Tender ports are one of the parts of cruising that can surprise people, especially if you are used to walking straight off the ship and into a cruise terminal.
At some ports, the ship cannot dock alongside the pier. This might be because the harbour is too small, the water is too shallow, or there are already other ships in port. Instead, the cruise ship anchors offshore and passengers are taken ashore on smaller boats called tenders.
Tender ports are not something to worry about, but they do need a bit more planning. Getting ashore can take longer, queues can build up, and your time in port can feel shorter than it looks on the itinerary.
I’ve experienced tender ports including Falmouth and Dublin, and they can work well. But they do need a different mindset from a normal docked port day.
This guide explains how tender ports work, what to expect on the day, and how to plan ahead so you make the most of your time ashore.
Watch: Dublin Cruise Port Guide
If you want to see how a tender port works in practice, I have a Dublin cruise port video where I show what it was like arriving by tender and planning a day ashore.
Dublin is a good example because it is not just about getting from the ship to land. You also need to think about where the tender drops you, how you are getting into the city, and how much time to allow for the return journey.
This is the part people often underestimate with tender ports. The tender ride may not be the problem. It is the full journey from your cabin, to the meeting point, to the tender boat, to the landing point, and then onward into the destination.
What Is a Tender Port on a Cruise?
A tender port is a cruise port where the ship does not dock directly alongside the pier. Instead, the ship anchors offshore and passengers travel between the ship and the shore by tender boat. These are usually operated using the ship’s own lifeboats, local boats, or a combination of both.
The tender boat takes you from the ship to a small harbour, marina or landing point ashore. From there, you continue your day as normal.
The main difference is that you cannot simply walk off the ship whenever you want. You have to wait for tender operations to begin, follow the ship’s process, and allow extra time to get ashore and back onboard.
Why Do Cruise Ships Use Tender Boats?
Cruise ships use tender boats when they cannot dock directly in port. This can happen for several reasons. Some ports are too small for large cruise ships. Others have shallow water, limited berth space, or older harbour facilities that were not built for modern ships.
In some destinations, tendering is also used because the port itself is part of the appeal, but the harbour cannot safely accommodate large ships.
Tender ports are common in smaller islands, scenic coastal towns and historic harbour destinations. They can often be some of the most beautiful ports on a cruise itinerary, but they do work differently from a normal docked port.
How Tendering Works on a Cruise
The tender process usually starts once the ship has anchored and the local authorities have cleared the ship for passengers to go ashore. After that, the cruise line begins running tender boats between the ship and the tender landing point.
On many ships, passengers with cruise line excursions are given priority because their tours have fixed departure times. Suite guests, loyalty status guests or passengers with priority access may also be called earlier, depending on the cruise line.
Independent passengers may need to collect a tender ticket or join a virtual queue through the cruise line app.
Once your group is called, you go to the meeting point, walk down to the tender platform, and board the boat. The journey itself can be short, but it depends on how far the ship is anchored from shore and what the sea conditions are like.
Do You Need a Tender Ticket?
On many cruises, yes, you may need a tender ticket if you are going ashore independently. This is one of the most important things to check before a tender port day.
Some cruise lines use physical tickets. Others use the app. Some only require tickets during the busy morning period and then allow open tendering later in the day.
If you have booked an official cruise line excursion, you usually do not need to collect a separate tender ticket. You will normally meet in a lounge, theatre or other onboard venue, then be escorted to the tender when your tour is ready to leave.
If you are exploring independently and want to get ashore early, check the cruise planner, daily programme or app the night before so you know exactly what to do.
Are Tender Ports Accessible?
Tender ports can be more difficult if you have mobility issues, use a wheelchair, or find steps and uneven movement difficult.
This is because you usually need to transfer from the cruise ship onto a tender boat while both are on the water. Even when crew members are there to help, the tender boat can move slightly with the swell, and there may be steps, ramps or a gap between the ship and the boat.
Rules vary depending on the cruise line, the ship, the port and the sea conditions on the day. In some cases, wheelchair users may be able to tender if they can transfer safely. In other cases, passengers may not be allowed to go ashore by tender if it is not considered safe.
This is one of the reasons it is important to check tender ports before you book, especially if getting ashore independently matters to you.
If you have accessibility needs, contact the cruise line before you sail and ask how tender ports will work on your itinerary. It is also worth checking the daily programme or speaking to guest services onboard, because tendering arrangements can change depending on the weather and sea conditions.
Tender ports are not automatically impossible with mobility issues, but they are less predictable than docked ports. If accessibility is important for your cruise, do not assume that every port on the itinerary will be easy to get ashore.
