At most ports, a gangway drops to a pier and passengers stroll ashore. At other ports, the ship anchors offshore or cannot use a suitable berth, and a smaller boat has to carry passengers across the water.
The trip is often part of the charm, and it is also the part that eats into time ashore. Knowing which stops work this way makes planning a realistic exercise rather than a hopeful one.
Tendering arrangements can vary by ship, sailing, berth availability, and weather, so always check the details for your specific itinerary.
Santorini, Greece
The island’s volcanic cliffs and limited docking facilities mean cruise ships generally anchor offshore and tender passengers to the island. Boats typically arrive at the Old Port below Fira, where travelers can take a cable car, walk up the steep steps, or arrange other transportation where available.
The cable car can develop long queues when several ships call on the same day.
George Town, Grand Cayman
George Town is a classic tender port because cruise ships generally anchor offshore rather than dock at a cruise pier. Passengers take boats to the waterfront, and on busy days, several ships can be anchored at once, lengthening the queues.
Allow extra time for both the journey ashore and the return trip to the ship.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor has no cruise pier large enough to accommodate visiting cruise ships, so ships anchor in the bay and bring passengers ashore by tender. Some sailings use the ship’s own tender boats, while arrangements can vary by operator.
Weather and sea conditions can disrupt service, so avoid scheduling tight connections immediately after returning to shore.
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos uses both dockside and tender arrangements, depending on the ship and the day’s port schedule. Some cruise ships use the New Port at Tourlos, while others anchor offshore and tender passengers ashore.
Check your itinerary to see where the ship is expected to arrive and whether transportation into Mykonos Town will be needed.
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor’s harbor lies within the spectacular Bay of Kotor, and many cruise ships can dock close to the Old Town. Larger vessels or ships without an available berth may tender passengers ashore instead.
The journey offers dramatic views of the surrounding mountains, but the transfer method depends on the ship and port arrangements.
Hvar, Croatia
Hvar Town’s harbor has limited space for large vessels, so cruise ships often anchor in Hvar Bay and tender passengers to the waterfront. The short boat ride delivers travelers close to the historic center, restaurants, and waterfront promenade.
Tender queues can affect how much time remains for exploring the island.
Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
This tender port serves as a gateway to Nice and other parts of the French Riviera. Cruise ships generally anchor in the bay and carry passengers ashore by tender.
Sweeping views of the Côte d’Azur and the mountains behind it come with the ride. Travelers heading to Nice should also account for the separate journey from Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel has several cruise terminals, and many ships dock directly at a pier. Tendering may be used in certain circumstances, but it is not the normal arrangement for every call.
Check the assigned terminal before planning transportation, since the main cruise piers are not all equally close to San Miguel’s town center.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Large cruise ships generally anchor offshore in Cabo San Lucas and use tenders to transport passengers to the marina area. Once ashore, restaurants, shops, bars, and transportation options are within walking distance.
Because the return trip depends on tender operations, leave a comfortable buffer before the ship’s all-aboard time.
Avalon, Catalina Island, California
Avalon is a familiar tender stop on some cruise itineraries because visiting ships anchor offshore and send passengers to the island by boat. Once ashore, visitors can explore the compact town, waterfront, and local attractions on foot.
Check the cruise line’s tender arrangements and accessibility requirements before booking activities with fixed start times.
Geiranger, Norway
Geiranger sits at the end of a dramatic fjord, surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls. Depending on the ship and port arrangements, passengers may disembark at a pier or use tenders.
The scenery is the main attraction, and the boat ride can provide another perspective on the fjord. Weather and local conditions can affect operations, so check the arrangements for the specific sailing.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s main cruise port is at Gruž, where many ships dock directly. When a ship anchors offshore or cannot use the port, tendering may be required.
Even when passengers disembark at Gruž, the Old Town is a separate journey away, usually by bus, taxi, or arranged transfer. Budget time for getting to the city walls and returning to the ship.
Corfu, Greece
Cruise ships commonly dock at Corfu’s port, a short drive from Corfu Town, although arrangements can vary. The main transfer challenge is often the journey between the port and the historic center rather than a tender ride.
Check the ship’s arrival details and plan transportation if you want to explore beyond the immediate port area.
Belize City, Belize
Belize City is a regular tender port, with cruise ships anchoring offshore and passengers transferring to shore by boat. Some cruise lines use dedicated tender facilities before passengers continue into the city or head out on excursions.
The queue for the tender is the first thing to plan around. For excursions beyond Belize City, confirm the meeting point and allow enough time for the transfer.
