Cruising is a relaxing and easy way to see the world. However, even the most seasoned cruisers can make mistakes that could lead to unnecessary stress or, worse, missing the ship! Whether it’s cutting it too close with time, making assumptions about transportation, or forgetting about a time change, small mistakes at the port can have big consequences.
Below, we’ll go over the most common cruise port mistakes to avoid. By being mindful of these tips, you can maximize your time on shore and ensure you don’t find yourself scrambling to catch up with the ship.
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Ignoring Time Changes Could Leave You Stranded
A surprising but common mistake cruisers make is forgetting to account for time zone changes. It may not seem like a big deal, but even a one-hour difference can be the reason you miss your ship—and once it leaves, there’s no turning back!
Some ports operate on local time, while your cruise ship may stay on ship time (which could be different). If you’re relying on your phone, be careful—some devices automatically update to the local time, which can cause confusion.
To avoid a stressful (and expensive) mistake, always double-check the correct time before leaving the ship. Ask the crew whether the ship follows local or ship time, and manually set your watch or phone if needed. Don’t let a simple time mix-up turn into a vacation disaster!
Cutting it Too Close
One of the biggest mistakes cruisers make when exploring a cruise port on their own is not allowing enough time to get back to the ship. It’s easy to assume that if it took 20 minutes to get to a destination, it will take the same amount of time to return—but that’s rarely the case.
Afternoon traffic congestion, long taxi lines, and unexpected delays can turn a smooth trip into a stressful race against the clock. This happened to me in Nassau when I spent the day at Atlantis. The taxi ride there was quick and easy, but heading back was a different story. Traffic on the bridge to the cruise port was at a standstill, and I genuinely thought I was going to miss the ship. Luckily, I made it—but not without a serious panic attack!
To avoid this mistake, plan to leave earlier than you think you need to. Give yourself extra buffer time, especially if you’re not on a cruise-sponsored excursion. Otherwise, you might miss the ship!
Don’t Assume Uber is Available Everywhere
One common mistake cruisers make is assuming that Uber or other rideshare services are available in every port. While Uber is widely used in many cities, there are still plenty of destinations—including major ones—where the service doesn’t operate.
For example, Copenhagen does not have Uber due to local regulations. And even if there is Uber, smaller towns and remote ports may have very few drivers available. This can leave you stranded, scrambling for a last-minute taxi or alternative transportation, which may be expensive or hard to find.
Before heading out on your own, always research transportation options at your port of call. Check whether Uber, Lyft, or local rideshare apps operate in the area, and have a backup plan, such as knowing where to find taxis or booking transportation in advance. Don’t risk missing your ship because you assumed a ride would be easy to find!
Don’t Assume there Will Always be Taxis to Take You Back to the Port
Assuming you’ll always find a taxi to take you back to the cruise port can be a big mistake—especially in smaller or less touristy destinations. While it may be easy to find a taxi at the cruise port to take you to your destination, finding a ride back isn’t always guaranteed.
That’s exactly what happened to us during our British Isles cruise. We docked in Cobh and decided to visit Blarney Castle on our own instead of booking a cruise shore excursion. Getting a taxi there was no problem, but when it was time to return, we quickly realized we were stranded. There were no available taxis, and Uber kept canceling because there weren’t enough drivers in the area.
Panic started setting in—we were 38 minutes from the cruise port with no way back. Luckily, after a stressful wait, we finally got an Uber, but had we not been so lucky, we could have easily missed the ship.
To avoid this situation, it’s best to plan your return transportation ahead of time. One simple way to ensure a ride back is to ask your taxi driver to wait for you. While it may cost extra for the driver to hold the cab, at least you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you won’t be left stranded.
Another option is to book a shore excursion—either through the cruise line or a reputable operator like viator—which ensures you’ll have a guaranteed ride back to the port, eliminating any worries about transportation.
Flying in on the Day of Departure
One of the riskiest mistakes cruisers make is flying in on the same day their cruise departs. While it might seem convenient and economical, it leaves you vulnerable to flight delays, cancellations, or unexpected travel hiccups that could cause you to miss your ship entirely.
Just ask the unlucky Princess Cruises passengers who went viral on TikTok for arriving at the pier just 20 minutes too late. Their flight delay left them stranded, watching their ship sail away—tears and all.
To avoid this nightmare scenario, plan to arrive at least a day early. Staying overnight at a hotel near the port ensures that even if your flight is delayed, you won’t be left behind. After all, it’s better to have a relaxing breakfast at your hotel before embarkation than to sprint through an airport praying you make it in time!
