Frequently Asked Questions

Wifi is available on the ship.  Please note this is a satellite connection so speeds are slow with breaks in service due to movement and location.  Each ship is different and some ships may not have wifi due to its remote locations.  Please call for details.

Yes, each stateroom has a fully equipped bathroom and shower.

Yes, there is satellite TV in each stateroom, though TV selections are limited. Mekong cruise there are no TV’s in room (daily newspapers are supplied plus internet).

Yes, each stateroom has a personal safe for your use. 

English is the common language spoken on board and there is also an English-speaking Cruise Director. The crew are fluent in other languages.

Yes, tours as listed in the tour itinerary are included.  Additional options may be offered when you are on the ship.  Time is also allowed for self exploration. 

You will need to depart the USA no later than one day prior to your ship boarding as you are boarding the boat. You may begin to disembark the ship early am on your last day. Please allow enough time to get to the airport and check into your flight.  

Yes, we can help book your air. There will be a booking fee on top of the airfare if booked through us.  Your best bet is the airline internet site for best pricing.  Groups of 10 or more departing and returning together many be eligible for a group air discount.  Please call for details. 

Yes, but depends on the ship.  Some have a full spa with full treatment facilities, indoor pool, fitness area with stationary bikes, including indoor sauna and Jacuzzi. Our HealthyMD program will have daily fitness activities like yoga in the morning, core and strength, after dinner walking tours and optional activities.

The ship always sails close to shore, in the event of an emergency, medical service can be request promptly. Our expedition programs will usually have a nurse practitioner on board.

Laundry service is available onboard for a fee. 

 All meals on board are prepared by the ships chefs under the supervision of our head chef Malcolm Green and consist of local food adjusted to appeal to North American tastes. All food and standards for the program will meet sustainable and organic requirements.

Yes, we can accommodate special diets and food allergies for many needs. Please be sure to inform us at least one month prior to departure about your needs to find out if they can be accommodated and give us ample time to prepare.  Last minute request cannot be guaranteed. 

During the day time casual attire is the norm. At dinner it is casual nice with a collar shirt (e.g. Polo) and pants required. Business casual during dinner and evening receptions.

The ship has an open seating policy. This way you can meet new people. If you would like to dine with a special group of friends please arrive at dinner early when the dining room first opens.  Larger groups have the option of reserving their tables ahead of time. 

Local wine and beverages will be made available at meals for purchase.  A number of our cruises are all-inclusive and include all bar and mini-bar items.  Please call for details. 

Easy to get around as there are only two or three passenger decks plus the sun deck. 

All the countries you will visit on the cruise (including on the ship) except for Hungary will use the Euro. The ship and many locations accept major credit cards; however in small towns they may not be widely accepted especially on our Asia and Amazonas cruises. In these cases you should have some local currency. ATM machines are located throughout most of Europe.  In Asia payment can be made in dollars in Real in Brazil . 

Yes, a passport is required with at least six months of validity left from the date of your return. For non-U.S. passport holders please contact your airline for other passports to be sure you are able to travel to all the countries on your itinerary or transiting. 

On our Mekong cruise guests may purchase Visas for Vietnam on board.  Instructions will be supplied prior to cruise departure. 

Amazon cruise a Brazilian visa may be required based on your nationality.  Please inquire when purchasing your air tickets. 

Our policy is to collect $150 per person prior to departure to take care of all gratuities.  This includes local guides and crew. 

Gentle Walker Program & Guest Who May Need Additional Assistance: We welcome guests with limited mobility but want all guests to understand that challenges will exist on board and during shore excursions. Our ships do not have elevators and have split-level decks and/or significant thresholds that could make movement difficult, as there are stairs between decks. Shore excursions may require movement over cobblestones or up and down stairs; accordingly, a physically challenged guest will require the services of a responsible adult since crew availability is severely limited in most circumstances. Motorized scooters are not typically suited or can be used on-board.