One of the best parts of a cruise is waking up in a brand-new destination. Whether it’s a Caribbean island, a European port city, or a hidden coastal town, your shore days are your chance to truly explore.
But with limited time and unfamiliar surroundings, shore days can also feel rushed or overwhelming. The key is preparation. Here are five essential tips to help you get the most out of your cruise excursions and enjoy every minute on land.
1. Plan Your Shore Days Before the Cruise
While “winging it” might sound adventurous, it’s rarely the best strategy when you only have a few hours in a foreign port. Arriving with no plan can leave you scrambling for last-minute excursions or missing out on incredible experiences simply because you didn’t know they existed.
Before your cruise, take time to:
- Review the port stops and available excursions
- Read traveler reviews to avoid scams or low-quality tours
- Book your top choices early so you don’t miss out
Not all excursions are created equal. Some are unforgettable highlights of the trip, while others can be overpriced disappointments. Planning ahead helps ensure your shore days are memorable for the right reasons.
2. Bring Plenty of Small Bills for Tipping
Many first-time cruisers underestimate how often tipping comes up on shore excursions. From drivers and tour guides to local hosts and activity leaders, it’s common for multiple people to provide services during your day.
Most of them expect a tip — and in many locations, getting change for large bills can be difficult or impossible.
To avoid awkward moments, bring:
- Around $40 in cash per day for tips
- Primarily in small bills ($1s, $5s, and $10s)
This makes it easy to tip each person fairly without needing change, and helps you show appreciation for the people who make your shore experiences run smoothly.
3. Make Sure You Have International Phone Coverage
Your phone is one of your most valuable tools when exploring a new destination — whether you need directions, want to check excursion meeting points, or simply stay connected with family back home.
Unfortunately, most phone providers do not automatically include international coverage. Some require expensive add-ons, and others don’t offer coverage at all.
A reliable and affordable solution is purchasing an international SIM card before your trip.
Providers like Airalo let you buy data packages for the specific countries you’ll be visiting. This ensures you’ll have access to:
- Maps and directions
- Email and communication
- Local travel information
Having data access dramatically reduces stress and makes navigating each port far easier.
4. Download WhatsApp for Messaging on Shore
Even with international data, iMessage and traditional SMS can be unreliable in many countries. That’s why it’s smart to download WhatsApp before your cruise.
WhatsApp works over your data connection, allowing you to:
- Stay in touch with travel companions
- Communicate with excursion guides
- Send messages and photos without worrying about texting charges
This is especially helpful if your excursion operator uses WhatsApp to coordinate meeting locations or schedule updates.
5. Screenshot and Share All Excursion Details Before Departure
One of the easiest ways to avoid stress on shore days is to have all of your excursion information saved offline and shared with your travel group.
Before your cruise:
- Screenshot your confirmation numbers and tickets
- Save contact information for tour operators
- Share everything with your travel party
That way, if you lose cell service, your phone dies, or someone gets separated, you’ll still have backup records and easy access to the information you need.
Final Thoughts: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Shore days are some of the most exciting moments of a cruise — but they’re also limited. With the right planning, a bit of extra cash for tips, reliable phone access, and shared excursion details, you can enjoy each destination without unnecessary stress.
The more prepared you are, the more you can focus on what really matters: unleashing your sense of adventure and enjoying every port of call.
Life Unleashed 
Leave a comment