Cannes, France
Cannes is a tender port for many cruise calls, with passengers brought ashore by boat to the French Riviera waterfront. From there, the city center, shopping streets, and beachfront are within walking distance.
Early boats give the best chance at a relaxed morning. The tender ride and queues can take up a meaningful part of a shorter port call.
Lerwick, Scotland
The Shetland capital is a tender port for some cruise lines, with ships anchoring offshore and carrying passengers to the town’s harbor by boat. Once ashore, visitors can explore Lerwick’s waterfront, shops, and local attractions.
Because weather in the Shetland Islands can change quickly, tender operations may be affected by wind and sea conditions.
Isafjordur, Iceland
This Westfjords port sometimes uses tenders, depending on the ship and the arrangements for the call. The transfer brings passengers to a small town surrounded by mountains and fjord scenery.
Check the itinerary for the planned arrival method, and keep outdoor plans flexible in case weather affects the transfer.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a well-known tender port, with cruise ships anchoring in the harbor and passengers taking boats ashore. The waterfront provides access to the town’s restaurants, historic streets, and transportation to its famous mansions.
On busy days, tender queues can reduce the time available for sightseeing, so prioritize activities before arrival.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard appears on tender itineraries for some New England cruises, with passengers transported from the ship to shore by boat. The island offers small-town streets, beaches, and local shops, but distances between communities can make transportation important.
Check the landing location and local transit options before planning a full-island excursion.
Rockland, Maine
Rockland is a tender port on some cruise itineraries, with passengers brought ashore by boat when ships anchor in the harbor. The town rewards a relaxed pace, with galleries, shops, and a working waterfront.
Check the specific sailing’s arrangements and leave time for the return tender, especially if you plan to travel beyond the town center.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown has a cruise terminal where ships can dock, so tendering is not required on every call. The arrival method depends on the ship and port arrangements.
Check whether your ship is scheduled to dock or anchor, then plan your time ashore accordingly. The waterfront and central attractions are convenient starting points for exploring the city.
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
Grand Turk has a cruise pier that accommodates visiting ships, so passengers generally walk ashore rather than use tenders. The main planning consideration is often transportation beyond the cruise terminal area, particularly for visitors heading to other beaches or attractions on the island.
Check the excursion meeting points and return times before setting out.
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island, and tender boats have traditionally carried passengers from anchored ships to shore. The island’s landing arrangements and facilities may change as infrastructure is developed, so check the latest details for your sailing.
Anyone with mobility concerns should review the cruise line’s accessibility guidance before the trip.
CocoCay, Bahamas
Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, has a cruise pier that allows many ships to dock directly. A tender is not normally required for those calls.
Confirm the arrival arrangements for your sailing, and check accessibility details if you need assistance getting around the island.
Lahaina, Hawaii
Lahaina has historically been a tender stop for cruise ships visiting Maui, with vessels anchoring offshore and passengers traveling by boat to the harbor. However, Lahaina’s port access and visitor arrangements have been affected by the devastating 2023 wildfires, and cruise calls should not be assumed to operate as they did before the disaster.
Check current official local guidance and your cruise line’s itinerary before planning a visit.
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Kailua-Kona is a common tender port on Hawaii itineraries, with ships anchoring offshore and passengers transferring by boat to the waterfront. Once ashore, visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, and historic sites or join excursions around the Big Island.
Tender operations depend on sea conditions, so leave a buffer for the return journey.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Cruise ships serving Edinburgh may anchor offshore and tender passengers to shore at South Queensferry or Newhaven, depending on the sailing. South Queensferry offers views of the Forth bridges, while Newhaven is closer to parts of Edinburgh’s northern waterfront.
Either way, getting into central Edinburgh takes additional time. Check the landing point and onward transport before planning sightseeing.
Mystery Island, Vanuatu
Mystery Island is a small South Pacific island visited on some cruise itineraries, with passengers generally transferred ashore by tender. The appeal is its clear water, beaches, and relaxed atmosphere rather than a long list of attractions.
The distances are short, but the logistics matter. Sea conditions can affect tender service, so follow the ship’s instructions and allow enough time to return.
What the Boat Ride Costs and Gives
Every tender adds a queue, a boat, and a schedule. It also adds a view of the ship and the shoreline that a dock never offers.
The best way to handle a tender port is to plan for the slow version and enjoy the fast one. Priority tickets, early arrivals, and flexible plans all help, and so does treating the boat ride as part of the day.
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