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Accommodation
On board of the Katharina there are 4 double cabins (with one extra single upper berth), 2 twin
cabins (upper/lower berth) and 1 family cabin (king size bed (1.80 m wide), a (normal) single upper
bed and an additional ‘bench/bed’).
All cabins are air-conditioned and have a private shower (warm water) and toilet.
In case you would prefer to sleep out on deck, special mattresses are available.
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Age and physical condition
The age of our passengers varies from 2 to 80 years old. There are no specific restrictions to age or
physical condition. The most important thing is your mental flexibility. Weather, currents and tides
sometimes force us to change the program. Your safety is our first priority. Your “hotel room” at
hand, no packing and unpacking needed, traveling at your own pace in a small group, these are the
ingredients of a relaxing and adventurous trip.
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Arrival on board
Upon arrival on board your tour guide will show you your cabin. Shortly upon departure there will be
a so-called ‘safety drill’. During this safety drill you will be instructed where the life jackets and life
rafts are located and you will get further safety instructions. After this the ‘house’ regulations will be
clarified. During your trip there will be a daily briefing. In this briefing your tour guide will give you
information about the route, excursions, social, cultural, geographical and historical backgrounds
etc.
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Climate and monsoon
Indonesia has a tropical climate with temperatures varying from 27° C to 32° C. Humidity is high:
50 to 90%. Indonesia has two monsoon periods. A rainy season from November – March with North
western winds prevailing and a dry season from April – October with South easterlies. We have
planned our itineraries according to these seasons.
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Conduct
Bear a few things in mind concerning social behavior in Indonesia. Most travelers experience great
warmth and hospitality, but along with it come an uninhibited curiosity about personal matters. Total
strangers asking details about your job, income and family circumstances should not surprise you.
Cleanliness and modesty are appreciated even in informal situations. Use your right hand for giving,
taking, eating or shaking hands as the left is considered to be unclean. Feet are considered unclean
too. Try to avoid pointing the soles of your feet to people while sitting. Don’t pat a child on the head.
In fact, never touch anybody’s head. Most Indonesians consider the head to be the seat of the soul
and therefore sacred. Nudity (or sunbathing topless) is not permitted on beaches and although there
are some places where this ban is ignored, it causes widespread offence. Displays of intimacy are
not considered suitable in public and will probably draw unwanted attention. Women should cover
shoulders and legs in Islamic areas.
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Electricity
Voltage on board is 220 Volts. In your cabin there is a socket suitable for 2-way European plugs.
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Excursions
Excursions during regular trips are inclusive (when chartering the boat, the excursions are not
included). Your tour guide will offer various possibilities for day trips. Of course it’s always up to you
whether or not you join these trips. Please note: Programs might change due to unexpected weather
conditions, local authorities and other causes that are beyond our control.
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Fellow passengers
In general our passengers constitute a heterogeneous group of people: couples, singles, men and
women of various nationalities.
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Guidebooks
You will find good and up-to-date information about the areas to be visited by the Katharina in:
* Periplus Travel Guides; ▫Bali ▫East of Bali ▫Maluku ▫Sulawesi ▫Irian Jaya
* Moon Publication’s Indonesia Handbook
* Lonely Planet’s Indonesia Travel Survival Kit.
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Hotels
Prior to the sailing trip our passengers usually stay in a hotel. Please let us know where we can
reach you at least 3 days before departure. This enables us to give you details concerning the
transfer to the ship or other useful information. In order to avoid misunderstanding concerning
transfers we would also like to know about your plans after the sailing trip.
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Hygiene
Aboard the Katharina we only use purified water for washing or preparing food. Therefore the risk of
intestinal upsets is small. When ashore, please be careful of what you drink. We advise bottled
drinks, tea or coffee. Do not put ice cubes in drinks. Never drink water from taps, also on board.
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Malaria
At sea there are no mosquitoes. Ashore, there may be. Protect yourself against mosquito bites when
ashore or when the ship is moored alongside the quay. Cover up exposed skin at dusk or early
evening; wear light long-sleeved clothes and mosquito repellent cream or gel. Before you travel you
must check with a reputable agency and take their advice on malaria prophylactics and vaccinations.
