Q.  How do we get to and from the ship

 

A.  From the regional airports, airport transfers are available for a fee.  Please see the specific cruise page for details.

 

Q. Is internet available onboard?

 

A. Internet service is available sometimes for a fee on the ship depending on ship.  Please note this is a satellite connection so speeds are slow with breaks in service due to movement and location.

 

Q. Is there smoking on the ship? 

 

A. All interiors of the ship are non-smoking. Smoking is only permitted on the open air sun deck.

 

Q. Do all rooms have full private facilities?

 

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

 

Q. Is there a TV in my stateroom?

 

A. 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).

 

Q. Is there a safe in the room?

 

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

 

Q. Is English spoken on ship?

 

A. English is the common language spoken on board and there is also an English-speaking Cruise Director.  Kosher River Cruise team members also speak Spanish, Hebrew and a number of other languages.

 

Q. Is sightseeing included?

 

A. 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.

 

Q. What dates should I book my air?

 

A. 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. 

 

Q. Will you assist me book my air?

 

A. 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.

 

Q. Is there a fitness area onboard the ship?

 

A. 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.  On our Rhone cruise there are no fitness facilities or spa area.

 

Q. Is there a doctor onboard?

 

A. The ship always sails close to shore, in the event of an emergency, medical service can be request promptly.

 

Q. Is there laundry service onboard?

 

A. Laundry service is available onboard for a fee.

 

Q. What is the cuisine?

 

A. Gourmet meals on board.  Kosher style (no pork, shellfish or mixing of milk and meat items) can be arranged upon request.

 

Q. Can you accommodate special diet requests?

 

A. 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.

 

Q. What is the dress code?

 

A. 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. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes for our tour days!

 

Q. Can we reserve a table in the dining room?

 

A. 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.

 

Q. Is wine, and beverages available with meals?

 

A. Local wine and beverages will be made available at meals sometimes for purchase depending on the ship.

 

Q. How big is the ship?

 

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

 

Q. What is the currency and can we use credit cards?

 

A. 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 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.

 

Q. Is a passport required?

 

A. 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.

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

 

Q. Is there tipping onboard the ship?

 

A. Our policy is to collect $150 per person prior to departure to take care of all gratuities of J-Expeditions River Cruise staff.  This includes local guides and crew.

 

Q. What do you recommend for those passengers with mobility concerns?

 

A. 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. 

 

For an additional per person cost we have created our gentle walker program where special shore excursion transportation and guiding services have been made available where possible. Please note itinerary / certain site visits may have to be altered to accommodated our Gentle Walkers since some locations may not be physically suitable for those with special mobility needs.