Cruise Line Excursions Usually Get Tender Priority
One of the biggest things to know about tender ports is that cruise line excursions usually get priority. This is because those tours have set departure times, and the cruise line needs to get those passengers ashore in time for their coaches, guides or transfer arrangements.
If you are booked on an official cruise line excursion, you will normally be told where to meet onboard. This might be the theatre, a lounge or another meeting point. From there, your group will usually be called and taken down to the tender together.
If you are going ashore independently, you may need to collect a tender ticket or join a virtual queue in the cruise line app. You may not be able to get on one of the first tenders unless you have priority for another reason, such as suite access, loyalty status or an accessibility arrangement agreed with the ship.
This is why tender ports need careful planning if you are booking your own tour.
In straightforward tender ports, this may not matter too much. But in busy places, or ports where you have onward transport to arrange, tender priority can make a real difference.
A cruise line excursion can be worth considering at tender ports where the main attraction is far from the tender landing point, where there are known queues, or where you are worried about getting back to the ship on time.
Tender Ports Take Longer Than Docked Ports
Tender ports also take longer. At a docked port, you can usually walk off the ship once the gangway is open. At a tender port, everyone has to be moved ashore by boat.
That means you need to allow time for the tender ticket process, waiting for your group to be called, boarding the tender, travelling ashore, and then doing the same journey in reverse when you return.
Even if the tender ride itself is only ten or fifteen minutes, the full process can take much longer at busy times. This matters when you are planning your day, especially if you are booking independent tours, trains, buses or timed entry tickets.
Some Tender Ports Need More Planning Than Others
Not every tender port feels the same. Some tender ports are fairly simple. The tender ride is short, the landing point is close to the town, and once you are ashore, you can explore quite easily.
Falmouth is a good example of a tender port where the destination itself is close once you get ashore. You still need to allow time for the tender process, but it can work well as an independent port day if you understand how the timings work.
Dublin is different because the tender is only one part of the journey. After arriving ashore, you still need to think about how you are getting into the city, how long that journey takes, and how you are getting back to the tender point later in the day.
Then there are ports where tendering can have a much bigger impact on your whole day.
Santorini is one of the best examples in Europe. Cruise ships anchor in the caldera and passengers are tendered ashore, but most independent passengers then arrive at the Old Port below Fira. From there, you still need to get up the cliff to reach the town. The cable car ride itself is short, but the queues can be the real issue, especially when several ships are visiting on the same day.
This is why timing matters much more in some tender ports than others.
Kotor is another good example of a tender port where the setting is part of the experience. Sailing into the Bay of Kotor can be one of the most scenic arrivals in Europe, but if your ship tenders there, you still need to think about timing.
The old town is close once you are ashore, so Kotor can work well as an independent port day. But because it is a popular cruise stop, tendering can still affect how quickly you get off the ship, especially in the morning when lots of passengers want to go ashore at the same time.
If you are visiting Kotor, I have a separate guide on what tendering is like in Kotor, including where you arrive, what to expect, and how to plan your time ashore.
In a quieter tender port, you may be able to take your time and head ashore later. In a busy port like Santorini, your tender time, the number of ships in port, cable car queues, excursion timings and last tender back can all affect how much you can realistically do.
That does not mean you should avoid tender ports. Some of them are beautiful and well worth visiting. But it does mean you need to look at each port individually rather than assuming all tender days work the same way.
Should You Book a Cruise Line Excursion at a Tender Port?
A tender port is one of the situations where a cruise line excursion can make life easier.
That does not mean you have to book one, but it is worth considering if the port is complicated, the main attraction is far away, or you are worried about getting ashore quickly.
Cruise line excursions usually get priority tendering, and the ship knows where you are if there are delays with the tour.
If you are booking independently, leave plenty of buffer time. Do not book anything too close to the ship’s arrival time, and be very careful with tours that return close to the final tender.
Tender ports are not the best days to cut things fine.
Independent Excursions at Tender Ports
If you are planning your own day ashore, you can also look at independent excursions through sites like GetYourGuide.
This can work well in tender ports, but you need to be more careful with timings than you would be in a normal docked port. Tender ports can take longer because you need to get a tender ashore, reach the meeting point, and allow enough time to get back to the tender landing before the last boat returns to the ship.
For ports like Falmouth, Dublin, Kotor and Santorini, it is worth checking tour start times, meeting points, cancellation policies and how far the tour begins from the tender drop-off point.
In Kotor, the old town is close once you are ashore, so independent excursions can work well. But you still need to allow time for the tender process, especially if your tour starts early or takes you further around the Bay of Kotor.
