Mayotte, Comoros Islands
Cruise Port Guide
Upcoming Sailings for Mayotte Comoros Islands
Mayotte Comoros Islands Port Overview
Dzaoudzi/Mayotte is a port-of-call destination only — it does not function as a homeport for cruise embarkation or disembarkation. Passengers begin and end their cruises elsewhere on itineraries that include Mayotte as a transit call. No embarkation or disembarkation logistics apply here.
Port Overview
Dzaoudzi, on the small island of Petite-Terre (Pamanzi), serves as the registered cruise anchorage for Mayotte — a French overseas department and EU territory situated in the northern Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and the East African coast. Mayotte is an off-the-beaten-path Indian Ocean call that receives a modest volume of cruise traffic, primarily from expedition-style operators and Indian Ocean itinerary lines such as Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and occasional calls from lines routing through East Africa, Madagascar, and the Seychelles. There is no dedicated large-ship cruise terminal infrastructure at Dzaoudzi. The port functions almost entirely in a tender capacity, routing passengers to Mamoudzou on Grande-Terre, the capital island, where local excursions originate. Cruise line–organized shore excursions at this port typically focus on lagoon snorkeling and diving, beach visits, and cultural market tours. You should confirm current shore excursion pricing with your cruise line before your visit, as rack rates at this port vary widely by operator.
Mayotte is geographically part of the Comoros archipelago but politically and administratively part of France, meaning the Euro is the official currency, French immigration rules apply, and passports are required for all passengers going ashore. The port sits within what is recognized as one of the world's largest coral lagoons — a principal draw for cruise passengers. A ferry service ('le barge') connects Petite-Terre (Dzaoudzi) with Grande-Terre (Mamoudzou) and runs approximately every 30 minutes, providing the practical land link between the tender landing and the island's main town.
Terminal Assignments
Dzaoudzi Tender Anchorage (Petite-Terre)
Ships anchor in the bay off Dzaoudzi on Petite-Terre Island. No fixed berth or dedicated cruise pier exists for large vessels. Passengers are transferred to the tender landing pier in Dzaoudzi by ship's tenders or locally contracted vessels. The anchorage area is accessed from the north. No large-ship docking infrastructure is confirmed at this location.
Mamoudzou Ferry Pier / Tender Landing (Grande-Terre)
The working tender landing and ferry arrival point on the Mamoudzou waterfront, Grande-Terre Island. This is where cruise passengers are deposited ashore. The town center and Marché Couvert market are a short walk from the pier. A tourist information point is located near the ferry terminal complex. This pier also serves the public inter-island barge ('le barge') connecting Mamoudzou with Dzaoudzi on Petite-Terre.
Arrival & Drop-off
Arrival type
tender
Drop-off point
The Drop-Off Point for this guide is the Dzaoudzi Tender Pier, Petite-Terre (). This is where the ship's tender boats deposit passengers on shore. All distances and transport times in this guide are measured from this point. Passengers wishing to reach Mamoudzou on Grande-Terre — the effective hub for excursions, taxis, markets, and most island attractions — must walk approximately 500 feet from the Dzaoudzi tender pier to the public ferry terminal ('le barge' terminal) () and take the 15-minute inter-island crossing to Mamoudzou (). For practical purposes, most passengers will spend their port day operating from the Mamoudzou waterfront as their secondary base, but every transport time and return deadline in this guide is anchored to the Dzaoudzi Tender Pier.
Mandatory shuttle
No cruise line–operated shuttle bus service runs between the Dzaoudzi tender pier and Mamoudzou. The inter-island connection is made by public ferry ('le barge'), not a shuttle. No confirmed private shuttle service operates specifically for cruise passengers between Petite-Terre and Grande-Terre. You should confirm this information before your visit.
Ship size context
Dzaoudzi and Mayotte as a whole are not equipped to handle large resort-class ships (3,000+ passengers). The anchorage is used almost exclusively by small-to-mid-size expedition ships, world voyage vessels, and boutique ocean cruise ships — typically carrying fewer than 1,000 passengers. Tidal range at the anchorage exceeds 9 feet, and the surrounding waters are largely shallow or rocky, making large-ship approaches impractical. Because call volumes are low and ship sizes are small, taxi and transport queues at the Mamoudzou pier are generally manageable, though the overall supply of formal taxis is limited. On days with multiple vessels in anchorage simultaneously, transport demand can quickly outpace supply. You should confirm whether your vessel is the only ship calling on your port day, as even modest passenger volumes can stress local transport options at this destination.
Drop-off point details
The Dzaoudzi tender pier is a working small-boat dock on Petite-Terre Island. The immediate area around the pier is functional rather than tourist-oriented — expect a modest dock environment with no large commercial or retail infrastructure at the pier itself. The public barge ferry terminal to Mamoudzou is within a few hundred feet of the tender landing. A Port Captain's office is located near the ferry ramps. On Petite-Terre itself, the twin towns of Dzaoudzi and Labattoir are walkable, and Lac Dziani — an emerald crater lake — is accessible without crossing to Grande-Terre. However, the majority of cruise passengers proceed directly to the ferry and cross to Mamoudzou for shopping, markets, and island excursion pickups.
No shuttle required
The transit between Petite-Terre (Dzaoudzi tender pier) and Grande-Terre (Mamoudzou) is handled by the public inter-island barge ('le barge'). The barge departs from the ferry terminal adjacent to the Dzaoudzi tender pier and runs approximately every 30 minutes, with the crossing taking roughly 15 minutes. The fare is approximately €1.50 per person each way — you should confirm current fares before your visit as pricing may have changed. Payment is in Euro cash; do not assume card payment is accepted on the ferry. ATMs are scarce near the Dzaoudzi pier; ATMs in Mamoudzou exist but can be unreliable. Carry sufficient Euro cash from your ship before going ashore. No confirmed rideshare service (Uber or equivalent) operates in Mayotte. Taxis ('taxi brousse' — shared bush taxis, typically converted pickup trucks with bench seating) are the primary overland transport on Grande-Terre and operate on set routes for under approximately €5 per ride. Air-conditioned private taxis are rare. A passenger who disembarks at this port without pre-arranged transport or sufficient Euro cash risks being unable to reach Grande-Terre attractions or return to the tender pier in time for Last Tender.
