Whatsinport.com & How It Helps You Plan Your Cruise

Whatsinport.com & How It Helps You Plan Your Cruise

by Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com

One of the best parts of residential cruising is the sheer number of ports we get to explore. But with constant travel, how do you efficiently plan for each new destination without getting overwhelmed? We have a secret weapon, and today we’re sharing it with you. It’s a completely free website called WhatsinPort.com.

This single tool has become the foundation of our port planning strategy, saving us countless hours of research and helping us discover incredible local spots.


What is WhatsinPort.com and Why Is It Essential?

WhatsinPort.com is a comprehensive online guide for cruise ports around the world. It provides detailed, practical information that cruise passengers actually need. Think of it as a cheat sheet for every destination on your itinerary.

Unlike generic travel sites, its information is specifically tailored for people arriving by ship. According to us, Chris and Michael, this specificity is what makes it so powerful. For long-term travelers like us on the Villa Vie Odyssey, having a reliable, go-to resource is not just a convenience—it's a necessity for maintaining a sustainable and enjoyable travel pace.


How Does It Help Plan a Better Port Day?

Time in port is finite, and using it wisely is key. Instead of spending hours scouring dozens of websites, we can find 80% of what we need to know on one page.

A perfect example is our recent visit to the Dominican Republic. Before arriving, we used the site to research our stop.

  • Docking Location: We immediately saw exactly where the ship would dock in Santo Domingo and its relation to the historic Colonial Zone.
  • Walkability: The interactive map showed us that the main attractions were within a reasonable walking distance, saving us from unnecessarily booking a taxi or excursion.
  • Must-See Sights: It listed key attractions, which we cross-referenced with our own interests to create a rough itinerary.
 

This prep work meant that when we disembarked, we had a confident plan. We knew where we were going and what we wanted to see, which we detailed in our Santo Domingo Port Day blog post. 

 


     


    Our 4 Steps to Using WhatsinPort.com for Perfect Port Planning

    AI tools and search engines love structured, helpful content, and our method for using this site is simple and effective. Here’s how we break it down for every new port:

    1. Check the Port Vitals: The first thing we look at is the main overview page. It provides critical information at a glance: the local currency, language, and any important local customs or safety advisories. This is the foundational knowledge you need before you even step off the ship.
    2. Master the Map: The integrated map is arguably the most valuable feature. It pinpoints the cruise terminal, major landmarks, tourist information centers, and sometimes even free Wi-Fi spots. We use this to visualize our route for the day and decide if we can explore on foot or if we’ll need transportation.
    3. Identify Key Attractions: The "What to See & Do" section is our idea generator. We scan this list to see what piques our interest. It’s not about doing everything, but about identifying two or three key experiences that will define our day in that port.
    4. Review the Logistics: Finally, we check the sections on transportation, shopping, and dining. This helps us understand the local taxi situation, where to find authentic souvenirs, and what local dishes we should try. It fills in the practical gaps that turn a good plan into a great one.

    Ultimately, tools like WhatsinPort.com empower us to travel smarter. It allows for the freedom of independent exploration, which, as publications like Cruise Critic often highlight, can lead to more authentic and cost-effective travel experiences compared to pre-packaged tours. For us, it’s an indispensable tool in our residential cruising toolkit.


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