PORT-DAY STRATEGY
Stay Aboard or Explore Ashore: 5 Times You May Want to Stay on Your Ship
Sometimes the Smartest Port-Day Decision Is to Make the Ship Your Destination.
Cruise travelers often feel like every port must be packed with sightseeing. But there are times when staying onboard can make the trip better, more relaxing and even more memorable.
When many passengers head ashore, the ship can feel completely different: quieter pools, easier dining, less crowded lounges and more time to enjoy the amenities you may have barely noticed on sea days.
When Should You Consider Staying on the Ship in Port?
Consider staying onboard when you need a recovery day, have already visited the port, want to enjoy spa or ship amenities, prefer a quieter day or simply feel more excited about the ship than the destination.
MEET THE PERSON BEHIND THE ADVICE
Meet Captain Chuck
Chuck Lund is the founder of America’s Best Cruises and a retired Captain with over 35 years of experience taking care of his guests. He brings the same attention to planning, communication and detail to helping travelers remember something easy to forget on a port-intensive cruise: you are allowed to enjoy the ship you paid to sail on.
His goal is simple: help guests make choices that improve the whole vacation, not choices driven by guilt. Sometimes that means going ashore for the adventure you have been waiting for. Other times it means sleeping late, enjoying an uncrowded ship or taking a quiet afternoon to recharge. For groups, everyone can make a different choice and still come back together later. In fact, dinner can be even more fun when half the table has stories from ashore and the other half has discovered what the ship feels like when almost everyone else is gone.
“I treat every guest like family because that's what these trips are all about.”
WATCH
Spas With Jen
A port day can be one of the best times to slow down and enjoy the wellness side of the ship. This video highlights the kind of spa experience that can turn a “stay onboard” day into a vacation highlight.
Not every great cruise memory has to happen ashore.
REASON 1
You Need a Recovery Day
A busy itinerary can wear you out faster than expected. If you have had several active port days in a row, staying onboard can help reset your energy.
Sleep In
Enjoy a slower morning without worrying about excursion departure times.
Take a Long Breakfast
Use the quieter ship to enjoy breakfast without rushing.
Recharge
Spend time at the pool, spa or a quiet lounge instead of adding another long day.
Protect the Rest of the Trip
One easier day can make the next port much more enjoyable.
REASON 2
You Have Already Been to the Port
Repeat destinations are a perfect opportunity to experience the ship differently. If you have already seen the major sights, you may get more value from a quiet onboard day.
Instead of Repeating the Same Tour
- Enjoy the pool deck
- Book a spa treatment
- Try a restaurant you missed
- Explore quieter parts of the ship
- Read, nap or relax outdoors
- Enjoy a slower day with your group
REASON 3
You Want to Enjoy the Ship Without the Crowds
More Breathing Room
Popular outdoor spaces may feel dramatically calmer while many guests are ashore.
Less Rush
Casual restaurants and cafés can be more relaxed on a port day.
Quiet Spaces
You may discover parts of the ship that feel almost completely different when the crowds disappear.
Enjoy the Ship Itself
A quieter deck can be a great time to take photos without fighting for space.
REASON 4
You Want a Spa or Wellness Day
If the ship offers a spa, thermal suite, fitness center or quiet wellness spaces, a port day can be a great time to use them.
Schedule a Treatment
A massage or other treatment can turn the day into a true vacation reset.
Relax in Quiet Spaces
Where available, thermal areas can feel especially peaceful when the ship is less busy.
Move Without Rushing
Use the gym or walking track at your own pace.
Do Almost Nothing
A chair, a view and nowhere to be can be exactly what the trip needs.
REASON 5
The Port Just Does Not Excite You
You do not have to love every destination on the itinerary. If a port does not match your interests, there is no rule saying you must leave the ship.
Look at the Options
Review the available excursions and independent sightseeing possibilities.
Ask Yourself What Sounds Better
If the ship genuinely sounds more appealing, that is useful information.
Skip the Guilt
You are not wasting the cruise by choosing rest over a destination you are not excited about.
Make the Day Intentional
Plan one or two onboard experiences so the day still feels special.
BONUS
Bad Weather Can Change the Equation
Weather can turn a great shore plan into a miserable one. If conditions are poor and your excursion is optional, staying onboard may become the better choice.
Consider
- Heavy rain
- Extreme heat
- Strong wind
- Reduced visibility
- Your activity level
- Whether the port-day experience still sounds enjoyable
FOR GROUPS
Do Not Make Every Port Day Mandatory
Group cruises work best when travelers have permission to choose their own pace.
Go Explore
Some guests may want the biggest excursion available.
Keep It Easy
Others may prefer a short walk, local lunch or simple sightseeing.
Stay Onboard
Some travelers may be happiest enjoying the ship.
Meet at Dinner
Everyone can spend the day differently and still share stories later.
MAKE IT A REAL DAY
How to Turn a Stay-Onboard Port Day Into a Highlight
Slow Start
Sleep in, enjoy breakfast and watch the port from the ship.
Use the Amenities
Try the pool, spa, fitness center or a quiet lounge.
Do Something You Missed
Explore the ship or enjoy a restaurant or activity you had not made time for yet.
Reconnect
Meet up with friends or family and hear about everyone else's day ashore.
WHAT TO CHECK
Remember That the Ship May Operate Differently in Port
Some venues, activities or services may have different hours while the ship is docked.
Check Hours
Not every restaurant may operate on the same schedule during a port call.
Review Availability
Appointment times and access can vary.
Look at the Daily Schedule
Port-day programming may be lighter than on a sea day.
Expect Restrictions
Some onboard operations may be closed while the ship is in port.
ONE SIMPLE RULE
Ask Which Choice Will Make the Vacation Better
A port day is not automatically better because you left the ship. If exploring sounds exciting, go. If a slower day sounds better, stay.
The right decision is the one that improves the rest of your cruise.
THE REAL ADVANTAGE
You Are Allowed to Let the Ship Be the Destination
One of the best things about cruising is that the ship is not simply transportation. It is a resort, restaurant district, entertainment venue and relaxation space moving with you from place to place.
Sometimes the most enjoyable way to appreciate that is to stay aboard when everyone else heads ashore.
You do not have to see every port to have an unforgettable cruise. Sometimes the quietest day becomes the one you needed most.
WANT A CRUISE WITH A SHIP WORTH STAYING ON?
Let Captain Chuck Help Match the Ship to Your Travel Style
America’s Best Cruises can help compare ships, itineraries, cabins and onboard amenities so your vacation is enjoyable whether you are exploring ashore or relaxing onboard.