Terminal Environment
Passengers stepping off the tender at the Dzaoudzi pier arrive at a basic, working-port environment. There is no dedicated cruise welcome facility, no retail zone, and no shaded passenger lounge at the tender landing itself. The pier area is functional — small vessels, local activity, and a dock environment — with a guard presence confirmed near the dinghy dock area. The public barge ferry terminal to Mamoudzou is close by, and a tourist information point is reported near the ferry terminal complex on the Grande-Terre side, though hours and staffing should not be assumed. Upon crossing to Mamoudzou, passengers arrive at the waterfront where converted pickup bush taxis wait and the town center — including the Marché Couvert market — is accessible on foot. English is not widely spoken; basic French is strongly recommended. The tropical heat and humidity are significant factors, particularly during the wet season (November–April); carry water, sun protection, and insect repellent from the ship.
Re-boarding
Gate location
Return to the ship via the Dzaoudzi tender pier, Petite-Terre — the same point where you were deposited. If you have crossed to Mamoudzou, allow sufficient time to walk to the Mamoudzou barge terminal, wait for and complete the 15-minute ferry crossing back to Dzaoudzi, and then queue for the ship's tender back to the vessel. You should confirm this information before your visit, as specific tender re-boarding procedures vary by cruise line and ship.
Documents required
Carry your ship's sea pass card and passport (or other government-issued photo ID accepted by your cruise line) whenever going ashore; Mayotte applies French immigration rules and documents may be checked. You should confirm your cruise line's specific reboarding document requirements before going ashore.
Security queue estimate
No confirmed queue time data is available for this tender port. Allow a minimum of 45–60 minutes before Last Tender time to account for the Mamoudzou-to-Dzaoudzi ferry crossing (15 minutes), walking time to the pier, and tender queue/boarding time — particularly if multiple ship excursions are returning simultaneously. Factor re-boarding security time into your return plan. Do not treat All Aboard as the moment to arrive at the terminal gate.
Customs pre-clearance
Mayotte is an overseas department of France and an EU territory. Standard French customs rules apply. No confirmed pre-clearance procedure for cruise passengers has been identified for this port. You should confirm this information before your visit.
Getting Around Mayotte Comoros Islands
Walkability
Dzaoudzi (Petite-Terre) is a TENDER PORT. Cruise ships anchor offshore and passengers are ferried ashore by the ship's tender boats. The tender drop-off point is the Dzaoudzi tender pier on Petite-Terre island. This is not a dockside port — every movement ashore begins and ends with a tender crossing, and weather can delay or suspend tender operations without notice. Dzaoudzi town itself is compact and walkable within about a quarter-mile of the tender pier, but it offers limited attractions by cruise-port standards. The real destinations — Mamoudzou market, Mont Choungui, Lac Dziani, and the lagoon — require an additional inter-island ferry crossing (the local barge, 'La Barge') or a taxi-brousse ride on Grande-Terre. As a result, nearly every excursion beyond the immediate Dzaoudzi waterfront involves at minimum two transit legs: tender to Petite-Terre, then barge to Grande-Terre (Mamoudzou). The entire island operates on a cash economy for most transactions — euros only, no US dollars accepted. ATMs exist in Mamoudzou but can be unreliable; bring sufficient euros from the ship or home. French is the official language; English is rarely spoken outside larger hotels. Dress modestly — Mayotte is a predominantly Muslim community. Heat and humidity are significant year-round; shade is limited in the port areas and along most roads. Stroller and wheelchair accessibility on the island is poor — sidewalks are uneven or absent, terrain is hilly, and the standard taxi-brousse (converted pickup trucks or shared vans) are not mobility-device friendly. The Drop-Off Point for all walkability measurements is the Dzaoudzi tender pier, Quai Issoufali, Dzaoudzi, Petite-Terre.
Transport Options
Pickup location
Tenders depart from the ship and deliver passengers to the Dzaoudzi tender pier, Quai Issoufali, Petite-Terre. All return tenders depart from the same pier. The cruise line controls the tender schedule entirely.
Rate structure
Included in cruise fare. No additional charge for tender passage.
Payment
N/A — no payment required
Notes
This is a TENDER PORT. The ship does not dock. Tender operations are weather-dependent — the lagoon crossing can be suspended in rough conditions with no notice. The last tender departure from shore to the ship is set by the cruise line and is operationally earlier than the published All Aboard time, often by 45 to 90 minutes. LAST TENDER WARNING: Confirm the exact last tender time from the ship's daily program or at the gangway before going ashore. Do not use the published All Aboard time as your tender deadline. Missing the last tender means missing the ship.
Pickup location
Barge terminal at Quai Issoufali, Dzaoudzi — approximately 500 feet from the tender pier along the waterfront. Walk straight from the tender landing, following the waterfront toward the ferry ramps.
Rate structure
Fixed government fare. Low-cost public transit.
Payment
Cash only — euros. No credit cards accepted at the barge terminal.
Notes
La Barge is the primary and most reliable way to reach Grande-Terre (Mamoudzou) from Petite-Terre. Every cruise passenger wishing to visit the market, Mamoudzou, or any Grande-Terre attraction must use this ferry. Frequency is every 30 minutes. Departures can be altered by weather or operational issues — check at the terminal on arrival. A private water-taxi alternative exists for when the barge is not in service (contact: +262 6 39 27 59 25 — you should confirm this number before your visit). Boarding may involve steps; wheelchair users should confirm accessible boarding in advance.
Pickup location
Taxi stand adjacent to the Dzaoudzi tender pier on Petite-Terre. Additional taxi-brousse available near the Mamoudzou ferry terminal on Grande-Terre for onward travel across the main island.
Rate structure
Fixed shared-route fares. Not metered. Agree on destination before boarding. Vehicles are typically converted pickup trucks with bench seating in the open bed, or shared minivans.
Payment
Cash only — euros. No credit cards accepted.
Notes
Taxi-brousse are shared vehicles — you ride with other passengers and the vehicle departs when sufficiently full. This is efficient for common routes but impractical for time-sensitive return trips. Do not rely on taxi-brousse for your return to the tender pier if you are within 90 minutes of the last tender. Standard taxi-brousse are not suitable for wheelchairs or bulky mobility devices. No air conditioning in most vehicles.
Pickup location
Taxi stand at the Dzaoudzi tender pier; also available near the Mamoudzou barge terminal on Grande-Terre. Pre-booking through your ship's excursion desk or a local operator is strongly recommended for outlying destinations.
