Plan Your Cruise FAQ

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BOOKING & AVAILABILITY

Clicking the ‘Book Now’ buttons provided throughout the website will allow you to search for cabin availability and rates by ship or by itinerary. You can also call our reservations team at 1-877-772-4549 for assistance.
Due to the intimacy and exclusivity of our sailing ships, we recommended booking 6-12 months in advance.
You may book online using the ‘Book Now’ buttons provided throughout the website, or by calling our reservations team at 1-877-772-4549.
- All cruises require a per person deposit to secure your cabin. Final balances are due no later than 90 days prior to the departure date. You will receive an automatic email reminder as the payment deadline approaches.
- Changes in guest names after booking will incur administrative charges of $250 per person.
Yes. Please Contact the Crew to inquire about the required credentials and references as well as our commission rates and payment terms.
We welcome guests aged 8 years and above on all cruises.
- Guests must be physically able to move around the ship safely while underway, including boarding and disembarking via dinghy. There is no onboard doctor.
- Guests are required to disclose any conditions that may impact safety on board.
- Guests must be able to fulfil all requirements outlined in the Contract of Passage.
We have a fantastic community of guests who are always willing to offer impartial advice, guidance and recommendations. We recommend joining the Island Windjammers Fan Club on Facebook. It’s run by guests and fellow shipmates and is a great way to connect, get your questions answered, and share memories and pictures.

PREPARING TO SAIL

We recommend arriving in the departure country a minimum of 24 hours prior to your boarding time. We provide hotel and transfer recommendations for most destinations, to make planning as smooth as possible.
- Dress on board is casual. Ladies and gents planning to dine ashore may want to pack a sundress or a pair of trousers. Bath towels are provided, as are hair dryers, shampoo, and body wash. Beach towels are also provided on Lyra, Leda, and Klara only.
- We recommend that guests pack light. Cabin storage is limited. Avoid using large, hard-shell suitcases.
- SAMPLE PACKING LIST:
  - Swimsuit (2)
  - T-Shirts & Shorts
  - Sundress/Trousers
  - Light Jacket/Sweatshirt
  - Sun Hat
  - Sunglasses / Reading Glasses
  - Comfortable Walking Shoes
  - Beach Towel
  - Re-usable water bottle
  - Personal Toiletries
  - Personal Medication
  - Suntan Lotion / Sunscreen
  - Camera
  - Insect Repellent / Towelettes
  - Mask & Snorkel if you prefer your own
  - Water Shoes for European itineraries
Well, yes! You want to look the part after all. You can find all available IWJ merchandise in our online store here.
- DIAMANT & VELA have 110V electric outlets throughout.
- LYRA, KLARA & LEDA have 220V two prong European electric outlets.
- You may bring a CPAP machine if you require one. If distilled water is required, you will need to bring your own.
- Yes. All guests are required to complete an electronic Guest Form. This will be emailed 3-4 weeks prior to departure date to the email address provided at the time of booking. One form must be completed per guest. This information is used to manage any port authority, customs, and immigration requirements throughout your cruise to make it as seamless as possible. Please ensure that your information is entered correctly. Failure to complete your Guest Form in the time frame requested will result in an administrative charge of $500 per person.
- Some countries may require proof of return flights and pre- or post- cruise accommodation. Guests affected by these requirements will be contacted directly by a member of the crew with clear guidance on how to submit your information. Failure to provide this information in the right format and in a timely manner may prohibit you from sailing.
Please carry your cruise confirmation, your passport, and proof of your return flight. Please check individual airline and country requirements for passport validity. It is a common requirement that your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your trip dates in order to enter the country.

