Passengers getting ready to go on a cruise are being warned to ‘stay onboard’ the ship on port days for a number of reasons.
Gary Bembridge, otherwise known as Tips For Travellers, is a cruising expert who helps advise passengers on how to make the most of their cruise which includes handy tips and tricks to make it easier to plan and have a memorable experience every time.
Gary admitted that in recent years he has made the decision to stay onboard after noticing that many people are favouring staying on their cruise ship rather than getting off in ports to self-explore or go on excursions.
And Gary has put this down to six key reasons.
Risky ports
“I never assume that just because my cruise ship is calling somewhere that the port is safe”, said Gary.
He added: “In recent years some port areas have become unsafe for tourists with affluent passengers visiting these ports seen as easy targets.”
The travel expert advises passengers going to a port they haven’t been before to check the latest news on the UK Foreign Office site.
Little to offer ports
Gary said: “With more and ever bigger cruise ships, they increasingly dock far from the town centre in industrial and container working ports. I can’t just step off in a picturesque town and explore.
“For example on a Western Mediterranean cruise calling into Marseille when I went there on a big ship, Norwegian Viva, we were miles out in a bust working port.”
Instead Gary has opted to avoid the hassle and stay on board and enjoy the comforts of the ship.
Overwhelmed ports
Ports are becoming increasingly busy especially in places tourist hotspots including the Greek islands, Barcelona and La Palma.
This means that popular tourist spots in the bustling cities can be overcrowded and you will spend your time rubbing elbows with fellow holidaymakers.
“If there is a port with many large ships this means 15,000 or more cruise liners will be crowding the town and sights”, said Gary.
Unwelcoming ports
“These are ports where the locals do not welcome or don’t want visitors”, said Gary.
He added: “There is a growing trend, more so in Europe, of hostility towards tourists and cruise passengers, including cities like Barcelona, Venice, Seville and in Palma and parts of Norway.”
To avoid an unwelcome arrival Gary suggests staying on board if there are protests planned.
Getting package value
Cruises do not come cheap and in order to make your money go far Gary advises making the most of packages that some cruise liners offer.
He said: “If you’re out in port even on many cruise line private liner islands drink and food is going to cost you but on the ship your food is included as are drinks if you have a drinks package.”
Ship destination
“On many cruises the main reason I stay on board is to get time to try and do everything and use venues like the pools, hot tubs, gym and even buffet for lunch without crowds or lines”, said Gary.