into the main city centre, such as Bruges from Zeebrugge. There have been at least two occasions when I have stayed on ship instead of going back into Bruges revisiting attractions I’ve already seen and spending probably too much money on Belgian chocolate again. If you’re debating whether it is worth getting off the ship at every port, this is one situation where the answer might reasonably be no.

When the Weather Isn’t Good

Sometimes the weather isn’t all that good when you arrive in port and it can take some of the pleasure out of sightseeing. While there’s no such thing as ‘bad weather’ – only bad clothing, heavy rain or unfeasibly high temperatures and humidity can make trudging through the streets or waiting in queues far less appealing.

If you don’t think you’re going to miss out too much by giving the port a miss then the ship offers a great refuge. There is plenty to do on a cruise ship when in port, whether that is settling down on your balcony if you have one, heading to one of the panoramic lounges or covered decks, or even spending a few hours in the spa.

When You Want to Experience the Ship Properly

Some larger cruise ships are floating destinations in their own right. Whether this is speciality restaurants, spa facilities, entertainment or different bars and lounges, there’s often more on board than you can realistically experience even on a 14 night cruise.

Because port days are typically quieter, you’ll often find certain things such as spa treatments are cheaper and easier to book. This is one of the real benefits of staying on board during port days. You can experience less crowded pools and venues along with more attentive service. If you’ve ever wondered what to do on a cruise ship when in port, this is your opportunity to explore the spaces and activities you may have overlooked earlier in the cruise.

When You’re Travelling with Young Children

From my experience, travelling with a young family can be wonderful on a cruise however it can also be tiring. The logistics of going on a shore excursion or exploring independently can be complex and draining. Staying on a cruise ship with young children in port for a relaxed ship day can be a welcome break. Depending on your ship, the children’s clubs and onboard activities usually continue, albeit with a slightly reduced schedule.

It is a brilliant way for parents to take advantage of the quieter atmosphere on board while avoiding the stress of navigating busy streets and long coach journeys in the heat. For families, this can be one of the strongest reasons to stay on a cruise ship during port days.

When You Need to Budget

There’s no denying it, cruise line shore excursions can be expensive. Even exploring independently can increase the hidden costs of cruising such as meals ashore, admission fees, transport and souvenirs. If you are working to a budget, staying on board can be one of the simplest ways of managing your spending. In fact, it is one of the easiest ways to save money on cruise port days.

After all, your food and, if you’ve purchased a drinks package, most of your drinks are already included in your fare. So remaining on board can help you get the best value from what you have already paid for.

When It’s Not a Picturesque Port

Not all ports are equal. Sometimes your ship will dock in an industrial area which means transferring to the main attractions or city centre to see anything of interest. Unless there is a specific attraction you really want to visit, staying on board might be the better option. Industrial ports can actually be quite fascinating.

I once stayed on board in Haugesund in Norway and spent time watching a North Sea oil platform being built from the comfort of our aft balcony with room service. In situations like this, if you are asking yourself should you skip a port on a cruise, the answer may well be yes.

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Making the Right Choice for You

These are simply some of the reasons I have chosen to stay on board. There is no single right way to approach your itinerary. Some people cruise primarily for the destinations, while others value the ship experience just as highly. The key is balance and making the most of sea days and port days on a cruise in a way that suits your energy levels, budget and travel companions.

On a port intensive Mediterranean sailing, we found that taking a day on board in the middle of the itinerary left us feeling refreshed and ready for the second week. And sometimes it is simply lovely to sit on a quiet deck with a coffee or cocktail in hand, watching the world go by, knowing that staying on board was exactly the right choice for you.

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