Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about our cruise

How do we get to and from the ship

From designated airports we provide all airport transfers including airport meet and greets as part of your all-inclusive Vegan Culinary Cruises package. Optional airport transfers for a cost are available for VCC Lite departures. Please see the specific cruise page for details. 

Is internet available onboard?

Internet service is available on most of our ships as part of your all-inclusive Vegan Culinary Cruises package and VCC Lite departures. Please see the specific cruise page for details.  Please note this is a satellite connection so speeds are slow with breaks in service due to movement and location. Each ship is different, and some ships may not have Wi-Fi due to remote locations. Please call for details. 

Is there smoking on the ship?

Every ship is different with most vessels designating a specific area on the sun deck to accommodate those who wish to smoke. There is strictly no smoking in the cabins, hallways, restaurants, or inside common areas. 

Do all rooms have full private facilities?

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

Is there a TV in my stateroom?

Yes, there is satellite TV in each stateroom, though TV selections are limited with some cruises offering a wide assortment of movie and TV options. On our Mekong cruise and some of our other expedition cruises to some of our remote destinations, there are no TVs in room (daily newspapers are supplied and usually internet). 

Is there a safe in the room?

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

Is English spoken on ship?

English is the common language spoken on board and there is also an English-speaking Cruise Director.  

Is sightseeing included?

Yes as part of your Vegan Culinary Cruises all-inclusive tour package, tours as listed in the tour itinerary are included. Additional options may be offered when you are on the ship.  Optional tours for an additional cost are available for VCC Lite departures. Time is also allowed for self–exploration. 

What dates should I book my air?

This depends on your departure and arrival airports. From the USA for example, you need to depart no later than one day prior to your ships boarding. You may begin to disembark the ship early on your last day. Please allow enough time to get to the airport to check in for your flight. 

Will you assist me book my air?

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. 

Is there a fitness area onboard the ship?

Yes, but depends on the ship. Some have a full spa with full treatment facilities, indoor or outdoor pool, fitness area with stationary bikes, indoor sauna, and jacuzzi. Please see individual departure pages for full details. 

Is there a doctor onboard?

The ship always sails close to shore and in the event of an emergency medical service can be requested promptly.

Is there laundry service onboard?

Laundry service is available onboard for a fee. 

What is the cuisine?

All meals on board are prepared by the ships chefs under the supervision of our Vegan Culinary Cruises culinary team and head chef. All food and standards for the program are always strictly vegan. 

Can you accommodate special diet requests?

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 requests cannot be guaranteed. 

What is the dress code?

During the daycasual attire is the norm. At dinner most people dress smart casual with a collar shirt (e.g. Polo) and trousers. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes for our tour days! 

Can we reserve a table in the dining room?

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. 

Is wine, and beverages available with meals?

Vegan wine and beverages are included at all meals as part of your Vegan Culinary Cruises all-inclusive program. Optional drink packages at extra cost are available for VCC Lite departures or drinks can be purchased individually. 

How big is the ship?

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

What is the currency and can we use credit cards?

All European 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 and Amazonas 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 and real in Brazil. 

Is a passport required?

Yes, a passport is required with at least six months of validity left from the date of your return.    

At several destinations guests may have to purchase visas to enter that country or may have the option to, as with our Mekong cruise, purchase visas on board.  Instructions will be supplied prior to cruise departure.  

During an Amazon cruise a Brazilian visa may be required based on your nationality.  Please inquire when purchasing your air tickets. 

Is there tipping onboard the ship?

Our policy is to collect between $120 and $150 USD per person prior to departure to take care of all gratuities of non-Vegan Culinary Cruises staff. This includes local guides and crew. 

Are Vegan Culinary Cruises departures accessible?

Some of our ships do not have elevators and will have split-level decks and/or significant features that can make movement difficult for wheelchair usersincluding stairs between decks. Shore excursions may sometimes require movement over cobblestones or up and down stairs. Please contact us with specific questions for each departure. 

What about Vegan bath and bed products on the cruises?

Every Vegan Culinary Cruises and VCC Lite departure includes vegan only bath products and bed linens. 

What is the payment schedule and registration process when booking?

