What kind of food will be served? Will there be vegetarian and low-fat options? International chefs? Do we eat in a group or at private tables? Can I eat on my own?

Meals on the ships are generally international or American specialties, with additional selections available reflecting the area of the world we are traveling in, all prepared by international chefs. Breakfasts are standard American fare. Meals ashore vary depending on the restaurants we frequent and the part of the world we are in.

Special dietary menus, such as vegetarian or low-fat, can be accommodated on board, with the exception of kosher cuisine. We do our best to provide such menus on land as well. We ask you to notify us well before departure so that we can prepare appropriately.

All meals on board are served in group seatings. Generally breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, while table service is provided at dinner. Tables are typically large, so you will likely be dining with other passengers.

Will I be able to e-mail, fax, mail letters or postcards, or make phone calls from the ships? Is the Internet accessible on the ships?

Most of our vessels have facilities for incoming and outgoing e-mails, faxes, and telephone calls. However, passengers are charged for all such communications, which can be expensive. On a few of the ships e-mail accounts are set-up once you are onboard and are part of the ship e-mail system (Internet access is not available on these ships). On other ships you are able to access the Internet which allows you the ability to access e-mail accounts such as hotmail and yahoo. Before you depart on one of our expeditions you will receive pre-departure material that outlines what services your specific ship offers. You can mail letters and postcards by placing them in a mailbox on the ship. The ship pursuer then posts it for you and charges your room for the cost of the postage. However. mail can only be sent when the ship is at a port with mail facilities.