Many people plan cruises to visit new destinations. However, did you know that you don't have to get off the ship in port?
Even short weekend voyages visit dreamy places like Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is definitely better than your average office workday. But if you stay on board, you can skip the usual crowds and enjoy the ship's amenities in peace.
In fact, staying on board during port days is becoming more and more common, especially on massive ships like Icon and Star of the Seas, where the ship is a destination in and of itself.
Still, the majority of passengers are likely to disembark to explore the port of call, even if just to lie on the beach for a few hours.
As such, the ship's amenities — including the pools, water slides, surfing simulator, and more — can be enjoyed without battling crowds or long sea day lines.
Here are six reasons why savvy travelers choose to remain on board when their cruise ship stops at a port of call.
Forces you to slow down and relax
If you're like me, you might want to cross everything (and more) off your to-do list. Sometimes, however, that isn't possible without wearing yourself down.
On port-intensive itineraries and larger vessels, it's easy to cram your schedule full of activities, from all-day shore excursions to evening production shows and more.
If you do not intentionally set aside time to rest, it's easy to quickly burn out, especially if you're sailing somewhere warm like the Caribbean or Mediterranean.
By skipping one port and staying on board, you are giving yourself permission to slow down and recharge. You don't have to worry about waking up early to catch your departing tour or claim a pool chair.
Instead, you can sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and spend the day catching up on your TBR ("to be read") list — or however else you best unwind.
Fewer lines
Another benefit to staying on board is that, since there are fewer people on the ship, lines are shorter. This means that you won't have to wait as long to try out the FlowRider surf simulator, zip line, water slides, and more.
Shorter lines aren’t just for fun activities, either. Guest Services, for example, tends to be quieter, which makes port days an ideal time to address any issues you've had during your cruise.
It's also easier to get in and out of the buffet, browsing the seemingly endless assortment of food without navigating other hungry passengers. With fewer people around, finding a table, preferably with a view, is less time-consuming, too.
Plenty of poolside lounge chairs
A similar perk is that you don't have to fight for a prime pool chair. On sea days, it's common (though frowned upon) for passengers to reserve lounge chairs when they aren't actively using them.
This is common on warm-weather itineraries when everyone flocks to the top decks to take advantage of the pool.
On port days, the pool deck is quieter and more laid-back. As such, you will find that it is easier to grab a pool chair, flag down a server, and soak up the sunshine — all without having to wake up at the crack of dawn.
Potential spa discounts
Getting pampered at the spa is one of the best ways to relax on vacation. Cruise ship spas, however, aren't known for being affordable. In fact, you can likely reserve a massage or facial for far less at home than at sea.
One way to save money on your luxurious spa day is to book a treatment on a port day. Usually, cruise lines will incentivize guests to stay on the ship and spend money by offering discounts on spa services.
The best way to check is to visit the spa on embarkation day. If they don't have any available offers, don't be afraid to periodically check in throughout your sailing. Discounts may appear in the daily Cruise Planner schedule, too.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Spa Package Prices
You can use your drink and Wi-Fi packages
While Royal Caribbean's fare is pretty inclusive compared to land vacations to destinations like Walt Disney World or New York City, certain things come with an extra cost — most notably alcoholic beverages and internet.
Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package is one of the most popular cruise add-ons. By purchasing the package, you receive unlimited drinks per day for one set price, typically anywhere from $56 to $115 per day.
The VOOM SURF + STREAM Internet Package gives cruisers access to some of the fastest Wi-Fi speeds at sea. You can browse the web, stream your favorite shows, FaceTime, and more.
However, unless you're visiting Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, these packages are useless while ashore. If, for example, you are in Nassau or St. Thomas, all drinks purchased ashore will cost extra — in addition to what you paid for the beverage package.
By staying on the ship, you can maximize the value of these add-ons.
You don't have to buy pricey excursions
Staying on board also means you can save money by skipping pricey tours. With proper planning, you can easily plan an affordable day ashore, either by sticking to "free" activities (like the beach at CocoCay) or exploring ports independently.
However, even small taxi fares can quickly add up, especially once you factor in the other purchases, such as beach chairs, food, etc.
By staying on the cruise ship, you avoid the temptation to overspend and take advantage of everything that you've already paid for. As such, it's a surprisingly smart way to keep overall cruise costs in check without sacrificing fun.
Read more: Guide to picking the perfect Royal Caribbean shore excursion
