Jayestravellingadventures

When I see the ship dock I just want to be on land exploring and spending as much time as possible ashore. I forget what I need to take with me. There are some top tips for saving money as well as some things you haven’t thought of.

Getting off the ship

Once the ship is in port and secure the captain will do an announcement informing all passengers of the gangways and the time all passengers and crew need to be back onboard. Once you have scanned your cruise card at the gangway you are free to enjoy your time ashore.

What to take with you

• A bag – It can be a small bag which fits the essentials in.
• Cruise card – This is need to get on and off the ship.
• Money – Cash or a debit/credit card.
• Photo ID or Passport – In your daily schedule it will list what you need to take, however I always take my Photo ID.
• Weather – May need sunscreen, hat or a jacket.
• Medication – Incase you miss the ship.
• Phone/Camera – To take photos, use translate or as a map. Don’t forget considering a battery back.

Tendering

This is due to the ship not being able to dock on port side so the cruise lines deploy the life-boats to transport passengers to the town. When I was younger I use to love going on a tender, to which sometimes I’d travel back and forth if it wasn’t busy. Venice is one port known for its tendering. You can have the option to sit on the top deck on a lifeboat which may help for anyone scared or seasick (I have never felt seasick on a tender). Think of it s a free boat trip for 10-15 minutes.

• You may be given a ticket or to wait in a line – If I’m not doing an excursion I always wait until the rush is over.
• Excursions – Cruise lines will give priority to those booked on excursions as they have to leave at a specific time.
• Private excursions – If booked on a private excursion, consider the delay in getting off the ship.
• Don’t assume – Cruise itinerary’s can change and the ship might find someone docked in its berth. (If you think you have limited mobility, speak to staff to ensure ability to go ashore)
• Weather – Always check the weather as if the sea s rough the cruise line might make the decision to not dock. Cruise lines priorities safety over docking.

Whilst on land

Be careful when ashore as it is easy to fall into traps. If you want to try local cuisines and are happy to send money then that s perfectly okay.

• Tourist areas – If stopping for a coffee or a snack, this may be expensive. In the center in Rome a Coca-Cola can cost €5 where a never of streets back it can be €2. This is one way to save money if you don’t want to spend €5 in the center.
• Take a drink with you – If you have a water bottle then always take this ashore as you might have to pay to have it refilled and if its hot you don’t want to be dehydrated.
• Food – I always have an adequate breakfast before disembarking so I don’t get hungry too fast. I think can enjoy a light lunch ashore enjoying the local cuisine. If I have booked a hike or plan to go on a long walk, I then take some fruit and snacks with me from the buffet.

Local scams

Always triple check your ports online as scams are continuously adapting. Whilst in Roma at the top of the Spanish Steps a man came up to me and started a conversation, next thing I knew he had my hand and was trying to wrap string around my finger. I quickly moved my hand and said no thank you, he then moved on.

• Baffles – Don’t take part in any raffles or scratch cards which are sold to on the streets.
• Floor walkers – Those who come up to your table to sell items or have multiple bags, hats, sunglasses etc. on the floors commonly over a blankets. These are often illegal and they run away when they see police.
• Keep vigilant – If given a rose, or bracelet never take them. They wont be free.
• Personal Items – Always keep an eye on your belongings. I always wear a Bum-Bag so thieves cant access anything. Amazon.co.uk : bum-bag

Money ashore

If low on eros you can always get them from the reception desk however, this may be more costly then getting them out from an ATM. There will be a small fee however this may be cheaper than onboard. You may also receive a better exchange rate.

Avoid using ATM in high tourist areas as these might be just as bad exchange rates and fees. Always walk around and look at options before committing, it may help with walking a few streets down and away from the tourist hot spots. Aiming for a named bank will also be safer and cost effective.

Souvenirs

I don’t tend to buy lots of souvenirs in port as finding the room to bring them back can be challenging. The only thing I bring back is postcards from every port as I have a scrapbook for all my cruises. I keep documents such as; excursion tickets, cruise cards, transport tickets etc. They are either cheap and free.

Like previously mentioned, I never buy these in the tourist hot spots due to the price, I find small local shops as they are much cheaper. I am also a sucker for the local red wines which are freshly made in each country, so I also have to factor in transporting them home.

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