The short answer
The ship sets an 'all aboard' time, usually 30 minutes or more before sailing, and it will not wait for you if you are late on your own. Ship tours cost more but the ship waits for them. Always carry your ship card, a photo ID, some euros and the port agent's phone number.
Not yet checked against an official sourceWritten from general knowledge and travel guides. Times, prices and docking details may be out of date. Confirm with your cruise line and the local operator.
All aboard
- The all-aboard time is printed in the daily program and posted at the gangway. Your watch should be on ship's time.
- If you are on your own and late, the ship can leave without you. You then pay to get to the next port.
- If a ship-run tour is late, the ship normally waits for it.
Ship tours vs on your own vs private guides
- Ship tours: easy, guaranteed return, but pricier and in big groups.
- On your own: cheapest and flexible; best where the ship docks in town (most river cruises, Barcelona, Lisbon, Copenhagen).
- Private guides or small-group tours: good for far-off cities (Rome, Florence) if the company guarantees a return in time. Check reviews and cancellation rules.
Tenders
- When the ship anchors offshore, small boats called tenders take you ashore. Ship tour guests often go first; others get tender tickets with a group number.
- Tenders can be cancelled in rough seas, and stepping between boats can be hard with a cane or walker.
Before and during the day
- Go to the port talk or read the port guide for transport tips and the shuttle drop-off point.
- Carry: ship card, photo ID (a copy of your passport is often enough; check your line), credit card, some euros in small notes, phone with the ship app, water, and the port agent's phone number (printed in the daily program).
- Sea days are relaxing days with no port. They help with jet lag mid-trip.
Your checklist
Sources & what we could not confirm · 0 sources · checked 2026-11
No official source found yet.
Still being confirmed
- This section is general cruise practice; no specific line's all-aboard rules or ID requirements were verified this round.
- Whether a passport copy is accepted ashore varies by line and country; check your line.