What Does Possible Tender Mean On A Cruise?

Tender ports are ports where cruise ships cannot dock directly at a pier due to various reasons. When docking is not possible, the ship anchors in deeper water offshore and uses smaller boats, called tenders, to transport passengers to and from shore. These tenders are often advertised in advance as part of the cruise itinerary.

Tendering allows cruise lines to take passengers to a larger variety of port destinations, as water shuttles can provide access to ports that might not be accessible by the ship. In most ports of call, the ship docks alongside a jetty and youll. Tendering allows guests on large cruise ships to visit smaller islands and destinations that would otherwise be inaccessible. However, there is a higher chance of the port being skipped if the weather is bad.

Tendering is secured to the ship with ropes, and a walkway with side rails is pulled out of the ship and aligned with the tender boats. When the ship cannot dock, it drops anchor in a suitable sheltered spot and lowers its lifeboats. There is no cause for alarm, as a tender is a small boat used to transport passengers between their cruise ship and the port when the ship itself is unable to dock.

In summary, tender ports are ports where cruise ships cannot dock directly at a pier due to various reasons. Tendering allows passengers to visit smaller islands and destinations that would otherwise be inaccessible, but there is a higher chance of the port being skipped if the weather is bad.