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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q

    Reservations are not required, but prior reservations are highly recommended.
    You can board if there’s a seat available on the day, but please note that we can’t assure you one without reservations.

  • Q

    Cancellation is basically free of charge. Please make sure to contact us once it’s decided.

  • Q

    Cancellation on the day is possible. Please make sure to contact us once it’s decided.

  • Q

    Please reply to the confirmation email or contact us by phone.

  • Q

    We offer discounts for: groups (10 people or more), JAF members (Japan Automobile Federation), people with disabilities, RELO CLUB members, Benefit Station members, AEON credit card holders, etc.
    The local accommodations cooperating with the “Cruise and Stay Package” are “Toomawari” and “Minshuku Honma.”
    In addition, those of you who stay at the following hotels can receive our discount coupon limited to the hotel guests only.
    Hotel Minenoyu, Rausu Daiichi Hotel, Hotel Sakaeya, Hotel Isaribi, Minshuku Yonemaru, Takashimaya Ryokan, Washi no Yado, Tabi no Tochu, Minshuku * maru, Shiretoko Serai
    Note: You may only use one coupon at a time.

  • Q

    Online payment at the time of booking or local payment on the day. Local payment can be made by cash, credit card or PayPay at the reception.
    Please see below for credit card payment methods.

  • Q

    Yes. We accept the following credit cards.

  • Q

    Yes, we can keep your luggage at the office except for valuable items.
    There’s no locker, and we’re not responsible for your lost or stolen belongings.

  • Q

    Yes. There’s a gift shop named cho-e-maru at across from the office.
    There’s also a cafe named ERU Takeout Drink Shop behind office, so you can purchase souvenirs and have a drink.

  • Q

    No. Drinking alcohol on a ship is prohibited

  • Q

    Yes. All of our cruise ships have bathrooms.

  • Q

    No. All of our ships are smoke free.

  • Q

    There’s no age limit. If you’re with kids, please make sure you never let your kids out of your sight.

  • Q

    Yes. However, we will not be held responsible for pregnancy complications, at any stage.Please contact us if you’re worried.

  • Q

    No. We’re sorry, but wheelchairs are not allowed due to the narrow passageway and many steps.
    If you’re capable of walking to some extent, the staff will assist you in getting on and off.
    Please contact us if you’re worried.

  • Q

    No. We’re sorry, but pets are not allowed onboard.We can take care of it at the office if your pet is in a carrier.

  • Q

    No. We’re sorry, but we decide which ship to sail depending on the reservation status.

  • Q

    Yes, but please take your trash with you when getting off.

  • Q

    No. Please bring your own drinks, snacks, and motion sickness medicine.

  • Q

    Yes. Enough like jackets are prepared for every passenger, and we’ll hand it to you when you board.
    We ask you to wear it at all times onboard.
    We also have life jackets for children.

  • Q

    Yes. You can borrow them for free, but we have a limited number of them.
    Since binoculars may cause motion sickness, using them is not recommended.

  • Q

    We have to cancel cruises in case of bad weather such as strong winds, high waves, and poor visibility due to dense fog after consulting with other cruising companies.
    We’ll try to inform you with the schedule as soon as possible, but cruises might be canceled at the last minute. We’d appreciate your understanding.

  • Q

    There is a situation that can depart depends on the sea condition even the rain.
    There’s a cabin on the ship, and you’re free to enter

  • Q

    You may get wet with rains or wave splash.You can get in the cabin if you’d like to avoid getting wet.

  • Q

    Prepare your clothes referring to the illustration below.

  • Q

    Yes, it could. We’re sorry, but our guarantee is not 100% because it’s nature we’re dealing with.

  • Q

    The best season varies depending on animals. For further information, see the page “The Chance to Encounter” on our website.
    There isn’t a big difference in probability whether you board in the morning or afternoon. It also depends on condition of the sea and weather.
    It’s all up to luck!

  • Q

    Some guests get seasick when waves are large.
    We recommend to take motion sickness medicine before boarding if you’re worried.
    Please prepare medicine on your own because we don’t carry one.

  • Q

    Stay where you can get fresh air and breeze.
    Look at the scenery in the distance.
    Do not stay in the cabin.
    We carry sickness bags just in case.

  • Q

    There’s no concession stands on the ship, so bring drinks or snacks as you need.
    The sensory temperature will drop due to the wind while you’re on the ship, so be sure to take measures to keep you warm.

  • Q

    Yes, but please refrain from using it in a place including the passageway where it would obstruct other passengers.

  • Q

    It depends on your preference, but the lens thickness of the camera our staff uses is 100 to 400 mm.
    Refer to the photos posted in the blogs.

  • Q

    We’re sorry, but our guarantee is not 100% because it’s nature we’re dealing with.
    Drift ice can usually be seen from around February 10 to around late March. (Our operation period is until around mid-March)

  • Q

    We’re afraid that you won’t have enough time for shooting because the one-hour cruises are mainly for sightseeing.
    We recommend our two-hour cruises for those of you whose purpose is shooting.

  • Q

    The chances are very low.
    You might be able to see them swimming if you’re lucky enough.

  • Q

    It’s usually open from around late April to around late October.
    Note: Hours may be limited depending on the road condition.
    For more details, refer to “The Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau.”

  • Q

    We have parking space for 10 by the office.
    After checking in, you can drive to the boarding point and park your car.

  • Q

    Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport (Approx. 1 hour), Memanbetsu Airport (Approx. 2 hours 30 mins), and Tancho Kushiro Airport (Approx. 3 hours 30 mins)

  • Q

    Rausu Honcho is the nearest if you take Akan Bus.
    If you take Shari Bus, the nearest stop will be “Rausu Eigyosho” which is the last stop of the route.

  • Q

    Minshuku Yonemaru, Takashimaya Ryokan, Sakaeya, Hotel Isaribi, Shiretoko Serai, Okigaruya, Minshuku Nomura, etc.
    For more details, see the list of accommodations on the official website of Shiretoko Rausu-cho Tourism Association.

  • Q

    No. We’re sorry, but we don’t have a guest pick-up service.

  • Q

    Snow removal on the national highway is regularly operated, but there’s still a risk that the surface of roads is icy.
    Please take full caution while driving.

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