Initial deposit of $500 per person must be received at time of booking in order to reserve your space. Final payment is due by 120 days prior to departure and is subject to cancellation if is not received within this time period. All program sign-up within 120 days prior to departure must be paid in full in order to reserve your space. 

Having checked off the required area of the registration portal You confirm Your understanding and acceptance of the Conditions and the Contract by paying Your Booking Deposit or otherwise paying any part of the price of Your Tour. If You make a booking on behalf of any other person, You represent to Us that You have their authority to make the Booking on their behalf and to legally bind them to the terms of the Contract, including the Conditions. Each reference to “You”, “Your”, “Guest” or “Passenger” means the person who makes the Booking and each other person covered by the Booking. 

What is your cancellation policy?

Any cancellations must be submitted IN WRITING to our office. For cancellations made prior to 180 days of departure, the deposit is non-refundable but may be used towards a future Vegan Culinary Cruises/Ktreks program. For cancellations between 180 and 120 days prior to departure, an administrative fee of $250 per person will be retained and a $250 per person credit may be put towards a future Vegan Culinary Cruises/Ktreks program. Within 120 days of departure, the total cruise cost is not refundable. Any cancellations will be subject to the cancellation fees above plus any extra costs associated with the cost of airfare. If Vegan Culinary Cruises/KTreks Tours should cancel a tour due to insufficient sign-up, all funds submitted by the participant to Vegan Culinary Cruises/KTreks will be reimbursed to the participant. Vegan Culinary Cruises/KTreks is not liable for any other costs outside of the amount of the tour costs submitted to Vegan Culinary Cruises/KTreks associated with the planning of the participant’s trip including airfare, additional hotel stays, travel or health insurance, or non-air travel. 

Do I need travel insurance?

In today’s travel environment it is important to protect your travel investment. Vegan Culinary Cruises/KTreks strongly recommend that all participants take out travel insurance to protect themselves and their investment from any unforeseen events. Those interested in purchasing your insurance through Vegan Culinary Cruises/KTreks (US residence only), we recommend the Travel Guard program which is one of the most cost effective while offering substantial coverage. Please contact us and we can help facilitate the process. Participants are not obligated to purchase insurance through Vegan Culinary Cruises/KTreks and may sign-up for their own policy. 

What is a medical declaration?

All participants must be fit to travel and not traveling contrary to medical advice. All pre-existing medical conditions, which may require treatment during the tour, must be declared. All travelers must have ample medical insurance to cover any costs associated with pre-existing conditions or medical assistance that may be required during travel. All medical costs are the responsibility of the participants and cannot be attributed to Vegan Culinary Cruises/KTreks Inc. or any of its associates. 

Is Vegan Culinary Cruises right for me?

Please note some of Vegan Culinary Cruises programs take place in unique and sometimes exotic and adventurous destinations throughout the world. In Europe walking is required at many tour sites that cannot be accessed by motor vehicle. Due to the remote location and pristine environment that surrounds us in many of these destinations (which is what makes our programs so unique), certain amenities and comforts that may be available to guests in more populated or urban areas may not be available here. We ask guests to take this into consideration when choosing a Vegan Culinary Cruises travel program. Please speak to one of our travel experts to go over the program details to make sure that this program is truly the right one for you. 

Testimonials

What People are Saying

“A Great Find”

“Our experience was unique in that we were able to tour a lot of territory and a variety of places with minimal inconvenience. The fact that our boat was always with us and there were no long bus rides or waits made this mode of travel extremely enjoyable. Also, the food was outstanding. Vegan Culinary Cruises certainly gets highest recommendation.”

Micheol R

“Fabulous food & flawless service”

“Once-In-A-Lifetime Journey Down the Mekong River – Cambodia & Vietnam”

Diane G

“Another successful experience”

“Riverboat is the way to go. I’ve met such nice people, staff was great, food fantastic. A really well run and well thought out trip”

Harriet S

“Speechless”

“A fabulous experience! Having the ship close by when touring is a real convenience. The cuisine by chef Tobias was always delicious and plentiful. The planning and scheduling were always well done and with consideration given to all participants.”

Elaine R

Connect With Us

 

Call Us: USA +1 206-971-1114

Office hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm PST

E-mail: info@veganculinarycruises.com

Web: veganculinarycruises.com

 

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