Browse the General FAQs below, then click on an FAQ link if you're looking for answers to commonly asked questions about a specific destination or our "Kids & Family" un-cruise adventures.
GENERAL FAQs
ACTIVITIES & EXPLORATION
Q. How available are the Expedition Leaders and Guides?
A. Our experienced Expedition Leaders and Guides enjoy sharing their knowledge and introducing you to the wildlife, culture, and geography of the places we visit. They are available to you both during excursions and throughout the day and evening on board.
Q. How active are the un-cruises?
A. Activity levels and types of activities available vary by itinerary, destination, and brand, but we do like to play! On kayaking excursions, open paddles are at your own pace, short guided paddles are relatively easy for most of our guests, and guided paddles lasting up to 6 hours will require greater endurance. Hikes range from easy shorewalks to more rigorous treks over rugged terrain. Among the many activities available on an un-cruise, guests can also enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, and exploring the waters and shore by inflatable skiff.
Q. How physcally fit do I need to be to enjoy my un-cruise?
A. While our cruises are designed for any fitness level and lifestyle, many of our excusions from the ship require various levels of physical fitness. To help ensure your enjoyment, our hikes are ranked with an activity level ranging from 1 (Easy) to 5 (Difficult). We understand that not all guests desire the same level of physical activity. Therefore, we offer a variety of adventure activities, yoga classes, and spa services for your enjoyment.
Q. Can I explore on my own during my un-cruise adventure?
A. Throughout your un-cruise adventure, there will be opportunities for you to explore at your leisure by kayak and stand-up paddle board. There is also free time for exploration in towns and villages. Due to permit restrictions and for safety reasons, you are not allowed to hike in remote wilderness areas on your own.
Q. Do I need to bring my own gear?
A. Most of the gear required for your explorations is available on board. Each ship and yacht is equipped with kayaks, paddle boards, inflatable skiffs, wetsuits, and snorkeling equipment. InnerSea Discoveries charges a nominal daily use fee for wetsuits and snorkeling gear; the use of all equipment is included in your fare with American Safari Cruises. For a complete list of what to bring, please refer to the packing list specific to your InnerSea Discoveries or American Safari Cruises destination.
Q. When do I sign up for activities included in my cruise fare or other optional excursions?
A. Third party optional programs are subject to availability and must be reserved and purchased on board. Included excursions, such as kayaking and hiking, are organized by sign-up sheets on board. Your Expedition Leader will present the options, review the activity levels, and help you determine the activities best suited to your physical abilities. Massage appointments are made on board during the cruise as well (TIP: it gets busy towards the end of each week, so reserve your massage earlier in the week!)
Q. What is there to do in the evenings?
A. During evenings on board you can relax, rejuvenate, and engage with your fellow adventurers. Each day offers a cocktail hour followed by a delicious and healthy meal, plus there are opportunities to learn from locals and our Expedtion Leaders/Guides. And while our comfortable public areas on board are inviting, you may also choose to watch a DVD in your cabin.
ADAPTORS
Q. Will I need a special converter or adaptor for the electricity?
A. All electrical outlets on our ships and yachts are standard 110 Volt, the same voltage as in North America. If you live in other parts of the world, you may need a special adapter.
ARRIVAL
Q. When I arrive at the airport how will I find you?
A. On the day your un-cruise begins, our representatives at the airport will greet you upon arrival if we have received your completed Flight Information Form. Please see your personal itinerary included in your final documents for details.
We’ll provide a transfer from the airport to our ship/yacht or the hotel of your InnerSea Discoveries or American Safari Cruises stopover package as long as we have received your air travel information at least 72 hours in advance. Otherwise you will be expected to make your own arrangements for initial transfers. Make sure you have provided us with your flight numbers and flight departure and arrival times.
DISEMBARKING
Q. On the last day of the cruise, what time will we disembark the ship?
A. Most InnerSea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises vessels disembark by 9:00 a.m. Specific disembarkation procedures will be announced on board.
ELEVATOR
Q. Do any of your ships have an elevator?
A. There are no elevators aboard the InnerSea Discoveries / American Safari Cruises ships and yachts.
HAIRDRYERS
Q. Are there hairdryers onboard?
A. Each cabin and stateroom aboard our vessels has a hairdryer.
INTERNET / EMAIL / PHONES
Q. Do you have Internet or email access on your ships and yachts?
A. All of our ships are equipped with communication devices designed to conduct the ship's business and for emergency purposes. They do not have email/internet access available for public use.
