8 BEST REASONS TO STAY ON THE CRUISE SHIP IN PORT *Plus 5 Reasons NOT to*

Are you going on a cruise and wondering if you should stay on the cruise ship in port? In this video I go over the best reasons to stay on your cruise ship when in port, as well as the reasons not to! Port days are a great time to stay onboard your ship and enjoy the activities and ship amenities. However, there are some things to be aware of to avoid being disappointed!

These cruise tips are helpful for first time cruisers and those who usually plan shore excursions.

RESOURCES I RECOMMEND

🛳 THE ULTIMATE CRUISE PLANNER 🛳

___________________
Please note that this video is not sponsored. The links in this description are affiliate links, meaning that I will make a commission on purchases you make through my links, at no extra cost to you.

As Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

WHAT I'M WEARING

*USEFUL CRUISE ESSENTIALS*

LUGGAGE TAGS

___________________
FTC LEGAL DISCLOSURE - Some links found in the description box of my videos are affiliate links, meaning that I will make a commission on purchases you make through my links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that I personally use, like and trust.
___________________

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 travelers, 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.
___________________
Photo & Video credit:
Celebrity Cruise Line
RCCL
NCL
Music Credit: Surf Time by Lux-Inspira

[teams]

I love staying on ship during port days. It is like having the cruise to yourself. SPA is usually 50 percent off.

[beege]

We love staying on board. It is so relaxing. We aren't big on the spa, waterslides, or other "physical". We just like to chill in the solarium. One positive you didn't mention is saving money.

[davidhoffman]

Went into San Juan and it threatened to rain. Decided to go back to the ship and we had the whole Lido deck to ourselves for over 2 hours. It was great to actually get a hot tub without any kids in it!

[arknfrogontheroadoflife]

I would never get off at port if it wasn’t for others I cruise with. Thankfully I have a 7 day all by lonesome next month. Not getting ready off in Jamaica, GC or Cozumel. Been there- done that. Been to Cozumel 13x. Gonna enjoy the alone time

[veronicashine]

We love staying on board, especially on a Mega ship. The three of us tend to do a treatment in the spa when we stay on the ship. It becomes a total zen day of pool, treatment, mini-golf and then dining al fresco.

[TVHouseHistorian]

The thing I love about Royal Caribbean is the fact that their mega ships are a destination entirely unto themselves. The Oasis-class ships are perfect if you want to enjoy a port day onboard. I remember in Cozumel, the entire ship was mostly deserted, and I had the ship all to myself. It was so quiet and peaceful to walk through the different neighborhoods and enjoy the ship itself. I did get a really good spa deal that day, and if memory serves it was about 30% off? Now with smaller ships, I’m not so inclined to stay onboard on port days, just because there isn’t as much to see and do. Other people might feel different, but that’s how I feel. Staying on board is wonderful, especially if there aren’t any excursions that look good to you, or you didn’t bring your passport for some reason (big no-no, but I’m just saying if you lost it or something). RCL’s mega ships are perfect for staying on board and enjoying the ship while everyone else is away. Absolutely no shadows on this video, by the way, Llana. It was perfect 😇

[greengrands]

In November we took 2 cruises, to basically the same ports.(We had cruise credit we had to use by Dec. 31, 2021) On the second one, my husband stayed on the ship and never got off. (He always said one day he would do that!) He liked the peace and quiet and having a lot of the ship to himself.

[loribarber]

We stay on at times until after we eat lunch. Then get off for a little exercise by walking the port and window shop. Get back on at leisure. We miss all the crowds. Nice sea/port day.

[stephanieh]

I just got back from a 5 night cruise with Royal Caribbean and I just wanted to thank you for all of your cruise tips they really made my entire cruise more comfortable and helped me feel more confident. I even asked for a mattress pad because I remembered you said they had them. It was soooo helpful.

[bryanwhite]

The thing I like best about staying onboard on port days is the PEACE AND QUIET 😎

[lenorabardsley]

We have stayed on the ships while in port.Yes i've done my laundry while in port.also i have been able to walk into the spa and get my haircut right away. yes the MDR are closed but there are less people at the buffet, no mad rush.Also some ports are 2 days and you tour one day and relax on the ship next day

[vickiglow]

I enjoyed a 2 hour Swedish massage/facial on Harmony of the Seas during a port day for $149 plus gratuity…this was my first time to indulge but it won’t be my last. Also, the ship special is all day while in port so you can schedule for a time after you get back from a shore excursion.

[suewolf]

we were on an Alaskan cruise on Princess, and we had already spent a day traveling from the east coast to Seattle. we then spend a day and a half in Seattle, and we were taking a 5-day Land tour with Princess at the end of a 7-Day Alaskan cruise. we were lucky enough to have access to the washers and dryers. the cost was very reasonable. just like going to a public laundromat. the area was kept very clean by the staff. truly I wish this was on more ships especially on those longer cruises.

[jefffisher]

I love staying on the ship on some of the port days. The pressure to spend money on a shore excursion is relieved, and the relaxed, quiet vibe on the ship is greatly welcomed, after all the bustle during sea days, by this introvert.

[gillsimpson]

Many years ago we joined a cruise from Venice. Our embarkation day was very tiring. I hadn't slept the night before and was feeling under the weather. When we landed in Venice it was raining cats and dogs and a bit chilly so we went to the buffet had some soup and then went back to our cabin with the intention of getting ready to go out for a few hours gor a little stroll etc. But we changed our minds and closed the curtains and snuggled down and went to sleep. Omg we slept so soundly and woke refreshed and ready to start our cruise. The sail away was magnificent along the canal. We had been to Venice before and we did feel a little guilty but I think this time it was worth not going ashore.

[bernadineaddison]

We due laundry on either a port or sea day. It's great to have the whole laundry room to yourself.

[rickcudmore]

We did a 5 and 4 night back to back cruise out of Ft Lauderdale but due to immigration had to get off the ship and then go back on. We had the aft pool deck and bar to ourselves. No line up for food. It was great.

[harborspringsgirl]

Love staying on the ship if I’ve been to a port multiple times. Fun!!

[Philippa-]

I often stay on board and never find it difficult occupying my time. I love that it’s quieter.I never use the laundry room or sent laundry.it’s just not something I would want or need to do . As am over packer I always have spare outfits in case of mishaps and extra lingerie etc.. Useful information for people who may not realise staying on board can be a thing.

[erniewarinner]

Pre pandemic we were supposing to be cruising to Bermuda but were rerouted to true Bahamas due to a hurricane in out path east. Since we have both visited the Bahamas in the past we decided to stay onboard for the two port days. I found it very relaxing and rather enjoyed the less crowded ship. I had no problem finding something to do.