A port day is your opportunity to step ashore and explore an exciting new destination or revisit a well-loved one.[ReadMoreMob] You can join an arranged shore tour, explore independently or simply choose to stay on board. Unlike a sea day, when you’ll be sailing between destinations and enjoying on board activities, a port day is shaped by your ship’s arrival and departure times. This guide will take you through a port day step by step, from going ashore to returning to your ship. You can also discover more about your options ashore in Explore Ashore.
Sea days vs port days
| Sea Day | Port Day | |
| Where is the ship? | Sailing between destinations | Dock or at anchor |
| Your day | At your own pace, with on board activities and entertainment | Join an organised shore tour, explore independently or stay on board |
| Pace of the day | Relaxed and unhurried | However you like - exploring or simply relaxing |
| Important to remember | Check what's happening on board | Check what time you need to be back on board |
A cruise will often feature a combination of both. Port days give you time to discover your destinations, while sea days give you more time to enjoy your ship as you sail between them.
Port day basics
How long will I have in port?
The amount of time you have in port varies depending on your itinerary and the destinations you are visiting. Port calls can range from part-day visits to full days, extended stays and overnight calls.
Your cruise itinerary shows approximate arrival and departure periods, such as "early morning" or "late afternoon". Your time ashore will allow for disembarking and returning to your ship before she departs. Once you are on your cruise, you will be kept up to date with the timings for each port of call. For a guide to the approximate time range at each port, see our port timings FAQ.
Do you get a full day at every port?
Depending on your itinerary, you could have a half day visit or a full day, extended stays into the evening and some include overnight or even two-night stays. Fred. Olsen cruises often feature full-day, overnight and extended stays, giving you longer to settle into a destination, and explore in greater depth:
This Balmoral cruise features a full day and into the late evening in Cartagena on 5th January 2028, an overnight stay in Istanbul on 16th/17th January, and half day spent in Valletta on 21st January 2028:
Iconic Cities of the Mediterranean
3 JANUARY 2028 | 21 nights | MÁLAGA
Visiting an impressive seven countries in just one journey, this fly-cruise brings together ancient wonders, rich cultures and distinctive cities, with the Mediterranean’s milder January weather well suited to exploring.[ReadMoreMob] Extended time in Istanbul allows for deeper discovery, whether admiring Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque or browsing the bustling Grand Bazaar. From Alexandria, tours to Cairo offer the chance to see the Pyramids of Giza, while calls into Piraeus and Rhodes open the door to remarkable Ancient Greek sights, including the Parthenon and Lindos Acropolis. There’s also a scenic sailing into Valletta’s impressive Grand Harbour, framed by honey-coloured fortifications and its historic waterfront.
Do you get a full day at every port?
Depending on your itinerary, you could have a half day visit or a full day, extended stays into the evening and some include overnight or even two-night stays. Fred. Olsen cruises often feature full-day, overnight and extended stays, giving you longer to settle into a destination, and explore in greater depth:
This Balmoral cruise features a full day and into the late evening in Cartagena on 5th January 2028, an overnight stay in Istanbul on 16th/17th January, and half day spent in Valletta on 21st January 2028:
Can I come and go during the day?
Arrangements can vary, particularly when tendering at ports is required. It’s advisable to check the information provided on board your ship before heading ashore. However, you can usually return to the ship for lunch or a rest and head out again, as long as you are back before the all-aboard time.
Do I have to go ashore?
Not at all. There is no obligation to leave the ship. A day on board can be a quieter, more relaxed one, with the ship feeling calmer while many guests are ashore. Most on board facilities are available to guests to use when your ship is in port, although shops must be closed for customs regulations.
Getting off the ship
How do I get off the ship?
You will hear announcements on board and will find details in the Daily Times when it's time to go ashore, once the ship has been cleared by local authorities. Your cruise card is scanned as you leave and again as you return, so the crew know who is ashore.
If you’re joining a shore tour, you’ll be asked to wait in one of the main lounges before being called to disembark. Details of where and when to meet will be provided with your shore tour tickets on board.
Docked or tender port: what is the difference?
At most ports, your ship will either dock alongside or anchor just offshore. When she is docked, you can usually step ashore via the gangway, whereas at an anchor port, a smaller craft (usually a specifically designated lifeboat used as a tender) will take you between your ship and the shore.
Tendering can take a little longer than walking directly ashore, so it’s worth allowing for this when planning your day. Tender operations are also dependent on local settings, including weather and sea conditions, so you will be kept updated with everything you need to know on board.
One of the advantages of Fred. Olsen’s smaller ships are that we can dock closer to the heart of many destinations, enabling you to step ashore and begin exploring straight away, bringing attractions within easier reach. Some of the ports that may require a tender process include smaller Norwegian fjords ports like Olden, or island destinations like Guernsey and the Shetland Islands.
(Note: these are always subject to change).
How long does it take to get off the ship?
There isn’t a set amount of time, as this will depend on the port and whether your ship is docked or at anchor.
Getting ashore from a docked ship will usually be more straightforward, while you’ll need to allow additional time if your ship is using tenders. There may also be busier periods when several guests wish to go ashore at the same time.
What should I take ashore?
