Skip to main content

Port Arrival & Departure Limitations

Unfortunately, your in-port experience is constrained by a cruise ship’s arrival & departure ‘port call’ * schedule for each port. (e.g.: busy ports, like Nassau, with MAX “port call’ of 8 hrs & some even less’
                                              * “Port call” means the time a ship is docked in port.

    a. Port Authorities and Regulations: own schedule regs based on adequate space, cruise line's
        itinerary, port capacity, berths availability & local regs on vessel size, eco-impact, & safety.

    b. Cruise Line Itineraries: planned years ahead including negotiated dock times, in-port stay
        balance between shore time & ship's schedule.

    c. Econ Considerations: Both ports & cruise lines have economic interests:
        Historically:
            Ports: promote max # of ships & guests to MAXIMIZE local income
            Ships: optimize operating costs & maximizing guest satisfaction.
       Trend is reversing: as many ports seek to restore their citizen's quality of life by limiting # of cruise ships & guests at one time because such huge numbers destroys the very attraction these ports & sites offerred. 

         Protest Examples: Marseille, France (9/2024), Amsterdam, Netherlands (9/2024)Barcelona, Spain (7/2024)Yorktown, Virginia (2024): for eco, Quality of Life and other issues. The irony is that some of the complaints should include the tourist's lower quality experience ... even if they don't recognize it. 

    d. Eco-Restrictions: Some ports (Amsterdam & Venice) restrict dock times & even some ships. (see above)

    e. Tide, Weather & Boat Draft: can influence docking safety & access,

    f. Security & Safety Protocols: can influence port-of-call times: security checks, customs process, & compliance.

   g. Passenger & Crew Logistics: time required for: passenger’s disembark/reboard, crew changes, supply & maintenance

   h. International Agreements & Laws: safety and environmental standards (International
         Maritime Organization (IMO)

Subscribe!

Join my mailing list to get new content notifications.

* indicates required

Intuit Mailchimp