Rate structure
Negotiated fare — agree on the full price before entering the vehicle. No meters. Private hire gives flexibility that taxi-brousse cannot provide.
Payment
Cash only — euros, in most cases. Larger operators or hotel-arranged drivers may accept credit cards; confirm in advance.
Notes
Pre-booked English-speaking drivers are available but rare and should be arranged well in advance of your port call. A private taxi or pre-arranged driver is the recommended option for outlying destinations like Plage de N'Gouja or Mont Choungui where timing precision is critical for making the last tender.
Pickup location
Europcar, Avis, Hertz, and Sixt operators are reported in Mamoudzou on Grande-Terre. Rental is not available directly at the Dzaoudzi tender pier — you must cross by barge first. You should confirm agency locations and availability before your visit.
Rate structure
Daily rate, approximately €50 per day as a general reference. A security deposit is required. Credit cards accepted at major agencies.
Payment
Credit cards accepted at rental agencies. Cash may be required for vehicle barge toll (approximately €15 per crossing).
Notes
Driving is on the right side of the road (French system). Roads on Grande-Terre can be narrow, hilly, and poorly marked outside Mamoudzou. Car rental is not practical for a single port day unless you are an experienced independent traveler and your All Aboard time is late. Factor in barge crossing time both directions. Not suitable for mobility-impaired passengers without prior vehicle adaptation arrangements.
Congestion buffer
Mayotte receives very few cruise ships — typically only a handful per year. Multi-ship days are extremely rare and are not a routine planning concern. However, because tender operations are the sole method of shore access, any queue for tenders during peak morning departure periods can add 20–40 minutes to your time ashore. On rare multi-ship days, the barge terminal and local taxi-brousse supply can also be stretched. If a second ship is in port simultaneously, add 20–30 minutes to every transport estimate and arrive at the barge terminal and tender pier earlier than you otherwise would.
Port agents
Independent port agents do not operate at Dzaoudzi in the organized manner seen at larger Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise ports. There is a tourist information center reported near the barge ferry terminal in Dzaoudzi that can provide maps and basic directions — you should confirm its current operating status before your visit. For pre-arranged private guides or English-speaking drivers, contact your cruise line's shore excursion desk or research local operators before sailing. Any independently arranged guide or driver service is not affiliated with your cruise line and is engaged entirely at your own discretion and risk.
Known scams
No cruise-passenger-specific taxi scams have been confirmed from live sources at Dzaoudzi or Mamoudzou. However, standard precautions apply: always agree on the fare before entering any taxi or private vehicle, as there are no meters and overcharging of tourists is possible where fares are not established in advance. Do not accept unsolicited transport offers from individuals who approach you at the tender pier — use the recognized taxi stand adjacent to the landing point. Petty theft has been noted in crowded market areas in Mamoudzou; keep bags secured and valuables out of sight in the market. Credit card acceptance is limited; carry euros in small denominations.
Food & Dining in Mayotte Comoros Islands
Food Culture
Mayotte sits at a culinary crossroads that exists nowhere else on earth. Positioned in the northern Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and the East African coast, this small French overseas department spent centuries as a trading post for Arab dhow merchants, Swahili coast traders, Shirazi migrants from Persia, Malagasy Sakalava clans, and eventually French colonial administrators — and every wave left its handprint on the plate. The result is a cuisine that food scholars call Mahoran, and it is emphatically not simply Comorian food with a French passport. The Arabic influence shows up in the slow-braised technique behind kangué, where meat cooks in its own juices without added water, a method brought by traders who had no access to refrigeration and needed to concentrate flavor for preservation. The Malagasy connection is most visible in mataba — pounded cassava leaves simmered in coconut milk — which mirrors a preparation found in the northwestern Sakalava homeland, brought over by the same Kibushi-speaking populations whose descendants still make up roughly a third of Mayotte's people today. The French colonial presence, consolidated formally in 1841 when Sultan Andriantsouli ceded the island to France, introduced boulangerie staples and a restaurant culture sustained today largely by métropolitain civil servants — but this overlay sits lightly on top of a deeply local table. What keeps Mahoran cuisine its own thing is the rice-banana-cassava backbone: the island has more than thirty varieties of banana, most used as a starchy vegetable rather than a fruit, and this agricultural abundance gives the kitchen its texture and heft. The lagoon — one of the largest and deepest in the Indian Ocean — delivers grouper, parrotfish, tuna, octopus, and crab to the same markets where women sell brochettes over open charcoal. Spices including cloves, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, and vanilla reflect the old trade routes that passed through Mayotte's anchorage at Dzaoudzi for five hundred years. The port town of Dzaoudzi on Petite-Terre (Little Land) is where cruise ships anchor and where the concentrated street-food culture of brochette stands, open-air market stalls, and small local restaurants is easiest to access on a port day.
Signature Dishes to Try
Mataba (Cassava Leaf Coconut Stew)
Mataba is the most identifiably Mahoran dish that distinguishes the island from its Comorian neighbors. The cassava-leaf technique connects directly to the Malagasy Sakalava populations who settled Mayotte centuries ago, and the addition of coconut milk reflects the island's Pacific-Indian Ocean agricultural heritage. It appears at every major life ceremony — weddings, naming celebrations, and post-Ramadan feasts — and its presence on a restaurant menu signals a kitchen committed to genuine Mahoran tradition rather than tourist-facing fusion.
Available at Hippocampe Restaurant, Mamoudzou (4.0 stars, TripAdvisor, 68 reviews). Confirm availability before visiting as it is sometimes a weekend-only special.
Kangué (Dry-Braised Slow-Cooked Meat)
Kangué is a direct inheritance from Arab dhow traders who transited through Dzaoudzi's anchorage for centuries. The waterless braising technique was a preservation and intensification strategy for long sea voyages and has become thoroughly Mahoranized, appearing at engagement parties and special-occasion family meals across the island. It is almost never found in this form on mainland Africa or in standard Comorian cooking, making it a specifically Mayottean culinary marker.
Available at Le Moana, Mamoudzou (4.0 stars, TripAdvisor, 338 reviews). You should confirm availability of kangué on the current menu before your visit, as the restaurant rotates traditional dishes.
