Rio Dulce Gorge
Frequently Asked Questions
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Booking and Payment
How do I make a reservation? When are deposits due? What is your cancellation policy? What is the cost of the port charges? How are fares determined? Are gratuities included in the price of the cruise? What’s available for solo travelers? Are there any discounts for multiple cruises booked?Arriving and Departing
What if I arrive late? Can you book our airline reservations? Do you include transfers? What is your early arrival policy?What should I bring?
Do I need a passport? Should I bring my valuables onboard? Is snorkeling equipment supplied or should I bring my own? Are there hair dryers onboard?The Onboard Experience
Where can I find information about your optional excursions? What should I know about health, safety, and security? Can children travel on the cruise? What is your smoking policy? What is the electrical current on the ship? Is there a dress requirement? Is fishing allowed on the ship? What if I require special assistance? Do I need money during the cruise? What is dining like aboard your ships? Does Blount Small Ship Adventures have a recommended reading list? Can I do laundry onboard? Do you offer adult beverages onboard?Other Common Questions & Important Information
Do itinerary changes occur? Are there any legal notices I should be aware of? Are Charters available? Cell Phone Usage Wi-Fi Internet Connection Maps and PhotosBooking and Payment
How do I make a reservation?
Simply call your preferred travel agent or for more information call us at 1-800-556-7450. When making a reservation, we require the following information from all guests: name, address, date of birth, gender, citizenship, passport number or photo ID number, telephone number, emergency contact information, and special needs (i.e., dietary).
When are deposits due?
A deposit of $400 per person is due within two weeks from the date your reservation is made. Payments can be made by check or credit card (MasterCard, VISA or Discover). Please make checks payable to “Blount Small Ship Adventures.” To avoid a cancellation of your cabin, please ensure that your deposit is received within two weeks of reservation. You will receive written confirmation of your reservation and an invoice upon receipt of deposit. Please allow five working days to process your payment. Final payment of balance is due 60 days prior to date of sailing. You will not receive another invoice.
What is your cancellation policy?
All reservations are subject to a minimum $75 per person cancellation charge. Passengers may cancel subject to the charges listed below. Cancellations must be confirmed in writing by the passenger or travel agent prior to departure to be considered valid.
Cancellation fees per person from date of departure:
60 days or more = $75
59 days – 45 days = 25% of fare
44 days – 30 days = 50% of fare
29 days – 11 days = 75% of fare
10 days or less = 100% of fare
In addition, passengers will be charged all administration costs incurred by Blount Small Ship Adventures on behalf of passenger. Administration charges may be levied for ground or air portions or other services associated with voyage or special requests and changes. There shall be no right to any refund except as stated, and Blount Small Ship Adventures shall have no obligation or liability to passengers for cancellation and/or non-use of all or a portion of a
voyage or other services, whether or not due to circumstances beyond passengers’ control. Once purchased trip insurance is non-refundable. We strongly encourage all passengers to purchase trip insurance.
What is the cost of the port charges?
Port charges vary by cruise and include passenger taxes and charges for services imposed by governmental or quasi-governmental entities. They are subject to change without notice.
How are fares determined?
Cruise fares are per person and based on double occupancy. Any part of a day shall be considered one day.
Are gratuities included in the price of the cruise?
Gratuities are not included in cruise fare and are at the complete discretion of the passenger at the end of the cruise. While we hesitate to recommend a certain level of tipping, many of our passengers have indicated they appreciate some guidelines. The common industry standard is $12-$14 per passenger, per day. Passengers may use traveler’s checks, personal checks or cash for gratuities.
What’s available for solo travelers?
Several options are available if you are traveling alone. We do have select cabins configured as single accommodations and priced for single occupancy only. We also offer a “Willing to Share” program that allows you to pay a per person rate for a double occupancy room. You will be waitlisted for a same-gender traveling companion, however should no other person reserve under this program you will be placed alone in that double occupancy cabin. We also have designated double occupancy cabins you may reserve at an additional cost. Please ask your reservationist for details.
Are there any discounts for multiple cruises booked?
Yes! You’ll save 10% when you reserve consecutive cruises on the same ship. Please ask a Reservation Specialist for details.
Arriving and Departing
What if I arrive late?
In the event of flight delays, we will make every reasonable effort to connect you to your ongoing itinerary at your own expense. We strongly encourage the purchase of trip insurance to reduce any out of pocket expenses you may incur during unforeseen circumstances.
Can you book our airline reservations?
We do not book air reservations. Please check with your Reservation Specialist or Travel Agent to ensure your flights meet with requirements for both arrival embarkation and departure disembarkation as they vary by cruise.
Do you include transfers?
