It’s exciting to wake up in a completely new destination. One morning you’re hard at work, the next you’re looking out at a beautiful view, and a few hours later you could be exploring a new neighbourhood, swimming from a quiet beach or sitting down for lunch in a quaint local restaurant.
That’s part of the appeal of cruising: you can experience several destinations in one trip. But when you only have a few hours ashore, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to see everything, following the crowds and spending most of your money in the businesses closest to the cruise terminal.
A different approach can make your time in port more rewarding – and more sustainable.
From learning about local customs and choosing independent businesses to buying from local artisans and avoiding unnecessary pressure on popular attractions, there are plenty of ways to make your visit count.
Because a cruise port isn’t simply somewhere your ship stops. It’s a place where people live, work and build their communities. And for us, learning more about the places we visit is what makes travelling so exciting in the first place.
That’s part of the appeal of cruising: you can experience several destinations in one trip. But when you only have a few hours ashore, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to see everything, following the crowds and spending most of your money in the businesses closest to the cruise terminal.
A different approach can make your time in port more rewarding – and more sustainable.
From learning about local customs and choosing independent businesses to buying from local artisans and avoiding unnecessary pressure on popular attractions, there are plenty of ways to make your visit count.
Because a cruise port isn’t simply somewhere your ship stops. It’s a place where people live, work and build their communities. And for us, learning more about the places we visit is what makes travelling so exciting in the first place.
Santorini port is very different to the Bahamas - each has a unique experience
Every Cruise Port Offers a Different Experience
No two cruise ports are exactly alike. A fishing village in Greece offers a completely different experience from that of a port in the Bahamas, while a Hawaiian island has its own traditions, landscapes, and way of life. Whether you’re taking premium cruises from Florida through the Caribbean or exploring the Norwegian fjords, every itinerary offers the chance to experience somewhere new.
You may also discover more interesting places beyond the main tourist route – a neighbourhood market, independent café, small museum or family-run restaurant which will give you a better feel for everyday life.
That variety is one of the reasons cruising can be such an interesting way to travel.
But when you only have a few hours ashore, it’s easy to see each destination as a checklist of attractions. Instead, spend a little time learning about the place before you arrive. Learn more about local customs, cultural or religious etiquette, and do some quick research around tipping and any environmental rules visitors should know about. All you need is a small amount of knowledge, which can change how you experience a destination.
No two cruise ports are exactly alike. A fishing village in Greece offers a completely different experience from that of a port in the Bahamas, while a Hawaiian island has its own traditions, landscapes, and way of life. Whether you’re taking premium cruises from Florida through the Caribbean or exploring the Norwegian fjords, every itinerary offers the chance to experience somewhere new.
You may also discover more interesting places beyond the main tourist route – a neighbourhood market, independent café, small museum or family-run restaurant which will give you a better feel for everyday life.
That variety is one of the reasons cruising can be such an interesting way to travel.
But when you only have a few hours ashore, it’s easy to see each destination as a checklist of attractions. Instead, spend a little time learning about the place before you arrive. Learn more about local customs, cultural or religious etiquette, and do some quick research around tipping and any environmental rules visitors should know about. All you need is a small amount of knowledge, which can change how you experience a destination.
Choose a local restaurant or beach bar away from the port
Island Destinations Can Feel the Pressure of Tourism
Many islands have limited resources and infrastructure. Fresh water, waste management, transport, energy and food supplies can all be more challenging to manage than in larger mainland destinations.
Then add large numbers of visitors arriving within a few hours.
Cruise tourism can bring valuable income to port communities, supporting restaurants, retailers, guides, transport operators and other local businesses. But the benefits aren't automatically spread throughout the community, and destinations can also experience congestion and pressure on local infrastructure and natural environments. This is where individual travellers have a role to play.
You can't control how many ships arrive in a port or how a destination manages tourism, but you can make choices about how you behave and where you spend your money. Sustainability doesn't have to be complicated; it could be as simple as asking yourself: Can my visit benefit this place without putting unnecessary pressure on it?
