tendered vs docked?

my first cruise will be on RC's Sovereign on the Seas starting May 2...the itinerary says we are docked in Nassau and then Tendered in CocoCay...what is the difference between the two? if we are docked can we come and go from the ship all night if we want?

Docked is where the ship ties up to the dock and its easy to walk on and off. Tendered is where the ship anchors off shore and tender boats take you back and forth to a dock. Either way, if you're in port over night you can certainly come and go as you please. Have fun, it is addicting!:)

And welcome to the boards.:)

CoCo Cay is RCCL's private island in the Bahamas. It's really nice, too. You'll love it. The reason you're tendering in (taking a smaller boat from the Sovereign to the island) is because the water is too shallow to dock. That's why RCCL never built one. You'll be able to come and go as you please in both locations (until an hour before sailing away). But, getting on and off takes a little longer when you're tendering as opposed to just walking on and off.

You'll love this cruise!!! Happy Sailing!:D

thanks so much...that helps clear things up a bit