Kakamkou / Kakamoukou (Spiced Fish Soup)
Kakamkou is the quintessential fisherman's meal of Petite-Terre and the Dzaoudzi waterfront. Because the port and lagoon have historically been the economic center of Mayotte's working population, this soup developed as the daily meal of dock workers, fishermen, and market vendors. It is still the most commonly encountered traditional dish in small informal eateries and market stalls around Dzaoudzi, making it the most accessible authentic dish for cruise passengers on a port-day schedule.
Available at street food stalls and informal snack bars at Marché de Mamoudzou (Mamoudzou Market) and in small eateries near the Dzaoudzi barge terminal. You should confirm with individual vendors on the day of your visit.
Pilao (Spiced Chicken and Rice)
Pilao is Mayotte's most widely consumed special-occasion dish and the centerpiece of large communal meals. The name and technique are traceable to the Swahili coast pilaf tradition, but Mayotte's version has evolved its own distinct spice balance over generations. It is the dish most associated with post-Friday prayer family gatherings and with Eid al-Fitr celebrations, when entire neighborhoods cook enormous pots simultaneously. Finding it in a restaurant setting — rather than only in private homes — is increasingly possible and signals a kitchen with genuine local roots.
Available at Haraka, Mamoudzou (4.0 stars, TripAdvisor, 41 reviews). You should confirm availability before visiting.
Mabawa (Grilled Marinated Chicken Wings)
Mabawa is the social food of Mayotte — the dish that crosses every class and age boundary on the island. The mama brochetti, women who run charcoal grilling stands in markets and at road junctions across Petite-Terre and Mamoudzou, are a recognized institution of Mahorais daily life. For a cruise passenger with limited time, finding a mabawa stand near the Dzaoudzi barge terminal or in the Mamoudzou market provides the most immediate and authentic street-food experience the island offers.
Available at street-food stands throughout Dzaoudzi and at Marché de Mamoudzou. For a sit-down version, confirmed at Au Monaco, Dzaoudzi — you should confirm current operating status before visiting as formal ratings data for this venue is limited.
M'tsolola (Fish and Green Banana Stew)
M'tsolola is the dish that most clearly illustrates Mayotte's agricultural ingenuity. The island's thirty-plus banana varieties, most cultivated specifically as cooking vegetables, are central to this stew, and the technique of using starch-heavy green bananas as both thickener and bulk ingredient is a specifically Mahorais solution to feeding large families from lagoon catch and garden produce. It is a dish of the interior and coastal villages rather than the port-town restaurants, which makes encountering it in a verified restaurant a genuine find.
Available at Hippocampe Restaurant, Mamoudzou (4.0 stars, TripAdvisor, 68 reviews) on selected days. You should confirm availability before your visit.
Recommended Restaurants
Distance & transport
Approximately 6.5 miles (10.5 km) by water and road combined from Dzaoudzi port. Barge fare is minimal (confirm current price locally). Route from barge landing to restaurant is flat and walkable.
Hours
You should confirm hours before visiting. Based on available information, lunch service typically runs midday to approximately 2:00 PM. Dinner hours vary. Confirm directly by phone or on arrival from the barge.
What to order
Grilled Indian Ocean fish of the day with roungaille sauce and bata-bata; local chicken dishes with pilao-style spiced rice; fresh fruit desserts. The menu rotates with market availability — reviewers consistently cite the fish and the freshness of ingredients as standout.
Why it's worth visiting
Le Moana holds the largest review base of any sit-down restaurant in Mamoudzou at 338 TripAdvisor reviews and a 4.0 rating, making it the most verified dining option in the island's commercial capital. Its central waterfront position, just steps from the barge landing, means minimal additional walking after the ferry crossing. Reviewers describe it as the practical anchor of Mamoudzou's dining scene — accessible, reliable, and genuinely local in its menu orientation.
Operational notes
Accepts both cash and card — confirm card acceptance on arrival as connectivity can be inconsistent. No formal dress code. The barge from Dzaoudzi to Mamoudzou runs frequently during daytime hours; confirm the last barge return time against your ship's All Aboard time before departing Petite-Terre. Mamoudzou restaurants tend to slow considerably between 2:00 PM and evening, so aim for a midday lunch seating. Majority-Muslim island context: pork is not served; alcohol availability varies by establishment and should be confirmed in advance.
Mamoudzou, Grande-Terre, Mayotte (near town center — exact street address should be confirmed locally)
Distance & transport
Approximately 6.5–7 miles (10.5–11.3 km) from Dzaoudzi port via barge and short walk. Flat terrain from barge terminal to restaurant.
Hours
You should confirm hours before visiting. Dinner-oriented service is reported, which may fall late for passengers on standard port-day schedules. Confirm lunch availability specifically.
What to order
Local fish preparations including kakamkou-style broth dishes; mataba when available as a daily special; grilled seafood plates with Indian Ocean catch. Reviewers cite elegant presentation and good fish quality as the kitchen's strengths.
Why it's worth visiting
Hippocampe is one of the few Mamoudzou restaurants that regularly attempts traditional Mahoran dishes alongside French-influenced plates, giving it genuine dual appeal. At 4.0 stars across 68 TripAdvisor reviews it clears the verification threshold, and recent reviews cite tasteful plating and fresh seafood. It is the best option in Mamoudzou for passengers specifically seeking mataba or m'tsolola in a sit-down setting rather than a market stall.
Operational notes
You should confirm current operational status before visiting, as some recent reviews note inconsistent management. Cash preferred in smaller Mamoudzou restaurants; confirm card acceptance. No reservation typically required for lunch, but call ahead for dinner. Barge return timing is critical — plan your meal to finish no later than 60–90 minutes before All Aboard to allow for barge transit and any delays.
Distance & transport
Approximately 0.8–1.0 mile (1.3–1.6 km) from the Dzaoudzi port drop-off area. Walking time approximately 15–20 minutes on flat terrain.
Hours
You should confirm hours before visiting. Listed as periodically closed on TripAdvisor — confirm open days and service times directly before planning your port-day meal around it.
What to order
Wood-fired pizzas with Indian Ocean-influenced toppings; seafood pizza variations using local catch are the most frequently cited items in reviews. Reviewers describe the pizza quality as legitimately excellent for the region.
