Depending on the depth of the water and the available infrastructure at the port you're visiting, your ship will either dock at a pier or anchor offshore. If your ship is docked, you'll be able to simply walk off the vessel directly onto dry land via a movable ramp called a gangway.

Yes, one of the primary features of a cruise is the ability to get off the ship and explore different ports of call. When the ship docks or anchors at a destination, a "gangway" is opened, and passengers are free to disembark for the day. You can choose to book an organized "shore excursion" through the cruise line, explore the city independently, or simply walk around the immediate port area. The ship typically stays in port for 8 to 12 hours, and it is vital to return by the "All Aboard" time, as the ship will generally not wait for late passengers. While you are free to get off at every port, you are also welcome to stay on board and enjoy the ship’s facilities while it is less crowded. There are very rare exceptions where a passenger might not be allowed to disembark, such as if the local government imposes specific health restrictions or if you do not have the required visa for that particular country. For most travelers, however, the ability to "hop" from one exotic destination to another while only unpacking once is the biggest draw of the cruising experience.