Cruising is all about freedom — freedom to explore, freedom to relax, and freedom to enjoy the ship your way. While many travelers rush off the gangway at every port, others discover the hidden joy of slowing down and treating the ship like their own private resort.
By choosing to stay on a cruise ship in port, you get the rare chance to enjoy all the amenities with fewer crowds, more space, and a calmer atmosphere. Whether it’s soaking in a hot tub without waiting, grabbing a front-row pool chair, or finally booking that discounted spa treatment, staying onboard can be a vacation within your vacation.
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Can You Stay on a Cruise Ship in Port?
The short answer is yes — you can always stay on a cruise ship in port if you prefer not to disembark. Passengers are never forced to leave the ship unless there’s a rare immigration requirement in certain destinations. For almost every cruise, the choice is yours.
This means you’re free to stay on a cruise ship in port and enjoy it as if it were your own all-inclusive resort at sea. For many cruisers, this option is a game-changer: it saves money, reduces stress, and lets you experience the ship in a way most guests never do.
1. Peace and Quiet Without the Crowds
One of the best reasons to stay on a cruise ship in port is the peace and quiet you’ll find once most passengers go ashore. Cruise ships can feel busy on sea days, with packed pools, crowded buffets, and long waits for activities. But when the majority of guests disembark, the ship transforms into a calm and relaxing retreat.
Imagine having your pick of the best lounge chairs by the pool, enjoying a coffee in a nearly empty café, or simply strolling the decks without dodging other passengers. For many cruisers, this quieter atmosphere is worth skipping a port altogether.
2. Ride Slides, FlowRider, and Attractions With No Lines
One of the best times to enjoy a cruise ship’s thrilling attractions is during a port day. The waterslides, mini golf, ropes courses, and even bumper cars are usually wide open when most guests head ashore. That means no long waits and the chance to ride again and again.
It’s also the ideal time to try the FlowRider surf simulator, a Royal Caribbean fan favorite. If you’ve never tried it before, check out our full guide here: Royal Caribbean FlowRider.
Even if you don’t want to skip the port completely, you can head ashore early, explore for a bit, and then return before the crowds. You’ll still get the best of both worlds: a taste of the port and the fun of having the ship’s top attractions almost to yourself.
3. Exclusive Port-Day Spa Discounts
If you’ve ever wanted to pamper yourself at the ship’s spa, port days are the time to do it. Cruise lines often roll out special discounts on massages, facials, and beauty treatments when most guests are ashore. These deals can save you 25% or more compared to sea-day pricing.
Not only do you get a cheaper treatment, but you also enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere since the spa isn’t crowded. Imagine getting a hot stone massage with nothing but the sound of the ocean outside your window — and knowing you paid less than everyone who books on a sea day.
4. Empty Pools and Hot Tubs
One of the best reasons to stay on a cruise ship in port is having the pools and hot tubs practically to yourself. On sea days, it can feel like every chair is taken and you’re just squeezing into space. But when most guests head ashore, suddenly you can actually swim, float, or soak in peace.
It’s a little luxury many cruisers overlook. Instead of fighting for a lounger or sharing a crowded hot tub, you get the rare experience of enjoying the ship’s best spots almost privately. For many, this is the moment when staying onboard feels better than any port excursion.
5. Save Money on Excursions and Dining
Choosing to stay on a cruise ship in port can also be a smart way to save money. Shore excursions often cost anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars per person, and even wandering on your own can add up with taxis, meals, and entrance fees.
When you remain onboard, you’re already covered — the food, drinks (if you have a package), and entertainment are included in your fare. Instead of paying for an expensive lunch ashore, you can enjoy a fresh buffet or specialty restaurant you’ve already paid for. For budget-conscious cruisers, this is one of the biggest reasons to skip a port.
6. You’ve Already Visited the Port Before
Sometimes the best reason to stay on a cruise ship in port is simple — you’ve already been there. Many itineraries repeat popular stops like Nassau, Cozumel, or St. Thomas, and after a few visits, the thrill of exploring fades.
Instead of paying for another excursion or wandering the same shops again, you can use the day to enjoy the ship’s amenities. Think of it as reclaiming time for yourself: a quiet breakfast on deck, room service, a leisurely dip in the pool, or even trying an activity you skipped earlier in the cruise. It’s like hitting the reset button on your vacation.
