What is a tender port and how do I get ashore from the cruise ship?

Learn what a tender port is, how cruise tender boats work, whether you need a ticket, and how to plan getting ashore on a cruise.

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At a tender port, the ship remains in the bay or offshore rather than tying up at the harbour. Passengers are taken ashore by the ship's tender boats or, in some destinations, by local boats arranged for the ship.

Tendering is different from a docked port, where you can usually walk directly from the ship to the terminal or quayside. Tender ports are more common where the harbour is too shallow, too small or unsuitable for a large cruise ship. Some ports may use tenders only in certain weather or when the ship is not allocated a berth.

The ship will announce when tender boats are ready and explain where to collect a tender ticket, if one is required. Passengers normally make their way to a designated lounge or boarding area, then wait for their group to be called. You will board a tender boat from a platform or gangway on the ship and travel to the landing point ashore.

On the return journey, follow the signs and crew instructions at the tender landing. Allow extra time, particularly near the end of the day, as queues can form when many passengers are returning to the ship.

Usually, you do not book an individual tender boat in advance. Tendering is generally included in the cruise arrangements, and boats operate throughout the time the ship is scheduled to be in port. However, the cruise line may issue numbered tender tickets or use a reservation system to manage demand.

Passengers who have a cruise line shore excursion may be given priority in some circumstances. Priority arrangements can also vary for guests with certain loyalty benefits or accessibility requirements, so check the onboard guidance for your sailing rather than assuming a particular system will apply.

Tendering depends on the port, the ship's size, the available berth and local conditions. Popular destinations that can involve tendering include Santorini, Cannes, Mykonos and Kotor, although the arrangements may vary by sailing and weather. A port listed as a tender port is not necessarily tendered on every visit.

When comparing itineraries, look at the port information supplied by the cruise line. It should indicate whether a stop is expected to be docked or tendered, but the final arrangement can change for operational or safety reasons.

Tender boats usually require passengers to step across a moving gap or use a steep gangway, and the boat may move with the swell. Boarding can therefore be unsuitable for some wheelchair users, mobility scooter users and anyone who cannot stand or walk safely for a short distance.

Ask the cruise line about its tendering and accessibility policy before booking. Requirements can differ between ships and ports, and a ship may suspend tendering if conditions are unsafe. Even if you can board, the landing point ashore may have uneven surfaces, steps or steep streets.