Q. Will I be able to use my cell phone or is there access to a phone aboard the ship?
A. Cellular phones generally work near more populated areas and in certain remote areas. You will be able to use them from time to time. The crew can try to alert you when the ship is in cellular range. A satellite phone is available on the bridge of each ship and yacht for emergency guest use at a rate of US$5.00 per minute.
LAUNDRY
Q. Are there laundry services on board?
A. Unfortunately, there is no laundry service on our ships or yachts.
LIBRARY
Q. Do you have a library on board?
A. Yes, we have a library of books, DVDs, and games available for your use on board all of our ships and yachts. The Safari Explorer even has a wine library.
MEALS
Q. What time are meals?
A. Onboard meal times vary depending on the day’s scheduled activities. Generally, we provide an early riser continental breakfast starting every morning at 6:00 a.m., a full breakfast starting around 7:30 or 8:00 a.m., lunch is around noon, and dinner is served around 7 - 7:30 p.m. Appetizers are also served at Cocktail Hour each evening before dinner.
Q. How should we dress for meals?
A. All meals are casual and feature open seating. There is no need to dress up at any time, simply wear what's comfortable, even for the Captain's Farewell Dinner!
Q. Can special dietary considerations be accommodated?
A. We are able to accommodate most special dietary needs. All booked guests are required to submit the completed Medical Information Form alerting us to any food allergies or other dietary requirements you may have. Completing this form will ensure that the chef has enough notice to prepare for your needs. We recommend that you check in with the chef or hotel manager upon your arrival to the ship to confirm your request.
MEDICAL
Q. Are there any medical facilities or personnel on board your ships or yachts?
A. Our crew is trained in both first aid and CPR and there are first aid supplies on board. While we do not have a physician on board, we are never too far from a port where medical facilities are available.
ONBOARD DETAILS
Q. How are onboard charges handled?
A. Charges for wine, beer, cocktails, massages, gift shop purchases, optional shore excursions, and gratuities will be charged to your personal shipboard account. You may settle your account with one easy payment at the end of your un-cruise using U.S. traveler’s checks, personal checks, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, or your debit card. With American Safari Cruises - premium spirits, fine wine, and microbrews are included in your fare; the only applicable charges for alcohol are for super premium spirits, wine, and champagne.
Q. Can we bring our own alcohol?
A. The laws require that any alcohol served on the vessel be poured and provided by the vessel.
Q. Do you offer celebrations on board for special occasions?
A. Our shipboard crew are happy to help you celebrate a special event during your trip, such as a birthday, honeymoon or anniversary. Advise us of your special occassion when you submit your completed Identification & Contact Form. Please advise us as far in advance as possible.
Q. What types of amenities do you have on board?
A. Aboard the InnerSea Discoveries wilderness ships, each cabin offers an iPod docking station, hairdryer, shampoo/conditioner, and bodywash.
Aboard American Safari Cruises' upscale yachts, each stateroom offers two luxurious bathrobes, a hairdryer, and sundries such as shampoo/conditioner, and bodywash. Each stateroom also has an iPod docking station.
Each ship and yacht in the fleet also has an iron on board, but remember, it is casual so no one will look twice if your clothes aren't perfectly pressed.
Q. Is the water that comes out of the tap in my cabin or stateroom drinkable?
A. Absolutely. The onboard water is treated and filtered and tastes quite good. We also have re-usable water bottles available on board for guest use if you didn't bring one along.
PACKING
Q. What clothes should I pack?
A. You should be prepared for a wide variety of weather conditions and recommend that you check the weather forecast for the area before your departure at weather.com. It's best to pack clothes you can layer to be prepared for temperature changes and comfortable clothes for relaxing onboard. Please refer to our online packing list in the Prepare For Your Cruise section of our website.
Q. You say casual, but just how casual do you mean?
A. Our lifestyle emphasizes both adventure and comfort. So pack your favorite casual clothes and enjoy the adventure. Daytime or evening, our atmosphere is relaxed. There's no dressing up for dinner here!