Sometimes the answer is as straightforward as choosing a small independent restaurant, using a local guide. or visiting a less crowded attraction.
Many islands have limited resources and infrastructure. Fresh water, waste management, transport, energy and food supplies can all be more challenging to manage than in larger mainland destinations.
Then add large numbers of visitors arriving within a few hours.
Cruise tourism can bring valuable income to port communities, supporting restaurants, retailers, guides, transport operators and other local businesses. But the benefits aren't automatically spread throughout the community, and destinations can also experience congestion and pressure on local infrastructure and natural environments. This is where individual travellers have a role to play.
You can't control how many ships arrive in a port or how a destination manages tourism, but you can make choices about how you behave and where you spend your money. Sustainability doesn't have to be complicated; it could be as simple as asking yourself: Can my visit benefit this place without putting unnecessary pressure on it?
Sometimes the answer is as straightforward as choosing a small independent restaurant, using a local guide. or visiting a less crowded attraction.
On our Jamaican cruise, we booked a local tour company
Make Your Money Count Locally
When you only have one day (or even a few hours) in a destination, where you spend your money matters.
Cruise tourism can provide genuine economic opportunities for communities, but local spending is one way visitors can help ensure those opportunities reach people living in the destination. Instead of automatically eating at a familiar international chain or buying from shops directly beside the cruise terminal, step away from the crowds and choose a small family-run restaurant, or sit and enjoy a coffee at a quaint café.
When we visited Jamaica on a Caribbean cruise, we booked an independent local tour guide that combined Bob Marley’s birthplace at Nine Mile with Dunn’s River Falls. This gave us a chance to explore beyond the immediate port area and experience more of the country.
You don't need to spend a fortune. A few small purchases from several independent businesses can be more meaningful than one large purchase from a business that happens to be convenient.
When you only have one day (or even a few hours) in a destination, where you spend your money matters.
Cruise tourism can provide genuine economic opportunities for communities, but local spending is one way visitors can help ensure those opportunities reach people living in the destination. Instead of automatically eating at a familiar international chain or buying from shops directly beside the cruise terminal, step away from the crowds and choose a small family-run restaurant, or sit and enjoy a coffee at a quaint café.
When we visited Jamaica on a Caribbean cruise, we booked an independent local tour guide that combined Bob Marley’s birthplace at Nine Mile with Dunn’s River Falls. This gave us a chance to explore beyond the immediate port area and experience more of the country.
You don't need to spend a fortune. A few small purchases from several independent businesses can be more meaningful than one large purchase from a business that happens to be convenient.
Buy local souvenirs such as traditional artwork
Choose Local Souvenirs That Are Good for the Destination
Souvenirs are part of travel, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting something to remind you of a place. But if you’re going to spend money, why not choose something that supports the local community and is kind to the environment?
Cruise ports are often surrounded by souvenir shops, but something sold on an island doesn’t necessarily mean it was made there. Walk a little further, and you may find local markets, independent artists and traditional craftspeople selling handmade jewellery, ceramics, paintings, textiles, wood carvings and woven products.
Ask where something was made, who made it and, where relevant, what the materials are. You may discover a great local story while making sure more of your money stays with the people who live there.
Some souvenirs are best admired rather than bought:
When in doubt, leave it behind. A locally made piece of artwork or craft is a much better reminder of your travels than something taken from the beach or wildlife.
And you don't need to buy something at every port. Purchasing fewer, better-quality souvenirs is the more sustainable choice; all you need is one meaningful item with a genuine connection to the destination.
Souvenirs are part of travel, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting something to remind you of a place. But if you’re going to spend money, why not choose something that supports the local community and is kind to the environment?
Cruise ports are often surrounded by souvenir shops, but something sold on an island doesn’t necessarily mean it was made there. Walk a little further, and you may find local markets, independent artists and traditional craftspeople selling handmade jewellery, ceramics, paintings, textiles, wood carvings and woven products.
