Dalia Charters
Q: What is the refund and cancellation policy?
A: The entire cost of the cruise is collected at time of booking. You may cancel up to 48 hours before scheduled departure time and receive a 100% refund of the entire amount of the trip. You may cancel within 48 hours but you will be charged a $300 cancellation fee.
Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: The captain will make the final decision prior to the sailing time. If the trip is cancelled due to inclement weather you can apply the cost of the trip to a future trip or get a full refund. Once we leave shore there are no refunds. As a general rule, we will not sail if the wave heights reported by the most recent National Weather Service's Marine Forecast exceed 1-3 feet. You may check the NWS Marine Forecast on our home page or by visiting this link:
http://forecast.weather.gov/shmrn.php?mz=lmz741
The NWS Marine Forecast is updated every 6 hours, usually around 9:30 and 3:30.
Note that if the NWS Marine forecast shows a "Small Craft Advisory", "Storm Warning", "Gale Warning" or any other type of warning, we will not sail.
Q: Are we charged a deposit or other fee for cleaning or damage?
A: No. You are renting a "barebones" charter, meaning that you are responsible for bringing aboard your own food, drink and entertainment. However, you are required to return the boat in the same condition that it was leased to you: clean and with no damage. If the boat requires a subsequent cleaning or there is damage (damage includes a clogged toilet), then we may charge your credit card to cover the costs.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept all major credit cards and Chase QuickPay.
Q: Should we leave a tip, and if so, how much?
A: A tip of 15-20% is customary for excellent service. Tips are not included in the price of the charter.
Q: Is my trip taxed?
A: Yes. The City of Chicago imposes an 8% "Personal Property Lease Transaction Tax".
Q: Can I bring my own food or drink aboard?
A: Yes! You can bring whatever you want to eat and drink on board, but you must clean up at the end of the trip. Anyone consuming alcohol must be over the age of 21. Although the boat does have a small refrigerator, bring a cooler.
Q: Will you supply food or drink?
A: No. Dalia Charters is not licensed to provide food or alcohol. We will provide water, however, and there is an icemaker on board.
Q: Can we cook on board?
A: No. However, the boat does have a microwave you may use.
Q: Do you allow children aboard?
A: Yes, but with restrictions. Children must be at least 6 years of age and be accompanied by at least one parent/guardian, and there must 1 parent/guardian for EACH child. Dalia Charters will provide life vests for each child, and per US Coast Guard Regulations they must be worn at ALL times for anyone under the age of 18.
Q: What is the maximum number of passenegers allowed on board?
A: 6 (six). And that includes children.
Q: Do I have to wear a life vest aboard?
A: Adults over the age of 18 are not required to wear a life vest, however, Dalia carries enough life vests for every person aboard, and we will provide one for you if you feel more comfortable wearing one during the voyage. If we transit the locks then all passengers must wear a life when inside the locks, per US Coast Guard regulations.
Q: Can I bring my own life vest?
A: Yes, you may bring a Type I, II or III personal floatation device as long as it is US Coast Guard approved.
Q: Can I bring my own music?
A: Yes! The Fusion HD stereo is Bluetooth equipped, so you can wirelessly connect your iPod, iPhone or other device to the stereo.
Q: What else should I bring aboard?
A: You can bring whatever you want to wear. Plus towels, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and camera. Shoes and heels may not be worn aboard, but sandals and flip-flops can.
Q: Is this a "party" boat?
A: We offer an intimate and sophisticated experience and want everyone who sails with us to have a fun and memorable time. However, we ask that all guests keep their behavior appropriate at all times. If guests become unruly, intoxicated, or otherwise become a hazard to the safety of others on the vessel, the captain may, at his discretion, cancel the trip and return to port. In the event of this, there will be no refund issued. Any person arriving to the boat showing signs of being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs may not be allowed on board the boat to partake in the charter. Should this situation arise, Dalia Charters shall not be liable for any claims for return of fees due to such events.
Q: Can I sunbathe or hang out on the forward sunpad?
A: You may enjoy yourself on the forward sunpad as long as the boat is not underway, meaning it is docked or anchored. US Coast Guard regulations prohibit anybody from being on the front deck of a boat while it is underway.
Q: Can we host a bachelorette party on the boat?
A: Yes. Any of the cruises can be used as a bachelorette party.
Q: Can we charter Dalia for a private event or cruise?
A: Yes. You can create your own customized charter experience. The cost is $350 per hour. Contact us to arrange a private cruise.
Q: What do you suggest to combat seasickness?
A: If you are even slightly susceptible to sea sickness, we suggest that you consider some sort of remedy. For most people, over-the-counter medications, such as Dramamine, seem to work fine. A popular trick is to take a dose prior to bedtime the night before, followed by an additional dose before departure (effectiveness is greatly reduced if you wait until symptoms appear). As with any medications, please consult a physician first. Other remedies include ginger ale and pressure bands worn on the wrist.
Q: Can we fish off the boat?
A: No. Dalia is not a fishing vessel and is not equipped to handle fish or fishing equipment.
Q: Can we scuba dive off the boat?
A: No. Dalia is not a dive boat and is not equipped to handle scuba equipment.