- Your cruise card
- The all-aboard time and the port agent contact number from the Daily Times
- Credit card and/or local currency
- A charged phone
- Water
- Sun cream or waterproofs, depending on the destination
- Comfortable shoes
- Any medication you’ll need when ashore
Note to remember: You can download some port maps from My Cruises. Food from the ship generally cannot be taken ashore.
Making the most of your time ashore
Shore Tour or explore on your own?
How you spend your port day is entirely up to you. You might choose a shore tour, to head off independently or combine exploring with some time relaxing back on board. On a shore tour, you will have a guide and transport waiting on the quayside. Exploring independently allows you go at your own pace, with help from the Destination Team and on board Port Talks, if required. Shore Tours can be booked in advance through My Cruises approximately 16 weeks before departure.
Discover more about Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines shore tours here: Shore Tours and Explore Ashore for the full range of exploring ashore options.
Wondering what your fare covers? See What's Included
Planning a day on your own
- Check how far the port is from the city town centre
- Plan three or four things rather than trying to see everything
- Check local opening days and times
- Ask the Destination Team for advice or go to a Port Talk
Returning to the ship
The golden rules:
- Know the all-aboard time, which is earlier than the departure time
- Allow plenty of time for your return journey, especially at tender ports
- Carry your ID and the port agent number
What is the all-aboard time?
The all-aboard time is the time you need to have returned to your ship. It will be before the ship’s departure time, allowing everything to be made ready before she sails for her next destination.
Be sure to make a note of the all-aboard time before leaving the ship rather than relying on memory and check the latest information provided on board.
Ship time or local time?
Always follow the ship’s time when planning when to return on board. Depending on where you’re cruising, this may not always be the same as the local time ashore and be particularly careful when using your mobile phone to check the time, as its settings may automatically adjust when you arrive in a new destination. Check the ship’s time before going ashore and use this when working out when you need to return.
How early should I be back?
Give yourself plenty of time to return to your ship before the all-aboard time, particularly at tender ports or if you are relying on local transport. Generally, on a Fred. Olsen cruise, the all-aboard time is approximately an hour before the ship sails but always check your Daily times or as you disembark.
What happens if I miss the ship?
If a Fred. Olsen Shore Tour is delayed; the ship will wait for you, but if you’re exploring independently, it’s your responsibility to return to the ship by the stated all-aboard time. Planning your journey back carefully and allowing extra time for unexpected delays will help make sure you’re back in plenty of time.
If you do miss the ship, you’ll need to contact the port agent and arrange your own journey to the next port or home, at your own cost. Make sure you carry your ID and the port agent’s contact details with you when you go ashore. For details, see Shore Tours and https://www.fredolsencruises.com/faqs/general/can-i-go-ashore-independently
Getting back on board
When you return to your ship, your cruise card will be scanned as you come back on board, and you’ll pass through the ship’s usual security procedures. Some items bought ashore, such as alcohol, will be stored safely until the end of your cruise. Read more: https://www.fredolsencruises.com/faqs/food-and-drink/can-i-bring-my-own-alcohol-on-board
What if a port call changes?
Occasionally, weather or sea conditions, particularly at tender ports, may mean a port of call needs to be changed or, as a last resort, missed altogether. This decision is always made with the safety of guests in mind. If a port is missed, any pre-booked Fred. Olsen Shore Tours for that destination will be refunded. See Shore Tours for more information.
Top tips for your first port day
- Check the latest information provided on board
- Carry your cruise card and any ID you may need
- Make a note of the all-aboard time and the port agent number
- Allow extra time at tender ports
- Follow ship time
- Book Shore Tours in advance through My Cruises
More exploring, fewer days at sea
If you’d prefer to get to the heart of your destination sooner and spend fewer days at sea, a Fred. Olsen fly-cruise could offer the best of both worlds. Fly from the UK on specially chartered flights, escorted by a Fred. Olsen representative, and join your ship in the Mediterranean, so you can start exploring sooner and enjoy more time discovering the region.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a sea day and a port day? A sea day is spent sailing between destinations, while a port day is when the ship stops at a destination and you can go ashore.
How long are cruise ships in port? It varies from a half day to an overnight stay, and sometimes, two nights in one port. See our port timings FAQ for a guide to how long our ships may be in port on your cruise.
Do you get a full day at every port? No. Some calls are half days, some are full days and some are overnight or extended stays.
What time do you have to be back on the ship? By the all-aboard time, which you will find in the Daily Times or as you disembark your ship – note, it is earlier than the departure time.
Will the ship wait for you? Yes, if you are on a Fred. Olsen Shore Tour that is delayed. Your ship cannot wait for guests exploring independently who are late back or miss the all-aboard time.
Do you have to get off the ship on port days? Not at all, going ashore is entirely optional.
Do you need your passport ashore? Your Destinations team or the Daily Times will let you know if your passport is required when you go ashore.
Port days with Fred. Olsen
With Fred. Olsen, making the most of your time in port is straightforward. Our smaller ships often dock closer to the heart of a destination, while many of our cruises feature full-day, extended and overnight stays, giving you more time to explore. Both before you cruise and on board, our Destination Teams, Journey Guides and Port Talks are there to help you plan your days ashore, with our award-winning Shore Tours, including Sailawaze 2024 Consumer Favourite for Excursions.