There are several options when you think of “what can ship crew do in port”. So, now you have some free time after working from 0830hrs to 1330hrs. After which, you will return to work for 1700hrs to 2200hrs. This means, you have about 3 hours to tour the city, get some rest, get some food, go to the gym or a mixture of all. Some crew enjoy sleeping during breaks or using Wi-fi in and around the port. However, for me, I live for touring every chance I get. Because, in addition to being paid, the main reason I chose to work on a cruise ship was so I could get the opportunity to travel the world. And ultimately, learn about different cultures and cross a few things off the old bucket list (and believe me, thus far, it has been a lot).

GETTING AROUND

Tours Buses

My most recommended means of travel for ship crew is an organised sightseeing tour bus specific to that port. Every port is different and might have a variation of a city tour bus. Known and trusted to me is the official “City Sightseeing“. The services is available in Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Asia. Other cities have buses labelled Big Red Bus”, Hop-on Hop-off Bus”, or “Sightseeing Bus“ or something similar.

Buses provide a convenient way for cruisers to get the most out of a port in a short space of time. As ship crew, we generally have limited time ashore and therefore need to maximise on getting around quickly. A full tour generally lasts between 1 hour and 2 hours depending on the port. Ensure you check the complete tout time before you start, so you have enough time to return to the ship. The price for the ticket is usually very inexpensive. Additionally, it is highly recommended that you check for crew discounts. This is not provided by all companies or all ports, so just do your checks.

The buses are fitted with jacks for headphones, which will be given to you upon entering the bus. Additionally, some of the buses provided free access to Wi-Fi. The buses provide several stops, where you can get off the bus, tour that area and then re-join the bus at various times (check the bus schedule or ask the bus driver). Remember to keep your ticket. This will allow you to hop on and hop off as many times as you wish for the day. These are just a few ports that offer the service, but please do your research as there are many more (and yes, I have done them all, and then some):

• Canada – Toronto
• Croatia – Split
• Denmark – Copenhagen
• Estonia – Tallinn
• Finland – Helsinki
• Germany – Berlin
• Iceland – Reykjavik
• Montenegro – Kotor
• Norway – Bergen, Oslo, Geirangerford
• Sweden – Stockholm
• Greece – Corfu, Piraeus, Chania, Rhodes Town, Katakolon
• Italy – Naples
• Portugal – Funchal, Lisbon
• Spain – Barcelona, Cadiz, Cartagena, Malaga, Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Palma de Mallorca

Trolley Trains

Another way to get around the city is the trolley trains (some ports only have this option). These little trains do a city tour similar to the buses, and are generally cheaper with fewer stops. Some of the trains provide short stops, some do a hop on hop off option and others just do a full nonstop tour. Either way, this is another great way to see the city with limited time. Some ports that offer this service include, Italy – Messina, Corsica, Naples, La Spezia, Spain – Tenerife, Lanzarote (€6), Greece – Piraeus (€5), Zakynthos (€6), Katakalon (€6), Kefalonia (€6), Caribbean – Curacao, Grenada. Again, remember to check about crew discounts.

Local Taxis or Buses

Another option is to get a group of colleagues and split the cost for a taxi or bus to access a different area of the city or another city. This really helps for example in Kusadasi, Turkey if you ever decide to go to Ephesus and House of the Virgin Mary, which by the way was €60 return trip.

Walking (my favourite)

If the port does not offer any of the options mentioned earlier, then I opt to walk around the city. Now, as I am generally a loner, plus I walk unnaturally fast, I do cover a lot of area in a short amount of time on foot. Many ports also have free maps of the city that you can take with you and go exploring on your own or in a group (this is recommended). As we are just visiting these ports and sometimes may not be fully aware of what is happening locally, its always a good idea to travel with a colleague. Safety in numbers they say.

ACCESSING WI-FI

If you are an experienced seaman then you know just how important good Wi-Fi is and by now, you know all the locations that offer free and strong Wi-Fi. One of the top things for ship crew to do in port, which is probably the most popular is to use Wi-Fi. Personally, I do not use much wi-fi, I prefer to purchase a sim card and use it throughout the season (I will give another blog with sim card options). If you are new to sea, simply ask one of the other crew members and they will be happy to share.

Some ports offer in-port free Wi-Fi (just connect and log in), some you have to purchase a ticket (like Cuba). If there is no Wi-Fi in port, you may visit one of the local cafes, bars, restaurants, town centre or even banks where you can simply log in and use the Wi-Fi for free.

GETTING FOOD (CHEAP)

I enjoying trying the different cuisines, but for those times when I am in a hurry to head back to the ship or if money is limited, then these are a few of my top cheap picks. Because food is my whole mood all day everyday, in this section, I will share with you some of my favourite cheap food options in different ports. Honestly, I have many more, but that will have to be in post by itself. Again, because food is my whole mood all day everyday.

Greece

Here we have the inexpensive and easy to access Gyros in Greece. I mean almost every step you take, you will see a Gyro sign. It’s an all in one meal for me. It is a dish made from meat (pork or chicken usually) that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie (like Shawarma). The juice dripping meat is then scraped off from the rotisserie. The meat is usually served wrapped a pita, along with ingredients such as tomato, onion, french fries and tzatziki sauce…yum!

And it only cost €2.70 with a drink. Also, as a self proclaimed foodie, I certify this to be a filling meal. The first time I bought the Gyro, my greedy behind thought “hmm, this looks small, I will get some fries as well”. In short, I only had the Gyro and soda. Against my better judgment, I had to discard the extra fries (I have never forgiven myself for it).

Europe (Generally)

Next stop, I know this is bad. I should really try to always immerse myself in a new culture, but I have a weakness for McDonalds. Especially when I am having a craving for French fries and reliable Wi-Fi. It is reasonable to get a full meal for less than €10.00. And did I mention the Wi-Fi is always up and running.

Antigua

So, whenever I dock in Antigua, without fail, I only go to one place – Roti King. Listen, it is a guarantee that you get fast and friendly service. And I cannot begin to explain the how tasty and delectable the food is. I enjoy everything I have tried on the menu, but I have become OBSESSED with the Shrimp Roti.

Because of my obsession, this is the only place I dine for the entire itinerary when we visit Antigua. It’s USD18.00 well spent. I know, its above USD10.00, but I really doubt you will not be disappointed. But alternatively, the menu has many more options. I just have a special place in my heart for this meal.

Barbados

Barbados was our home port for awhile (and my forever home because of di one n only bad gal). But, although we were always docked on a Sunday, there was always great options available for food (obviously, it’s the Caribbean).

Case in point… my weakness, Chefette. Usually I would get the Roti for $10.95 (roughly USD5.50) and it comes with a drink.

Chefette understands my appetite and just has everything I could possibly want. Whether it be Roti, Burger, Pizza, Ice cream, Shake or my ultimate favourite special offer (that I will possibly commit a crime for), Wing Dings (below photo source: Chefette Official Facebook Page).

If you are ever in the lovely island of Barbados, just grant me this one favour and dine at any of the several Chefettes island wide. I really need to know if my obsession is normal.

Happy eating.