Tender Ports
26 destinations where the journey to shore is part of the adventure
What is a Tender Port?
Ships anchor offshore and passengers take small boats (tenders) to reach the pier — usually the ship's own lifeboats.
Quick Answer
Quick Answer: Tender ports are destinations where cruise ships can't dock directly due to shallow water, lack of pier infrastructure, or environmental protection. You'll ride a small boat from the ship to shore — a 5-15 minute journey that's usually scenic but can add 30-90 minutes to your port day.
Tendering Tips
- Book ship excursions for priority: Passengers with cruise line shore excursions get first tender tickets — often disembarking 30-60 minutes before independent travelers.
- Or wait until mid-morning: If you're going independent, either race for early tenders (line up 30+ minutes before scheduled start) or wait until 10-11am when waits drop to 10-15 minutes.
- Return early for peace of mind: Last tender is typically 30 minutes before all-aboard. Don't cut it close — if you miss the last tender, you miss the ship.
- Check sea conditions: Rough seas can delay or cancel tender operations entirely. Have a backup plan (ship amenities, alternative activities) if weather looks questionable.
- Mobility considerations: Stepping from a moving tender to a pier requires balance. Crew assist, but those with mobility concerns should discuss accessibility with Guest Services before booking tender port itineraries.
Caribbean (4 ports)
- Grand Cayman — George Town's crystal-clear tender ride to Stingray City and Seven Mile Beach
- Belize City — Gateway to Mayan ruins at Altun Ha and cave tubing adventures
- St. Barts — Exclusive French Caribbean island with designer boutiques and pristine beaches
- Virgin Gorda — The Baths' massive granite boulders and secluded Caribbean beauty
Mediterranean (10 ports)
- Santorini — Iconic Greek island with blue-domed churches, caldera views, and donkey rides up the cliffs
- Amalfi — Italy's stunning coastal jewel with lemon groves and pastel buildings
- Capri — Blue Grotto, funicular rides, and Italian glamour on a dramatic island
- Cannes — French Riviera elegance, La Croisette promenade, and film festival fame
- Hvar — Croatia's lavender-scented island with ancient fortress and Venetian architecture
- Kotor — Montenegro's medieval walled city at the end of Europe's southernmost fjord
- Patmos — Greek island where John wrote Revelation; cave, monastery, and sacred history
- Portofino — Italy's picture-perfect fishing village turned celebrity hideaway
- Sorrento — Cliffside Italian town overlooking the Bay of Naples and gateway to Pompeii
- Villefranche — French Riviera's deepest harbor with Nice, Monaco, and Eze within reach
Alaska (2 ports)
- Glacier Bay — No port at all — ship cruises the bay while rangers narrate; optional Zodiac tours
- Hubbard Glacier — Scenic cruising to North America's largest tidewater glacier; no shore access
New England (1 port)
- Bar Harbor — Gateway to Acadia National Park; exposed anchorage means weather-dependent tendering
Northern Europe (1 port)
- Geiranger — Norway's dramatic UNESCO fjord with waterfalls and serpentine mountain roads
Asia (3 ports)
Pacific & Remote (5 ports)
- Bora Bora — French Polynesia's legendary lagoon with overwater bungalows and Mount Otemanu
- Moorea — Tahiti's sister island with dramatic peaks and authentic Polynesian culture
- Lifou — New Caledonia's remote coral island with pristine beaches and Melanesian warmth
- Mystery Island — Vanuatu's tiny uninhabited island — just beach, forest, and duty-free shopping
- Falkland Islands — British outpost near Antarctica with penguins, seabirds, and wartime history
Accessibility Considerations
Tender ports present unique accessibility challenges:
- Wheelchair access: Most cruise lines can accommodate wheelchairs on tenders in calm conditions, but may restrict tender access in rough seas. Contact your cruise line's accessibility team before booking.
- Mobility aids: Walkers and scooters may need to be folded/collapsed for tender boarding. Crew will assist.
- Transfer risk: Stepping from a moving tender to a pier requires balance and mobility. Crew assist, but conditions vary.
- Weather cancellations: Rough seas can cancel tender operations entirely. Have contingency plans.
Best tender ports for accessibility: Grand Cayman, Villefranche, and Cannes typically have calmer waters and more accessible pier infrastructure.
Most challenging: Bar Harbor (exposed to Atlantic weather), Santorini (steep cliffs, crowded), Geiranger (weather-dependent).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a tender port?
A: A tender port is a cruise destination where the ship anchors offshore instead of docking at a pier. Passengers travel to shore on small boats called tenders — usually the ship's own lifeboats converted for passenger transport.
Q: How long does tendering take?
A: The tender ride itself is 5-15 minutes. Total time from cabin to shore can be 30-90 minutes during peak hours due to tender ticket distribution and queuing.
Q: Can I skip tender ports?
A: Yes — staying aboard is always an option. Enjoy the ship's amenities while it's less crowded. Many passengers prefer this at challenging tender ports like Bar Harbor or Santorini.
Q: What if seas are too rough to tender?
A: The captain may delay tendering until conditions improve or skip the port entirely. Ship excursion refunds are automatic. Independent bookings (tours, restaurants) typically aren't refundable.