General Information

Money Matters

The official currency on board M.S. Royal Star is Euros.

For cruise passengers, we recommend that you take the bulk of your holiday spending money in various denomination Euro travellers cheques plus a small amount of cash for incidental purchases and tips whilst travelling. Travellers cheques can be cashed at the Cashier’s office on board M.S. Royal Star or at banks ashore..

US Dollars are generally accepted at most ports of call on your cruise (with the exception of Mayotte and La Réunion where the local currency is Euros) but if it is necessary to change money into the local currency this can be done at the Cashier’s office on board. Do not rely on using credit cards when ashore as they will only be accepted at large shops and restaurants.

Credit cards can be used for payment of your on board account but we regret they cannot be used to obtain cash on board.

Please remember that you will need US Dollar bills or Euros to pay the visa fees for Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique (if applicable) and for re-entry into Kenya.

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Language

The service crew are Filipino and Indonesian all of whom speak very good English as do our European cruise director and cruise staff. Announcements are made in both English and German and other languages depending on the nationality mix of passengers.

The Daily Programme

Your guide to all activities during the cruise is in the daily programme. This is delivered to your cabin the evening prior and contains information on the following day’s shore excursions, activities on board, entertainment, shows, mealtimes, opening hours etc.

Board Pass

At embarkation you will receive a board pass which will replace your passport during the cruise. Please take this board pass with you whenever you go ashore.

Luggage

Our staff will deliver your luggage to your cabin as quickly as possible after embarkation. However, with an average of 400 items of baggage to deliver this may take a little time and your patience is appreciated. Should your luggage not arrive in your cabin one hour before sailing, please tell the Purser.

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Dress Code

During your time on board or while on excursions, we suggest casual, light clothing. Evenings are generally informal, the suggested dress for gentlemen is shirt and trousers, and ladies should dress for comfort. On a formal ‘gala night’ some gentlemen choose to wear a dark suit or dinner jacket and the ladies, evening or cocktail dress. However, many do dress less formally on these evenings. The daily programme provides dress suggestions for each evening.

Smoking Policy

In the public rooms, we have set aside smoking and non-smoking areas. Smoking (including pipes and cigars) is not permitted in the restaurant. When on deck, smokers are asked to ensure that cigarettes are thoroughly extinguished and not thrown overboard as they can easily be blown back onto the ship causing a fire hazard. Pipe smokers are asked not to extinguish their pipes on the deck rails. In the interests of safety it is requested that you refrain from smoking in bed. Please show consideration for others when smoking in public areas.

Going Ashore

When M.S. Royal Star arrives in a port please wait in the public rooms or on the upper deck until an announcement is made for you to proceed ashore. For your own comfort and safety, do not go to the gangway area until you are asked to do so. Sailing times from the port of call are listed in the daily programme and are also posted at the gangway. Please return to M.S. Royal Star at least 30 minutes before sailing time.

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Landing Tags

During port visits, you will find a Landing Tags Board next to the exit. You must ALWAYS take the tag corresponding to your cabin number with you when going ashore and replace it immediately upon re-embarking the ship. This is our means of identifying whether all passengers are back on board prior to sailing. It is most important that passengers sharing a cabin arrange for the last one reembarking to replace the landing tag. If you lose it, please report the loss to the staff member at the gangway.

Wet Landings

It is not always possible to step immediately onto dry land on disembarkation. You should notify the ship’s Purser if you have any special requirements or disabilities which could restrict your disembarkation and every effort will be made to assist you.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions may be booked at the Tourist Office. As some tours are limited on numbers, we suggest that you book your excursions as early as possible. Regrettably, these cannot be booked in the UK.

Some excursions involve walking over rough terrain, climbing in and out of high vehicles or arriving by speed boat or motorised dhow. Some tours also operate in choppy sea conditions. You should speak to the Tourist Office on board prior to booking your excursions if you have any concerns, or if you have any medical condition that may prevent you participating.

Take special care when embarking and disembarking tenders for shore excursions.

No liability can be accepted by African Safari Club, Starline Cruises or suppliers of excursions in the event of an accident or injury occurring as a result of a customer not giving notification of impaired mobility or a medical condition which might affect participation in a particular activity.

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