Autistic Port Guides

There is a lot of information available about the different ports that cruise ships dock at but I have always struggled to find the information I need as an autistic person. I’ve created these port guides to share information that I wish I’d known in advance and I’ve tried to include information that I think other autistic people might need.

General Information About Cruise Ports

When you embark on a cruise, you’re given a cruise card and this is what you need to get on and off of a ship. Some countries require that you also carry photo ID but others do not. My advice is to always check with cruise staff to see if you need to carry ID.

When you leave a ship for the day you either have to scan your card or use facial recognition software. Some ports will ask you to go through security when you leave the ship, but this is rare in my experience.

When you get back onto the ship you will need to go through airport style security. Sometimes this security takes place on land and sometimes it takes place on the ship.

The all aboard time is important. If you are not onboard by this time the ship is likely to leave without you. The only exception to this is if you take an excursion through the ship, in this case they will wait for you. Some ships have the all aboard time on display when you leave and it’s usually listed in the planner for the day. Personally, I always check with staff as I leave the ship just to be sure.

What You’ll Find In Travel Autistic Port Guides

In each guide you will find basic information about the port, including the local language and currency. I’ve included warnings about things I think autistic travellers should know but would always recommend reading government guidance on travel destinations.

One of the things I wanted but couldn’t find was videos of people embarking and disembarking so I could prepare myself for what it would be like in each port. I’ve tried to take photos and videos of each port I’ve visited and I’ve included them in the port guides.

I’ve included specific information about the embarkation and disembarkation at each port but do keep in mind that this does not mean your experience will be the same as mine. I’ve visited ports where they did security on land in the morning and on the ship in the afternoon so please be prepared for things to be different at times.

Some cruise terminals are in the middle of cities while others are miles away so I’ve included information about public transport and whether you can walk to attractions.

I’ve tried to include information about if somewhere was autistic friendly or not but I do recognise that accessibility looks different for different people. What may be accessible and delightful for me may be sensory hell for you so I’ve tried to explain why I thought somewhere was autistic friendly or not.

I hope you find these guides helpful! Happy cruising.