In Port

Depending on the size of your ship and the port of call, you'll either dock right at the pier, or be shuttled into port via tender (free of charge).

No, you are never required to get off the ship. Some passengers prefer to spend the day onboard the ship, particularly when stopping at a port they’ve previously visited. Many ships have scheduled shipboard activities, even on port days.

However, if you do decide to get off the ship, it’s imperative you return with ample time before the ship departs again. “Ship time” versus “local (or island) time” can be a point of confusion, so check with the ship’s crew to confirm the time. Most ships observe the time zone they are in.

At each port of call, you have the option of booking a cruise line's shore excursions, or exploring on your own. All shore excursions can be booked at the ship's shore excursion desk.

Of course, guests aren't required to get off the ship at all, and may prefer to spend a quiet day onboard.

The best way to research port-of-call activities is by reading the port reviews on our region pages, or by checking the ship’s shore excursion offerings. We also suggest that you do a bit of independent research, either by searching the Internet or buying a respected guide book.

Shipboard accounts are for shipboard charges only. While in port, you can generally use a major credit card or traveler’s check for most purchases. Most ports also have ATMs and money exchange centers.

Yes, all ships have full meal service on both port and sea days.

No, you must pay for your own meals while in port. One exception is when your ship is visiting the cruise line's private island (generally on Caribbean itineraries), during which time a beach buffet is generally served free-of-charge.

Customs agents will want to see proof of citizenship (depending on the sailing, a valid passport, or a government-issued photo ID and birth certificate with raised seal), a travel visa (if visas are required at any ports of call), and a customs declaration form (which will be delivered to your cabin on the last night of the cruise). To research whether a country requires passports or travel visa, visit the CIBT Web Site.

As a general rule, each U.S. citizen is allowed to bring $800 worth of duty-free merchandise into the U.S. without being taxed, with an additional $1,000 being taxed at a reduced flat rate. Canadian citizens are generally allowed to bring $750 worth of duty-free merchandise into Canada without being taxed. Each U.S. and Canadian citizen may only return with a maximum of one liter of liquor and 200 cigarettes.

Non-U.S. and -Canadian citizens should check with their country's customs agencies for restrictions on duty-free merchandise.