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At some ports the ship is unable to dock at a quay and it will anchor some distance offshore. Passengers will then have to go ashore by tenders - open or enclosed motorised launches that run a shuttle service a short distance to the port and back again. Cruise itineraries will say "by tender" or show an anchor symbol against the port name to advise you of this. At some ports this is because there are no facilities to dock or the ship is too large to dock. Sometimes the tendering is unscheduled due to quaysides being fully occupied.

You will find that getting ashore will take longer at tender ports. There is a limited capacity on the launches so you will be organised into groups (using a ticketing system) for going ashore until most passengers have left. There are regular launches back to the ship but as excursions return and sailing approaches you will have to queue to get onboard. If the sea is rough tendering can be quite difficult and you have to take great care in boarding the launch. If too rough you may not be able to visit the port at all.

Tendering can present difficulties to all disabled passengers. Are the ship's tenders accessible for wheelchairs - how will I be transferred to the tender? Try to get these questions answered before you book the cruise but check again once you board or if there is an unscheduled tender port.