RECOMMENDED HOTELS & TRANSFERS

IWJ does not have any formal affiliation or partnership with any of the hotels listed. Hotels are recommended on the basis of positive feedback from within our sailing community. We strongly advise that you conduct your own research to select the best accommodation to suit your budget, preferences, and personal requirements.
- InterContinental Dominica – www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/portsmouth/dompr/hoteldetail
- Picard Cottages – www.picardcottages.com
- Portsmouth Beach Hotel – www.portsmouthbeach.com
- Local taxi services are readily available throughout the island.
- Any central Athens, Split, or Dubrovnik area hotel, guest house, villa or apartment which fits your budget and desired location will be fine.
- Greece: Themis Karagiannis Taxi and Transfer Services. Airport, hotel, and marina transfers.
  Email: [email protected]
  Phone: +30 6942 575 733
- Split/Dubrovnik: Local taxi and rideshare options are readily available.
- Sea Glass Place Apartments, St Georges – www.seaglassplace.com
- Allamanda Beach Resort, St Georges – www.allamandaresort.com
- Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, St Georges – www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-resort-grenada-beach
- True Blue Bay Boutique Resort, St Georges – www.truebluebay.com
- Kerry Cyrus, aka Foxy Airport Transfers. Airport and hotel to ship transfers, and island tours
  Email: [email protected]
  Cell/WhatsApp: 473.409.4473
- Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa, Rodney Bay – www.baygardensresorts.com
- The Other Tour St Lucia Airport transfers, hotel to ship transfers, and boutique island tours
  Website: theothertourstlucia.com
  Email: [email protected]
  758.717.5322
  Use promo code IWJ10 when booking your transfer online, and receive a 10% discount
- Timothy Beach Resort, Frigate Bay – www.timothybeach.com
- Marriotts St Kitts Beach Club, Frigate Bay – www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/skbkt-marriotts-st-kitts-beach-club/
- Local taxi services are readily available.
- Mary’s Boon, Simpson Bay (Dutch side, 20 mins from the boarding location in Marigot, French side) – www.marysboon.com
- Koho SXM, Grand Case, Marigot (French side) – www.fantastichotelsxm.com
- Centr’Hotel, Marigot (French side, close to the boarding location) – www.centrhotel.fr/home-eng
- Local taxi services are readily available.
- Beachcombers Hotel, Arson Vale – www.beachcombershotel.com
- Charlie Tango Taxi Service
  Email: [email protected]
- Maria’s by the Sea Hotel, Road Town – www.mariasbythesea.com
- Sebastian’s on the Beach, Apple Bay – www.sebastiansbvi.com
- Local taxi services are readily available.
- Ports of Call Resort, Grace Bay – portsofcallresort.com
- The Sands at Grace Bay – www.thesandstc.com/
- Sibonne Beach Hotel, Grace Bay – www.sibonne.com
- Kokomo Botanical Resort – www.kokomobotanicalresort.com
- Your hotel may offer an airport pick up service. Arrange with them directly. Taxi’s are available on arrival at the airport. Your hotel will also help with transfers during your stay.

BOARDING INSTRUCTIONS

- Grenada: 12:30 PM
  Dominica | Greece | St. Kitts | St. Lucia | St. Martin | St. Vincent | Tortola: 2:00 PM
  Turks and Caicos (Providenciales): 3:00 PM
  Split | Dubrovnik: 5:00 PM
  KLARA All Homeports: 5:00 PM
- From time to time we are required to change boarding times for reasons beyond our control. Those affected by changes to boarding information will be contacted individually via email.
- Early boarding is not permitted.
- Scroll to the question below to find your specific meeting point close to where the ship will be docked.
- Taxis are readily available at hotels and guest houses.
- Look for the Transfers section to find recommended transfer providers for each homeport. For Athens, Greece, we highly recommend that you use the recommended driver, to make locating the ship in the busy marina more seamless.
- DOMINICA
  Your meeting place is The Purple Turtle Beach Club, located in Portsmouth Dominica. You will be met by a member of the crew at 2:00pm, and accompanied to the ship.
- GREECE, ATHENS
  Boarding time is 2:00pm. Lyra will be docked in Athens Marina, about 20 minutes from central Athens. Please use Themis Taxi Services for your marina transfer, as Themis and his staff will know exactly where Lyra is berthed. There are no restaurant or cafe services at the marina. Please don’t arrive early.
- GRENADA
  Your meeting place is the Knife and Fork Cafe in Port Louis Marina, NOT the second location at the Spiceland Mall. Please leave your luggage outside the cafe, as space is limited. You’ll be met by a crew member at 12:30pm, and accompanied to the ship.
- ST. KITTS
  Your meeting place is the outside deck of Sunset Cafe, located at Timothy’s Beach Resort. You’ll be met there by a crew member at 2:00pm, and accompanied to the ship.
- ST. LUCIA
  Your meeting place is Café Ole /Boardwalk Bar located at Rodney Bay Marina. You’ll be met there by a crew member at 2:00pm, and accompanied to the ship.
- ST. MARTIN/ST MAARTEN
  Your meeting place is L’ArhAwak cafe in Marigot on the French side. You’ll be met by a crew member at 2:00pm, and accompanied to the ship.
- ST. VINCENT
  Your crew will meet you at Young Island Jetty at 2:00pm. Mangoz Restaurant near the jetty is open on Sundays.
- TURKS AND CAICOS (PROVIDENCIALES)
  Your meeting place is South Bank Marina located at 1 Long Bay Highway at 3:00pm. The marina restaurant is closed on Sunday. For your comfort, we suggest arriving as close to boarding time as possible.
- TORTOLA
  Your meeting place is the restaurant at Village Cay Marina in Road Town. You’ll be met there by a crew member at 2:00pm, and accompanied to the ship.
- DOMINICA: Portsmouth
- GREECE: Athens Marina, Piraeus, Athens
- GRENADA: Port Louis Marina, St. George’s
- SPLIT & DUBROVNIK: To be determined. Booked guests will be notified by email.
- ST. KITTS: Timothy Beach Resort, Frigate Bay
- ST. LUCIA: Rodney Bay Marina, Rodney Bay
- ST MARTIN/ST. MAARTEN: Marigot, French side
- ST. VINCENT: Young Island Jetty
- TURKS AND CAICOS (PROVIDENCIALES): South Bank Marina
- TORTOLA: Village Cay Marina, Road Town
- Please see your specific meeting point in the question above. A member of the crew will meet you there and transport you to the ship. From time to time we are required to change boarding locations for reasons beyond our control. Those affected by any changes to boarding information will be contacted individually via email.
We are unable to offer overnight boarding between cruises for health and safety and insurance purposes.

