What Does Port Of Call Mean On A Cruise?

Credit: NANCY PAUWELS/Getty ImagesWhen you book a cruise, it's important to know what dining options, dress codes, and activities to expect so you can pack accordingly. You'll also need to know a little bit of lingo while on the ship so you can make the most of your time at sea and during excursions. Knowing the difference between the ship's port and starboard sides will keep you from missing exciting views on the voyage. You'll also likely have several ports of call on your cruise, and knowing what they are and how to plan them will help make the most of your time there.

You'll board a cruise ship at a departure or embarkation port. This is where the ship is docked during boarding and where the cruise begins. While on the voyage, a ship may make a few stops along the way at private islands, historic towns, or large cities. These destinations are ports of call where passengers can leave the ship and explore the town, visit a beach, join a guided tour, or take a shore excursion. For example, if you book a cruise to Mexico, the ship may stop at ports of call in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas, where shore excursions may include snorkeling, sailing, shopping, ziplining, and other outdoor adventures. Ports of call on an Alaska cruise may include historic towns and waterfronts where passengers can take a train ride through the mountains, dogsled, or sightsee.

Ships may dock at a pier where passengers can walk directly to land, or they may anchor offshore if the water is too shallow or the port lacks a pier. In that case, small lifeboats called tenders ferry passengers back and forth between the cruise ship and the shore.

Stops at ports of call typically last a few hours to a full day, so it's important to know how long they will last before you disembark. You'll need to arrive back on the ship at a designated time because it won't wait for late arrivals. Passengers who miss the ship are responsible for getting to the next port of call or home themselves.

Before passengers can exit the ship, local customs or port agents must first clear the ship. This can take 30 minutes to an hour. If anchored offshore, it can take an hour or more to ferry to shore.

Ports of call offer a variety of shore excursions that allow passengers to enjoy local food, shop from vendors, explore the terrain, or take in local wildlife. You'll want to book excursions online or through a travel agent a few months to a few weeks before the cruise because popular ones fill up fast. Some excursions may be available to book onboard at the ship's shore excursions desk. You can also book private tours and excursions, but make sure to research them beforehand and note that cruise ships will wait for cruise-sponsored excursions that run late but not for independent providers. Aim to return to the ship 30 to 60 minutes before its scheduled departure in case of unexpected delays.

Another option at a port of call is to remain on the ship. Once other passengers have left the ship for the day, pools, restaurants, decks, and spas will be less crowded. Shops and casinos are typically closed while at port though.

Before you set out to explore the town or join a shore excursion, you'll need to remember to carry a few things with you to help you return to the ship and be prepared for emergencies:

Cruise ID card and room key to re-enter the ship

Passport or driver's license, depending on the port's requirements

Cash and credit cards for purchases, tips, and emergencies

Port agent's phone number in case of emergencies

Other items you may want depend on what your plans are at port. You may want to pack a bag with essentials tailored to your location, such as sun protection, refillable water bottle, charger, rain jacket, bug spray, hat and gloves, and first aid kit.

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