A cruise ship anchors offshore at the port of Mykonos, Greece.
What is a Cruise Tender Transfer?
Not every Mediterranean harbor can receive a large cruise ship. Sometimes the harbor is too shallow and the draft of the ship is too deep. Sometimes the pier infrastructure cannot accommodate the sudden arrival of a large crowd. Sometimes the port is congested and all the docking spaces are taken. And sometimes—just sometimes—the weather is rough and the decision is made to anchor in deeper water. So what happens next? How do passengers get from ship to shore without swimming for it?
The answer is a tender transfer.
Tenders are small support vessels that service big ships. Tender service shuttles people and supplies to a luxury liner anchored in deep water. The ride is typically short: 10 to 20 minutes at most.
The tender pulls alongside of the cruise ship.
Tips for a Tender Experience
Tender service is an important aspect of maritime operations. Accommodating a large number of people in a short amount of time means that the crew (and port authorities) must be ready to coordinate, receive, secure, and help transfer people from one moving craft to another. Because there is some risk involved (however small), precautions must be taken. (Those with mobility issues must be aware of these challenges and plan accordingly.) Tender tickets need to be secured in advance of disembarkation. Attention to ticket and door numbers on a big cruiser requires a bit of concentration (alert: there may be multiple departure doors). Lines must be found and formed inside the ship at assigned times. Passenger identities have to be checked (coming and going). And of course, instructions about when the last boat will be returning to the ship must be heeded, otherwise you may extend your visit unexpectedly!
A tender boat disengages from the cruiser and begins its journey toward the pier in Mykonos.
Because tendering is a regular part of the cruise industry, the work may appear effortless. But be assured, it is serious business and represents an exercise in passenger safety.
Personally, I enjoy tender treatment. Small boats offer a whole difference experience on the water. New angles—particularly the scale of ships—makes for fun photography. And let’s admit it, you can’t say you’ve really been at sea until you inhale a little salt spray!
So when you come to a port where the tenders are waiting, pump it up. Be sure to listen to instructions. Secure your tickets. If motion is a problem for you, take your medications in advance. Pay attention to timing. Find your line. Wear your sticker (and your life-jacket if instructed). Follow the instructions of the crew.
And get set for an amazing port of call!
Join Our Next Apostle Paul Mediterranean Tour
Join us on the wine dark sea this coming fall (Oct 22 - Nov 3, 2026). Mediterranean stops include Athens, Crete, Rhodes, Ephesus, Santorini, Mykonos, and others. For details on this journey highlighting the Apostle Paul, follow the link here. Of course, you can also email your questions directly to us here.
And while you’re at it, here’s five reasons why you will be pleasantly surprised by a Mediterranean tour. Follow the link here.
Mark and Vicki at Santorini.
