The Tender Port Survival Guide | Cruise Tender Guide
- Esther
- Jan 1
- 5 min read
The Tender Survival Guide: How to Get Ashore Like a Pro
You’ve booked your dream cruise, and the itinerary looks incredible: Santorini, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Grand Cayman. Then you spot it in the daily program, that it is a “Tender Port.” For some guests, that means stress, long lines, and confusion. For experienced cruisers, it’s just another beautiful morning at sea.
Having worked as a crew member on a major cruise line, I’ve seen the “tender madness” from both sides, passengers eager to get ashore and crew working to keep everything safe and organized.
In this Tender Survival Guide, I’ll show you exactly what to expect. The night before your excursion, you’ll receive tender instructions in your stateroom or suite, explaining where to go, what time to be there, and how the process will be organized. Here’s everything you need to know to make your tender experience smooth, stress-free, and more enjoyable, so you can spend more time exploring your destination, not waiting in line.
What is a Tender Port anyway?
A tender port means the ship is too large to dock at a pier or the water is too shallow. Instead, the ship anchors in the bay, and smaller boats (tenders), often the ship’s own lifeboats transport you to the shore.
The Golden Rule: Get Your Ticket
Most ships use a "tender ticket" system for the morning rush.
Find out exactly where and when tickets are being distributed (usually near the Atrium or Theater). Go there 15 minutes before distribution starts.
If you book an official shore excursion through the cruise line, you usually don't need a ticket. You’ll meet at a designated spot and get priority boarding.
Dress for the "Gap"
Stepping from a cruise ship onto a bobbing tender boat requires a bit of balance.
This is not the day for fancy footwear. The crew is always very helpful to get you safe on the tender.
The best location
Want the best views and the least motion?
Try to get a seat on the upper deck (if the tender has one) or near a window for that iconic "ship from a distance" photo.
If you get seasick easily, sit in the middle of the boat and towards the back. It’s the most stable spot.
Don’t Rush the Return
The queues for the return tenders in the late afternoon can be brutal, often with no shade. Aim to head back 1 to 1.5 hours before the "all aboard" time. You’ll have a breeze of a commute and can enjoy a quiet ship while everyone else is still sweating in line. Of course if you are in line the ships will wait with it's departure before all guests are back on the ship.
Don’t Grab Your Tender Ticket Too Early
Many guests rush to get their tender tickets as soon as they’re available, often even before having breakfast. On ships with open tendering, tickets are handed out in sequence, and the idea is to organize boarding efficiently.
However, if you take a ticket and don’t actually use it immediately, you’re holding a spot that another guest could have used. This can cause unnecessary delays and long lines for everyone.
Pro tip: Only get your tender ticket when you’re ready to head to the tender. Enjoy your breakfast first, then go, it’s safer, more relaxed, and keeps the process running smoothly.
The VIP Treatment
Did you know some guests never wait? If you are staying in premium suites (like The Haven on NCL), priority tendering is often included. You simply walk to a dedicated lounge and get escorted to the next available boat. It’s one of those "hidden" perks that makes a huge difference in your holiday experience.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchair users can often go ashore when the ship is anchored and tender boats are used, but the process can be complex. It is usually best to wait until it is quiet and the weather and sea conditions are calm. The crew will need to lift the wheelchair on and off the tender, which requires time, coordination, and extra care. Because of this, the procedure carries some risk and is only carried out when it can be done safely. Guests should always follow crew instructions and understand that, in some situations, going ashore may not be possible.
When will tender operations be suspended?
Tender operations can be suspended at any time if conditions become unsafe. This often happens when the wind picks up or the sea becomes rough. In those situations, the ship may need to reposition and “hold” against the wind so the tenders can approach more safely, but even then, loading and unloading guests can still be risky. When the bridge team or the captain determines that safety cannot be guaranteed, tender service is paused or cancelled. This may happen suddenly, even if tenders were operating earlier, and it is always done for passenger and crew safety.
My experience
Tendering procedures can be stressful for everyone, especially on larger ships where it can take a long time to get everyone ashore. It can be much hectic. There are simply too many guests onboard, and most people want to go ashore at the same time. The same applies in the afternoon when returning to the ship, it can get crowded, so planning your timing wisely makes all the difference.
On my last cruise with Explora Journeys, the process was completely different, smooth and relaxed. You simply go down to the tender loading area when you’re ready to depart, and the tender is waiting for you. No rushing, no stress, just an easy ride to shore.
Pro tip: don’t forget your camera! The tender ride offers some fantastic photo opportunities of the ship and the surrounding bay.
If you’re independent and don’t mind when you go ashore, it’s often better to wait until the organized ship tours depart. Most tours leave first thing in the morning, so if you’re not in a hurry, you can avoid the crowds by going after them. If you prefer to be among the first ashore, plan to head down early, just be ready for a slightly busier boarding process.
Important: If you’ve booked a private or independent shore excursion, be aware that ship-organized tours always have priority. This may cause delays unless you’re a Haven guest. Haven guests enjoy priority tendering and can go to the tender at any time, simply meet your concierge, who will escort you to the tender loading area.
Tendering can feel even more stressful when the ship is only in port for a half-day, so timing and planning are key to a smooth experience.
When cruising to destinations like Great Stirrup Caye, tender operations can be a bit different. Sometimes, larger tenders from the port are used in addition to the ship’s smaller boats, allowing more passengers to go ashore at once.
Here’s a handy Quick Tender Port Guide explaining the tender procedures.
A printable PDF version is also available for easy reference.
Download the Tender Procedures Quick Guide (PDF)
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