Each cruise has slightly different processes around getting off the boat. Generally speaking, you get off the boat around 8:00 AM and you’re required to be back on the ship by 4:30 PM.
Some cruise ships arrive at port during the day, which will impact the amount of time you have on land. Most cruise lines will state the shore times well in advance so you can pick the best cruise that suits your interests.
Getting on and off the ship is an easy process.
When you check-in on your first day, you’re given a passenger ID card before you board the ship. This card is very important. You are required to scan the card when you get on and off the boat. We were told to bring a piece of photo ID with us each time we got off the ship, but we were never asked to show it. We only needed the passenger ID card. It has a photo on file so the cruise ship attendant can see that your face matches the card.
Each port we visited had a number of shops that were only accessible to cruise ship passengers. Even if you’re not interested in full or half day shore excursions you can get off the boat and walk around on land.
Most of these cruise ship terminals have outdoor bars that sell cheap beer and fruity cocktails for half the price you’d pay on the ship.
We noticed our Caribbean cruise also offered a 3 or 4 day option from Barbados. On day 3, when we arrived at Barbados, there was a turnover where some guests disembarked, while others began their cruise. They basically did a one way from Barbados to Puerto Rico, with 3 ports along the way. I’m not sure how common this is for other cruise lines, but it seems like a great option for those who want a shorter cruise.
You are not allowed to get off the boat to spend the night on land. At least not by choice. The ship has a strict schedule that it must keep, so if you miss the ship’s departure time it will NOT wait for you.
If you miss the boat you’ll be required to catch a flight to the next port of call. This would likely be an expense you incur. Don’t miss the boat!
Shore excursions can be booked ahead of time or directly on the ship.
You can also walk off the boat and find a local tour operator. You can’t miss them – they’re the ones yelling at you once you leave the passenger terminal.
Booking excursions ahead of time is the best way to ensure tour availability. You typically pay a little more (when compared to walking off the boat and finding a local operator) but this will ensure you get to do the activities you want.
When you return to the ship you are required to pass through security. You and your personal items will need to pass through an x-ray machine.
You can purchase alcohol at the ports but you have to check it when you arrive back on the ship. Similar to duty free alcohol on an airplane, the cruise ship staff will hold your items until the end of the cruise. They don’t want you drinking your cheap booze on the boat because they want to sell you booze at top dollar.
Getting on and off the ship at the ports was very easy. We typically got off the boat around 9:30 AM and returned around 2:00 PM. We never had to wait in lines.
Even though we entered different countries at each port, we were not required to go through immigration or customs. We were never asked for our passports but it’s a good idea to have them with you when you are off the ship.