If you go on a cruise that has stops along the way, do you have to get off the ship?

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...Melissa...

Not at all you can stay on and do whatever you want however some things on the boat closes like the casino and shops and maybe the buffets
But the pool and all are still open

You don't have to get off,unless you want to. Most of the time the ship stops at certain places along the way because they have things to do and things to see. If you want to see the sites on land and get off the ship for a bit,than you can get off. If you don't want to get off,you can stay on the ship.

Melissa K

No, you do not have to get off. Those are the best days to get into the spa for a massage, etc. too, because most other people are off the boat. Usually the main dining room closes, but you can eat in the more casual eateries. Also, the pools are usually pretty empty and there are no kids on board for the most part.

Alos, you do not have to book your excursions thru the ship. We went to the Cayman Islands on Royal Carribbean and did not book anything. We rented a jeep and drove around and did our own thing and it was much cheaper than booking thru the cruise lines.

Sane

Yes, you can do what ever you want. You can stay on board if you like and hang out at the pool with very little people to bug you. Or you can find less expensive things to do on shore if you desire. The general idea of cruising to far away destinatons though is to see the different ports of call, even if you only get off and go shopping or to a local watering hole like Jimmy Buffets or Hard Rock.

tech_girl

You don' have to go ashore - pick a port along the way you are not very interested in, and hang out on the ship. It is a great way to see the ship and take advantage of the amenities, without having to fight the regular crowds.

you can stay on board or we just recently went to Cozumel and Costa Maya Mexico and you can get off and go shopping and just walk around, which won't cost but the taxi ride if you want. so depending on where you go , you can go just look around

kimmer727

NOPE - and sometimes that's the best thing to do. If you have no shore excursion planned, and have been to that port before - stay on the ship. It's like having the whole ship to yourself, because 85% of the people will be getting off. I LOVE IT. Cruising is great - enjoy!

Southern Apostolic

You do not have to leave the ship. In fact, I almost never go to Nassau anymore. I just hang out and enjoy the ship..

You can also just leave the ship, and roam the tourist areas. You do not need to spend any money at all.

teresathegreat

No, you don't have to get off the ship, there's plenty to do onboard.
Even if you do opt to get off the ship, you don't have to take any of the "excursions" offered by the cruise company. You can just get off and walk around the town, or even schedule your own excursion (it's cheaper but way riskier to book with a person/company unaffiliated with the cruise line - be very cautious).

someones friend

No, you don't have to get off but why wouldn't you? You can browse the area you don't have to buy into an excursions. We many times wait until we get off the ship and hire a guide or taxi to show us the area, the best shops, and the points of interest. It's much cheaper than booking through the ship. We have even done this in a horse driven buggy.
have fun.....

Mee!

Yes,they let you stay on the ship,but just walk around the island,that what i did and yah u are right,its very expensive just go on the beach and swim

ctelly22

No you don't have to get off the ship. The cruise ship prices for excursions are always the most expensive, but that is not your only option. You can try to research some local companies and book your excursions through them. Alot of times there are people at the ports offering discounted activity prices. Depending on what you want to do you can just pay a taxi a few dollars to take you sightseeing and to the shopping areas usually runs $15-20 pp and they will take you around for the whole day. Some ports have stuff nearby so sometimes you can get off and walk to the beach and to the shopping areas. Don't let the prices discourage you from enjoying your cruise and the ports, usually there is still alot you can do for little to no money.

Noble Angel

you are welcome to stay on the ship and enjoy it while it is almost empty

and you are still free to go to port and just look around walking distance, there is no law that says you have to take a tour, a lot of th island have some things to see close by like in Nassau there is the Straw market you can get cheap things to take home, and is just a short walk to the right after you leave the port shops

pjallittle

My wife and I have taken many cruises and NEVER buy into the offers made by the cruise lines. We book things in advance over the internet or, more often, negotiate with the many dockside people who will 'bid' for your business.

Alternatively, we've thrown caution to the wind and just trooped off on foot. We've done this all over Europe, South America, Asia, Central America and have never had any dfifficulty.

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