Why it's worth visiting
Ilot Pizza is the highest-rated restaurant in Dzaoudzi at 4.5 stars across 30 TripAdvisor reviews — the only Petite-Terre option that clears the 4.5 threshold. For cruise passengers who prefer to stay on Petite-Terre without taking the barge to Mamoudzou, it is the most verified dining option within walking distance of the port. One reviewer described it as producing the best pizzas in the Indian Ocean. While not a Mahoran cuisine specialist, it offers a reliable, quality meal in an island setting with local character.
Operational notes
Small venue; capacity is limited. No formal reservation system confirmed — arrive early for lunch. Cash preferred; confirm card acceptance. Located on Petite-Terre, eliminating barge logistics entirely, which is a significant advantage for passengers with tight port schedules. Dress code: casual. Pork toppings may be limited given the island's Muslim majority context — confirm menu details on arrival.
Distance & transport
Approximately 7.5–8 miles (12.1–12.9 km) from Dzaoudzi port via barge and taxi. Allow 45–60 minutes total transit each way.
Hours
You should confirm hours before visiting. Lunch service is the primary daylight offering. Confirm whether dinner is available and on which days.
What to order
French-influenced plates with Mahoran ingredients; reviewers cite solid lunch menus, fresh salads, and grilled meat and fish plates as the consistent offerings. The kitchen is described as reliable and portions as generous.
Why it's worth visiting
Haraka holds a 4.0 rating across 41 TripAdvisor reviews, making it one of the better-verified restaurants in the Kaweni commercial zone north of central Mamoudzou. It serves a working local and expat clientele rather than a tourist-facing crowd, giving it authenticity that purely tourist-corridor restaurants lack. The Kaweni district is Mamoudzou's commercial hub and is worth the slightly longer transit for passengers with a full day in port.
Operational notes
Taxi from Mamoudzou barge landing to Kaweni costs approximately a few euros — confirm fare with driver before departing. Cash preferred. No formal dress code. Factor in significant total transit time when planning against your All Aboard time. This restaurant is best suited to passengers with a full-day port call of 8 hours or more.
Dzaoudzi, Petite-Terre, Mayotte (exact street address should be confirmed locally via Petit Futé listing or by phone)
Distance & transport
Estimated 0.5–1.0 mile (0.8–1.6 km) from Dzaoudzi port drop-off. You should confirm the precise address and walking distance before your visit.
Hours
You should confirm hours before visiting. Small local restaurants in Dzaoudzi typically serve lunch from approximately noon to 2:00 PM. Evening hours are inconsistent and should be confirmed directly.
What to order
Local Mahoran-influenced dishes featuring fresh Indian Ocean seafood and traditional preparations; described by Petit Futé as a culinary oasis for local flavors. Specific dishes vary by day and market availability — ask staff for the day's traditional specials.
Why it's worth visiting
Le Faré is consistently cited by both Petit Futé (the leading French travel guide for overseas territories) and local sources as one of the genuine Mahoran cuisine experiences available on Petite-Terre. Its location on the cruise ship side of the channel means no barge crossing is required — a meaningful logistical advantage. For passengers specifically seeking traditional Mahoran cooking without the ferry transit, this is the primary sit-down option to pursue.
Operational notes
Cash strongly preferred for small local restaurants in Dzaoudzi. No reservation likely required for lunch but recommended for groups. Confirm days of operation — some smaller Dzaoudzi restaurants close Monday or Sunday. Dress code: casual. This is a small, locally oriented establishment — patience with service pace is appropriate and expected.
Marché de Mamoudzou (Street Food Market)
Central Market, Mamoudzou waterfront, Grande-Terre, Mayotte — approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) from the Mamoudzou barge landing
Distance & transport
Approximately 6.3 miles (10.1 km) from Dzaoudzi port via barge. The market is the first major landmark after the Mamoudzou barge landing.
Hours
Morning through early afternoon, generally from approximately 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Street food vendors are most active in the morning. Confirm with local operators on the day of your visit, as market activity varies by day of week and season.
What to order
Mabawa (grilled marinated chicken wings from charcoal stands); brochettes of chicken, goat, or zebu with poutou hot sauce; kakamkou fish soup from market vendors; fresh tropical fruit including mango, papaya, and guava in season; sambusa (deep-fried pastries filled with spiced fish or meat). This is the single best location on the island for tasting multiple Mahoran street food traditions in one stop.
Why it's worth visiting
The Mamoudzou market is not a restaurant but a living food institution — the most concentrated expression of Mahoran daily food culture available to a cruise passenger on a port-day schedule. The mama brochetti charcoal grilling tradition is most visible here, and the proximity to the barge landing makes it an efficient first stop after crossing from Petite-Terre. No other single location on the island offers as many traditional Mahoran tastes per square foot.
Operational notes
Cash only — small denominations preferred. No seating at most stalls; eating standing or at simple benches is the norm. Food safety is generally consistent with any outdoor tropical market environment — choose vendors with active charcoal fires and visible turnover. Halal only — pork is not available. Barge schedule back to Dzaoudzi runs regularly through the afternoon; confirm last convenient crossing against your All Aboard time before departing your ship. Stroller access is possible but the market is crowded and uneven underfoot — wheelchair access is limited in the interior stall areas.
Shore Excursions & Tours
No tours available for this port yet.
Shopping in Mayotte Comoros Islands
Shopping Overview
Mayotte (Dzaoudzi port, Petite-Terre) is a tendered port — cruise ships anchor offshore and passengers come ashore by tender to Dzaoudzi, Petite-Terre, from where a 15-minute public ferry (La Barge) connects to Mamoudzou, the commercial capital on Grande-Terre. Shopping here is emphatically local rather than duty-free luxury. The Marché de Mamoudzou () is the island's largest and most visited market, offering fresh tropical produce, handcrafted goods, spices, and textiles in a lively open-air setting. Independent souvenir retailers such as Le Souvenir de Mayotte () in Dzaoudzi carry a curated selection of traditional clothing, jewelry, and local art at slightly higher prices than the market but with consistent quality. Bargaining is a normal and expected part of market transactions — approach it respectfully and it will be well received. Cash is essential for most purchases; card acceptance is rare outside of supermarkets and car rental agencies.
What's Worth Buying
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil: Mayotte and the surrounding Comoros Islands are among the world's leading producers of ylang-ylang, the intensely fragrant flower used in high-end perfumery worldwide — including Chanel No. 5. Locally distilled ylang-ylang essential oil is sold at the Marché de Mamoudzou and by independent vendors for a fraction of the price charged in European or North American specialty stores. This is a genuinely port-specific product with deep agricultural heritage. Buy from vendors who can show you the bottled oil directly and confirm origin.
