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August 31, 2025

Day 3: Welcome to easyCruise One on Spetses Island, Greece (July 2007)

On today's cruise, Limassol is the name of the small boat that transports passengers from an anchored cruise ship to shore, and is called a tender boat or simply a tender. These boats are used when a cruise ship cannot dock directly at a pier and instead anchors in deeper water. They can be the ship's own lifeboats or smaller vessels operated by local services, shuttling passengers safely between the ship and the port.

Why "tender"?
The term comes from the verb "to tend," meaning to look after or care for the needs of something.
A tender boat tends to the needs of the larger cruise ship by transporting people, supplies, and other necessities to and from the ship when it's anchored.
Key points about tenders:
Free to use:
Tender rides are typically included in the cruise fare, though there might be a process to get a number for your turn to board.
Various types:
Tenders can be lifeboats lowered from the cruise ship, or they can be local, moderately sized boats.
Accessibility:
Some tender ports and boats are equipped with features like ramps to assist passengers with mobility devices, but it's best to check with your cruise line if you require accessible options.
All-aboard time:
The ship will announce the "all-aboard" time, which is the last possible time you can return from shore to avoid being left behind.
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