Every cruise vacation comes with at least one big question: should you leave the ship at every port, or is staying onboard actually the smarter choice? Cruisers debate this endlessly because the answer isn’t the same for everyone. With so many factors—your cruise booking, the specific cruise port, weather, interests, and budget—it’s easy to wonder if staying onboard means missing out, or if getting off the ship is just unnecessary pressure.
The truth is surprisingly balanced. There are clear advantages to staying on the cruise ship, but also some moments when skipping a shore excursion could make you feel like you didn’t get your money’s worth. This guide breaks everything down so you can make the best decision for your travel style.
Why This Question Matters More Than You Think
Port days are a major selling point in cruise brochures. Vibrant photos, exotic markets, turquoise water, ancient ruins—these images are designed to make you feel that every stop is unmissable.
But repeat cruisers know something many first-timers don’t:
Some port days are better spent onboard.
Whether it’s because of crowds, weather, cost, mobility limitations, or simply because you need a break, staying on the ship can be an unexpectedly great choice.
Still, skipping a port can create its own set of “what ifs.” Did you waste part of your cruise booking? Did you miss a bucket-list moment?
This article helps you decide—without guilt, pressure, or FOMO.
Advantages of Staying on the Cruise Ship During a Port Day
If you’ve never stayed onboard on a port day, you might be surprised at how different the ship feels. Many people describe it as having a gigantic floating resort almost entirely to themselves.
Here are some of the biggest advantages:
1. The Ship Is Quiet — Really Quiet
One of the best perks of staying onboard is the rare chance to enjoy a peaceful ship. Pools that are normally full? Nearly empty. Hot tubs? Available. Loungers? Take your pick.
If relaxation is a priority, staying onboard is often better than any crowded beach.
2. Pools, Spas, and Amenities Have No Lines
You know the long line that normally forms at the waterslides? On port days, you may see zero people. On some ships, spa discounts appear only while the ship is docked—another unexpected benefit.
Many repeat cruisers purposely choose to stay on the cruise ship at least once per sailing just for this reason.
3. You Save Money (Sometimes Hundreds)
Skipping a port day can save you:
- Shore excursion costs
- Local transportation fees
- Drinks or meals ashore
- Shopping temptations
Considering that some excursions cost $150–$300 per person, staying onboard can protect your wallet.
4. It’s Great for Recovering from Busy Days
If your cruise vacation includes late-night shows, early morning port calls, and active excursions, a midday break might be the reset you didn’t know you needed.
Your energy level matters more than the itinerary.
5. You Avoid Crowds Entirely
Cruise ports are often busy—especially when multiple ships arrive at once. Streets, markets, and beaches can feel packed.
If you prefer a quiet escape, staying onboard is the best way to guarantee it.
Disadvantages of Staying on the Cruise Ship During a Port Day
Of course, not everything is perfect about skipping a port. These disadvantages matter, especially if the port is a highlight of the itinerary.
1. You Might Miss a Bucket-List Experience
Some places truly are worth getting off the ship for:
Ruins in Cozumel, waterfalls in Jamaica, fjords in Alaska, Old San Juan’s historic forts.
These are destinations you may not visit again soon. Staying onboard can feel like a missed opportunity.
2. You Already Paid for the Port in Your Cruise Fare
Your cruise booking includes taxes, port fees, and sometimes tender fees—even if you don’t physically step off the ship.
So financially speaking, you are paying for access whether you use it or not. That alone can make some people feel they’re wasting something if they stay onboard.
3. You Might Regret Not Exploring Later
There’s a unique feeling to stepping onto a new shore, even for an hour. If you skip the port entirely, you might later wish you had at least walked around or grabbed a coffee ashore.
4. If You’re Traveling with a Group, You May Miss Shared Moments
Group photos, inside jokes, and spontaneous adventures often happen on port days. Staying onboard means skipping those memories.
5. Limited Onboard Activities Compared to Sea Days
While the ship is quiet, not everything is operating. Some restaurants, shops, or entertainment options may be closed until later.
Is Staying on the Ship Wasting Your Money?
This is the core of the debate, and the honest answer is this:
You’re not wasting money if staying onboard improves your cruise experience.
A cruise vacation isn’t only about ports. It’s about rest, entertainment, food, and flexibility. The value of your vacation comes from how you feel each day—not how many stamps you collect metaphorically.
You paid for the ship. You can use it however you want.
However…
You might feel like you’re wasting money if:
- It’s a rare or once-in-a-lifetime port
- You’ve never visited the country before
- The port is famous for something unique
- You skip multiple ports, then wish you hadn’t
Value is personal. And on cruises, value comes from matching your decision to your own priorities.
When It Makes Sense to Stay on the Cruise Ship
Here’s a simple list to help you decide quickly:
Stay Onboard If:
- You’re tired or need rest
- You’ve visited the port before
- You don’t like the available excursions
- Mobility or weather issues make exploring difficult
- You want spa deals or quiet pool time
- The port is mostly shopping or beach-only (and your ship has great pools)
In these cases, staying onboard can enhance your entire voyage.
When You Should Definitely Get Off the Ship
Some ports really are worth exploring, even briefly. You should leave the ship if:
- The destination is known for world-class attractions
- You’ve never been there before
- The port is unique (like Alaska, Iceland, Bonaire, San Juan, Bermuda)
- You want local culture, food, or history
- The weather is perfect
- The excursion is something you can’t do anywhere else
Even leaving for one hour can make the day more memorable.
What You Can Do Onboard While Everyone Else Is Ashore
If you choose to stay on the ship, your options open up dramatically. Here’s what many cruisers enjoy during a quiet port day:
- Relax by nearly empty pools
- Try the water slides without waiting
- Enjoy a quiet breakfast or lunch
- Read in a peaceful lounge
- Hit the gym when it’s empty
- Take advantage of spa discounts
- Enjoy a photography session without crowds
- Claim popular loungers at the solarium
- Grab a specialty coffee and enjoy the silence
You essentially get the ship at its best.
Balancing Your Cruise: The Smartest Strategy
Here’s what many experienced cruisers do:
Leave the ship on the most interesting ports.
Stay onboard on ports you’ve done before or aren’t excited about.
This balanced approach gives you:
- Great memories
- Relaxing downtime
- Better use of your money
- Energy for the rest of your itinerary
You get the best of both worlds without feeling like you missed out.
Final Thoughts: Make the Choice That Fits Your Cruise Vacation — Not Someone Else’s
There’s no universal rule for port days. Some travelers stay onboard intentionally to enjoy the ship. Others never skip a port. The best choice is the one that leaves you satisfied at the end of the day.
If staying on the cruise ship restores your energy, gives you a better time, or saves you money—then it’s absolutely not a waste.
If experiencing the cruise port brings excitement, culture, food, or adventure—then you should step ashore.
The beauty of cruising is the freedom to choose.