Most cruise ships do not allow fishing from the deck or railings, but some offer organized fishing excursions at ports of call
You cannot cast a line off the side of a cruise ship during open ocean sailing. The major cruise lines—Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Norwegian—all prohibit fishing from the ship itself for safety and liability reasons. Passengers who attempt it face removal from the activity area and possible cabin confinement.
What you can do is book a fishing excursion when the ship docks. These are organized trips, usually lasting four to eight hours, where you fish in local waters with a licensed captain and crew. The ship waits at port while you are gone, and you return before departure. Some cruise lines offer these through their onboard activity desk; others you book independently through local outfitters.
Key Takeaways
- Fishing from the cruise ship itself is prohibited by all major cruise lines for safety and insurance reasons.
- Organized fishing excursions at ports are the legal way to fish during a cruise, booked either through the ship or a local charter company.
- Excursion costs range widely depending on location, boat size, and fish species, and are separate from your cruise fare.
- You must return to the ship before its scheduled departure time, or you will be left behind.
- Bring seasickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness, as charter boats are smaller and move more than the cruise ship.
How onboard fishing excursions work
When you book a fishing trip through the cruise line's activity desk, the ship's staff coordinates the timing and ensures the boat operator knows passenger names and return important date. You pay the excursion fee at the desk, usually between $150 and $400 per person depending on the location and trip length. The staff also handles any waivers or safety briefings required by local law.
If you book independently through a local charter company, you are responsible for getting to the dock, paying the captain directly, and returning on time. This route is often cheaper but requires more planning. You must know the ship's exact departure time and allow buffer time for traffic or delays. If you miss the ship, the cruise line will not wait, and you will have to pay your own way to the next port.
Most excursions depart early in the morning, typically between 6 and 8 a.m., and return by early afternoon. The boat captain provides fishing rods, tackle, and bait. You do not need a fishing license because you are fishing in international or territorial waters under the captain's license. The captain also handles fish cleaning and can arrange to have your catch shipped to you or stored for the return trip, though policies vary.
Which cruise ports offer the best fishing
Alaska is the most popular fishing destination for cruise passengers. Ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka offer halibut and salmon fishing in nearby waters. Trips typically run six to eight hours and cost $250 to $450 per person. The fish are large, and success rates are high during peak season (May through September).
The Caribbean offers year-round fishing for marlin, tuna, wahoo, and grouper. Ports in the Bahamas, Cozumel, and Puerto Rico have established charter fleets. These trips are usually four to six hours and cost $200 to $350 per person. Water conditions are calmer than in Alaska, making them better for passengers prone to seasickness.
The Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver) has salmon and halibut fishing similar to Alaska but with shorter boat rides from port. The Mediterranean and Northern Europe offer smaller-scale fishing for cod, mackerel, and sea bass, though these trips are less common and less heavily marketed by cruise lines.
What to bring and what to expect
Wear layers and bring a waterproof jacket, even in warm climates. The ocean is cooler than the air, and spray from the boat will soak you. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Most charter boats have limited shade, and you will be on the water for hours.
Bring seasickness medication if you have ever felt queasy on boats. Charter fishing boats are 30 to 60 feet long and rock more than a cruise ship. Dramamine, ginger supplements, or prescription patches all work; take them before you board. Eat a light breakfast but avoid greasy food before departure.
Wear shoes with good grip—decks are wet and slippery. Bring a camera in a waterproof case if you want photos. The captain and crew will handle most of the work; your job is to hold the rod, reel when instructed, and follow safety rules. No experience is required, and the crew will teach you how to use the equipment.
Cost breakdown and what is included
A typical four-hour Caribbean fishing excursion costs $200 to $300 per person. This includes the boat, captain, crew, rods, tackle, and bait. It does not include gratuity for the crew, which is customary at 15 to 20 percent of the trip cost.
An eight-hour Alaska halibut trip costs $350 to $500 per person and includes everything above plus fish cleaning and filleting. Some operators charge extra to ship your catch home; expect $50 to $150 depending on weight and destination.
If you book through the cruise line, the price is usually 10 to 20 percent higher than booking directly with a local operator, but the cruise line handles logistics and guarantees the boat will not leave without you. If you book independently, you save money but assume the risk of missing the ship if something goes wrong.
Safety rules and what happens if you break them
All charter boats are required by law to carry life jackets, first aid kits, and communication equipment. The captain will brief you on safety before departure. You must follow all instructions from the crew, wear a life jacket if required, and stay seated when the boat is moving unless the crew says otherwise.
Fishing hooks are sharp, and lines are strong. Do not touch another passenger's line, and keep your hands clear of the reel. If you hook a large fish, the crew will guide you through the fight; do not try to land it alone. If you fall overboard, the crew has rescue procedures and will retrieve you, but prevention is far better.
If you violate safety rules, the captain can refuse to let you fish or can end your trip early. You will not receive a refund. If you are intoxicated, you will not be allowed on the boat at all.
Booking your excursion and timing
Book through the cruise line's activity desk on your first day aboard. This is the safest route because the ship's staff coordinates with the operator and guarantees your spot. Popular trips fill up quickly, especially in Alaska during peak season, so book early.
If you want to book independently, research local charter companies before your cruise. Read reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, or the Better Business Bureau. Call the operator directly to confirm availability, pricing, and what time you need to be at the dock. Ask how far the dock is from the cruise ship terminal and how long it takes to get there.
Confirm the ship's departure time with your cabin steward or the front desk the night before your excursion. Plan to be back at the ship at least 30 minutes before departure. If the excursion runs late, you risk missing the ship. The cruise line will not delay departure for passengers on shore excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, the captain will clean and fillet your catch. You can eat it at the ship's restaurant (some will cook it for you), pack it in ice for the trip home, or arrange to have it shipped. Shipping costs $50 to $150 depending on weight and distance. If you are flying home, check your airline's rules on transporting fish.
What if I get seasick?
Take medication before boarding—Dramamine, ginger, or a scopolamine patch all work. Eat a light breakfast, stay hydrated, and focus on the horizon while the boat is moving. If you feel sick, tell the crew; they have remedies and can slow the boat or head to calmer water. Seasickness is common and not shameful.
Do I need a fishing license?
No. You are fishing under the captain's commercial license in waters where a license is not required for charter passengers. The captain handles all legal requirements.
What if the weather is bad?
The captain will cancel the trip if conditions are unsafe. You will receive a full refund or can reschedule for another port. Bad weather can happen even in good seasons, so have a backup plan if fishing is important to your cruise.
Can I fish if I have never done it before?
Yes. The crew will teach you how to hold the rod, when to reel, and how to set the hook. You do not need experience. Most passengers on charter boats are beginners, and the crew expects to guide you through the process.