In Santorini especially, timing really matters because the tender is only one part of the day. You also need to think about the cable car, queues at the Old Port, and how many cruise ships are visiting on the same day.
If you book an independent excursion, choose one that leaves plenty of buffer time. I would avoid anything that starts too soon after the ship arrives or returns close to the last tender back.
Here are a few options to look at:
Falmouth – Falmouth Tour: The Town That Connected the World
Dun Laoghaire Dublin: Cruise Excursion Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Rail Ticket
Kotor Kotor: Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers
Santorini Santorini Island Tour for Cruise Travelers – Small Group
Some links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.
Can Tender Ports Be Cancelled?
Yes, tender ports can be cancelled, even if the weather looks reasonable from the ship.
Tendering depends on sea conditions, swell, wind and whether it is safe for passengers to transfer between the ship and the tender boat.
Sometimes the ship can arrive at the port, anchor offshore, and then the captain decides it is not safe to tender passengers ashore. Other times tendering may start but be delayed, slowed down or stopped because conditions change.
This is one of the frustrating parts of tender ports, but it is done for safety.
If you are booking independent plans, always check the cancellation policy and avoid anything non-refundable where possible.
What Is the Tender Boat Like?
Tender boats vary depending on the ship and the port.
Sometimes the ship’s lifeboats are used. These are enclosed, practical boats designed for safety rather than comfort. In other ports, local tender boats may be used, and these can feel more like small ferries.
The ride can be calm and easy, but it can also feel bumpy if there is swell.
You may need to step from the ship onto the tender and then from the tender onto the pier ashore. Crew members are there to help, but the boat can move slightly with the water.
If you have mobility concerns, it is worth checking with the cruise line before you sail because tender ports can be more difficult than docked ports.
What to Take Ashore at a Tender Port
You should pack carefully for a tender port because popping back to the ship is less convenient than it is at a docked port.
Take everything you are likely to need for the day, including your cruise card, photo ID if required, any local currency or payment cards, water, sun protection, medication, and anything you need for your excursion.
It is also worth taking a light layer or waterproof jacket depending on the weather, especially because tender boats can feel cooler on the water.
Try not to overpack, though. You may need to carry your bag while boarding and leaving the tender.
Getting Back to the Ship
Returning to the ship is just as important as getting ashore.
The cruise line will tell you the time of the last tender. This is not the same as the ship’s departure time. You need to be back at the tender landing point before the final tender leaves shore.
There can also be queues later in the day, especially if lots of passengers return at the same time.
For that reason, I would not leave it until the last possible tender unless you are on an official cruise line excursion.
Aim to return earlier, especially if the weather is changing, the tender ride is long, or you are travelling back from somewhere outside the port area.
Tips for Planning a Tender Port Day
The best way to enjoy a tender port is to plan with extra time.
Check the tender process the night before. Find out whether you need a ticket, whether the cruise line app is used, and where you need to go in the morning.
Avoid booking independent tours too early unless you are confident you can get ashore in time. Leave extra time at the end of the day to get back to the tender point.
If the port is somewhere you really want to visit, consider whether a cruise line excursion gives you more peace of mind.
It also helps to be flexible. Tender ports can be beautiful, but they are more affected by weather and sea conditions than docked ports.
Are Tender Ports Worth It?
Tender ports can be a bit more effort, but they are often worth it.
Some of the most scenic cruise destinations are tender ports because large ships cannot dock there. You may get beautiful views of the ship from the water, a more atmospheric arrival, and access to smaller places that would not work as normal cruise ports.
The key is knowing what to expect.
Tender ports are not difficult, but they are different. Once you understand how the process works, it is much easier to plan your day and avoid unnecessary stress.
Useful Guides
If you are planning cruise port days, these guides will help you plan in more detail.
Falmouth Cruise Port Guide A practical guide to visiting Falmouth on a cruise, including what to expect when arriving by tender and how to plan your day ashore.
Dublin Cruise Port Guide My guide to visiting Dublin from a cruise ship, including how the tender process affects the day and what to think about before heading into the city.
What’s Tendering Like in Kotor? A closer look at how tendering works in Kotor, what to expect when arriving ashore, and how to plan your time around the old town and the Bay of Kotor.
Kotor Cruise Port Guide A full guide to visiting Kotor on a cruise, including the old town, scenic views, tours and how to make the most of a port day.
Avoid These Mediterranean Cruise Mistakes Mediterranean cruise ports can be busy, hot and more spread out than people expect. This guide is a good one to read if you are planning tender ports such as Santorini, Mykonos, Cannes or other busy summer destinations.
Solo Cruise Tips Tender ports can feel a bit more intimidating if you are travelling solo, especially when you are planning independent days ashore. These solo cruise tips will help you feel more confident about planning, timing and getting back to the ship.
