Finding the Heart of the Port: A Guide to Authentic Cruise Travel
The "Cruise Ship Bubble" Problem
One criticism that ocean cruising gets is that at each port you visit, you are sharing the space with thousands of other cruisers. How can you have a meaningful connection with a community when you have only a few hours and the port itself is typically a glossy version of the community, filled with trinkets and souvenir shops not actually made or owned by locals? Is it possible for a cruise traveler to find a meaningful experience and get a real feel for the community in just a few hours?
From personal experience, I can emphatically say yes. I’ll suggest some practical tips and a change of mindset to help you find delightful, authentic moments and make genuine connections in any port you may visit.
The Art of the Pre-Port Dive
To enhance your port experience, take the time before you leave on your cruise to do some research. By research, I mean searching for documentaries about the history of the port, and finding both fiction and non-fiction books about the places you will visit. For example, I did some research on Ketchikan and came across a lovely documentary interviewing local and native families, which gave me a feel for how deep the community goes.
Search local community pages or the local Chamber of Commerce for interesting events, book readings, art shows, or farmers markets that may not be on the main tourist drag.
Once you’ve done your research, get off the ship as soon as you can and head straight into town. If it feels safe, skip over the main tourist shops and head a bit deeper. I’ve usually done my research, but often, the most authentic local spots won’t be featured on any Instagram post or TikTok video.
Case in point: when we were in Ketchikan, Alaska, and visiting Creek Street (a top tourist attraction), we walked past an Eagles Club with a deck overlooking the water. Not a single tourist was taking advantage of it. We stepped inside to ask about ordering and were met with a handful of locals and a gruff bartender. A few minutes later, we were sitting over the creek, watching salmon and sea lions while nibbling on french fries. If we had given up when we encountered the chilly welcome, we would have missed a true highlight of our visit.
If you are a member of the military, one of the best places to chat with locals are the VFWs and American Legions. At one American Legion, we ordered a couple of locally brewed beers and the bartender filled us in on local gossip and a remarkable story of Tlingit code talkers!
If a port doesn’t feel safe to explore on foot, consider a private tour or a private guide who comes with great reviews. There are several online sites that can help you vet the perfect experience, or a travel advisor is a great resource for this, as many have relationships with in-country partners and can advise you on which tour operators guarantee your on-time return to the ship.
If you don’t want to splurge on your own guide, a food tour can sometimes be more affordable and can also provide a great behind-the-scenes look at the local culture and cuisine. For example, the chef on a tour we took was not only incredibly knowledgeable, but he also had a deep understanding of the history of the place—all the way down to the cobblestones. The relationships he had with local vendors gave us a unique and authentic glimpse into the community.
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media
Social media is a double-edged sword when it comes to travel. On one hand, it’s a great resource for travel planning. On the other, it can feel like everything has been discovered and blasted out onto social media, making it seem like nothing is sacred or new. Before social media, there was the “Rick Steves effect.” Rick Steves created his first guidebook, Europe through the Back Door, circa 1980 and a TV show that featured hidden gems and out-of-the-way places. These places quickly became overrun with tourists looking for that authentic experience.
So what’s the point of traveling if all the good places have been discovered and are overrun? The short answer is: they’re not. Rick Steves had to get out of his comfort zone and explore the little side streets and back country roads. He had to meet and have meaningful conversations with locals. That is what makes travel so delightful, and that is what I am encouraging you to do as well. There are still places that will charm and delight you, like that Eagles club right in the heart of Ketchikan’s Creek Street. I’m promising you that if you get out there, take a chance, and make an effort to connect with locals, you will find your own hidden gems, your own special moments, and your own moment of incredulous disbelief that you’ve been on this planet for how long?…and had no idea this place existed.
What you find out when you travel is that there is still so much to discover. What you see on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook is literally the tip of the iceberg.
The Power of Preparation (and Humility)
There should be a guidebook on how to talk to locals. My only rule for myself is to not be afraid and to be authentic. If you’ve done your research, you will have enough fodder to ask about local history or events. The bottom line is: don’t be afraid to ask. One of my first questions is often, “How do you feel about 4,000 people showing up in your town for six hours a day?” You might be surprised by the answers. One local said, “We love it. We love to see you come into our local shops, but don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out!” All of this was said in good nature, and there was laughter and a clanking of our glasses of local beer.
Here’s a list of questions you can ask your local guide, a traffic officer, or a shop owner:
“How do you get to experience your own town once the tourists leave?”
“What changes have been for the better, and what changes have been for the worse?”
“Who benefits the most from tourism here? Who benefits the least?”
“If you could give one piece of advice to a cruise ship visitor, what would it be?”
“Where do you go for your vacation?”
“If a good friend visited, what would you show them about your town?”
“What is it like in the off-season?”
“Is there a local dish or drink that we should try? If so, where is the best place to get it?”
No Wrong Way to Travel
Listen, I know that not everyone wants to explore this way. If you are most interested in getting off the ship to stretch your legs and grab a souvenir magnet, more power to you. After all, it's a vacation. For many, a vacation means checking out and letting someone else take care of us. This isn’t meant to scold anyone for doing what they want for their hard-earned vacation, and it’s important for all of us to respect each other’s preferences.
But if you’re like me, your philosophy is that whether a person explores their own backyard, takes a guided tour, or finds a local dive bar, the goal is to make a meaningful connection—with the place, with its people, and with the wonder of travel itself.
Now go explore!
A writer, travel advisor, and former teacher helping you find courage, connection, and adventure through travel. Learn more at www.rwingtravel.com
