Going on a cruise is always super exciting but sometimes staying on the ship is actually the best move. Experienced cruisers know exactly which stops are worth skipping so they can just relax. Here is a quick look at five ports they avoid and some other tips you should know before you sail.
Skipping Nassau Because of Predictable Shops
Nassau is really beautiful for your very first trip especially if you go to a big resort. But veteran cruisers usually stay on the ship because the downtown shopping area just feels like the exact same stores over and over again.
Costa Maya Feels Too Much Like a Resort
This spot on the Yucatan Peninsula is a super common stop but there is not a whole lot going on outside of the beach clubs. People who cruise a lot usually skip it and wait for places with better scenery like Cozumel.
Ketchikan Has Limited Excursions to Offer
This famous totem pole capital is fun to see once and the shopping is actually pretty cute. Experienced Alaska travelers prefer to just stay on board because there are fewer things to do compared to bigger stops like Juneau.
Victoria Often Has a Terrible Time Schedule
Victoria is an incredibly gorgeous and clean city but cruise ships often park there really late at night just to satisfy legal rules. People are usually way too exhausted by seven in the evening to actually get off the ship and explore the nice gardens.
Port Canaveral Lacks Easy Things to Do
This port is famous for the space center but unless you really love rockets there is not much else sitting right by the terminal. Driving all the way to Orlando for theme parks is just too stressful for a single day so folks just stay in the onboard pool instead.
The Secret Joy of an Empty Cruise Ship
When thousands of first-time travelers rush off the boat the veterans know this is the absolute best time to grab a prime pool chair. You can finally enjoy the water slides and hot tubs without bumping into a million people trying to do the exact same thing.
Avoiding the Heavy Crowds in Port Areas
A lot of these popular cruise ports get completely packed with multiple huge ships arriving on the very same day. Staying behind means you skip the really long lines for expensive tourist food and you save yourself a massive headache.
Criminal Activity Warnings Keep Some Away
Some seasoned travelers pay very close attention to travel advisories warning about street crime in certain island downtown areas. It is sometimes just way easier and much less stressful to enjoy your fancy frozen drink safely on the main deck.
Making Your Own Choice About Disembarking
It is always totally fine to jump off the ship and explore if you have never seen a place before because that makes the trip memorable. Just remember you paid a lot of money for the ship itself so treating it like a floating resort for the day is a super smart move.
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