LIFE ON BOARD

Your all-inclusive rate includes 3 meals a day, afternoon cocktail and snack and a selection of soft drinks, coffee, tea, table wine, and local beers.
You may help yourself to the included beverages at any time. You’re welcome to bring your own spirits on board to mix your favorite drinks. Pick them up at the duty free on your way down, or at a local market before you board.
- Our experienced chefs use fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Vegetarian and gluten free diets are available on board. Please notify your chef when you board.
- Vegan, kosher, and other more restrictive diets and specific meal requests cannot be accommodated.
- Anyone with significant food allergies should not sail, as there is always the possibility of cross-contamination in our small galleys.
Guests are welcome to bring their own spirits, other drinks, and food if preferred. Please notify a member of the crew upon boarding if you require these to be stored in a cooler or somewhere other than your cabin. We recommend that you clearly label any personal items that may be stored in common areas.
If you’ve experienced motion sickness in the past, or aren’t sure how you’ll adjust, please bring your preferred remedy with you. Seek medical assistance if in doubt. We are unable to offer any medications or remedies on board outside of permitted first aid.
- No cash is accepted on board any of our ships.
- The US dollar is accepted in most Caribbean ports. The Euro is accepted in the Greek Isles, Croatia, Montenegro, and most French Caribbean ports. Small denominations are best.
- Credit cards may be used in most shops and restaurants. Avoid fraud alerts and holds on your credit cards by notifying the issuing bank of your intended foreign travel.
- Onboard activities vary by ship, and are subject to guest preferences and participation. These may include but are not limited to karaoke, knot classes, yoga, board and card games, beach games and trivia. Can you play the kazoo? Have you mastered the art of strumming the guitar on your front porch swing? If you’re wildly entertaining, or mildly talented, bring your instrument along for the ride. Some guests enjoy center stage, while others just like to watch.
- While we’re on the subject, bring your playlist, and take your turn at the dock. See what we did there? He-he.
Yes. All cabins are air conditioned.
- Crew gratuities are not included in your cabin rate and are discretionary. Tips are ONLY payable by credit card at the end of your cruise. A member of the crew will facilitate the onboard charge before you disembark. No cash is accepted on board. Our crew thanks you in advance for your generosity.
- The following gratuities are suggested:
  - DIAMANT + VELA: 6-night sailings: $275 per person | 12-night sailings: $550 per person
  - KLARA: 7-night sailings: $450 per person | 14-night sailings: $850 per person
  - LYRA: 6-night sailings: $450 per person | 10-night sailings: $750 per personLEDA: 7-night sailings: $
Most cell phone carriers provide international roaming service. Call your provider to ask about international service plans. Your phone will have a signal most of the time, dependent on the selected itinerary.
WiFi is available on board Klara, Leda, and Lyra. Wifi networks and passwords will be made available to all guests via after boarding. Internet is often available ashore in restaurants and cafes – itinerary dependent.
- Your crew will make you aware of any available activities or excursions that can be accommodated during your itinerary. These may be subject to additional charges not included in your cabin rate but are entirely discretionary. Payment for these will be charged to your credit card before you disembark.
- On shore activities mainly include island exploration, occasional hiking, swimming, snorkeling on Caribbean voyages, Complimentary snorkel equipment is provided in the Caribbean, though you are welcome to bring our own mask and fins if preferred.
- Where onshore dining is available, a member of the crew will assist with making reservations if required. If dining ashore, please notify a crew member in advance so that onboard catering adjustments can be made. Any onshore dining is not included in your cabin rate.
- Beverages may not be brought from the ship to shore. We thank you in advance for supporting local businesses and families. A cooler of beverages will be provided by the crew for beach days when allowed.

DISEMBARKING

- DIAMANT | VELA | LYRA: 10:00 AM
- KLARA | LEDA: 9:00 AM
- DOMINICA 10:00 AM
- DUBROVNIK 10:00 AM – Early disembarkation is available. Please notify your crew.
- GREECE, ATHENS 12:00 PM
- GRENADA 10:00 AM
- SPLIT 10:00 AM – Early disembarkation is available please notify your crew.
- ST. KITTS 9:30 AM
- ST. LUCIA 2:00 PM
- ST. MAARTEN 1:00 PM
- ST. VINCENT 11:00 AM
- TURKS AND CAICOS (PROVIDENCIALES) 9:30 AM
- TORTOLA 9:30 AM
A member of the crew will support you with arranging post-cruise transfers to the airport or a hotel.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Contact the Crew