Handwoven Baskets and Textile Crafts: Local artisans produce hand-woven baskets, hats, and decorative woven goods using traditional Mahoran techniques rooted in Swahili and East African craft culture. These items are functional, lightweight to carry aboard, and authentic to the island's African-French identity. The Marché de Mamoudzou () is the primary source; prices are negotiable.
Tropical Spices — Vanilla, Cinnamon, and Cloves: Mayotte's climate and proximity to Madagascar and the Comoros spice-growing tradition make locally sourced vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, and cloves a strong buy. These are sold by weight at market stalls and represent exceptional value compared to US retail prices. Vanilla beans in particular are a practical, TSA-compliant purchase. Confirm with your vendor that the product is locally grown or sourced from the Comoros region.
Shell and Coral-Motif Jewelry: Local artisans craft jewelry using seashells and reef-inspired motifs reflecting the island's identity as one of the world's great lagoon environments. These pieces are produced locally rather than imported, and prices at market stalls are modest. Note the U.S. import restriction below before purchasing anything containing coral or protected marine materials — ask vendors explicitly what materials are used.
Duty-free & Customs Allowance
Mayotte is a French overseas department and, since January 1, 2014, an overseas territory of the European Union. As such, standard French VAT (TVA) applies. U.S. passengers are eligible to claim a VAT refund on qualifying purchases over a minimum threshold (you should confirm the current minimum with the vendor at the time of purchase, as thresholds are subject to change). Ask for a détaxe form at participating retailers; you will need your passport. VAT refund processing for EU overseas territories can be administratively complex — confirm the retailer participates before purchasing with a refund in mind.
U.S. Customs duty-free allowance: U.S. residents returning from an international destination are generally entitled to an $800 duty-free exemption per person. You should confirm the current allowance at cbp.gov before your voyage, as this figure is subject to change.
Goods that commonly trigger U.S. declaration requirements or restrictions when purchased in Mayotte:
— Vanilla beans and unprocessed spices: generally permitted but must be declared.
— Ylang-ylang essential oil: generally permitted in personal quantities; declare it.
— Shell jewelry or any items containing coral, turtle shell, or other marine wildlife products: may be subject to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service import restrictions under CITES and the Endangered Species Act. Do not purchase items that vendors cannot confirm are made from non-protected materials. When in doubt, leave it at the market.
— Fresh fruit or plant material: not permitted entry into the United States; do not attempt to bring fresh produce ashore.
Practical Notes
USD is not accepted in Mayotte. The Euro (€) is the only currency in use. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger supermarkets (Carrefour and Jumbo Score in Mamoudzou) and car rental agencies, but cash is required at market stalls, taxi-brousse (bush taxis), the public ferry (La Barge), and most small independent shops and restaurants. Bring sufficient Euros from the ship or withdraw from an ATM in Dzaoudzi or Mamoudzou — see the Currency section for ATM caveats. The Marché de Mamoudzou () is the best location for authentic local goods. The area immediately around the Mamoudzou ferry terminal has tourist-facing souvenir stalls; quality is variable. For better artisan goods and more competitive prices, move a few blocks into the market interior.
Known scams
No specific organized shopping scam operations targeting cruise passengers at Dzaoudzi or Mamoudzou have been confirmed from live research at the time of writing. Mayotte is generally considered safe for tourist shopping. That said, standard market precautions apply: agree on a price before committing to a purchase, do not display large amounts of cash, and keep your wallet in a front pocket in crowded market areas. Counterfeit goods are not a known pattern at this port. You should confirm this information before your visit, as conditions can change.
Practical Information
General Information
Peak season
Peak cruise season in Mayotte aligns with the dry season: May through October. July and August represent the absolute peak, when humpback whales bring their calves into the lagoon — a major wildlife draw that concentrates whale-watching boat tours and can affect small-vessel availability. School holiday periods (French summer holidays, July–August) bring additional French nationals to the island, increasing competition for taxis, restaurant tables, and ferry capacity. Cruise ship calls are infrequent compared to mainstream Caribbean ports, so Mayotte does not experience the multi-ship congestion familiar to passengers on those itineraries. However, when a large ship does call, the relatively small infrastructure of Dzaoudzi and Mamoudzou — limited taxis, a single public ferry route, one main market — can feel stretched. Monument queue times are not a significant concern here; marine activity booking and taxi availability are the practical pressure points during peak months.
Weather
Mayotte has a tropical maritime climate with two clearly defined seasons. The dry season runs from May to October, driven by southeast trade winds, with temperatures between roughly 75°F and 84°F and very little rainfall — July is typically the driest month. This is when cruise calls are most common and outdoor and marine activities are most reliable. The wet season runs November through April, with the heaviest rainfall from December to March; temperatures climb into the upper 80s°F with high humidity, and cyclone risk exists from November through mid-May.
For passengers visiting during the dry season: weather is generally excellent for marine activities and hiking, but trade winds can create choppy conditions in the lagoon, particularly in the afternoon. Schedule boat excursions, snorkeling, and lagoon trips in the morning where possible — sea conditions tend to be calmer before midday.
Tender suspension risk: this is a real and specific concern at Dzaoudzi. Ships anchor offshore and all passenger movement to and from shore depends on ship's tenders. Choppy lagoon conditions driven by trade winds, particularly during afternoon hours in the dry season, can cause the ship to suspend or delay tendering. If the ship suspends tenders, passengers ashore are stranded until conditions allow resumption. Always check with the ship's officers about sea state forecasts before going ashore independently, and plan your return well before the last tender time — not at it. During the wet season, tropical squalls can develop rapidly and may also affect tendering without warning.
Language
Primary language: French (official). The dominant local language spoken at home and in markets is Shimaore (a Bantu language closely related to Swahili), with Kibushi (a Malagasy dialect) also widely spoken. Less than half of the population is reported to be fluent in French, so functional French is genuinely helpful rather than merely courteous.
English availability: limited. English is not widely spoken in markets, at taxi stands, or by public ferry staff. Younger residents and staff at tourist-oriented businesses (dive operators, some restaurants) may have basic English. Tour operators booked through the ship's shore excursions desk will provide English-speaking guides.