7. Avoid Long Transfers From Remote Ports
Not every port drops you right into the heart of the action. Some, like Civitavecchia for Rome or Le Havre for Paris, require long coach rides just to reach the main attractions. That can mean two to three hours each way sitting on a bus.
By choosing to stay on a cruise ship in port, you skip the exhausting transfers and instead enjoy a stress-free day onboard. Why trade sunshine by the pool for hours on a crowded coach? For many cruisers, the ship itself offers more comfort, relaxation, and value than a rushed day trip inland.
8. Enjoy Quieter Bars and Lounges
Another underrated perk of choosing to stay on a cruise ship in port is the chance to enjoy the ship’s bars, cafés, and lounges without the usual crowds. On sea days, popular spots like the pool bar or atrium lounge can be packed, making it tough to find a seat.
During port days, though, you can easily grab your favorite drink, settle into a prime spot with ocean views, and enjoy live music or a peaceful atmosphere. For many, this feels like having a private resort experience — one that’s already included in your cruise fare.
9. Create Your Own Relaxing “Sea Day”
Sea days are often the most loved part of cruising — but they can also be the busiest. By choosing to stay on a cruise ship in port, you get to create your own sea day without the crowds.
Picture this: plenty of loungers available, no lines for activities, quiet spaces in every lounge, and a buffet with zero wait time. It’s the same relaxing vibe as a sea day, but with far fewer people competing for the best spots. For many cruisers, this is the ultimate secret to making the most of the ship.
10. Recharge During Port-Heavy Itineraries
Some cruises are packed with port stops — especially Mediterranean or Caribbean itineraries with little to no sea days. As exciting as that sounds, it can also be exhausting with constant early mornings, long excursions, and miles of walking.
Staying on a cruise ship in port gives you a chance to slow down and recharge. Sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and let the day move at your pace. That way, you’ll have the energy and excitement to fully enjoy the next port or the rest of your cruise.
Exceptions: When You Must Disembark
While you can almost always stay on a cruise ship in port, there are a few rare situations when passengers are required to get off, at least temporarily. These usually involve immigration checks in certain countries.
- Immigration Requirements – In ports like Japan, officials sometimes require every passenger to be seen in person. Even if you plan to stay onboard, you’ll need to disembark, clear immigration, and then return to the ship.
- Safety or Security Drills – On very rare occasions, a port authority may require all guests to disembark for local inspections or safety purposes.
- Turnaround Days – If you’re on a back-to-back cruise, you’ll often need to leave the ship briefly while customs clears passengers and resets the sailing.
These cases are the exception, not the rule. For the vast majority of cruises, you’ll never have to leave unless you want to.
Tips for Planning the Perfect Onboard Port Day
If you decide to stay on a cruise ship in port, a little planning can make the day even better. Here are some smart ways to maximize the experience:
- Check the daily schedule – Cruise lines often list special port-day activities, spa deals, and dining promotions in the app or newsletter.
- Go ashore briefly – Even if you want to enjoy the ship, consider stepping off for an hour to snap a photo, stretch your legs, or browse local shops. Then head back early to enjoy the quiet ship.
- Pick your spot early – Want that perfect pool lounger or window seat in the café? Claim it in the morning and settle in for a relaxing day.
- Use the time wisely – Whether it’s tackling the FlowRider with no lines, reading a book in peace, or taking a nap in your cabin, think of it as a day designed just for you.
- Don’t skip meals – With fewer crowds, it’s the perfect time to enjoy specialty dining or a leisurely buffet lunch without the rush.
With a little preparation, staying onboard can feel like your own private resort day at sea.
Jim’s Take: Should You Stay on a Cruise Ship in Port?
In my opinion, choosing to stay on a cruise ship in port is one of the most underrated cruise hacks out there. I’ve done it myself on multiple sailings, and some of those ended up being the best days of the entire cruise. There’s just something special about walking around a ship that feels almost empty, grabbing a front-row pool chair, or finally trying an activity without a wait.
Of course, I love exploring new ports, but sometimes a quiet day onboard is exactly what you need. It’s a chance to recharge, save money, and experience the ship in a way most people never will.
So here’s my advice: don’t feel guilty if you skip a port. Cruises are about making memories your way, and if that means turning your port day into a personal sea day, then you’re doing it right.
