5 reasons not to stay onboard when in port
Tossing up whether you should relax onboard or stay ashore? Here are five reasons you might want to head down the gangplank.
1. The shops are closed
Regulations mean that the onboard tax and duty free shops can only be open when the ship is in international waters. During port days all the main shops will be closed and the only one trading will be the general convenience-style store selling personal items or snacks. Head ashore and you can find great deals on duty free alcohol or souvenirs that you won’t find on the ship.
2. The casino is closed too
Due to the strict gambling laws in place in most countries, ships also have to close the casino when they are in port. It can’t open up again until the ship reaches international waters, so don’t plan on spending your day in port at the blackjack tables.
3. Safety drills and maintenance
Crew work 24 hours a day and have to schedule things like safety drills, maintenance and big cleaning jobs for when most passengers are off the ship. And that means port days. You may find that some areas of the ship are closed off or that there are fewer staff available to assist you. Maintenance can be noisy and often starts early in the morning, so don’t plan on a sleep in. A safety drill means all crew will be on the decks in the lifejackets and announcements will be made over the loudspeaker, which can be unnerving if you’ve never experienced it.
4. There’s less to do
On sea days, just about all of the facilities onboard will be open and there will be a packed schedule of activities, with trivia, bingo, karaoke, classes, movies and more. On port days, this is scaled well back. The crew assume that most of the passengers will be off the ship so they run at a reduced schedule. That could mean that some of the specialty restaurants are closed or there are fewer organised activities to keep you entertained.
5. You’ll miss the port!
Sure, flashy cruise ships bring new meaning to the phrase ‘it’s the journey not the destination’. But you don’t want to miss your chance to walk through some of the world’s most incredible cities or swim at some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Even if you only make it to shore for a short time, take advantage of the opportunity to experience an exciting new destination. You never know when you’ll be back.
Do you stay on your ship, or head off on shore excursions?
Let us know in the comments!
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