8 Reasons to Skip the Port and Stay Onboard Instead

Cruises are all about exploring new places, right? Stepping off the ship to see famous sights, stroll along sandy beaches, or tuck into local cuisine. But… what if you just want to relax?

Personally, I love staying on the ship during port days. Sometimes I’ll hop off for an hour or so, just to stretch my legs and have a wander, but then I’m straight back onboard. These quiet moments are often some of my favourite days of the whole cruise. Choosing to stay onboard might be one of the best decisions you make on your cruise…

1. Enjoy a Bit of Peace (and Actual Quiet)

Cruise ships aren’t exactly rowdy 24/7, but they’re rarely empty either. On sea days and evenings, there’s often a lively buzz around the ship, great fun if you’re in the mood for it, but not always ideal when you’re craving a bit of calm.

When most passengers head ashore, the entire ship takes on a completely different feel. You can wander through quiet corridors, relax in near-empty lounges, and actually hear the sound of the sea from the open deck.

It’s a rare chance to enjoy the ship’s amenities without the usual background chatter, and it’s one of the most peaceful experiences you can have onboard.

2. No Queues for Anything

You know that attraction you’ve been dying to try but didn’t fancy the long wait? Now’s your chance.

From rock climbing walls and go-karts to surf simulators and ziplines, many onboard experiences are blissfully queue-free on port days. Even guest services, usually a magnet for long lines, is quiet. Got admin to sort? Do it now and thank yourself later.

3. Bag a Bargain With Port-Day Offers

While everyone else is off the ship spending money, cruise lines often roll out special deals to tempt you to stay onboard, and they can be well worth it.

This is especially true in the spa. Treatments like massages, facials, and hair styling are hugely popular on sea days and tend to book up quickly, especially ahead of formal nights. But on port days, when most people are ashore, the spa often has availability, and better yet, discounted rates.

You’ll usually see these deals advertised in advance in the daily planner or app because the cruise line knows it has to give you a reason to skip the port. So if you’ve been thinking about booking a treatment, keep an eye out for port-day specials; it’s one of the best ways to treat yourself without the usual price tag.

4. Pools and Hot Tubs All to Yourself (Well, Almost)

Cruise ship swimming pools are hardly massive, and when the ship is full, it can feel more like standing in a warm crowd than actually swimming. It’s still relaxing, but you’re not exactly doing laps. On port days though, it’s a completely different story, you might be able to float around freely, or even have the pool to yourself if you’re lucky.

Hot tubs are the same, if not worse. There are never enough of them on sea days, and it always feels like someone’s been sitting in one for hours. If, like me, you love the idea of soaking in a hot tub without sharing elbow space or waiting for someone to hop out, then port days are perfect. You can dip in at your own pace, stay as long as you like, and fully enjoy the bubbles without the bustle.

5. Save Some Serious Cash

Port days can cost you, especially if you’ve booked an excursion or plan to splash out ashore.

Excursions, even when booked through a third party, can be pricey. If the port’s main attractions come with a hefty entry fee, or involve long guided tours, it’s worth asking yourself if you really need to go, or if you’d be just as happy soaking up the ship’s facilities instead. Some ports are walkable and enjoyable without spending much, but others are more costly to explore properly.

By staying onboard, you’ll avoid spending money on sightseeing tours, lunches out, and souvenir shopping. And if you’ve got a drinks package, there’s even more reason to stay put; you can sip your favourite cocktail by the pool without racking up a bar tab onshore. It’s a savvy way to make the most of what you’ve already paid for.

6. Been There, Done That…

If this isn’t your first cruise, chances are you’ve already visited some of the ports. And while a few destinations are absolutely worth revisiting, either to catch something you missed or to soak up the same charming atmosphere, not every port feels that exciting the second time around.

Some stops start to feel a bit samey after a while, especially if the highlights are limited or you’ve already ticked off the main attractions. In those cases, I’d much rather skip the crowds and spend the day enjoying the ship instead.

7. Can’t Face the Long Journey?

Not all cruise ports are conveniently located. Some are miles away from the sights you actually want to see. Ports like Le Havre for Paris or Civitavecchia for Rome can involve sitting on a coach or train for a couple of hours just to reach your destination, and then doing it all again to get back.

That might be fine if you’re eager to explore the city, but if you’re on the fence, it’s worth weighing up whether the long, sweaty travel is really worth it. Especially on a sunny day, when your choice is between sunbathing by the pool or being crammed into a coach seat with questionable air-con. For me, that’s an easy decision – I’ll take the poolside lounger any day.

8. Too Many Ports, Not Enough Rest

Some cruise itineraries barely give you time to breathe. If you’re doing a Mediterranean fly-cruise or hopping between Caribbean islands, you might find yourself with non-stop port days and no sea days to recover.

That’s fun, but it can also be exhausting, especially if you’re doing lots of walking tours or early morning excursions. By the time day three or four rolls around, you might just want a break to rest your feet, reset, and recharge.

For these kinds of trips, it’s worth planning a rest day in advance. That way, you won’t burn yourself out before you reach a port you were really looking forward to. Skipping one stop to lounge by the pool might actually help you enjoy the rest of your cruise even more.

The Bottom Line

Your cruise, your rules. If you feel like staying onboard while the ship’s in port, go for it. You’re not “wasting” the experience – you’re simply enjoying it differently. After all, there’s something to be said for soaking up the spa, pool, and peace while everyone else is off the ship.

If you’re torn, one of my favourite compromises is to hop off for an hour or two to have a quick wander and get a feel for the place, then head back onboard to enjoy the quiet while it lasts. You might feel like you’re missing out on a port, but trust me — you can always cruise again.

The best approach? Do your research in advance. That way, you’ll have a good sense of which ports are worth the full day and which ones might not be as exciting as they look on paper.

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