Onboard on a Port Day

One of the reasons people take a cruise is for the transportation and access to all of manners of amazing tropical islands and exotic ports and countries. Another reason people cruise is because they feel that the cruise ship is a destination in itself, which it really is.

When the ships reach port, and many of the crew members take shore leave breaks, and many of the passengers go on excursions, to beaches, to historical sites, on tours, and so on, there are still a handful of cruise staff and passengers who decide against going on land. But the ship doesn't close up everything just because 97% of the passengers are not onboard. The other 3% really can enjoy themselves with considerably more space! What do they do?

On the very first day of the cruise, before it makes it initial sailing, there is already substantial action happening onboard. Everything from musical performances on the lido deck, the lobby, and a couple of bars, to tours of the ship and the spa facilities, and maybe even some pre-cruise trivia.

Of course, the buffet opens fairly early that day as well, for the early bird arrivals. However, that is also one of the most crowded locations before departure. Opt for the cafe or perhaps you can just skip the food and go to what would likely be a nearly deserted gym for an energizing workout.

While in other ports, however, things are a little bit more exciting. The gym opens very early anyways, so that stays open during the port visit. However, the casino is not allowed to be open while the ship is in most ports. The library, which is rarely busy at sea, is also another place you can go while in port. Again, there are more musical interludes throughout the ship as well as a couple of games and contests, with considerably less people and noise. There might not be much else going on while in port, but you are always welcome to participate with the other ship-lubbers. Perhaps a dip in one of the many pools onboard. Or perhaps now would be a good time to play other things in the privacy of your room on your nearly deserted ship!

Dining room hours probably won't change, but you will have much less crowds and lines to fight with while at port. Actually, some especially frugal people prefer to return to the ship just for their meals, and go back on land for the rest of the day.

Also, the excursion and front desks are open for you convenience while the ship is in port.

Incidentally, if the port visit happens to extend later in the day to include some nighttime hours, the ship will also include movies and the wonderful stage show of comedy, magic, or music!

So, even when the massive ship is in port, and 97% of the passengers disembark, there are still things happening onboard. And while the other future cruisers are busy looking at my last blog about being onboard while at sea, why not sneak ahead of them in line and book at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !