Frequently Asked Questions
While many of you are seasoned travellers, some of you may be unfamiliar with the ways and means of travelling in the remoter regions where we journey. Cruising in eastern Indonesia on a traditional wooden Phinisi ship can be a brave new world for some, so with that in mind we have compiled the following list of Frequently Asked Questions to try to make your journey with us as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. If you don’t find the answer to your own particular question, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What electrical outlets are available onboard?
Voltage on board Gammara is 220 volts. There are several electric sockets and USB charging ports in each cabin suitable for European type plugs. However, we also have a selection of adaptors for non-European type plugs. Additional sockets are located in the dining room, where we have a dedicated area for the charging of electronic devices and cameras.
What kind of liability policy is provided?
We require all Gammara passengers to sign a strict and comprehensive liability release. Copies of these liability releases can be sent on request. Our cruise prices do not include travel insurance, and it is mandatory that all guests must have their own comprehensive policy that covers medical issues with an emergency evacuation plan (Medivac), and proof of this must be shown. We also strongly urge our guests to purchase a comprehensive insurance policy that also covers trip cancellation and interruption insurance. We do not provide cover nor do we have a preferred broker.
What should I bring?
We recommend that you bring warm weather clothing options that are comfortable for wearing on the boat. You will also need items that are appropriate for walking/trekking excursions. A light rain jacket or lightweight fleece will come in handy for sunrise treks or when there is a cool breeze on the boat. In order to respect local culture and customs, it is important to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees during village tours. Choose natural fabrics that dry easily. It is also advisable to bring a pretty cotton sundress or summer shirt as there are lots of opportunities for photos along the way.
Waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF rating is essential to protect your skin from Indonesia’s harsh tropical rays, both in and out of the water. Cover up with a casual sarong over your swimwear while relaxing of the deck or some other form of sun-protective clothing. A decent hat with a wide brim will also keep your face and neck from burning. Avoid glare with a pair of polarized sunglasses that will also have you looking stylish in onboard photos. Just in case you do catch too much sun, an aloe-based body lotion or gel is a useful item to have on hand as it has a soothing effect on red skin.
Bring along your favourite trainers, trekking sandals, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots for hikes and walks. A cotton pair of socks to wear inside your walking shoes will help prevent blisters. Waterproof sandals or reef shoes are ideal for wet landings and water activities, while casual flip-flops are great for the beach.
A lightweight backpack comes in handy for day hikes to carry items such as your reusable water bottle, camera gear, binoculars, and rain jacket.
Last but not least, don’t forget to pack your preferred form of swimwear. We recommended that you bring more than just one item so that you will always have something dry to wear.
What about miscellaneous items?
- Basic equipment such as snorkels, masks and fins in different sizes are provided on board Gammara. However, if you are a snorkelling enthusiast, you may prefer to bring your own gear. For beginners who have never tried to snorkel, it might be an easier option to purchase your own full-face mask that can be fitted to size for personal peace of mind.
- Even though you may be accustomed to boat trips, bouts of sea-sickness are always possible upon setting sail. While we do provide tablets on board, you may choose to bring along a supply of your own preferred brand just to be on the safe side.
- While Gammara does have some reading materials available, we suggest that a book of your choice or e-reader will come in handy as you relax.
- Gammara comes equipped with a full first aid kit to deal with minor injuries and ailments. However, we must remind you to bring along your own medication for any personal health concerns you may have.
Do you handle special dietary requests?
The kitchen team on board Gammara can cater to special dietary needs such as vegetarian, halal, children’s fare, food allergies, etc. However, we require advance notification so that we can make the necessary arrangements and purchase supplies before each trip.
We will also provide alcoholic beverages such as wine (red & white) and beer to be purchased on board.
Are children welcome on board?
For general safety purposes, we do not accommodate children under 6 years of age on our Open Trip cruises. Special considerations will be made for Charter Excursions.
In the interests of everyone on board, we would like our guests with children to consider the following simple rules and recommendations regarding boat safety and by consideration for the comfort of other passengers.
- While we are all for kids having a great time, it is important to remember that Gammara is limited in size and it is also very easy for other passengers to feel inconvenienced by the presence of young ones. Taking this into consideration, we request that you remind your kids to tone things down on board by encouraging them to let off excess energy once we set anchor to swim or visit dry land.
- Please remain mindful of the potential dangers that surround us on board Gammara and the tropical environments that we will explore, both on land and at sea. We must stress just how crucial it is to keep a watchful eye out and be aware of your children’s whereabouts and actions at all times.
- Even though the members of our crew love having kids around, kindly ensure that your young ones do not hinder the daily duties of our team. Reduced productivity will significantly slow down the cruise and may mean that you miss valuable time at a certain destination. However, once all the work is done and it is time to play, everyone will be more than happy to spend time and have fun with your kids.
How do I handle tipping and gratuities?
Tipping in Indonesia is not compulsory. However, if you are compelled to reward our crew for their service on board, please feel free to do so at your discretion.
Is there Internet access on board?
During each cruise, Gammara ventures to a number of remote areas, therefore, the likelihood of securing any type of Internet connection is extremely difficult at sea. Often our itineraries mean that we are simply out of reach from any type of consistent land-based signal. As the price of satellite Internet is not conducive to a boat of our size, this is not a service that we can offer for the time being. Having said that, spending a few days out at sea is a great way to temporarily detach from technology and focus on the incredible experience at hand.
The possibility of (extremely) intermittent Internet access is viable by purchasing a local Indonesian SIM card for your personal electronic device with a 3G or 4G connection.