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Mediterranean
Eclipse
Celebrity Cruises
15th Sep 2012
14 nights
Price from: £1187
Eclipse
Celebrity Cruises
15th Sep 2012
14 nights
Price from: £1187
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Canaries
Eclipse
Celebrity Cruises
13th Oct 2012
14 nights
Price from: £1282
Eclipse
Celebrity Cruises
13th Oct 2012
14 nights
Price from: £1282
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Mediterranean
Eclipse
Celebrity Cruises
1st Sep 2012
14 nights
Price from: £1234
Eclipse
Celebrity Cruises
1st Sep 2012
14 nights
Price from: £1234
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Transatlantic
Queen Mary 2
Cunard Cruises
29th May 2012
7 nights
Price from: £599
Queen Mary 2
Cunard Cruises
29th May 2012
7 nights
Price from: £599
Can I go ashore on my own?
Going Ashore
Going Ashore
Many cruisers prefer to go ashore on their own to explore, shop or perhaps go to the beach. If this is your plan, read our Security Ashore tip and the Port Description on this site to get an idea of what the port is like and distance to shops and the nearest beach. Remember that some countries have strict dress codes and ladies may need clothes that will cover both legs and shoulders.
One advantage of doing your own thing is that excursions leave the ship first so you can take your time and have a leisurely breakfast or lunch before disembarking. On larger ships, particularly at a tender port, tickets are issued so that the numbers getting off are staggered. You cannot get off until your ticket number is called, but you can go later if you prefer.
Whatever your reason for going ashore remember that, unless you are on a ship's excursion, you are not covered by the ship's insurance and the ship will depart if you do not get back before the sailing time. We advise that you allow plenty of time to get back to the ship - taxis may be easy to get at the quayside but it might be much harder to get a taxi to bring you back to the port, particularly during rush hours. Check out your public transport alternatives and make sure you know the times of transport back to the ship.
Independent tours can often be purchased on the quayside either on a bus or a customised tour with a taxi driver. Make sure the driver can speak English and that you agree a price before starting out - don't pay until you get to your destination or back to the ship. There is safety in numbers so travel in groups of two or more. If you are a confident driver you may decide to hire a car and explore that way.
Shopping has become a major recreational activity. Many of the cruise lines (particularly American) will have a Shopping Advisor onboard who will give talks on the shopping opportunities in each port and give a list of recommended shops with map. The cruise line will be getting commission from these recommended stores but at least you will have some sort of come-back with the cruise line if there is something wrong with the goods. The Port Briefing will tell you if you can walk to the shops or if you require transport. In some ports a shuttle service is provided to the main shopping area.
If you just want to go to the beach for a swim then check out our Port Description and the Port Briefing - details of the nearest beach are usually given. It may be possible to walk or you may need a taxi. Sometimes there is a shuttle bus to a beach and often one of the Ship's Excursions is a Beach Day at a resort hotel.
One advantage of doing your own thing is that excursions leave the ship first so you can take your time and have a leisurely breakfast or lunch before disembarking. On larger ships, particularly at a tender port, tickets are issued so that the numbers getting off are staggered. You cannot get off until your ticket number is called, but you can go later if you prefer.
Whatever your reason for going ashore remember that, unless you are on a ship's excursion, you are not covered by the ship's insurance and the ship will depart if you do not get back before the sailing time. We advise that you allow plenty of time to get back to the ship - taxis may be easy to get at the quayside but it might be much harder to get a taxi to bring you back to the port, particularly during rush hours. Check out your public transport alternatives and make sure you know the times of transport back to the ship.
Independent tours can often be purchased on the quayside either on a bus or a customised tour with a taxi driver. Make sure the driver can speak English and that you agree a price before starting out - don't pay until you get to your destination or back to the ship. There is safety in numbers so travel in groups of two or more. If you are a confident driver you may decide to hire a car and explore that way.
Shopping has become a major recreational activity. Many of the cruise lines (particularly American) will have a Shopping Advisor onboard who will give talks on the shopping opportunities in each port and give a list of recommended shops with map. The cruise line will be getting commission from these recommended stores but at least you will have some sort of come-back with the cruise line if there is something wrong with the goods. The Port Briefing will tell you if you can walk to the shops or if you require transport. In some ports a shuttle service is provided to the main shopping area.
If you just want to go to the beach for a swim then check out our Port Description and the Port Briefing - details of the nearest beach are usually given. It may be possible to walk or you may need a taxi. Sometimes there is a shuttle bus to a beach and often one of the Ship's Excursions is a Beach Day at a resort hotel.
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