For U.S. and Canadian cruises, transportation is not provided between airport locations and vessels. We do provide transfers on our Caribbean and Central American cruises between the designated airport and ship.
What is your early arrival policy?
On select cruises we offer an onboard early arrival and pre/post night packages. Please call 800-556-7450 and ask your Reservation Specialist for details.
What should I bring?
Do I need a passport?
On our international itineraries, all passengers are required to carry valid passports. On domestic cruises, U.S. citizens must have a valid government-issued photo ID. Naturalized U.S. citizens are advised to carry their naturalization papers. Other non-U.S. citizens must have passports and all necessary visas. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. On some U.S. itineraries we visit Canadian ports and passports are required.
When crossing international borders any child under age 16 (traveling without both parents and/or a legal guardian) must have written permission from the other parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of a criminal offense, you may not be allowed into certain countries such as Canada. Check with the appropriate consulate for more information. All travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements for international destinations.
Should I bring my valuables onboard?
When traveling internationally, it is strongly recommended that U.S. residents have their valuables, such as cameras, binoculars, radios, watches, jewelry, etc., registered with U.S. Customs before departure at a Customs Office in their area or at embarkation. We cannot
accept responsibility for valuables lost or stolen.
Is snorkeling equipment supplied or should I bring my own?
There is a limited supply of onboard snorkel equipment available on a first-come basis. To guarantee your personal snorkeling opportunities daily as well as for a better fit, we do recommend that you bring your own gear.
Are there hair dryers onboard?
Yes, hair dryers are supplied onboard. Please see your cruise director for more information.
The Onboard Experience
Where can I find information about your optional excursions?
Optional excursions, along with itineraries, reading lists and other cruise information, will be sent out 90 days in advance of departure date. Pre-sold excursion packages will be available for purchase at this time, and can be paid with your final cruise payment. Individual excursions may be purchased onboard, but we encourage early bookings to secure your spot since some excursions are first-come-first serve (or have limits). Your final documents package with additional cruise information and boarding passes will be mailed approximately 30 days prior to departure (provided final payment is received).
What should I know about health, safety, and security?
Blount Small Ship Adventures operates U.S.-flag small passenger vessels that were built and are annually inspected under stringent U.S. Coast Guard regulations as well as SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) and MARPOL international regulations on the Grande Class ships. Blount Small Ship Adventures meets the requirements of the International Safety Management Code and maintains a “Safety Management System” on the Grande Class vessels that is audited regularly by Blount Small Ship Adventures and third-party internationally recognized auditors. All Blount Small Ship Adventures vessels are compliant with U.S. and international security regulations.
To ensure compliance with security regulations, all passengers are required to have proper identification when boarding. Any failure to satisfy boarding identification requirements will result in denial of access to vessel. Boarding the vessel is deemed valid consent for screening or baggage inspection. Blount Small Ship Adventures follows stringent U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) protocols in the interest of the health and safety of all guests and crew. Anyone who has an illness of public health concern will not be permitted to sail. Blount Small Ship Adventures reserves the right to quarantine or deny boarding. See www.cdc.gov for up-to-date health advisories and protocols.
Can children travel on the cruise?
We welcome children who are 14 years or older and accompanied by an adult.
What is your smoking policy?
All cabins and common inside areas are smoke-free. Smoking is allowed only on the outside decks.
What is the electrical current on the ship?
Only 110-Volt AC appliances may be used. Electric shavers and toothbrushes may be operated without converters. Ironing is strictly forbidden in cabins.
Is there a dress requirement?
Aboard our cruises, informality is the word. There are no dress requirements.
Is fishing allowed on the ship?
Where allowed, you may fish while the vessel is on anchor. The U.S. requires a fishing license in the ocean and fresh water. Please bring your own equipment as we do not provide fishing rods.
What if I require special assistance?
In order to provide the best and safest possible service, passengers who require special assistance should inform us at time of reservation. Blount Small Ship Adventures does not discriminate against persons on the basis of disability and we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of passengers. Please be advised that our ships are not equipped with elevators, however for those travelers who require some assistance with stairs, we do provide stair chair lifts. In order to be able to safely navigate the vessel, passengers must have the ability to walk up steep gangways, step over thresholds, and open doors. For some destinations, the ship’s tender may be the only way to get ashore. This will involve transferring into and out of smaller crafts when alongside the ship and at the shore. Small scooters and fold up wheel chairs may be brought for use ashore but prior arrangements with our office must be made and operating them aboard is not feasible.
