• How much time will I have at each port?
• What activities or excursions can I expect? How much extra will they cost?
• Is food provided while at port?
• How much can I expect to spend while at each port?
• Will there be buying pressure?
• How do I exchange money at port?
• Can I stay on the ship while it's at port?
• What if I miss the ship while at port?
• What if there is bad weather on port days?
• Are ports safe?
• What happens if an unsafe situation arises while I am at port?

How much time will I have at each port?
The layover time at each port-of-call ranges from half a day to several days, and varies by cruise line and itinerary. In most cases, the ship will arrive in port in the morning and depart in the early evening.
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What activities or excursions can I expect? How much extra will they cost?
Every port offers a variety of shore excursions from sightseeing tours to adventure activities, beach shuttles, restaurant visits, shopping trips, and booze cruises. A list of options is available online, in your cruise documents, or at the ship's tour desk. Costs range from as little as $20 to as much as several hundred dollars per excursion, and vary by itinerary and cruise line.
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Is food provided while at port?
Food is not provided off the ship unless you take a shore excursion that specifically states that a meal is included. The only exception is on cruise line's private islands where the ship's crew comes ashore to serve a buffet lunch.
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How much can I expect to spend while at each port?
How much you spend at port varies by excursion costs, personal preferences, and shopping habits.
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Will there be buying pressure?
More than likely, locals will bombard you with offers for things like local tours and crafts anytime you are in port. These locals make their living by selling to the tourists, so there will be some pressure. Whether or not you wish to participate is entirely up to you.
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How do I exchange money at port?
You can easily exchange money while in port through ATM machines or at local banks. You can also exchange money prior to the cruise at a bank or at the airport. Once onboard, you can exchange money at the purser's desk.
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Can I stay on the ship while it's at port?
Yes, you can stay onboard the ship and enjoy all its amenities and cuisine while others are at port.
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What if I miss the ship while at port?
All guests are required to be aboard the ship no later than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, which is listed in the ship's daily activity bulletin and posted at the gangway. The scheduling of all shore excursions conforms to this requirement. However, if you miss the boat, it will be your responsibility (and expense) to secure transportation to reach the ship at the next port.
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What if there is bad weather on port days?
Weather is unpredictable, but knowing all the possible weather situations before you go will help you plan your wardrobe accordingly, allowing you to enjoy a destination more thoroughly. Most shore excursions take place rain or shine.
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Are ports safe?
The majority of ports are safe. However, a large ship full of tourists is prey for local criminals. The fact that you are on the ship pre-labels you as wealthy in comparison to most of the locals in many parts of the world. The more you know about the specific port and country, the better. Always avoid drawing attention to yourself, wearing expensive jewelry, and displaying large amounts of cash. Lastly, do not drink or use substances that could impair your judgment.

The U.S. State Department's website offers detailed information on foreign country entry requirements, customs, safety, traffic and aviation safety, crime, criminal penalties, medical facilities, and special-issue information. It also includes contact information and web links to foreign Embassies and Consulate offices.

In addition, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) offers the World Factbook website that provides more information on foreign countries.
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What happens if an unsafe situation arises while I am at port?
The cruise line will provide an information sheet listing in-port contacts to passengers should an unsafe situation arise while you are at port.
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