Does it cost money to get off cruise ship at port?
Does it cost money to get off cruise ship at port? Very few mainstream cruise lines include port fees in their base fare, with the only two being Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages. Most lines charge the fees separately but make them clear upfront, usually in small print.
How long does it take to get off cruise ship at port?
The entire timeline can take 30 to 45 minutes after arrival. Just because your cruise ship is at the dock doesn't mean that people get off immediately. Once you are cleared to go ashore, you may experience a rush of people, but lines tend to decrease quickly.
Will my cell phone work on a cruise ship?
Service for voice calls, texting (SMS) and data is available onboard while the ship is at sea. Once the WMS network is switched on, while roaming on our cruise ships, you will see a distinct display on your handset that differs from your home carrier.
How do you get off a cruise ship at port?
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. If it's anchored, you'll have to take a tender -- a small boat that ferries passengers ashore in groups.
How can I use my phone without a cruise charge?
To ensure you are not charged by your phone company on your cruise, you have two choices: Turn off your phone as soon as your cruise ship leaves port, or, if you want to use offline applications, put your phone into airplane mode.
Is it cheaper to buy shore excursions on the ship?
For the most part, cruise lines do charge more than non-cruise-related tour operators for the same (or similar) outing. If you trust the company and feel confident that you won't miss the ship, it certainly makes sense to pay less by booking an excursion independently that could cost you more onboard.
Can you get off a cruise ship without an excursion?
You absolutely do not have to do shore excursions on a cruise. You are free to come and go at will from most cruise ships while they are in ports of call. Shore excursions are simply one means to explore the areas visited by the ship and to participate in available activities off the ship.
Do you take your passport on shore excursions?
Taking Your Passport Should you take your passport with you on shore excursions? No, you shouldn't bring your passport, unless your tour requires it. We recommend bringing your driver's license as a form of ID instead. You don't want to risk losing your passport ashore.
How do you avoid charges on a cruise?
To ensure you are not charged by your phone company on your cruise, you have two choices: Turn off your phone as soon as your cruise ship leaves port, or, if you want to use offline applications, put your phone into airplane mode.
Do you have to pay to go ashore on a cruise?
Are shore excursions included on a cruise? While luxury lines, river cruises, small coastal ships, expedition ships and even some premium cruise lines include some shore excursions in their fares. Other tours on those lines and all excursions offered by mainstream cruise lines must be purchased.
How much time do you need to Disembark a cruise ship?
From start to finish, the process usually takes about two to three hours, depending on the size of the ship.
Do you have to pay to get off a cruise ship at a port?
Whenever a ?ruise ship docks at a port of call, the local authorities require a fee. Before a cruise starts, the cruise line will add up the port charges from the different ports of call on the cruise itinerary and will pass the cost of these port charges on to the passengers.
Can you get off a cruise at port and not get back on?
According to U.S. law, you can set sail and then disembark at a foreign port. However, although it is allowed by U.S. law, there are still foreign laws and cruise line policies to contend with. In some countries, laws prohibit cruise passengers from permanently disembarking.
Can you go straight to your room on a cruise?
Many first-time cruisers don't realize that they won't be able to go directly to their staterooms upon boarding. Pass the time while you wait for your room to be ready and for the ship to set sail by enjoying lunch on the Lido Deck of the ship. This is a great way to make sure you aren't starving by dinner time!
What happens if you are left at port on cruise?
Most cruise lines have port agents stationed in the port area to assist if your ship has left without you. In cases when cruisers are late returning to the vessel, the ship's crew will often remove the passengers' essential items -- passports, cell phones and medication -- from the ship to leave with the port agents.
Should I bring a debit card to a cruise?
Never use a debit card on a cruise. In many situations you can use cash for the pre-authorisations, but just remember that you'll need to have enough to cover the full amount of this charge, which, in some cases, can be pretty steep. You'll then get your cash back at the end of your stay or cruise, minus any charges.
Can you get off a cruise ship at port without a passport?
U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government ...