While cruising we visit many small ports that may have a variety of physical environments such as (but not limited to): uneven terrain, steep inclines, rocky trails, museums and buildings without elevators and stairways without hand rails. It is strongly recommended that individuals requiring assistance are accompanied by a companion who is capable and totally responsible for providing any special assistance. Neither Blount Small Ship Adventures personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist passengers. Additionally, Blount Small Ship Adventures regrets that it cannot provide special individual assistance to any passengers who may require special aid for walking, dining or other needs of a personal nature. Due to the limitation of medical facilities, passengers with medical conditions should consult their physician to determine whether travel is appropriate.
Is medical care available on the ship? Our ships are equipped to provide only very limited medical care and are stocked with limited medical supplies. We cannot offer care for conditions requiring specialized expertise or equipment. Passengers with such conditions, or in the event of an emergency situation, may be evacuated at their expense. Passengers should also review their insurance policies to determine whether treatment occurring onboard the vessel or while traveling is covered. In some cases, our services or care will be less than the level you anticipate or find offered by medical shore facilities. Passengers requiring medical equipment/supplies such as oxygen, must check with the office in advance to ensure that it can be safely stored onboard.
Do I need money during the cruise?
It is recommended that passengers carry a supply of U.S. currency in small denominations as well as traveler’s checks to use toward land tours, souvenirs, gift shop items and gratuities. Traveler’s checks are easily cashed in large ports of call, but may not be as readily accepted in more rural places. No personal checks or traveler’s checks will be cashed onboard the ship, but can be used for shore tours and gratuities. Credit cards (MasterCard and VISA) may be used onboard the ship for payment of tours, souvenirs, and upgrades; but cannot be used for gratuities. Please plan in advance for gratuities to be paid in U.S. dollars, personal checks, or travelers’ checks.
What is dining like aboard your ships?
We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner. We pride ourselves on serving fresh, creative dishes, many representative of the local cuisine. For the convenience of our passengers, menus are posted daily. We are happy to accommodate certain dietary restrictions provided we are notified in advance. Refreshments and snacks are available 24 hours a day in the lounge and dining room. Select house wine and beer is included during lunch and dinner service. There is an open seating policy to encourage meeting as many of your traveling companions as possible.
Does Blount Small Ship Adventures have a recommended reading list?
Yes! For each of our destinations, Longitude Books of New York has created essential reading lists which will be included with documents. Or you may contact them directly at: (800) 342-2164 or www.longitudebooks.com.
Can I do laundry onboard?
There are no laundry facilities onboard. On certain itineraries Laundromats may not be readily available, so we suggest that you pack accordingly.
Do you offer adult beverages onboard?
We are one of the few cruise lines that allow passengers to bring their own beverages onboard. We believe our BYOB benefit gives you the freedom to choose when and what you want to consume. Plus, you will never leave our cruise with a large bar tab! We do include select house wine and beer with lunch and dinner during meal service. We also provide mixers, ice, snacks, and cold and dry storage in our lounge where you can serve yourself anytime you choose.
Other Common Questions & Important Information
Do itinerary changes occur?
Every effort will be made to follow the published itinerary – wind, weather, tide and the good Lord providing. Blount Small Ship Adventures reserves the right to change, omit or add stops, change the route, or consume extra days. Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or many religious, state and local holidays observed throughout the world.
Are there any legal notices I should be aware of?
Maps shown on cruise pages are current at the time of printing and may not reflect actual cruise routing should the cruise change. Photos shown on tour pages are reflective of the area(s) visited, but may not be seen during the actual itinerary. Participants may be photographed for the promotional purposes of Blount Small Ship Adventures. Payment of the deposit to Blount Small Ship Adventures constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
Are Charters available?
Choose existing itineraries or perhaps customize your own! Our vessels accommodate up to 96 guests. Please contact our Charter Coordinator at 1-800-556-7450 for more details.
Cell Phone Usage
When planning to use a cell phone onboard the ship, we recommend that our passengers check with their provider for coverage and rates within their own plan, especially when traveling out of the United States, as roaming and international fees may apply.
Wi-Fi Internet Connection
Wi-Fi is installed on our ships. Signal strength and availability may vary by port and access may not always be available and cannot be guaranteed. Sailings within the US and Canada may have a better range of coverage, while sailings in the Caribbean have extremely limited coverage. Upon request, Cruise Directors will provide information on internet café locations available at different port stops. Passengers will need to bring their own Wi-Fi ready laptop.
Maps and Photos
Maps shown on cruise pages are current at the time of printing and may not reflect actual cruise routing should the cruise change. Photos shown on tour pages are reflective of the area(s) visited, but may not be seen during the actual itinerary.
Participants may be photographed for the promotional purposes of Blount Small Ship Adventures. Payment of the deposit to Blount Small Ship Adventures constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