Ask where something was made, who made it and, where relevant, what the materials are. You may discover a great local story while making sure more of your money stays with the people who live there.
Some souvenirs are best admired rather than bought:
- Coral: coral is a living animal, and coral reefs are incredibly important ecosystems. Conservation bodies advise against buying coral jewellery or decorative coral unless its legal and sustainable source is certain.
- Shells and marine life: even an apparently empty shell can provide a home for marine life, and removing shells, coral or other natural materials can be prohibited in some destinations.
- Wildlife products: don't buy items made from turtle shell, ivory, feathers, teeth, bones or other animal parts. Some come from protected species and international trade can be restricted under CITES.
When in doubt, leave it behind. A locally made piece of artwork or craft is a much better reminder of your travels than something taken from the beach or wildlife.
And you don't need to buy something at every port. Purchasing fewer, better-quality souvenirs is the more sustainable choice; all you need is one meaningful item with a genuine connection to the destination.
Respect each destination - and always ask permission to take photographs of people
Respect the Place Beyond the Tourist Attractions
You may be on holiday, but the people you encounter aren't. The market you're wandering through is someone's workplace. The quiet street you're photographing may be someone's neighbourhood. A beach you enjoy might be an important part of the local environment or community.
A little awareness goes a long way.
None of this is difficult. It is about remembering that you're visiting somewhere rather than taking possession of it for the day.
You may be on holiday, but the people you encounter aren't. The market you're wandering through is someone's workplace. The quiet street you're photographing may be someone's neighbourhood. A beach you enjoy might be an important part of the local environment or community.
A little awareness goes a long way.
- Ask permission before photographing people, particularly children, workers or anyone who is clearly going about their daily life.
- Keep noise down in residential areas
- Dress appropriately when visiting religious or culturally significant places.
- Follow signs and local rules, particularly around wildlife and protected areas.
- Don't touch coral, feed wildlife or take shells, rocks, plants or other natural materials as souvenirs.
- Take your rubbish with you.
None of this is difficult. It is about remembering that you're visiting somewhere rather than taking possession of it for the day.
Don't always follow the tourist crowd - step away from the port
You Don't Have to Follow the Crowd
One of the easiest ways to have a more enjoyable and potentially more sustainable day in port is to look beyond the most obvious attractions. Popular landmarks are popular for a reason, and there's nothing wrong with visiting them, but when thousands of people arrive at the same time or all head for the same beach, viewpoint or historic site, overcrowding can become a problem.
Research into cruise destinations has found that excessive visitor numbers can affect residents' quality of life, increase congestion and put pressure on local environments and infrastructure. So before you automatically book the excursion everyone else is doing, see what alternatives are available.
We’ve always enjoyed finding quieter alternatives, and our experience of Gili Trawangan showed us that simply walking beyond the busy harbour can reveal a much calmer side of an island. A smaller museum, local walking route, a quieter beach, village market or community-run experience might be just as memorable. You may even discover the place you enjoyed most wasn't the one that appeared on the cruise brochure.
One of the easiest ways to have a more enjoyable and potentially more sustainable day in port is to look beyond the most obvious attractions. Popular landmarks are popular for a reason, and there's nothing wrong with visiting them, but when thousands of people arrive at the same time or all head for the same beach, viewpoint or historic site, overcrowding can become a problem.
Research into cruise destinations has found that excessive visitor numbers can affect residents' quality of life, increase congestion and put pressure on local environments and infrastructure. So before you automatically book the excursion everyone else is doing, see what alternatives are available.
We’ve always enjoyed finding quieter alternatives, and our experience of Gili Trawangan showed us that simply walking beyond the busy harbour can reveal a much calmer side of an island. A smaller museum, local walking route, a quieter beach, village market or community-run experience might be just as memorable. You may even discover the place you enjoyed most wasn't the one that appeared on the cruise brochure.
For tours, book with a company where the guides are local
Choose Experiences That Give Something Back
Your choice of excursion can also make a difference. Look for locally operated tours and experiences where the people guiding you are actually from the destination, particularly when visiting smaller or emerging communities.
