Cruise Holidays - Attheta Travel

I am proud to be certified by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) as an Elite Cruise Counselor. The Cruise Counselor Certification Program is CLIA's most comprehensive training which requires agents to successfully complete a number of compulsory training courses and exams, attend cruise conferences, and conduct ship inspections. Anita Thompson, Attheta Travel, dba Cruise Holidays.

Monday, April 29, 2024

What to Know About Tender Ports

“Tenders” are part of cruising – but we’re not talking about the delicious chicken variety. A “tender port” is one where your ship won’t be able to pull right up to a dock, but will drop anchor off shore. The small boats that will ferry you from ship to shore and back again are called “tenders.”

Some cruises don’t include any tender ports, and some include several. Tender ports are usually indicated on the cruise itinerary. Some tender ports simply don’t have dock facilities; others do, but the dock area may be too small or the water too shallow to accommodate your ship. Some ports that require tenders are in appealingly remote destinations, but some are in popular vacation spots like Bar Harbor, Cabo San Lucas, and the Greek Isles.

Tender boat style varies from one ship to another. Some ships use their lifeboats, while others carry boats dedicated to tendering. Some cruise lines hire local tender boat operators; their boats may be basic or equipped with roofs to provide shade, cushioned seats, and bathroom facilities. All boats used for tendering have life vests and other safety gear.

One of the best things about a ride in a tender is the view. Trips between ship and shore may take about five to 15 minutes – time to admire views of the ship, the water, and the place you’re visiting.

There’s usually a rush to get on the first tender boats of the day; if you wait a bit, you can have a leisurely breakfast and avoid the rush. When you’re coming back from shore to ship, though, don’t wait too long: if you miss the last tender back, you may be left to make your own way to the ship’s next port.

Note that priority tendering is a common reward for members of cruise line loyalty programs – it’s a nice extra.

Tenders may not be able to operate in poor weather, so be aware that rough seas may give your ship’s captain no choice but to skip a tender port. And if you have limited mobility, a tender boat might not be for you; ask Anita, your professional travel advisor for advice and guidance.

If you want to avoid tender ports completely, look for itineraries that call on larger ports that have more extensive docking facilities. Or, look at sailing on a smaller ship that can dock at smaller piers that can’t accommodate bigger ships.

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