It’s common practice for cruise ships to use tender boats to transport passengers from the ship to the dock. Don’t assume you will always be able to walk off the cruise ship at every port. Due to water depth and dock limitations, your cruise ship will not be able to dock directly at some cruise ports. When that happens, your cruise ship will be anchored near the port, and you will need to ride tender boats to get from the ship to shore.
What is a Tender Boat on a Cruise?
A tender boat is a small boat that transports cruise passengers from the cruise ship to the port. It is like a continuous ferry shuttle that runs to and from the cruise ship to the port.
When are Tender Boats Used?
Tender boats are commonly used when visiting smaller ports and islands that can’t accommodate big cruise ships. That’s because the dock might not be deep or large enough for your cruise ship to dock directly.
How Do You Know If You Will Need to Ride a Tender Boat?
Check the cruise daily planner. It will let you know if you are going to a Tender Port. The captain will also announce to passengers that you will be taking a tender boat.
How Does the Boarding Process Work?
The cruise staff will make sure there is an orderly process for boarding the tender boats. A tender ticket system will be in place, and you will need to pick up tender tickets and wait for your designated group to be called before you can board the tender. Do know that the wait to board tender boats can be excruciatingly long during busy times! You need to give yourself plenty of time because it’s not a quick process!
How Do You Get Priority Boarding on Tender Boats?
There are several ways to get priority boarding on tender boats. If your cruise line offers it, the easiest way is to pay for the cruise Priority Access package- this will include VIP perks like priority boarding, welcome lunch, priority disembarkation, and more. For example, Royal Caribbean has “The Key,” which will give you priority access for a fee. If you are staying in a suite, you will get priority boarding. You can also get priority tender boat boarding if you have reached a high cruise loyalty tier.
How Long Does It Take to Ride the Tender Boat?
It’s typically a short 10 to 20 minute ride from the cruise ship to the port. However, you will need to add another 10-20 minutes for the tender boat boarding process. So, the overall tender process can take 30-40 minutes long. Add in your wait time. Give yourself at least an hour just to get to shore! Check out 14 Cruise Laundry Tips You Need to Know About
No Shade
Many tender boats have an upper level open-air section with no shade. If you happen to be seated there, make sure you apply sunblock because you can get sunburned. If you’re wearing a hat, make sure it’s tight fitting or secure it with a strap. Otherwise, your hat will fly off! Check out Book Shore Excursions Through the Cruise or Outside? Pros and Cons
Bathrooms
Most tender boats don’t have bathrooms. Make sure you use the cruise ship’s bathroom before getting on the tender boat! Check out 12 Important Things to Know Before Booking a Caribbean Cruise
Comfortable Shoes
If you know you’ll be taking a tender, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Sneakers and good walking shoes are best. Depending on where you are in line, you might end up having to climb up to the upper level which is not easy to do with heels! Check out What to Pack: Alaska cruise (free packing list)
Do Tender Boats Run All Day?
Tender boats run continuously throughout the day, bringing passengers to and from the cruise ship. Check out What to Pack: Caribbean cruise (free packing list)
What Time Do You Have to Get Back on the Ship?
You need to ask the cruise staff or look for a sign posted at the dock to find out the all-aboard time. But since you will be taking a tender boat back to the cruise ship, find out what time the last tender boat is. You need plenty of time to get back on the cruise ship. Otherwise, you will miss the ship! Check out 7 Cruise Mistakes That Will Leave You Stranded at the Cruise Port
What Happens If You Miss the Last Tender Boat?
Unfortunately, you will be left behind by the cruise ship if you miss the last tender boat. It will be up to you to find transportation to the next port so you can rejoin your cruise. You first need to contact the local port agent and let them know you got left behind. The local port agent’s phone number is on the cruise daily planner or port map. The port agent will help you make arrangements to catch up with your cruise ship. But do know that it won’t be cheap, you will have to pay for everything out of pocket! Check out Everything You Need to Know About Getting Left Behind by Your Cruise Ship (Free Emergency Printables)