Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Asia

General	Alaska	British Columbia	Columbia & Snake Rivers	California Wine Country
Grand Asia	Japan	Panama Canal & Costa Rica	Mexico's Sea of Cortes	Ring of Fire	South Pacific

Activity Level
Q. How much walking is involved?
A. This cruise is best enjoyed if you are in good health, fit and able to enjoy comfortably paced, moderate walks over some uneven terrain and on paths and trails, which are sometimes slippery. Walking distances from the coach to the sites are usually not more than the equivalent of a quarter-mile, and walking distances around the sites average from a quarter-mile to a half-mile.

Many buildings do not have elevators and are not air conditioned, and monuments frequently have several steps without handrails. Footwear with good traction and support is essential.

Q. What time and how long are the tours?
A. Generally, the schedule will include scorted onshore activities in the morning, returning to the ship for lunch. Some afternoon activities are also planned at each stop. To make the most of your visit and to ensure you fully experience the destination, the schedule will  also include some long days, with early wake-ups and activities scheduled throughout the day.

Gratuities
Q. How are gratuities handled?
A. As with all our cruises, tipping is neither expected nor required for Cruise West staff, on land or at sea. Recognition for exceptional service is discretionary and you are welcome to tip individuals directly.

Guides
Q. Will our guides speak English?
A. We use English speaking local guides for all tours.

Meals
Q. Are all the meals Asian cuisine?
A. No. The variety of cuisines is a highlight of a voyage on the Spirit of Oceanus. Menus onboard the ship each day offer American and European dishes with the option to sample more regional dishes as well.  Steaks and seafood are always available and most special dietary needs can be met with advance arrangements.

Money
Q. How much money should I bring?
A. The amount of money you should bring depends on your desire to shop. Credit cards are becoming more commonplace in larger establishments in Tokyo and Kyoto but cash is still the preferred currency at most small hotels, inns, shops and restaurants. All money must be exchanged at an authorized bank or money changer.

Q. Can you change money onboard?
A. We are unable to change money onboard the Spirit of Oceanus. All money must be exchanged at an authorized bank or money changer. It is a good idea to exchange some money prior to your arrival in Japan.

Q. Is it okay to bring traveler’s checks?
A. Traveler’s checks can be exchanged at most major banks, larger hotels and some duty-free shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler’s checks in Japanese Yen or U.S. dollars.

Packing
Q. You say casual, but just how casual do you mean?
A. We believe in traveling in comfort. Come as you are - jeans and sweaters are appropriate during the day and the evening. Even at dinner time no jackets, ties or formal dress are required.

Q. What should I pack?
A. During the fall a light jacket and sweater are necessary for the crisp days and nights. Autumn can bring warm, humid days, so dressing in layers is a must. Lightweight cottons, linens, and short sleeves  are required throughout fall in most areas. A light, water-resistant raincoat or waterproof windbreaker is essential, as rain is common.

Good walking shoes that can be easily slipped on and off are essential, especially for removing to enter shrines and temples. Jeans and casual slacks are fine for casual dining and sightseeing but shorts are uncommon in Asia outside of the resort areas. Other important items include a spare pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses, extra zip-lock plastic bags, personal medications in their original bottles, aspirin, indigestion tablets and vitamins, polarized dark sunglasses, swimming trunks or bathing suits, sunhat, and light sunscreen. For easy portability of personal items ashore, we suggest a lightweight, water-resistant backpack.

Weather
Q. What is the weather going to be like?
A. Autumn from September to November is generally quite warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 80s. Rainfall is intermittent with sunshine. For updated weather reports go to www.weather.com

Wheelchairs
Q. Is the Spirit of Oceanus wheelchair accessible?
A. Cruise West appreciates the differences in accommodation needs of our guests wishing to travel with us. However, the Spirit of Oceanus does not meet all applicable standards of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for buildings and facilities. Furthermore, guests should be aware that ships and operating conditions can always present challenges to wheelchairs or those with limited mobility and participation may not be possible for some activities and events. Ship interiors often have raised door thresholds, steep stairs and narrow passageways that can prevent wheelchair passage. Gangways between the ship and docks can be steep due to variable tide conditions. Inflatable excursion craft that do not accommodate wheelchairs are sometimes used for shore visits where no docks exist.

In Asia many excursions can pose problems for those with mobility issues. Vehicles are often not wheelchair accessible and many buildings do not have elevators. Be sure to let us know of any limitations or concerns about mobility prior to making reservations.