Staying onboard

silverbolt · #1 (**permalink**) August 20th, 2011, 03:19 AM

Is it alright if passengers stay on board at all times? Or must all passengers disembark when it is docked at a port? Are services on the ship reduced or even halted during those times?

Thanks for shedding some light on this.

Manuel · #2 (**permalink**) August 20th, 2011, 04:00 AM

You can stay on-board if you want to. I have met many people that do exactly that.
Ships services such as food and bar service still go on. The casino and the ship's stores are closed.
It's less crowded by the pool and quite relaxing because most people do get off the ship.

Enjoy your cruise.

TM

Mike M · #3 (**permalink**) August 20th, 2011, 09:37 AM

You can do as you wish. Stay on board or go ashore. It's up to you.

Staying on board can be a very enjoyable day. The pools aren't crowded nor are the restaurants. You can have a nice and relaxing day on the ship.

There are a couple of Caribbean ports that, if it's just my wife and I, that I just stay on the ship.

Take care,
Mike

Fern · #4 (**permalink**) August 20th, 2011, 08:49 PM

We always say we'll stay on board "next time", but even when we're at a port we've visited many times, we'll get off and just walk around for an hour or so.

The Casino and the shop's are closed and usually there's only one dining room and the buffet open for lunch, and some of the bars are closed.

No big deal

!

Trip · #5 (**permalink**) August 20th, 2011, 09:12 PM

Staying onboard is a luxury for many..especially if one has visited the same ports many times. Spa services can be reduced, so, if that's your cuppa tea, a bargain can be had.

Prim real estate by the pool is available, less lines for lunch,and a quiet time can be priceless.

Lakers Fan · #6 (**permalink**) August 20th, 2011, 11:18 PM

I always say I would never stay on board but I did do that on a cruise last year.

Manuel · #7 (**permalink**) August 21st, 2011, 12:45 AM

I have stayed on board a couple of times.

TM

Donna · #8 (**permalink**) August 21st, 2011, 04:48 AM

I have never not gone ashore, but have returned early enough to enjoy the ship half full, kind of nice...

silverbolt · #9 (**permalink**) August 21st, 2011, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donna

I have never not gone ashore, but have returned early enough to enjoy the ship half full, kind of nice...

Thanks everyone for the info.

Donna, I guess you somewhat answered my next question.

I was going to ask if it's alright to get off the ship then board again after a short time like 30 mins ~ an hour. It should be alright if the ship is docked very close to shore. But if a tender is involved then I wonder if it's still possible for the quick reboarding? (perhaps they have a fixed schedule)

Trip · #10 (**permalink**) August 21st, 2011, 08:53 AM

You can go back forth all day if you wanted to. Once they drop off, you can jump on. When they they dropped off everybody who wanted to go ashore, there may be a small lull, before they begin the return wave of bringing passengers back.

LisaK · #11 (**permalink**) August 22nd, 2011, 02:26 PM

you can do whatever you want. You can stay on board, relax by the uncrowded pools, take advantage of reduced rates, port day specials in the spa/health centers, go ashore as many times as you would like to.

Surfguyxxx1 · #12 (**permalink**) February 24th, 2012, 07:17 PM

LisaK said it perfectly! You paid for your vacation so do what "YOU" want to do, when you want to do it. Do as much as you want and as little as you want; that's the beauty of cruising

NevilleJ · #13 (**permalink**) March 20th, 2012, 04:38 PM

This will be my first cruise but when I've stayed on islands with ports, many of the attractions can become quite crowded when cruise ships dock. I could see staying behind and relaxing or even just walking around and not hitting the touristy areas to get away from the crowds.

Future Cruiser · #14 (**permalink**) March 21st, 2012, 12:23 AM

Besides certain parts of the ship being open, what activities such as entertainment and guest lectures are available? I get the feeling here it is all about relaxation and we can't do everything like on a sea day. Am I wrong about this?

Donna · #15 (**permalink**) March 21st, 2012, 08:33 AM

Besides all the shops being open, the casino, etc. There will also be some pool activities, movies, etc. You need to read your daily paper on the following day's activities the evening before. There will be plenty to do or not, always up to you.

Donna · #16 (**permalink**) March 21st, 2012, 08:35 AM

Oops, just re-read your post and you were talking about a port day, not a sea day...There will be some things going on, just not as many as a sea day, but it is nice to have a half empty ship, plenty of seats by the pool....You may find a spa special going on that day.

Fern · #17 (**permalink**) April 28th, 2012, 09:14 PM

I know that most people don't think about doing their own laundry

, but we find a port day, when we've been to the port many times (Jamaica comes to mind), to be a wonderful time to make use of the laundromat. Almost everyone is off the ship, so it makes washing and drying very fast.