Be Careful When Booking Late Tours
One big mistake many cruisers make is booking an independent, non-cruise affiliated tour that returns too close to the ship’s departure time. Using an independent tour operator can be a great way to save money and enjoy a more personalized experience, but it also comes with risks—especially if delays happen.
Whenever I book an independent tour, I always choose an early morning tour that ends at least a few hours before the ship’s all-aboard time. That way, even if something goes wrong, I still have plenty of buffer time to make it back.
Unfortunately, not everyone is so lucky. A group of cruise passengers learned this the hard way when they were stranded on an African island—their tour returned at 4 PM, a full hour after the 3 PM all-aboard time. The ship had already left without them.
To avoid this disaster, always check the return time before booking a tour. If the schedule looks tight, either choose an earlier excursion, skip it altogether, or book directly through the cruise line—since cruise-sponsored tours guarantee the ship will wait for you. Otherwise, you might end up missing the ship.
Be Careful What You Bring Back on Board
Cruise lines have strict rules about what you can and cannot bring back on board after a shore excursion. While most travelers know that weapons, ammunition, and illegal drugs are prohibited, many don’t realize that seemingly harmless souvenirs—like seashells, corals, flowers, plants, and even leaves—are also banned.
It can be tempting to collect a beautiful shell from the beach or bring home a piece of local flora, but doing so could lead to delays at security or, in worst-case scenarios, denied reboarding.
Just ask the unfortunate cruiser who recently got into serious trouble after accidentally bringing ammunition back on board in Turks and Caicos. He claimed the ammo was leftover in his backpack from a previous shooting trip, but that didn’t matter. Not only was he denied reboarding, but he also faced legal trouble with local authorities, as the country has strict firearm and ammunition laws.
The lesson here? Always double-check your bags before heading back to the ship. Even an innocent mistake could lead to a stressful (or even legal) nightmare!
Forgetting the All-Aboard Time Can Cost You Your Cruise
Cruise ships strictly enforce their all-aboard time, and if you’re late, the ship will leave without you. Yet, many passengers make the mistake of not paying close attention to this crucial detail.
When you disembark, there’s usually a sign near the gangway displaying the exact all-aboard time. Take a photo of it so you don’t forget, and better yet, set an alarm on your phone as a reminder to start heading back well in advance.
Don’t assume you’ll remember the time or rely on others to remind you—one simple slip-up could turn your dream vacation into a travel nightmare!
Always Check the Travel Advisory Before You Go
Before you set sail, it’s crucial to check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State for the destinations on your cruise itinerary. Don’t assume that every port is safe, as conditions can change unexpectedly.
For example, the U.S. Department of State raised the advisory level for the Bahamas to Level 2 due to increased crime and water safety concerns. While the Bahamas remains a popular cruise destination, it’s important to stay informed. Similarly, if you’re heading to Europe, be aware of the high risk of pickpocketing in tourist-heavy areas.
To protect yourself, take extra precautions. For example, consider using anti-theft cross body bag that has RFID blocking features to protect your personal information from identity theft. Safety starts with preparation—stay informed and vigilant.
Never Leave Your Passport in Your Cabin
It’s important to bring your passport with you when heading to the port—never leave it in your cabin. While your cruise card will let you board the ship, some ports still require you to show both your passport and cruise card to re-enter the ship.
Also, carrying your passport is a smart precaution in case you accidentally miss the ship. If that happens, you might need to fly to another port to catch up with the cruise, and you’ll need your passport to do so.
To avoid any headaches or complications, always keep your passport in your day bag when you’re exploring the port. Better safe than sorry when it comes to your travel documents!
Drinking Too Much Can Leave You Stranded
A mistake some cruisers make—especially on party cruises like those during spring break—is overindulging in alcohol. While it’s easy to get caught up in the fun, drinking too much can lead to losing track of time, and before you know it, you’re left behind by the ship.
This is particularly common on cruises with a younger crowd, where the party atmosphere can sometimes take over. When you’re intoxicated, you may not be aware of how late it is, or you could have trouble finding your way back to the ship in time.
To avoid the headache of missing your cruise, remember to drink responsibly and keep an eye on the clock. The last thing you want is to be left behind by the cruise ship.
Skip the Expensive Jewelry and Designer Bags
When you’re at the cruise port, don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself by wearing flashy jewelry or carrying designer bags. Doing so can make you an easy target for thieves.
Instead, leave your expensive jewelry and bags at home. Bring inexpensive accessories instead. You’ll still look great, but without the worry of losing expensive belongings or attracting unwanted attention. It’s worth the peace of mind!
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