What Does Tendered Mean For A Cruise?

Tendering is a process where passengers and crew are transported from a cruise ship to the port when the ship is too large to dock in a specific port or the port is already occupied by another ship. This is typically done when the ship cannot dock directly at the port or when there is no pier that can accommodate the ship’s size. Tendering is often used when a cruise ship anchors offshore and smaller boats are used to transport passengers from the ship to shore.

Tender boats, also known as water shuttles, are used in destinations where there is no room left for the main ship to dock. The term “tendered” in the cruise industry refers to being transported from the ship to the shore of a nearby town or island by a small boat. The boats themselves are smaller than the ships themselves, and they serve as a bridge between the cruise ship and the shore.

Tendering occurs when a ship moors slightly outside the port, and passengers transfer to smaller boats that carry them to the port. Tendering is different from traditional docking, as it does not have a suitable harbor big enough to accommodate modern cruise ships. Tender ports may be smaller than traditional docking facilities, but they are still used to accommodate larger ships.

In summary, tendering is a crucial process in the cruise industry, where passengers are transported from their anchored vessel to the shore when the ship is too large to dock in a port of call, the water is too shallow, or the ocean liner arrives later than other ships. Tendering is essential for ensuring the safety and convenience of passengers and crew during their cruise journey.