Monday, April 1, 2024

Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports and Tender Boats on a Cruise

cruise ship tender

Instead, the cruise ship drops anchor offshore and passengers are ferried to land on smaller boats, called “tenders”. Before these ships were mass-produced, the main way to board a larger ship (mainly ocean liners) was to board a passenger tender. Passenger tenders remained based at their ports of registry, and when a ship came through the area, the tender would tie up with the ship and embark passengers on an elevated walkway. These vessels were larger, had a greater passenger capacity, and a broader sense of individuality in their respective companies than the more modern tenders seen today.

Safety Measures and Regulations for Tenders on a Cruise Ship

Whether you wait in line, use a ticketing system, or patiently stay behind until the tender line has diminished, there are no ticketing systems for the return trip. This means there will likely be lines for tender boats in order to reboard your ship. Because of the possibility of long lines, make sure you allot yourself plenty of time to get back on to your cruise ship after enjoying your excursions while in port. On the other hand, smaller cruise ships or those that mainly dock at well-equipped ports might not have dedicated tender boats. In such cases, if a tender is needed, the cruise line typically arranges for local boats to ferry passengers.

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The steps going down into the tender (and back out again) are generally a bit steeper. Many cruise lines will set up an area (often in the theater) where a crew member hands out tender tickets to passengers during specific times. You won’t be able to pick up a ticket at these locations outside of those times. Years ago when I was researching my very first cruise, I noticed there were a few tender ports on our itinerary. Wanting to make sure that all of our major expenses were pre-paid before we left for vacation, I started searching for instructions on how to pay for our tender tickets.

Tender Boats Often Aren’t Suitable for People With Limited Mobility

The good news is that it allows you to visit more ports and gives you a unique perspective from a photographer’s point of view. The ship will leave you behind if you’re not back in time for scheduled departure. Allow for a few hours ahead of the final tender boat to avoid queues. However, if you book an excursion with an independent tour provider, you need to factor in plenty of time to reach the shore in time for the activity. Up next, we will cover safety and emergency procedures on tender boats, an essential aspect of your journey.

cruise ship tender

Disadvantages of Tendering

Depending on your personality, age and health, you may see tendering as another piece of your cruising adventure or as an annoyance. The drawback of having cruise ship tender ports on your itinerary is that the process takes time. In addition, the tender boats aren’t particularly comfortable and cruisers will likely have to wait in line to return to their ship.

What to do if you get left behind during a cruise stop - USA TODAY

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Some cruise ports have shallow harbors that don’t allow for today’s massive cruise ships to pull right up to a pier. Other ports only have a limited amount of berths at their piers, so any extra ships that visit just don’t have a spot available. Cruise lines usually specify which ports of call on each itinerary will be tender ports, and passengers have the opportunity to obtain tender tickets if they wish to go ashore. Lahaina does have one berth for cruise ships to dock directly, but it is normally a tender port.

The tender boats are small and it wouldn’t be a pleasant ride in strong winds. The cruise line cannot risk having guests off the ship and it is too unsafe to get them back to the ship.. Cruise ship tendering can be an enjoyable experience if you know how to navigate through the process properly. If you booked an early excursion, ensure that you have priority tendering. After all, you don’t want to miss your activity, so you will need to be sure you get on the boat right away. Keep in mind the other helpful tips we’ve given for a leisurely and enjoyable tender experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line Explains After Switching Port

Listen to me if you are reasonable and weigh the risks versus the unobstructed benefits. A tender is a smaller vessel that is used to transport passengers and sometimes cargo between the cruise ship and the shore. It serves as a bridge, allowing passengers to disembark at destinations where the cruise ship cannot dock directly.

Cruise Ship Tendering Is Not Suitable for People Afraid of Sea Sickness

They are typically equipped with powerful engines, maneuverable propellers, and navigational instruments to ensure smooth operation in various conditions. While tendering is becoming more common, it is not always an option for every cruise line or cruise ship. Tendering options can depend on where the cruise ship is traveling to, its itinerary, and whether or not the vessel has the necessary equipment to facilitate tender ports.

The actual transit time isn’t usually too long but when you ad waiting for the tender at both ends, loading people into the boat etc the whole experience can take some time. It is definitely slower than docking in the traditional sense where you just walk off the ship. There are many benefits as well as disadvantages of tendering on a cruise. Therefore, if you aren’t sure footed, don’t have a long stride, or use a wheelchair, you may want to avoid tendering. Without being able to reach land, there is a chance that you may miss your activity.

cruise ship tender

The one issue on some tenders that could pose an issue is if the lower level of the boat is full and you have to head to the top deck. Some tenders have a full flight of steep metal stairs (with railings) to access the top level. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Their hull classification symbols in the US Navy were, respectively, AS and AD, while general repair ships were AR. Naval tenders fell out of use during the late 20th century, as the speed and range of warships increased (reducing the need for advanced basing). Fortunately, injured passengers can file a claim against the cruise company to recover compensation. However, cruise companies have a terrible reputation for avoiding claims making it challenging for victims to fight for their rights. 40,000 people receive my best cruise tips, insights and guides every week.

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