Frequently Asked Questions: May 2013
Preparing For Your Voyage
Are there passport or visa requirements for this trip?
All U.S. participants will need to have a passport that is valid for at least six months past June 16, 2013 (December 16, 2013). A visa may be required for this trip. See the Required Travel Documents section for more information. Guests who hold passports from other countries will need to verify specific passport/visa requirements as required by the countries on the itinerary.
Will I need vaccinations for this trip?
No inoculations are required for this voyage. This could change at any time. Please visit www.cdc.gov for further information and updates. ISE follows U.S. Center for Disease Control guidelines regarding inoculation requirements.
What will the weather be like, and what clothing should I bring?
Average temperatures in the ports on your itinerary range from highs around 75 degrees Fahrenheit to lows around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightweight cotton clothes are the most practical for this type of climate. However, keep in mind that the ship is air-conditioned and evenings may be cooler. You should bring a sweater, sweatshirt, or lightweight jacket as well. Please visit these weather prediction sites for further information:
Is there a suggested packing list?
Yes, some of the items we suggest you bring include:
- Workout shoes/clothes for exercise and/or yoga classes
- Semi-formal clothes for the special dinners
- Camera/video camera
- Battery powered alarm clock
- Medical items (insect repellant with DEET, seasickness medication, and your prescription medications)
- Personal hygiene items (sunscreen/lotion, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
- Reusable water bottle
- Light jacket/hat
Please click here for a list of prohibited items not allowed aboard the ship. SAS Packing List>>
Is there a store onboard?
Yes, the onboard store has clothing items and sundries, including some over-the-counter medications, available for purchase. All charges are billed to your shipboard account.
Can we bring alcohol on board?
New Policy Participants are permitted to bring up to two (2) sealed alcoholic beverages onboard per port. Bottles brought onboard must be checked by security at the gangway upon arrival and may not be brought to cabins for consumption or storage. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at several locations throughout the ship.
What is the Cancellation Policy?
Notice of cancellation must be received in writing in our office at least 91 days prior to sailing and deposit is non-refundable. Cancellations received fewer than 90 days prior to sailing date will be handled as follows:
- If cancelled within 61 to 90 days prior, 25% of fare is non-refundable
- If cancelled within 31 to 60 days prior, 50% of fare is non-refundable
- If cancelled fewer than 30 days prior (or non-appearance), 100% of the fare is non-refundable
Accounts & Finances
How do I make purchases onboard the ship?
We operate on a cashless system. All shipboard purchases are charged to the guest’s shipboard account, which is secured by a major credit card (Master Card, Visa, American Express, Discover). Charges are posted to the guest’s credit card at the conclusion of the voyage.
How do I make purchases in port?
Most of the ports take the smaller denominations of U.S. dollars ($1, $5, $10, & $20 bills). ATMs are available in port to withdraw local currency. Many venues will accept VISA and MasterCard. Travelers checks are not recommended.
What are the gratuity guidelines onboard the ship?
We encourage you to use your own discretion when it comes to tipping. As a guideline, we suggest $8 USD a day per guest. This amount covers housekeeping and dining room personnel. At the conclusion of the voyage, a gratuity form will be delivered to your cabin. For your convenience, gratuities may be charged to your shipboard account.
Onboard Accommodations
Where will my luggage be stored?
There will not be a luggage storage area prior to embarkation time. All luggage will be loaded onto the MV Explorer during check-in. Once luggage is onboard, it should remain in your cabin. Storage space is limited; therefore, collapsible, soft-sided luggage is recommended.
What type of atmosphere will I encounter aboard the ship?
The atmosphere onboard the ship is casual. There will be two evening events that call for semi-formal wear. There are no formal, black tie events.
Is laundry service available?
Valet laundry service is available at a small fee. The vessel is not equipped to accommodate dry-cleaning needs.
What types of outlets are available in the cabins?
There are five 110-volt outlets in each cabin and a hair dryer is provided. 220-volt outlets are also available in cabins and throughout the ship.
Will there be a doctor on board?
A medical clinic is available on the ship. The medical staff consists of a physician and physician’s assistant and/or nurse. Medical services will be available for all passengers and will be billed on a per visit basis.
How can I communicate with family, friends, and colleagues onboard the ship?
Telephone, email, and fax services are available on the ship. Cabins are equipped with phones that enable ship-to-shore calling 24 hours per day. To place a call from the ship, a phone card, available for purchase on board, is required. Family members and friends can call the ship 24 hours a day by dialing a toll-free number: 877.266.0986. The telephone number for use outside of the U.S.: 872.335.3265. The caller will be asked to provide a credit card that will be charged approximately $3.95 per minute. The number to send a fax to the ship is 954.538.6163. There is a $5.00/per page charge to send and receive a fax on board.
Limited Internet service on the ship is available in the Computer Lab and from your own laptop if it is equipped with wireless technology. Participants can use the Internet service to access web-based email accounts such as yahoo.com and gmail.com. More information regarding Internet packages will be including in the Field Program packet.
Field Programs
What are the age ranges for child pricing?
Child prices in the Trip Descriptions are for children age 3-11 years old. Children 0-2 are FREE on most programs.
What if I cannot log-in to MyPassport?
If you cannot log-in to MyPassport, you must contact techsupport@isevoyages.org. People with a long or hyphenated surname may require a special log-in.
What if I forgot my MyPassport password?
If you forget your password, you must contact techsupport@isevoyages.org to have your password reset. Tech support will send you an email with your new password.
What if my Registration is not accepted? It won’t accept my payment?
Occasionally there are browser-related issues with MyPassport when registering for multiple trips at once. If you experience the system timing out when trying to move to the final payment screen, please try registering for no more than 3 field trips at a time. Once you successfully register for the these trips, go back and continue to select field programs in 3s until successfully registering for all desired field trips.
What are my confirmed trips?
You can see your confirmed trips in MyPassport at any time. Simply log-in, select the Field Program Registration photo box. Click on “View Registered Programs” to see a complete listing of your confirmed trips.
What if my desired trip is sold out?
On the “Register (Search) for Field Programs” screen, you will notice a light blue link labeled Field Trip Expression of Interest. Click this link and submit the web form to let us know what you want. Every effort will be made to accommodate requests. If space becomes available, you will be notified of next steps via email. The Expression of Interest is not binding.
Can my spouse/partner and I register and pay at the same time?
No. Unfortunately, each individual must register and pay separately.
Can I register for a program on my embarkation/disembarkation days?
No. Only through passengers may register for programs in Dover and Le Havre. The only exception is for disembarking passengers in Le Havre who are permitted to participate in LEH-301-101 Two Nights in Paris.