Tender Ports on Princess Cruises: A Guide for Passengers Using Mobility Hire

For passengers with reduced mobility, cruising remains one of the most convenient and stress-free ways to explore the world. With step-free access throughout most ships and dedicated support from trained crew, it’s an ideal choice for those using mobility scooters or wheelchairs who want to travel in comfort.

One part of cruising that may require a little extra planning is visiting tender ports.

In this guide, we’ll explain what tender ports are, how they work, and provide a full list of Princess Cruises' tender ports. We’ll also offer practical tips for anyone using mobility scooter hire, wheelchair hire, or other mobility equipment hire options, so you can plan your shore days with confidence.

What Is a Tender Port?

A tender port is a destination where the cruise ship cannot dock directly at a pier or quay. Instead, the ship anchors offshore, and passengers are transported to land via smaller boats called tenders or water shuttles.

These boats are operated by the cruise line and typically run throughout the day to ferry passengers back and forth between the ship and the shore.

Why Do Tender Ports Matter for Accessibility?

Tender ports can pose limitations for passengers who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Access to tender boats usually involves a gangway and sometimes steep steps or narrow entrances.

Cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, assess the safety of boarding on a case-by-case basis. In some situations, passengers using wheelchairs or scooters may not be allowed to tender ashore due to safety concerns or port conditions like high waves or unstable boarding points.

That’s why it’s essential to know in advance which destinations require tendering and how to prepare with the right mobility hire.

Princess Cruises Tender Ports (Current List)

As of 2024–2025, here are the tender ports visited by Princess Cruises that require a water shuttle for passengers to reach shore:

Europe:

Cannes (France), Santorini (Greece), Monte Carlo (Monaco), Edinburgh (UK), Dublin (Dun Laoghaire, Ireland), Guernsey (St. Peter Port, UK), Sorrento (Italy), Portofino (Italy), Elba (Italy), Seydisfjordur (Iceland), Isafjordur (Iceland), Olden (Norway), Geiranger (Norway), Alta (Norway), Cornwall (UK), Crete (Greece), Giardini Naxos (Italy), Grundarfjordur (Iceland), Gythion (Greece), Hellesylt (Norway), Helsingborg (Sweden), Ishigaki (Japan), Lofoten Islands (Norway), Mayotte (France), Saint Helena (UK), Sardinia (Italy), Shetland Islands (UK), Sibenik (Croatia)

Asia-Pacific:

Bali (Indonesia), Komodo Island (Indonesia), Ko Samui (Thailand), Akaroa (New Zealand), Bay of Islands (New Zealand), Airlie Beach (Australia), Phillip Island (Australia), Port Douglas (Australia), Kangaroo Island (Australia), Boracay (Philippines), Conflict Islands (Papua New Guinea), Dravuni Island (Fiji), Exmouth (Australia), Geraldton (Australia), Gizo Island (Solomon Islands), Isle of Pines (New Caledonia), Kiriwina Island (Papua New Guinea), Kitava (Papua New Guinea), Korsakov (Russia), Kumano (Japan), Lombok (Indonesia), Mare (New Caledonia), Margaret River (Australia), Miyakojima (Japan), Nha Trang (Vietnam), Phuket (Thailand), Port Arthur (Australia), Qaqortoq (Greenland), Savusavu (Fiji), Sihanoukville (Cambodia), Stewart Island (New Zealand), Toba (Japan), Wewak (Papua New Guinea), Willis Island (Australia), Yorkeys Knob (Australia)

Americas & Caribbean:

Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands), Catalina Island (USA), Bar Harbor (USA), Monterey (USA), Newport (USA), Santa Barbara (USA), Puerto Montt (Chile), San Juan del Sur (Nicaragua), Princess Cays (Bahamas), Belize City (Belize), Armacao dos Buzios (Brazil), Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Easter Island (Chile), Fuerte Amador (Panama), Ilhabela (Brazil), Juneau (USA), Ketchikan (USA), Kona (USA), Loreto (Mexico), Maui (USA), Mayreau (St. Vincent/Grenadines), Nanortalik (Greenland), Puerto Chacabuco (Chile), Puerto Quepos (Costa Rica), Punta Arenas (Chile), Red Bay (Canada), Sitka (USA), St. Barthelemy (French Overseas Territories), St. Johns (U.S. Virgin Islands), Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands)