Practical tools: Download Google Translate with French offline before departing the ship. WhatsApp is the standard communication channel for local businesses in Mayotte, as it is throughout French-administered territories in the Indian Ocean — if you are pre-booking a local tour operator or private driver, expect contact via WhatsApp. Have written French phrases ready for market transactions and taxi directions.
Currency & payments
Local currency: Euro (€). Mayotte is a French overseas department and the Euro is the sole legal tender. USD is not accepted anywhere on the island — do not rely on it for any transaction ashore.
Card acceptance: credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at larger supermarkets including Carrefour () and Jumbo Score in Mamoudzou, and at car rental agencies. Cash is required at the public ferry (La Barge), taxi-brousse, most market stalls, independent restaurants, and small shops.
ATMs: ATMs are available in Dzaoudzi and Mamoudzou but are reported to be unreliable — outages and card-read failures are documented. Withdraw cash before your port day if possible, or carry Euros from the ship's currency exchange. Non-bank ATMs carry surcharge risk; prefer ATMs attached to named French bank branches.
VAT refund: As noted in the Duty-Free section above, Mayotte is an EU overseas territory and VAT (TVA) refunds may be available on qualifying purchases. Ask for a détaxe form at participating retailers. Confirm eligibility and the minimum purchase threshold with each vendor.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi at the cruise terminal: the Dzaoudzi terminal is reported to have basic terminal facilities. Reliable free Wi-Fi at the tender pier itself is not confirmed — you should confirm this information before your visit.
Mobile signal: 4G coverage exists in Dzaoudzi and Mamoudzou from French carriers (Orange, SFR). Signal can be patchy in rural areas of Grande-Terre and non-existent on smaller islets and remote beaches. Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) do not operate in Mayotte — transport is by taxi, taxi-brousse (shared bush taxi), or pre-arranged private vehicle. There are no rideshare dead zones to plan around because rideshare is simply not available.
Local SIM cards: French-network prepaid SIM cards (Orange or SFR) are available in Mamoudzou. If your U.S. phone is unlocked and compatible with French network frequencies, a local SIM is a practical option for a full day ashore. Cost and availability should be confirmed on arrival, as stock and pricing change frequently. You should confirm this information before your visit. Alternatively, check whether your U.S. carrier's international day pass covers Mayotte as a French overseas department before departure — many do.
Photography restrictions
No formal photography bans or penalty-bearing restrictions have been confirmed for Mayotte's markets, natural sites, or public spaces from live research at the time of writing. Standard courtesies apply: always ask before photographing individuals, particularly women, in a predominantly Muslim community. Photographing military or government installations is inadvisable as a general rule in any French overseas territory. At mosques, do not photograph worshippers during prayer, and always ask permission before photographing the interior of any religious site. You should confirm this information before your visit.
Dress codes
Mayotte's population is predominantly Muslim, and dress standards in town areas, markets, and villages are conservative. This applies directly and practically to cruise passengers arriving in beach attire:
— Women: shoulders, chest, stomach, lower back, and knees should be covered when in town, at the market, or in any public area away from the beach. A lightweight sarong or shawl over a swimsuit or tank top is the minimum required in market and village settings. You will not be required to cover your head, but bare shoulders and short hemlines will attract attention and are considered disrespectful.
— Men: shorts should reach below the knee in town and market areas. Sleeveless shirts are acceptable but long sleeves are more appropriate in conservative settings.
— At the beach or on lagoon/snorkeling excursions: standard swimwear is acceptable. Bikinis are tolerated at resort beach areas but modest swimwear (shorts and rash guard) is more appropriate if local residents are present. Local women swim fully clothed.
— No specific shoe restrictions have been confirmed for any attraction in this guide. Open-toed shoes and sandals are practical and acceptable.
— Cover-ups are not available for loan at any site entrance — bring your own from the ship.
Closures & pre-booking
Mayotte follows French administrative and commercial hours, modified by local Muslim observance. The following closures and practical considerations apply to cruise passengers:
— Government offices and many administrative services: closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Port Captain hours are described by multiple sources as unpredictable, particularly on Friday afternoons, as Mayotte's predominantly Muslim population observes Friday prayers.
— Many small independent shops and restaurants: may close during midday (roughly 12:00–14:00) following French custom. Confirm hours on the day.
— Markets: the Marché de Mamoudzou () is reported to be open daily, but activity is heaviest in the morning. Arrive before 10:00 AM for the best selection and atmosphere.
— Ramadan: during the Islamic holy month, many small eateries and market vendors reduce hours or close entirely during daylight hours. If your visit falls during Ramadan, confirm restaurant and vendor availability in advance. You should confirm current Ramadan dates before your visit.
— No major attractions in Mayotte require advance timed-entry tickets in the manner of European heritage sites. However, whale-watching and lagoon boat tours should be booked in advance during July–August peak, as boat capacity is limited. Contact operators through your cruise line's shore excursions desk or ask at the tourist information center near the Dzaoudzi ferry terminal ().
Pier Runner Protocol
LAST TENDER WARNING: Mayotte is a tendered port. The last tender from shore is NOT the same as All Aboard. The last tender typically departs 45–90 minutes before All Aboard. Confirm the exact last tender time from the ship's daily program before you go ashore. If you miss the last tender, you miss the ship. There is no dock — there is no way to reach the ship except by tender.
If you believe you may miss the ship:
— The ship will not hold for passengers on independent tours or self-arranged transport. It may hold for passengers on the cruise line's own shore excursions — confirm this policy at the shore excursions desk before going ashore.
— Port agent contact: You should locate the cruise line's port agent contact before going ashore — ask at the ship's shore excursions desk. No port agent contact has been independently confirmed from live research at the time of writing.
— If the ship departs without you: You are responsible for all costs of traveling to the next port of call. The nearest major transport hub is Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi International Airport () on Petite-Terre, approximately 30 minutes from Mamoudzou by taxi and ferry. Mayotte has limited direct international connections — flights operate primarily to Réunion, Comoros, Madagascar, and mainland France (Paris). Reaching the next port of call independently may require routing through Réunion or Paris, which is a significant logistical and financial undertaking. Act immediately if you believe you are at risk of missing the ship.
— Travel insurance covering missed ship departure is strongly recommended for any independent excursion at this port.
