Why We Sometimes Stay on the Ship at Cruise Ports (and Why You Might Want To Too)

Thinking of staying on board instead of rushing off at every cruise port? Not every cruise port is worth the stress, especially with small children. Here’s why we sometimes skip port days completely and enjoy the quieter side of cruise life.

One of the things I see a lot in cruise conversations is this idea that you have to get off the ship at every port. You’re on holiday! You paid for the itinerary! You should explore all the places! And for some people, that’s really fair, especially if it’s a place you can’t revisit or a once-in-a-lifetime stop.

But for us – sometimes, we don’t.

We’re a family with a baby and a toddler, and while we do love a good explore, we sometimes choose to stay on board and enjoy a quieter ship experience – and not queue for two hours in the heat for a shuttle bus!

So, in this post, I want to talk about why we sometimes stay on the ship on port days, and why you might want to as well. Especially if you’re cruising with little ones, or just want a less frantic experience. And, most importantly, why you shouldn’t feel guilty for staying on board.

💤 Why It’s Okay to Stay Onboard

I know it can feel like you’re missing out or wasting an opportunity if you don’t get off the ship. But for us – especially with two small children – that’s not the reality at all.

For some days, the best choice for our family is rest and peace. Some days I’d like coffee in a mug and not a takeaway cup I have to balance alongside pushing a pram.

We skip some ports not because we don’t care about them, but because the ship itself is part of the holiday too. We’ve paid for the restaurants, the splash zone, the lounges, the sunbeds – and when the ship empties out, those spaces become peaceful and enjoyable in a way that’s just not possible on sea days.

And to be totally honest, sometimes the thought of folding the pram, wrangling two overtired kids through security, and then queueing for a coach just to look at a fountain that your toddler thinks is a bath... well, it just doesn’t feel worth it.

If you feel like you and your family need a slower day – take one. The museums will still be there next time.

🌊 What It’s Like Onboard When Everyone Else Gets Off

• 🏊 The pools are quiet – sometimes empty, especially in the morning
• 🛏️ Sunbeds are available (yes, you will see the true cruise unicorn – sunbeds without towels!)
• 🥗 The buffet is less chaotic
• 🍽️ On some cruise lines, the speciality restaurants are discounted
• ☕ You can grab a coffee and relax without someone hovering for your seats
• 👧 The kids can explore a splash zone or play area without a crush of older children

There’s something so special about having breathing room – especially as a parent and especially if the sea days on the ship have felt busy and overwhelming. It’s a chance to enjoy the ship in a way that isn’t always possible on sea days.

🚫 When You Might Want to Skip a Port

• 🚌 Long shuttle rides – anything where you might need to take a long bus or boat into the town centre
• 🚼 Poor accessibility – ports that aren’t pram-friendly, have lots of cobbles or steep hills, or a huge walk to town
• ☀️ Extreme weather – if it’s 35°C and humid or tipping it down with rain
• 🛍️ If the port’s mostly shopping – especially the duty-free warehouse style

And honestly? Some days, it’s just about where we’re at as a family. If someone didn’t sleep well, or we just fancy a calmer day – we might stay put.

Now it might be that, honestly, travelling with toddlers is hard – so when they’re older we might get off the ship more often, even just for a little mooch around. But the truth is that it’s very difficult to have a “quick look” or “quick walk” or quick… anything, with small children.

⛴️ What We Do Instead

• 🥞 A slow breakfast with no buffet battle
• 💦 A full morning in the splash zone, just us
• ☕ Nap walks around the top deck with a pram and a coffee (aka cardio with a view)
• 🍝 A proper sit-down lunch without feeling rushed
• 📚 Afternoon naps while one of us reads (or naps too!)

📌 Tip: Pack a couple of activities for onboard days just like you would for a port stop. Snacks, crayons, swim nappies etc. It’s not as much fun if you keep having to go back to your cabin, which are always 47 corridors away, no matter where you are!

👀 Want a peek at how this played out on our Arvia sailing? 

💡 You’re Allowed to Stay Onboard

If you need to hear it, here it is: you are allowed to skip the port. You’re allowed to stay on board, sit in the sun, and enjoy your ship without chasing the next landmark.

You don’t owe anyone a list of how many cities you visited, and your holiday is not a stamp-collecting contest. Especially not with a baby strapped to your front and a toddler tantruming!

And the best bit? You’ll probably remember those calm, easy ship days just as much – if not more – than the bus tours and photo stops.

So next time you’re feeling cruise guilt for not getting off the ship, give yourself a break. The fountains will still be there. But the hot tub might actually be empty. Skip the port, and claim your sunbed victory.

✨ Was This Helpful?

If you found this post useful, you might also enjoy:

• 👶 Blog: Should you Take a Baby or Toddler on a Cruise? 

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You can find more cruise reviews, tips for travelling with little ones, and new videos every other Friday right here:

• 📸 Instagram: @lisschatsship
• ▶️ YouTube: Liss Chats Ship
• 🌐 Blog: www.lisschatsship.com
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💬 Have you ever skipped a port? Let me know where, and whether you'd do it again – I’d love to hear your stories.