Other Destinations:

Bora Bora (French Polynesia), Moorea (French Polynesia), Champagne Bay (Vanuatu), Mystery Island (Vanuatu), Lifou (New Caledonia), Kotor (Montenegro), Falkland Islands (Stanley), Male (Maldives), Seychelles (Praslin), Nosy Be (Madagascar), Huahine (French Polynesia), Kaikoura (New Zealand), Rangiroa (French Polynesia), Zanzibar (Tanzania)

There are over 100 tender ports across Princess Cruises' itineraries. Some are scenic gems worth the effort - others may require alternative planning for passengers using mobility equipment.

What If You Use a Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter?

Can I Tender with a Wheelchair?

Princess Cruises states that manual wheelchairs may be allowed on tender boats, depending on conditions and crew approval. The guest must be able to transfer independently or with assistance, and the wheelchair must be foldable. Powerchairs and scooters are usually not permitted on tender boats for safety reasons.

Can I Tender with a Mobility Scooter?

Generally, mobility scooters cannot be taken onto tender boats due to size, weight, and stability concerns. If you rely on a scooter for mobility, Princess recommends planning to remain on board during tender port stops or exploring options like manual wheelchair hire just for that day.

How to Prepare with Mobility Hire

At Mobility at Sea, we support passengers before they even board - ensuring they have the right equipment, advice, and confidence to enjoy every part of their cruise.

Here’s how we help you prepare for tender ports:

1. Mobility Equipment Hire Advice

Your Travel Agent or Booking Agent will talk you through your itinerary and advise whether to hire a mobility scooter, a manual wheelchair, or a combination. For example, if your cruise features multiple tender ports, we might suggest:

Mobility scooter hire for ship use and docked ports
Wheelchair hire as a backup for accessible tender transfers

2. Flexible Hire Options

We offer mobility scooter hire that is cruise-compliant, compact, lightweight, and designed to fit cabin doorways. For shore access, our wheelchair range includes manual foldable models ideal for tender use when permitted.

3. Equipment Delivery Direct to Your Cabin

All hired equipment can be delivered straight to your cabin on embarkation day and collected at the end of your cruise - no hassle, no waiting but subject to ship's approval.

Tips for Making the Most of Tender Ports

Talk to the Ship’s Accessibility Team: They’ll advise which ports may be accessible and whether a tender boat is safe for you based on conditions that day.
Plan Your Onboard Activities: Tender days are often quieter onboard - a great time to enjoy the spa, relax by the pool, or book specialty dining.
Use Portable Aids if Possible: If you're able to use a foldable wheelchair or wheeled walking aid, this may be the preferred option or hire a wheelchair for occasional use - it can make a difference at tender ports.
Stay Informed: Tender ports are subject to change due to weather. Check the Princess Cruises app or daily planner for updates.

Should You Avoid Cruises with Tender Ports?

Not at all. Many stunning destinations - Santorini, Bora Bora, Grand Cayman - are only accessible via tender. While mobility scooter users may be limited at these ports, that doesn’t mean you have to skip the entire cruise.

With the right planning and support, you can enjoy the journey while avoiding unexpected stress. At Mobility at Sea, our goal is to make accessible cruising seamless - whether you need a scooter, wheelchair, hoist, or profiling bed, we’ve got you covered.

Final Thoughts

Tender ports can be a minor limitation on an otherwise incredibly accessible holiday, but with knowledge, planning, and the right mobility hire, you can still enjoy every moment at sea.

Whether you’re booking a mobility scooter, or a wheelchair for shore days, or just seeking guidance before your next cruise, the team at Mobility at Sea is here to help.

Need mobility equipment for your upcoming Princess Cruise?
Contact us today to hire a mobility scooter, hire a wheelchair, or to discuss your options and cruise with complete peace of mind.

10/07/2025

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