The forecast says 30% chance of rain, will it rain on my sail?
This is a common summer forecast in this area. The majority of the time we will see little or no precipitation. We watch the weather radar carefully and will cancel in the event of extended periods of heavy rain.
Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit for 2-hour cruises. The minimum age for multi-day windjammer cruises is 12.
Are pets allowed on board?
No, pets are not allowed aboard Manitou or Scout. However, we can accommodate ADA service dogs. Please call our office at (231) 941-2000 to arrange.
Should I tip the captain and crew?
Tipping is customary but should be based on your satisfaction with the service you receive. A 15 – 20% gratuity is appropriate if you are happy with the performance of the captain and crew.
Are there bathrooms aboard?
Yes, we have two heads (bathrooms) on the deck level.
Do you have life jackets aboard?
Yes, we do, although passengers are not required to wear them. If you would like a life jacket, we are happy to provide one. If you would like your child to wear a life jacket, we can provide that, as well. Please bear in mind that all of our lifejackets are the horseshoe style, Coast Guard-required Type I PFD. They offer maximum flotation but are not particularly comfortable. If you have a child’s recreational vest-style PFD, you are welcome to bring it along.
Is Manitou handicap accessible?
Manitou is handicap accessible. However, we cannot accommodate motorized wheelchairs due to weight issues.
What is seating like onboard the ship?
Since Manitou authentically emulates a 19th Century schooner, seating is on cabin tops and deck boxes. There are no seatbacks.
Can we move around the ship while underway?
Yes, we encourage you to explore the vessel. You can even take a turn at the wheel!
What should I bring with me?
We strongly recommend sunscreen and a hat. If you’re on the Afternoon Cruise, feel free to pack a picnic lunch, but no hard-sided coolers, please. Please leave your own alcoholic beverages ashore, as they violate our liquor license. We do have a bar aboard with a variety of soft drinks, water and alcoholic beverages.
What should I wear?
Even at the height of summer, it’s usually cooler on the water. We recommend having a jacket or sweater with you. All passengers should wear rubber soft-soled sneakers/tennis shoes or sandals. No high heels, please!
What is your cancellation policy?
If you made a reservation and need to cancel or reschedule, please let us know as soon as possible. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
We accept cancellations up to 48 hours prior to the time of your cruise. Cancellation must be made by phone, NOT email.
Cancellations within 48 hours of the time of your cruise are non-refundable. With reasonable notice, we can rebook you to another cruise or issue a gift card for future use. Please call to notify us of this as soon as possible, so we can release your tickets and offer someone else the opportunity to sail.
NO-SHOWS:
If you fail to show up or are late arriving at the pier at the scheduled meeting time, you will be considered a no-show and your cruise ticket is non-refundable.
If you have further cancellation-related questions, please contact us at 231-941-2000.
WINDJAMMER POLICY:
Passengers may cancel their trip up to 30 days before the boarding day and receive a refund of their deposit, minus a $25 per person processing fee. Cancelations within 30 days of departure are non-refundable.
Windjammer trips may be canceled by Traverse Tall Ship Company if the minimum number of bookings is not met. We will evaluate this 30 days out and if the minimum number of bookings is not met, the windjammer will be canceled, passengers will be notified, and refunds will be issued.
What happens if there is bad weather?
If Traverse Tall Ship Co. cancels because of bad weather (thunderstorms, heavy rain for extended periods, etc.), you may reschedule your sail or receive a full refund.
Do I need to book in advance?
While we can sometimes accommodate last-minute ticket sales, we highly recommend making reservations in advance.
Do children or infants count as passengers?
Per USCG regulations, all guests must be counted as passengers.
Is your sailboat safe?
Manitou meets or exceeds all U. S. Coast Guard regulations for construction, stability, safety equipment, and electronics for vessels in passenger service. The U. S. Coast Guard-licensed captain has many years of experience and you can rest assured of being in good hands.
Will I get seasick?
You are unlikely to get seasick. Manitou’s size and construction generally translate into an easy motion. In addition, our sailing grounds in Grand Traverse Bay are well protected from most wind directions.