Food tours, cultural workshops, nature experiences, walking tours and community-based tourism can all offer a more meaningful connection with a place than simply being driven from one photo stop to another. We once joined a local cycling tour in Malaysia and unexpectedly found ourselves invited to a Muslim wedding – an experience we could never have planned ourselves, and one that gave us a wonderful glimpse into local life.
Before booking, check what the experience involves and whether it respects local communities, wildlife and the environment. A good tour should leave you knowing more about the destination while ensuring the people who call it home benefit too.
Your choice of excursion can also make a difference. Look for locally operated tours and experiences where the people guiding you are actually from the destination, particularly when visiting smaller or emerging communities.
Food tours, cultural workshops, nature experiences, walking tours and community-based tourism can all offer a more meaningful connection with a place than simply being driven from one photo stop to another. We once joined a local cycling tour in Malaysia and unexpectedly found ourselves invited to a Muslim wedding – an experience we could never have planned ourselves, and one that gave us a wonderful glimpse into local life.
Before booking, check what the experience involves and whether it respects local communities, wildlife and the environment. A good tour should leave you knowing more about the destination while ensuring the people who call it home benefit too.
Small choices when cruising make a difference
Small Choices Make a Bigger Difference Than You Think
Sustainable cruise travel isn't about being a perfect traveller. You’re not going to single-handedly solve overtourism because you chose a local café, and you don't need to turn a few hours in port into a sustainability audit. It's about being conscious of the choices you can control.
Most importantly, remember that your time in port is an opportunity to contribute to the destination, not simply consume it.
Cruise tourism can bring valuable visitors and economic opportunities to coastal and island communities, particularly when local businesses and residents are included in the benefits.
So enjoy the sightseeing, eat the local food, buy souvenirs and explore somewhere new. Just make sure that when your ship sails away, the place you've enjoyed is a little better off for having welcomed you.
Sustainable cruise travel isn't about being a perfect traveller. You’re not going to single-handedly solve overtourism because you chose a local café, and you don't need to turn a few hours in port into a sustainability audit. It's about being conscious of the choices you can control.
- Learn a little about the destination before arriving
- Spend money with independent businesses
- Choose locally made products where possible
- Follow environmental and cultural guidelines
- Avoid unnecessary single-use items.
- Don't disturb wildlife or natural environments.
- Consider alternatives when the main attraction is already overwhelmed.
Most importantly, remember that your time in port is an opportunity to contribute to the destination, not simply consume it.
Cruise tourism can bring valuable visitors and economic opportunities to coastal and island communities, particularly when local businesses and residents are included in the benefits.
So enjoy the sightseeing, eat the local food, buy souvenirs and explore somewhere new. Just make sure that when your ship sails away, the place you've enjoyed is a little better off for having welcomed you.
Choose a more sustainable cruise to reduce the environmental footprint
Choosing a More Sustainable Cruise
If sustainable travel is important to you, some cruise lines are making efforts to reduce their environmental footprint.
When comparing cruises, look for clear, measurable commitments around issues such as shore power, waste and wastewater management, fuel efficiency and responsible sourcing, rather than relying on broad claims about being “green”.
Celebrity Cruises, for example, has introduced measures including shore power, waste reduction and more fuel-efficient ships as part of its wider environmental programme.
No cruise is completely sustainable, but knowing what a cruise line is actually doing can help you make a more informed choice – and then you can focus on making the most of your time ashore.
If sustainable travel is important to you, some cruise lines are making efforts to reduce their environmental footprint.
When comparing cruises, look for clear, measurable commitments around issues such as shore power, waste and wastewater management, fuel efficiency and responsible sourcing, rather than relying on broad claims about being “green”.
Celebrity Cruises, for example, has introduced measures including shore power, waste reduction and more fuel-efficient ships as part of its wider environmental programme.
No cruise is completely sustainable, but knowing what a cruise line is actually doing can help you make a more informed choice – and then you can focus on making the most of your time ashore.
