FAQ

Sip n' Sail Cruises FAQ

Making Reservations

Onboard Experience

Food & Beverage Options

Decorations

Accessibility & Safety

Making Reservations

How Do I Make a Reservation?

Reservations can be made online or by phone at (844) 906-9006 with a major credit card. Seats are not held without payment. If you would like to pay in cash, reservations must be made in person at these locations:

Dockside 30 minutes prior to departure

What Payment Options Do I Have?

We accept most major credit cards. If necessary, you can pay with a personal check or money order by mail. Please call our reservations department at (844) 906-9006 for more information.  You may pay cash at our port location dockside.

Can I Hold A Reservation And Pay Onboard?

We do not hold reservations without payment.

I Have A Gift Certificate/Coupon/Discounts, How Do I Redeem Them?

All gift certificates, coupons and discount offers MUST BE  MENTIONED AT THE TIME OF BOOKING in order to be honored. Please bring your gift certificate, promotional card or coupon with you on the night of your cruise and present it to the host/hostess upon arrival.  It must be presented before boarding.

If One Or More People In My Party Are Not Able To Make It Or We Miss The Cruise Will We Receive A Refund?

NO. Once payment is received cruises are non-refundable. With a 48-hour or more advanced notice, we will be happy to reschedule your cruise date or issue a gift certificate for the amount paid. Cruises are non-refundable and non-transferable within 48 hours of your cruise. We do not compensate for no-shows or late arrivals.

Is Gratuity Included?

A service/operations charge is collected at the time of reservation related to the cruise and the services included in the ticket. If you wish to purchase beverages onboard, we recommend you leave a gratuity onboard based on the quality of service provided to you by our crew. Tips are shared by all crew members.

What Happens If It Rains Or There's Inclement Weather?

Sip N' Sail Cruises sail rain or shine. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard and/or our Captain on duty, a cruise may be cancelled.  

Are There Any Age Restrictions On Your Cruises?

There are no age restrictions for most of our cruises. All minors require adult supervision. Please call with questions about any of our special event cruises, as minors are not restricted, but the cruise may not be appropriate for all age groups.

Do You Offer Any Children Discounts?

Children 4 and under are complimentary.

Onboard Experience

What Is The Dress Attire For The Cruises?

Dress for most of our cruises is casual. You may wish to bring a  jacket or sweater as temperatures on the water can be much cooler on any given day. We do recommend bringing along a light jacket or wrap as it may get breezy. Some events/cruises may be more formal and inquiries should be made if the cruise schedule suggests a special event. 

What Time Do I Board The Ship?

Boarding time is typically 30 minutes prior to departure for all cruises. Please check your boarding time when making your reservation. The ship WILL ALWAYS SEEK TO DEPART ON THE SCHEDULED TIME in order to accommodate all parties' itineraries, schedules and other reservations.

Is Smoking Allowed?

No smoking is allowed on the ship, unless specifically permitted by the Captain on a private cruise. Please also dispose of all refuse in proper receptacles. Do not throw anything into the water. Please help us keep our waterways clean.

Is There Pre-Assigned Seating?

As you board, our captain and or marine crew will direct you to available seating. The upper deck has VERY LIMITED SEATING and is on a first-come first-served basis. The ship is very user-friendly with multiple good viewing areas, including the bow (front of ship). We encourage people to move about the ship and enjoy the full cruise experience.

What Kind Of Entertainment Is On Board?

Depending on the cruise, it may be background music, a DJ or a live band. Please check online or ask one of our reservations agents for more details about the planned entertainment for your specific cruise. Our online events calendar will also indicate which trips have entertainment and the musicians or group's name.

Can We Meet The Captain And VIsit The Pilot House?

Yes. Guests are welcome to come and meet the Captain. However, for safety and security reasons, we ask that you check with our staff onboard before visiting the pilot house. We want to ensure that all passengers and crew are kept safe and that the captain is not distracted while performing essential duties.

Food & Beverage Options

Do You Offer Special Celebrations For Birthdays, Anniversaries Or Special Occasions?

Please ask your reservations agent about our celebration specifics, balloon or flower bouquets. Our drink menu is available online. We are happy to acknowledge all special occasions onboard. Please let us know what your celebrating and the name(s) of those being honored, and our entertainers or Captain will be happy to make an announcement during the cruise.

Can I Bring Cakes And Flowers On Board?

Cakes may be brought on board. Small flower bouquets are also permitted. Please keep in mind you are on a ship, so top heavy arrangements will not be stable.

Decorations

Can We Bring Our Own Decorations?

Small groups without private space can bring table decorations and limited early boarding may be allowed. Please do not use confetti or tape any items to the walls of our ship.

Accessibility & Safety

Are You Regulated By The U.S. Coast Guard?

Our vessels are all subject to inspections and certification by the U.S. Coast Guard and our crew are all properly licensed. We also follow MARSEC security guidelines. Should the MARSEC security level be elevated, we may opt to increase security measures onboard our vessels to ensure everyone’s safety. 

Are Life Preservers On Board?

Each vessel is 100% Coast Guard certified with life preservers and all required lifesaving equipment, including child life vests and a 50 person inflatable apparatus. (IBA)

Is The Ship Handicapped Accessible?

The Isle Royale Queen III can accommodate wheel chairs but can only provide space for the same on the lower deck.  Our restroom is also handicap accessible. The ship was built in 1960 so does not have some of the more up to date handicap accommodations.  

The Robin E is not handicap accessible, please view the boat layout of the Robin E for more information. 

Our crew will do whatever is reasonable to accommodate all guests and provide what conveniences for the particular needs or passenger requests. Please call (844) 906-9006 to ensure handicap accessibility requirements exist for the date you are planning to cruise.

Will I Get Seasick?

The vast majority of our guests experience no discomfort at all. If you tend to have a problem with motion sickness, you may experience seasickness. We recommend that if you are prone to motion sickness that you take advantage of a number of preventative measures that are available to you.

Is There A Phone On The Boat That Receives Calls?

The IRQ III does not have phones for guests' use. Most cellular services are available on the water as we do not cruise beyond two miles off shore on most of our cruises. The Captain and crew are always available for emergency messages.

Where Are You Located?

Our cruises depart from the Coal Dock, aka the Arnold Freight Dock, which is located between the Taxi Service Station on Main Street and the Seabiscuit Cafe. The Isle Royale Queen III will be berthed at the end of the Dock, left side (port).

How Do I Get There?

If you are arriving from the mainland, the Coal Dock is centrally located downtown off Main Street between the Seabiscuit Cafe and the Taxi Station.

Where Or How Do We Pick Up Our Tickets?

We use a ticketless reservations system. Please follow the instructions on your confirmation. When you arrive, introduce yourself to the Host/Hostess.