Pack A Lunch!

When going ashore on an excursion or simply wandering on your own, why not take along a picnic lunch from your ship?

You can then enjoy your meal when and where you wish, especially nice when you find a beautiful view to enjoy.

Cruise buffet breakfasts generally offer European dishes such as breads, cheeses and sliced cold cuts. Simply take your selection in a napkin and keep chilled in your mini-bar until you disembark.

Cruise ships will often pack you a box lunch for taking ashore. Just ask.

Don't forget a bottle of wine and a corkscrew.

Note that some ports will not allow taking food ashore. Be sure to ask beforehand.

TAKE WATER ASHORE

Most cruise ships offer bottled water when leaving the ship in port. Be sure to take a bottle or two and drink it. It is important to stay hydrated especially in hot and humid ports.

STREET FOOD - Hints FROM BUDGET TRAVEL

Look for the long lines. Certain vendors are more popular than others for a reason, and a few extra minutes of waiting will almost always be worth it.

When local water quality is in question, opt for hot drinks, and watch the preparation closely (did that tea pot boil for a full five minutes?).

Bring your own plates and utensils. Illness is spread through improper washing. This is one way to cut the risk. If you see locals doing the same, consider it a must.

Fruits and vegetables with edible skins are only as safe as the water they've been washed in, so stick to the ones you can peel yourself (like bananas).

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Having visited many ports on many cruise ships, we can boil down our advice into a few hints.

When possible, take the ship's half-day morning introductory tour, usually the least expensive, and ask to be dropped in town. Then go back to spend more time at the sights that most interested you. Add a lunch to your itinerary. See our Ports and restaurants listing here.

Many tour operators will take you to their cousin's gift shop. Be aware.

Arranging your own shore excursions at the cruise pier can save you up to two-thirds over the ship's fee. But be aware of the risks: a bus or taxi breakdown may find you miles away from the pier when your ship departs. You can save even more by assembling a group from the friends you made on the ship.

If it's the beach scene you're after, put a cover-up over your bathing suit, grab  few towels and bottles of water from the ship and hire a taxi to the nearest beach.

Plan on arriving at your ship's embarkation port a few days early. Take a half-day tour with Gray Line and return to the sights that most interested you over the next few days.

Many cities have a hop-on-hop-off bus or trolley around the sights at a very reasonable price.

See our Ports and restaurants listing here.