FAQ: Tender Ports on a Cruise
What does tender port mean on a cruise?
A tender port is a cruise port where the ship does not dock directly at the pier. Instead, the ship anchors offshore and passengers are taken ashore by smaller boats called tenders.
What is a tender boat on a cruise?
A tender boat is the smaller boat used to transfer passengers between the cruise ship and the shore. It may be one of the ship’s lifeboats, a local boat, or a small ferry-style vessel used by the port.
Do cruise tender boats cost extra?
No, the tender boat itself does not usually cost extra. It is part of the cruise line’s port operation. However, excursions, transfers or transport once you are ashore may cost extra.
Do you need a ticket for a tender boat?
Sometimes, yes. Many cruise lines use tender tickets or a virtual queue for passengers going ashore independently. If you are booked on an official cruise line excursion, you will usually be given separate instructions and may not need to collect a normal tender ticket.
Who gets priority on cruise tenders?
Cruise line excursions usually get priority because they have fixed departure times. Suite guests, higher loyalty status guests or passengers with specific priority benefits may also be called earlier, depending on the cruise line.
Do independent excursions get tender priority?
Usually, independent excursions do not get tender priority through the cruise line. If you book a third-party tour, you need to allow enough time to get ashore on your own and reach the meeting point.
How long does tendering take on a cruise?
It depends on the port, the distance from the ship to shore, the weather, and how many passengers are trying to get off at the same time. The boat ride itself may be short, but the full process can take much longer when you include waiting, boarding and disembarking.
Can tender ports be cancelled?
Yes, tender ports can be cancelled if the sea conditions, wind or swell make it unsafe to transfer passengers between the ship and the tender boats. This can happen even if the weather does not look too bad from the ship.
Are tender boats safe?
Yes, tender boats are operated as part of the ship’s safety-controlled port operation. Crew members assist passengers when boarding and leaving the tender. However, the boat can move with the water, so you need to follow instructions carefully.
Are tender ports difficult with mobility issues?
Tender ports can be more difficult for passengers with mobility issues because you may need to step between the ship and a moving tender boat. Rules vary depending on the ship, port and conditions on the day, so it is important to check with your cruise line before you sail.
What happens if I miss the last tender back to the ship?
If you miss the last tender and you are not on an official cruise line excursion, you risk missing the ship. The last tender time is very important, and it is usually earlier than the ship’s actual departure time.
Is Santorini a tender port?
Yes, Santorini is a tender port. Cruise ships anchor in the caldera and passengers are taken ashore by tender boats. It is one of the tender ports where timing really matters because independent passengers usually also need to deal with the cable car or other routes up from the Old Port to Fira.
Is Falmouth a tender port?
Yes, Falmouth is often visited as a tender port by cruise ships. Passengers are taken ashore by tender rather than walking directly off the ship at a cruise terminal.
Is Dublin a tender port?
Dublin can be a tender port depending on the ship and itinerary. If your cruise ship tenders in Dublin, you need to allow extra time for the tender process and then onward travel into the city.
Is Kotor a tender port?
Kotor can be a tender port, depending on the ship and itinerary. If your cruise ship anchors in the Bay of Kotor, passengers are taken ashore by tender boat. The old town is close once you arrive ashore, but you should still allow extra time for the tender process, especially if you have a tour booked or want to get off the ship early.
Final Thoughts
Tender ports are a normal part of cruising, but they can catch people out if they are expecting a simple walk-off port day.
The main things to remember are that getting ashore can take longer, tender tickets may be needed, cruise line excursions may get priority, and the last tender back is the time that really matters.
Some tender ports, such as Falmouth, can be fairly straightforward. Others, such as Dublin, need more planning because you still have to get into the city after the tender. Then there are high-pressure tender ports like Santorini, where queues, cable car timings and the number of ships in port can make a big difference to the day.
Plan with extra time, check the process the night before, and do not leave your return to the ship until the last minute.
Once you know how tender ports work, they become much easier to manage, and they can be some of the most memorable days of your cruise.
Useful Cruise Items to Consider
These are a few simple items that can make your cruise on P&O Arvia more comfortable and help you stay organised onboard.
I personally use variations of these when cruising, and they’re all practical rather than essential.
Magnetic hooks Perfect for extra storage in your cabin
Packing cubes Keep your suitcase organised
Cruise luggage tags Protect your tags at the port
Travel Extension Lead UK For charging multiple phones, cameras, and laptops
Toiletry organiser Great for small bathrooms
You can also browse my full Cruise Essentials list for more useful items I use or recommend for cruise holidays.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.