Your cruise guide to 1200 cruise ports

We will also explain why the different methods are employed, rather than all vessels using the same basic process. When docked, the main differences between a cruise ship’s port and starboard sides relate to the view, orientation, and potential ambiguity. While most cruise ports do not have rental car agencies onsite, you can arrange for some rental car agencies to send a van to take you to their office.

Caribbean

These ports serve cruise lines both big and small and act as jump-off points for every cruise vacation. You’ll find parking information, directions and driving tips, cruise line terminal locations, shopping, restaurant tips and so much more. Prepare for your next cruise departure with help from the experts at Cruise Critic today. Aruba, known as “One Happy Island,” is a popular destination for cruise ship travelers seeking sun, sand, and a vibrant cultural experience.

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While most maneuvering is carried out using the cruise ship’s primary propulsion system and secondary side thrusters, they can also request assistance from tugs operating within the port. Sara Strickland is a passionate and adventurous travel writer who is constantly on the lookout for hidden gem restaurants and unique experiences. With an insatiable wanderlust, she has made it her mission to explore the world and share her discoveries with fellow travelers through her popular travel blog, Addicted to Vacation.

Docked vs. Tendered: Two Ways to Get Ashore

To explore Grand Cayman on your own, there are taxis right outside any of the Terminals and a Bus Station also at walking distance with services to all main destinations. Before you leave the ship, a member of the crew will swipe your cruise ID card. When you come back onto the ship after your day in port, your card will be swiped again. This is how your ship will know if you still haven't arrived back onboard as it gets closer to sailaway time. One of the most popular Curaçao beaches among cruise passengers is without a doubt Mambo Beach.

Taxis, rental car services, and organized tours can be easily arranged, providing you with flexibility and convenience in discovering the island’s hidden gems. Overall, the cruise ship piers at the Port of Oranjestad provide a convenient and efficient means of arrival for visitors to Aruba. With multiple piers catering to various vessel sizes and a range of transportation options available, you can expect a smooth and enjoyable transition from cruising to exploring all that the island has to offer. The Port of Oranjestad boasts excellent facilities to enhance the passenger experience. There are modern docking facilities, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for cruise ships to arrive and depart. The port is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure, including immigration and customs services, to handle the large influx of visitors efficiently.

As you get close to the entrance to the Terminal, you will see the Tour Dispatch area on your left and a 'late minute' tour desk to book an excursion if you haven't booked one already. When deciding which cruise is perfect for your next vacation, one of the most important factors is "departure port." We're constantly asked the following. The Cruise Port Guides by Cruise Crocodile is an initiative of the experienced cruisers who have sailed the 7 seas and want to share their port information, photos and experiences with you.

Elmina Harbour receives historic cruise ship as 280-passenger SH Vega docks - GhanaWeb

Elmina Harbour receives historic cruise ship as 280-passenger SH Vega docks.

Posted: Sun, 21 Apr 2024 03:30:17 GMT [source]

They will be able to discuss your specific needs and provide information about the tendering process and any mobility aids they can provide. Like any adventure or day trip, you should pack a small bag that you can carry comfortably if you plan on boarding at a tender port. Unfortunately, the waters in some standard ports of call are heavily polluted and relatively free from marine pollution. This is not the case if you take a smaller vessel to a more secluded location. The advantages of being on the port side of a cruise ship include a view of the land, which can be particularly appealing when the ship is entering or leaving a port.

What's At The Pierin Top Caribbean Cruise Ports

The captain must account for the wind, tide, and current when approaching the dock, and the crew must secure the ship to the dock using ropes attached to the ship’s bow and stern. NCL calls self disembarkation “self-assist,” referring to the option of skipping the luggage-outside-the-door system and self transporting your own luggage off the ship. Royal Caribbean also allows self disembarkation, as do Celebrity, Carnival, and Princess.

New Orleans Cruise Port

We will also discuss the factors that influence the selection of docking locations and highlight some of the major cruise ports around the world. So fasten your seatbelts and get ready to embark on a virtual journey to the captivating world of cruise ship docking. The docking locations of cruise ships play a vital role in determining the itineraries and experiences available to passengers.

Keep all receipts because you could be asked to report the value of all goods purchased abroad; if you go over the limits, you face taxes on some of your items. Even though the ship usually arrives in its final port before dawn, it will be hours before you get off. The ship first must be cleared by Customs and port authorities before anyone can disembark. When it comes to dining, the Renaissance Marina boasts a variety of restaurants and bars that cater to different tastes and preferences. From fine dining establishments to casual beachfront eateries, you’ll find a culinary experience to suit your every craving.

If you're booked on an independent tour and you're late getting back, it's likely you'll be waving goodbye to your vessel from the pier when you do return. If you do miss your ship, you'll have to either meet it at the next port or fly home (at your expense). If this happens, it's important that you call your ship or cruise line as soon as possible so they know where you are. They can also assist you with making transportation arrangements and/or retrieving your belongings.

Even if tendering is not the main reason you planned your cruise vacation, you might be surprised just how memorable and exhilarating the experience can be. While the crew will try their best to ensure that the tendering process goes smoothly for passengers, it is still important that you pay close attention to their instructions. The typical tender boat will almost look like an elaborate version of a lifeboat.

Passengers can either depart at the front of the ship, which is the area closest to the dock, or lengthy platforms can be extended to the ship to allow passengers to walk across the water. Mediterranean Mooring, or Med Mooring for short, is a docking technique developed to overcome the logistical issues of docking in some of the Mediterranean Sea’s most popular and crowded ports. Others may use fixed rather than floating docks, so tidal conditions at the time of docking can force the vessel to dock in a certain way. The docking procedure is a complex process requiring precise planning and execution. The safety and efficiency of the process depend on multiple factors considered by the captain and crew.