Most cruise lines do not allow fishing from the ship itself, but deep-sea fishing excursions are available at many ports

You cannot fish off the side of a cruise ship during regular sailing. The ship's movement, the number of passengers, and liability concerns make it unsafe and against policy on every major cruise line. However, fishing is possible — just not the way you might imagine.

Your real fishing opportunity comes through shore excursions offered at ports of call. These are organized trips that take you off the ship to fish in local waters, usually for a few hours. You pay extra for the excursion, board a smaller vessel at the port, and fish with a guide and other passengers. The ship waits for you to return before departing.

Deep-sea fishing excursions are the most common type. You travel 10 to 50 miles offshore depending on the port and fish for species like mahi-mahi, grouper, snapper, tuna, or marlin. Freshwater fishing excursions exist too, particularly in Alaska and the Caribbean, where you might fish for salmon or tarpon in rivers and bays.

Key Takeaways

  • Fishing from the cruise ship itself is not permitted under any cruise line's policy.
  • Shore excursions for deep-sea or freshwater fishing are sold separately and cost between $150 and $400 per person depending on the port and trip length.
  • You must return to the ship before it departs, and the cruise line publishes the latest return time when you book the excursion.
  • Fishing excursions typically include the guide, boat, tackle, and bait, but confirm what is included before you pay.
  • Popular fishing ports include Key West, Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, and ports in Alaska and Hawaii.

How to book a fishing excursion through your cruise line

Most cruise lines sell fishing excursions through their official shore excursion platform, which you can access online before you sail or through the app once you are on the ship. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian all offer fishing trips at ports where they stop.

Log into your cruise line account, find the port date, and search for "fishing" or "deep-sea fishing." The results show available trips, the departure time, the return time, the price per person, and what is included. Read the description carefully — some trips include lunch or drinks, others do not. Some may provide a certain number of fish or a refund; others do not.

Book as early as possible. Popular fishing excursions at busy ports like Key West or Cozumel fill up weeks in advance. If the excursion you want is sold out, you can also search for independent fishing charters in that port and book directly with them, but you assume the risk of getting back to the ship on time.

What fishing excursions typically cost

Deep-sea fishing excursions range from $150 to $400 per person for a half-day trip (usually 4 to 5 hours). Full-day trips cost $300 to $600 per person. Freshwater or bay fishing is often cheaper, between $100 and $250 per person. Prices vary by port, season, and how far offshore you travel.

Most excursions include the boat, captain, guide, tackle, and bait. Some include a fish cleaning service so you can take your catch back to the ship. Many do not include food or drinks, so budget extra if you want lunch. A few high-end charters include meals and alcohol, but these cost significantly more.

If you book through the cruise line, the price is fixed and may provide. If you book an independent charter, confirm the price in writing and ask whether there are additional fees for fuel, cleaning, or gratuity.

What to bring and what to expect

Wear clothes you do not mind getting wet and bring a towel. Sunscreen is essential — you will be on the water for hours with little shade. Bring sunglasses and a hat. Most boats provide life jackets, but confirm this when you book.

Fishing experience is not required. The guide will show you how to cast, set the hook, and reel in. Beginners catch fish regularly on these trips. The boat moves to different spots throughout the day based on where the fish are biting, so you will spend time waiting and casting, not constant action.

Sea sickness is common. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication before you board — ginger pills, dramamine, or a scopolamine patch all work. Eat a light breakfast and avoid alcohol the night before. The boat rocks more in rough seas, so check the weather forecast for your port date.

Popular fishing ports on major cruise routes

Key West, Florida is the most popular fishing port in the Caribbean. Trips target mahi-mahi, grouper, snapper, and king mackerel. Half-day trips are common and cost $200 to $300 per person.

Cozumel, Mexico offers deep-sea fishing for similar species plus barracuda. The reef is close to shore, so boats do not travel far. Excursions cost $180 to $350 per person.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is known for marlin and tuna. These trips are longer and more expensive — $300 to $500 per person — but the potential catch is larger.

Alaska ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka offer salmon and halibut fishing in bays and rivers. These are freshwater or near-shore trips and cost $200 to $400 per person. Alaska fishing season runs May through September.

Hawaii ports like Honolulu and Maui offer deep-sea fishing for tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. Trips cost $250 to $400 per person.

Rules for keeping your catch

You can keep the fish you catch on most excursions. The boat crew will clean and fillet it for you, and you can take it back to your cabin. However, cruise ship cabins have no refrigeration beyond a small minibar, so you need to eat the fish that day or store it in ice.

Some ships allow you to bring fish to the galley (kitchen) and ask the chef to cook it for you. Call ahead or ask at the front desk whether this is an option on your ship. Not all ships permit it, and some charge a fee.

If you do not want to keep the fish, the crew will release it or donate it. Ask before the trip starts what the boat's policy is.

What happens if you miss the ship's departure time

The cruise line publishes a "all aboard" time for each excursion — usually 30 to 60 minutes before the ship departs. If you are not back by that time, the ship leaves without you. You are responsible for getting to the next port on your own, at your own cost.

This is rare with cruise line excursions because the company coordinates with the boat operator to may support you return on time. It is more common with independent charters, which is why booking through the cruise line is safer. If you do book independently, build in a 90-minute buffer and confirm the return time in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish if I have never fished before?

Yes. The guide will teach you how to cast, set the hook, and reel in. Beginners catch fish on these trips regularly. Wear sunscreen, bring water, and be prepared to spend time waiting between bites.

Do I need a fishing license for a cruise excursion?

No. The charter boat operator holds the license, and you fish under it as a passenger. You do not need your own license or permit.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my excursion?

The boat may depart in light rain or wind, but if seas are too rough or a storm is forecast, the excursion is cancelled. You receive a full refund or can reschedule for another port. Check the weather a few days before your trip.

Can I book a fishing excursion after the cruise starts?

Yes, but availability is limited. Book through the ship's excursion desk or app. Popular trips at busy ports may already be sold out, so earlier booking is better.

What if I get seasick during the fishing trip?

Take motion sickness medication before you board. Ginger pills, dramamine, or a scopolamine patch all reduce nausea. Eat a light breakfast, stay hydrated, and focus on the horizon. If you are very sick, sit down and let the crew know — they are experienced with this.