10 Reasons NOT to Stay on the Cruise Ship in Port

If you're going on a cruise, you might be thinking of skipping a port & staying on the cruise ship. However, there are some downsides that you might not be aware of!

I admit that there are times I stay on the cruise ship when in port, & have even shared this as a cruise tip. While I still think this can be a good way to enjoy a quiet ship with less cruise passengers, there are some things that will disappoint some cruisers.

In fact, not getting off in a cruise port of call can mean missing out on activities in destinations & more. First time cruisers should be especially careful to not follow some habits of more seasoned cruisers. Like all cruise advice, it's not one size fits all, so you'll want to decide on booking a cruise line excursion, third party shore excursion or even explore on your own.

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Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment I try my best to answer.

ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!

Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.

Some B-Roll used in this video: Courtesy of RCCL
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Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-InspiraMusicMusic

[LifeWellCruised]

My excursion recommendation - Shore Excursions Group website:

[bpreeve]

For those of us who have cruised alot it is a blessing to just stay on and enjoy the ship. Not as many people on results in having less people in pools, spas etc. Really enjoy being on the ship, and especially when you get older and have seen most of the ports and done most of the excursions it's very relaxing to stay on ship or perhaps just get off for a hour or so to do local shopping. As for food off the ship, in a foreign country it is a bit risky to be dining locally as their health standards are not like ours and who wants to get sick for their pass on that thank you....

[RandomStuffWithBill]

We have been cruising for 40+ years now, I love when everyone gets off in port, seen them done them all and bought the shirt, but the ship is nice and empty when they all leave for the day :)

[QueenSuperJ]

We have definitely gotten the “Cleaning the balcony and exterior windows tomorrow” note! The crew tries to be as quick and efficient as they can when it’s time to do this!

[richardsmith]

We are on our 21st cruise and have another in November and December. We have been to most ports in the Caribbean at least 12-15 times and after that we tend to enjoy the ship. We did enjoy getting off in Alaska, but otherwise we enjoy life onboard and usually stay on when in port. It is a great time to relax without tons of people.

[joethecomputerguy]

Love this video! I love an empty ship and having it almost all to myself. I rarely get off the ship in port. Or maybe I get off for a look see in the close by port area. Rarely more than that. And with 22 cruises in the past 2 years I know what works best for me. So please, EVERYONE, get off and don't come back till last call for boarding :)

[patrick]

Feeling safe becomes more important as we get older. We learn how to relax.

[krod]

Everything you said about getting off. The ship just convinced me to stay on the ship.

[BeefromSC]

I usually get off the ship on Port days, even if I’ve been to the Port prior! I did follow my gut, and stayed on the ship once when sailing Royal Caribbean, and one stop was one of their private islands. I just wasn’t interested in getting on a tender boat, and heading to an island! My cabin mate, and group had bad experiences that time, so I’m glad I stayed onboard. I had a great time on the ship, several activities was available, jewelry making class is one I can remember and I loved having less folks onboard! Plus the ship food was good, and no flies and birds like they had to fight off their plates 😂😂😂😎🛳🛳

[thelilaccottage]

We were not going to get off in katakolon, Greece- but it looked so nice-so we did and loved it!! It was the nicest little town 💙 We shopped and had a wonderful, relaxed lunch.

[susantownsend]

Best excursion I’ve done: chartered a catamaran on Grand Cayman. With 7 people it was cheaper than paying individually for the cruise excursion and was very personalized. We did all the things they did without feeling hurried or jostled. Pure awesomeness.

[robinbrook]

If it's a new port to me, I'm definitely getting off the ship. If it's a favorite port, I'm going. But some that I visited multiple times over the decades, I'm to the point of thinking I'll just stay on the ship. Cozumel Is a perfect example, it use to be my favorite port in the Caribbean. I remember when you had to tender, and each shop was so unique. Today it's like one big strip mall, with zero culture.

[lindak]

I don’t think I’ll ever get off in Jamaica again. 😂 I did not feel safe there. Never again

[debracartier]

You are absolutely correct Illana! I think you should get off in port! I get off and explore every port! I love learning about different cultures other than my own! I’m going to St. Thomas and Tortola next week and I’m so excited! I’ll be on the Disney Fantasy! ❤❤❤

[brendacourson]

I love Caribbean cruises but I have had my fill of Jamaica and the Bahamas ports of (also neither feel very safe now) so we always stay on board and throughly enjoy the slower pace.

[sassy]

We always get off but sometimes it’s just quick to check out local shops. Then we spend the day relaxing on the ship. This would be for ports we have been to numerous times in the Caribbean.

[LoreeVanderWerf-sisn]

We sometimes like to stay on the ship. It’s quiet, relaxing and peaceful.

[tdalej]

We are at the port of Victoria, BC today for our last full day aboard Norwegian Bliss. It is a rainy, gloomy day here. We got off the ship just to take a few photos at the end of the pier. The ship is so relaxing on a day like this. On days like this, we prefer to stay on the ship and relax rather than pay hundreds of $$$ to ride around on a bus tour.

[RichHislip]

I stayed on the ship and skipped the port. I was given a cooking lesson from the bread chef. Loved it.

[sharonhinsley]

We've been to so many ports before and enjoyed ship/private excursions. For several ports in the Caribbean, we just like to walk off the ship and have lunch in a favorite place (Puerto Rico!!) or go to a pastry shop for some local delicacy. Freedom to be on our own schedule is wonderful!