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Money
Indonesian currency is the Rupiah. Most travelers’ cheques are accepted without difficulty at the
major banks or at authorized money changers. Bring 100 US$ or € banknotes as for smaller
denominations you’ll usually be given a lower rate. Take care all the bank notes you carry are in
perfect condition as banks and money changers are highly reluctant to accept notes with minor
irregularities such as scratches etc. Bills from 2002 or older will not be accepted by banks or money
changers. Euro-cheques are not accepted. Major credit cards are widely accepted in the main
centers, though in smaller towns it is still rare to be able to pay by credit card. Automatic Teller
Machines (ATM) that accept foreign cards are widespread in the main centers and cities. The
Katharina will take you off the beaten track, so we advise you to bring sufficient cash (Rupiah)
money, including a quantity of small bank notes (1.000, 5.000 and 10.000 Rp.) on board.
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Phrase books
An Indonesia phrase book will come in quite handy. Only a minority of Indonesians speaks
(basic) English. This also applies to our crew on board.
You’ll get a great deal of use out of your phrase book. Widely available at local bookshops in
Indonesia.
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Seasickness
Some passengers are afraid that their cruise might be spoiled because of seasickness. Of course the
swell or the wind can sometimes be stronger than usual, possibly causing a mild form of
seasickness. In that case you can take a tablet available on the ship. Once used to the movements
of the ship, you probably won’t get seasick at all.
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Single passengers
Single passengers are requested to share a cabin. Sex and age are used as criteria in this case. It is
possible to book a single cabin with a surcharge.
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Small cuts
The tiniest cut easily gets infected in a tropical climate. Whenever the skin is broken, clean it, treat
it, and cover it. There is a well-equipped first-aid kit on board, but do bring your own small-size one.
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Snorkeling
Snorkeling will be an almost daily highlight. The fascinating underwater world again offers an
abundance of sights. Do not let this be spoiled by sunburn or small injuries. Always wear a T-shirt
and plastic or rubber bathing shoes. Snorkeling equipment is readily available on board of the
Katharina.
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Sunburn and heat stroke
The burning power of the tropical sun is phenomenal. Always wear a hat or cap and use some
form of (water-resistant) sun cream or lotion on un-tanned skin.
Always wear a T-shirt when you go snorkeling. Glare from the sun can cause eye problems, so
wear sunglasses, especially on beaches. Avoid dehydration by drinking lots of non-alcoholic fluid.
Put extra salt in your food.
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The home front
Leave your holiday address with your friends or relatives. Just in case. You will find our address at
the end of the page. The tour guide and captain have daily radio or telephone communication with
our Bali office.
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Travel insurance
We expect our passengers to have a travel insurance. A cancellation insurance is optional. Contact
an insurance company or your travel agent.
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Medical data
If you deem it necessary to provide us certain medical data, please forward these in a closed
envelope (with your name written on it) to your tour leader.
In case of emergency we may need this information.
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Passport
To avoid inconvenience upon arrival, check your passport before leaving. Make sure it will be valid
until a minimum of 6 month after arrival. Also check at your local Indonesian Embassy or consulate
whether you need a visa.
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What to take
The atmosphere on board the Katharina is casual. Light cotton clothes are useful almost
anywhere in Indonesia. When you are ashore, modest dress for both men and women are
always advisable, loose fitting non see-through clothes, covering the shoulders, and skirts,
dresses or shorts (at least knee-length).
Checklist:
* photocopies of essential documents
* light cotton clothes
* long trousers and shorts or skirt
* bathing suit
* sweater or cardigan
* bathing shoes (essential when you go snorkeling), casuals or sandals, walking shoes
* high protection factor suntan lotion (waterproof)
* insect repellent
* contact lens cleaning equipment
* torch, binoculars, camera, small backpack, umbrella (also against sunburn) or hat/cap
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Your travel guide
Our travel guides can speak both Indonesian and English. It is their task to act as an intermediary
between guests and the local population, the local guides, the authorities and the ship’s crew. They
are also responsible for organizing day trips and transport. They are experienced and have a
thorough knowledge of Indonesia so they can tell you much about the areas to be visited.
Sometimes we visit very remote, undocumented areas, which may involve a lot of improvisation on
the part of your tour guide.
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