Going to make a brief list of what happens when 2/3 (or more) of your newest friends decide to leave...the elevators are basically empty...you can usually get your pick of loungers and hot tubs. the pool is usually kidless. There are usually a few less restaurants open on port days, but the ones that are usually have special menus. Not to mention virtually no lines for things like burgers and pizza..The dailies will keep you informed. You can explore the ship at your leisure. You'd be amazed at where you can wind up when theres no crowds to buck. The shops are closed on port days, but other venues are open. You can wander into and decide which venues you actually want to try to get into, while they're empty! The buffet may not have all the stations open, but it really won't matter..Sit as long as you like...its a whole different atmosphere...and then.....you get to lean on a rail and watch the pier runners....and the folks who suddenly realize just how blankety-blank LOOOOONG those piers can be... I know I"ve left something out...oh yeh, for a few hours....its YOUR ship!
THE JOYS OF STAYING ONBOARD!
9 Answers
The Carnival ships I been on has half price drinks and the bars are dead when in port...so I can drink all I want in peace.
The guy sitting at the other end of the bar was probably me...incredibly pleasant experience..
The Carnival ships I been on has half price drinks and the bars are dead when in port...so I can drink all I want in peace.
......seems like a great opportunity to build a private island hmmmmm.......
If you build it, they will come.
Well said, everyone! We usually enjoy a walk around the port of call, just for a change in scenery. Now and again it's nice to stay on the ship and avoid the mass of people trying to get off the ship at the same time.
after a while you know there are ports you just don't care to visit.
Completely agree....if the pier has jitneys, we sometimes go "ashore" and visit the usual assortment of "junque" shops...most ports have them within a very easy walk from the pier itself. you don't think thats an accident do you??? ...but the past few years, its been all about the "boatride", and methinks there's more and more folks doing exactly that...could you imagine having a port so useless that nobody gets off? nature (and corporate brilliance, a contradiction in terms I know) abhors a vacuum......seems like a great opportunity to build a private island hmmmmm............hehehehehe
Well said, everyone! We usually enjoy a walk around the port of call, just for a change in scenery. Now and again it's nice to stay on the ship and avoid the mass of people trying to get off the ship at the same time.
after a while you know there are ports you just don't care to visit.
Yeah, up to 3 to 4 hours of bliss before the return of the hordes begin.
Another thing that's nice is the wait staff aren't as stressed. You can actually get in a minute of conversation with them because they don't have 2,590 other drink and/or food orders to take care of.
Great perspective 
YEP!!! Saw two rehearsals for the production numbers they USED to put on, on different ships. We just wandered in, sat in the back, amazing stuff!
I have two favorite memories from staying onboard at a port, and , OF COURSE, I am going to share them here.
1. Topside, on one of the tiers overlooking the pool (because I do not have a poolside body) the dancers and musicians came to the pool performance area to practice a new routine. 5,6,7,8 and ... Over, and over. The practice was mainly for the musicians as the dancers were all top notch, but it was fun to watch (especially Lisa).
2. The lunch buffet. It was lobster night the previous night. I had NO IDEA there was going to be so much lobster available for lunch at the buffet. An approximate 10-year old boy in front of me asked for 8 lobster tails. The chef laughed and said I will give you four. Eat them, and you can come back. I took two, and was VERY happy.
Happy cruising !!