Q. Is there a place to store my luggage?
A. On all wilderness ships, there is limited storage space underneath the bed. On board the yachts, there is storage in the closet.
Q. Is there a limit to how much luggage I can bring?
A. While our cabins and stateroom are surprisingly spacious, storage space is limited. The nice thing about our casual atmosphere is that you don't need to pack evening gowns or tuxedos. Try to limit your bags to two per cabin or stateroom.
PASSPORTS / VISAS / IDENTIFICATION
Q. What kind of ID is required?
A. U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. traveling exclusively inside U.S. borders do not need a passport or visa for travel. We only require a government-issued photo ID such as your driver’s license.
Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada entering the U.S. are required to bring their passport.
For other nationalities, passports are required to enter the U.S. It is your responsibility to check with your local U.S. embassy/consulate to confirm visa requirements and to obtain the proper visa/U.S. alien card (green card).
Q. Why is it important that my passport remain valid 6 months after I return from my international cruise?
A. The U.S. government requires that your passport remains valid for 6 months after you return. The purpose of the regulation is to guarantee that you will be able to leave the country you are visiting. It also serves to make sure that your passport will be valid for travel to your next port or destination and return into your own country. For non-U.S. passport holders we recommend you check with your country’s embassy or consulate.
SEASICKNESS
Q. Will I get seasick?
A. The areas and waters we travel are mostly protected. In the event of high winds or open passageway crossings you may encounter rough waters. Seasick medication is kept on board all of our ships and yachts, however, it is not recommended for children. If you are prone to seasickness or traveling with children, you should consult your physician prior to your departure. The Captain will update you when there might be extra ship motion so you can take the medication in enough time to be effective.
SECURITY
Q. What are your security procedures?
A. Your safety and security are of utmost importance to us. Upon boarding an InnerSea Discoveries or American Safari Cruises vessel, we will check your photo ID, and positively match all pieces of luggage with individual travelers. Similar to checking in for a flight, your luggage will be subject to search as well.
SMOKING
Q. Is smoking allowed on board?
A. Smoking is prohibited anywhere inside the vessel. Our smoking guests are welcome to smoke only on the outer aft deck in a designated area. Ashtrays will be provided. To protect the environment, guests should refrain from tossing cigarettes and cigars from the vessel.
TELEVISION
Q. Is there a television on board?
A. The ships and yachts are equipped with flat screen TVs/DVD players in each cabin and stateroom. Large flat screen TVs in the main salon are also available. Television channels are unavailable due to the remote areas we visit. Ships that have a bowcam will broadcast over one of the channels and daily updates, menus, and schedules can also be viewed on TV. We do have a collection of DVDs on board for you to enjoy in your cabin or stateroom.
TIPPING
Q. How are gratuities handled?
A. Gratuities are a personal matter and are entirely at the discretion of the traveler. Recommended gratuities for excellent service on the cruise are typically 10% of the fare. Gratuities are shared equally by all crewmembers.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Q. Do I need travel insurance?
A. For your protection, we recommend you purchase travel insurance so you can plan and enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind. We have developed a travel protection plan, in conjunction with Access America, that offers guests a wide range of protection and services at reasonable rates. For details, see your travel agent or look under Travel Protection in the Booking Information section of our website.
WEATHER
Q. What’s the weather going to be like?
A. We recommend that you check the weather forecast for the area before your departure at weather.com.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
Q. Are your vessels wheelchair accessible?
A. InnerSea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises will earnestly try to accommodate guests wishing to travel with us. Our primary concern is the health, safety, and well being of our guests and crew. Guests with some mobility and who provide their own collapsible wheelchairs can generally be accommodated, but our vessels do not meet all applicable standards of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for buildings and facilities. Guests needing any form of assistance and those who are physically disabled must be accompanied by someone who will take full responsibility for any needed assistance during the cruise and in the event of an emergency.
Ship interiors and operating conditions can always present challenges to wheelchairs and participation may not be possible for some activities and events. Please be aware that raised door thresholds, steep stairs, and narrow passageways can prevent wheelchair passage. Some ports of call, shore excursions, use of inflatable excursion craft, docks, gangways, and other ship requirements may preclude a wheelchair guest from leaving the vessel; this decision will be made by the Captain and is binding.