Minimum return journey from Mamoudzou (farthest practical destination for most passengers) to the ship:
1. Walk from Marché de Mamoudzou to Mamoudzou ferry terminal (Gare Maritime): approximately 5–10 minutes on foot.
2. Wait for La Barge (public ferry, departs every 30 minutes, 06:00–20:00, then hourly): allow up to 30 minutes wait.
3. Ferry crossing Mamoudzou to Dzaoudzi (Issoufali ramp): 15 minutes.
4. Walk from Dzaoudzi ferry ramp to tender pier: approximately 5 minutes.
5. Tender queue and boarding: allow 15–20 minutes, longer if tenders are busy or sea state is causing delays.
6. Tender ride to ship: variable, typically 10–20 minutes.
Total minimum return time from Mamoudzou market to ship: approximately 80–95 minutes under ideal conditions. Add a personal buffer of at least 30–45 minutes beyond this minimum. Count back from the last tender time — not All Aboard — to set your personal turnaround deadline. If you are at a remote beach, hiking site, or lagoon islet, transit times will be significantly longer and less predictable.
"Build your personal All Aboard countdown from this information, not from the published schedule alone. The published All Aboard time is the ship's deadline, not yours."
Medical & Safety
Nearest hospital
Centre Hospitalier de Mayotte (CHM) — the island's main public hospital — is located at Route Nationale 1, Mamoudzou, Grande-Terre, Mayotte (). From the Dzaoudzi tender pier, reaching CHM requires taking the public ferry (La Barge) from Dzaoudzi to the Mamoudzou ferry terminal (approximately 15 minutes), then a taxi or taxi-brousse to the hospital (approximately 10–15 minutes). Total transit time from the tender pier is approximately 30–40 minutes under normal conditions. The hospital operates a 24-hour emergency department. Emergency department telephone: you should confirm the direct emergency department number before your visit. The French national emergency number is 15 (SAMU medical emergency) or 112 (general emergency, EU standard). The local police emergency number is 17. CHM is a French-administered public facility providing care to European standards for a French overseas department.
Nearest pharmacy
Several pharmacies operate in Dzaoudzi on Petite-Terre and in Mamoudzou on Grande-Terre. The closest pharmacy to the Dzaoudzi tender pier is in the Dzaoudzi/Labattoir town area (). Pharmacies in Mamoudzou are within walking distance of the Mamoudzou ferry terminal (). French-standard pharmacies in Mayotte stock seasickness medication, sunscreen, basic first aid supplies, and over-the-counter remedies. Hours follow French pharmacy norms: typically open Monday through Saturday, approximately 08:00–12:00 and 14:00–18:00, with a midday closure. Sunday and public holiday coverage rotates among pharmacies on a duty-roster system (pharmacie de garde) — the duty pharmacy address is posted on the door of any closed pharmacy. You should confirm specific pharmacy addresses and hours before your visit, as individual locations and hours change.
Petty crime patterns
Mayotte is generally considered safe for tourists. The primary petty crime risk for cruise passengers is pickpocketing and opportunistic theft in crowded market areas, particularly the Marché de Mamoudzou (). Keep wallets in front pockets, do not display large amounts of cash, and do not leave bags unattended at market stalls. Avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewelry, or electronics in busy public areas. Vehicle break-ins are noted as a local concern but are not relevant to cruise passengers on a day visit. No specific distraction-scam tactics or organized crime patterns targeting cruise passengers near the Dzaoudzi terminal have been confirmed from live research at the time of writing. Exercise standard big-city market awareness and you are unlikely to have problems.
Returning to Your Ship
Back to Ship — Critical Timing Info
Missing ship departure means being stranded at port. Review the warnings below and plan your return time carefully.
Final Departure Warning
Leave no later than LAST TENDER WARNING: The last tender departure from shore is operationally earlier than the published All Aboard time — often by 45 to 90 minutes. Missing the last tender means missing the ship. Confirm the exact last tender time from the ship's daily program or at the gangway before going ashore. Do not rely on the All Aboard time as your tender deadline. For return planning from the farthest practical destination (Plage de N'Gouja or Mont Choungui area on southern Grande-Terre): depart no later than 2 hours and 30 minutes before the last tender time. For return from Mamoudzou market: depart no later than 60–70 minutes before the last tender time. Build your personal All Aboard countdown from this information, not from the published schedule alone. The published All Aboard time is the ship's deadline, not yours.
- Farthest destination (southern Grande-Terre — N'Gouja beach or Choungui area) to Mamoudzou by taxi-brousse or private taxi: 30–40 minutes
- Walk from Mamoudzou taxi drop-off to barge terminal: 5 minutes
- Wait for next barge departure (runs every 30 minutes — budget up to 30 minutes worst case): 5–30 minutes
- Barge crossing Mamoudzou to Dzaoudzi: 15 minutes
- Walk from barge terminal to tender pier (Quai Issoufali): 3–5 minutes
- Queue and board tender back to ship: 15–25 minutes
- Total minimum return time from southern Grande-Terre: approximately 75–115 minutes
- Recommended personal buffer beyond minimum: add 30 minutes
- Total recommended departure time from southern Grande-Terre before last tender: 2 hours 30 minutes
- For Mamoudzou market only: barge + tender queue total is approximately 40–60 minutes; depart market 70–75 minutes before last tender
- Port-specific risk factors: weather-dependent tender suspension (lagoon crossing can be halted with no notice), barge running every 30 minutes with no guaranteed immediate departure, limited taxi supply on cruise days, no rideshare fallback, cash-only transactions that require prior preparation
This is a tender port with a mandatory inter-island ferry crossing layered on top. That means every return journey to the ship involves at minimum two water crossings — barge from Grande-Terre to Dzaoudzi, then tender from Dzaoudzi pier back to the ship. Either crossing can be delayed or suspended by weather or sea conditions with no warning. The barge runs every 30 minutes and does not hold for late passengers. Taxi-brousse depart only when full, making them unreliable for time-sensitive returns. There is no rideshare option and private taxis in the outlying south of the island are not always immediately available. Carry sufficient euros in cash at all times — you cannot pay your way out of a problem by card. If there is any doubt about making the last tender, return to Dzaoudzi early. Build your personal All Aboard countdown from this information, not from the published schedule alone. The published All Aboard time is the ship's deadline, not yours.
Build your personal All Aboard countdown from this information, not from the published schedule alone. The published All Aboard time is the ship's deadline, not yours.