FAQ

Yes, of course! You don’t need prior sailing experience. Our experienced crew will teach you every step of the way. You can participate in all our sailing activities but this is not compulsory.

• All meals on board Santa Maria Manuela – including daily breakfast, lunch and evening meal;
• Refreshments (coffee, tea, water and juice) throughout the day;
• All training on board from our fully qualified crew;
• Activities on board;
• Use of safety equipment;
• Third Party Liability Insurance whilst aboard the ship.
• Ports immigration / customs fees.

• Travel to and from the Santa Maria Manuela
• Personal travel insurance;
• WiFi connection (see below);
• Alcoholic and soft drinks (available to purchase at the bar);
• Any shore excursions and meals on shore unless otherwise stated.

Yes, all travelers must be between 14 and 80 years old.

Yes, solo travelers are welcome. The Santa Maria Manuela is a friendly and inclusive environment where you’ll quickly get to know other guests, especially through shared activities on board.

You can either book a berth in a single sex communal sharing cabin, or, for those looking for  privacy, private cabins are available, priced with a single supplement.

Yes. While the Santa Maria Manuela is a Portuguese ship, most of the crew speaks English, and many understand Spanish and French. If English isn’t your first language, someone on board will likely be able to assist with translation.

People of all ages and abilities are welcome to sail aboard the Santa Maria Manuela. To ensure everyone gets the most out of sailing with you just need to be independently mobile. If you have concerns about your physical abilities, please discuss them with us.

Having a medical condition like diabetes or taking regular medication doesn’t exclude you from a voyage. It depends on the type of voyage and your personal medical history. The Captain has the final say and we may request a doctor’s note for safety reasons. All medical information is confidential and handled according to EU GDPR regulations.

It’s possible, but seasickness is very common and usually passes quickly. If you’re prone to motion sickness, we suggest you bring medication. Preventive measures, such as staying well-fed and hydrated while avoiding caffeine and alcohol, can also help.

During the welcome speech, the Captain will explain our safety procedures. Since the ship will be in motion, be mindful of your belongings and keep doors closed to prevent them from slamming.

Don’t hesitate to speak with the crew if you have any concerns. If the issue persists, talk to the Captain, who is responsible for your well-being.

Ports are governed by similar rules as airports, with specific embarkation times to allow for the customs authorities to check all documentation.  Please allow plenty of time to ensure you can embark at the published embarkation time for your voyage.

Please contact the ship immediately if you’re running behind schedule. If you’re significantly delayed, the ship may have to depart so ensure you have travel insurance to cover such situations.

Yes, you can book a private cabin by paying a single supplement. Alternatively, you can share a cabin in our single sex communal accommodation and split the cost with other solo travelers.

The SMM has recently undergone a full renovation and each cabin has a private shower and toilet (heads).

Yes, all cabins are air conditioned.

We provide all bedding and towels that you will need.

There is no smoking in the cabins or below decks.  If you do smoke on deck, please dispose of the butt in the dustbins provided, not in the sea.

Yes, the Santa Maria Manuela has 240-volt electricity with European two-pin sockets in every cabin, as well as USB ports by your bed. It’s a good idea to bring a rechargeable battery pack, though we recommend taking a break from your screens during your voyage.

Yes, all meals on board are included, typically breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with snacks and hot drinks. If you’re ashore during meal times, you may need to purchase your own lunch. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks can be bought from one of our bars.

Santa Maria Manuela will always seek to accommodate guests needs and preferences, but since our infrastructure space is limited, we can only accommodate allergies and intolerances. In our daily menu there are some options including salad, soup and vegetables. When you book, please let us know of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

The following may vary with each voyage and season, but generally, you should bring:

• Valid passport/identification with 6 months validity

• Warm hat and gloves

• Wet weather clothing – waterproof and windproof jacket

• Clothing – enough clothing for all weather circumstances and for sailing at night.

• Soft soled trainers or deck shoes (No high heels)

• Swimming gear

• Toiletries

• Sunblock

• Sunglasses

• Personal and sea sickness medication

• Book

• Camera

Remember to pack in a soft foldable bag.  There is no space to store rigid bags in your cabin.

The ship has modern communications equipment, including telephone and email. Cell phones usually work up to about 3 miles offshore; beyond that, a satellite connection is available for €18 per day pro rata. Payment should be made at the beginning of the journey for the entire duration, as daily packages are not available.

The ship’s exact location in port is determined by the port authorities who inform the captain a few days before the ship arrives in port. We’ll send you detailed joining instructions as part of the booking process, including relevant contact numbers. Keep these handy in case of last-minute changes.

On our voyages we never use the word itinerary, as our captain will always be aiming for the best locations depending on the weather forecast. He is as keen as you to include some of the highlights described in the itinerary, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The journey description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed.

We do not offer a flight or transfer service, giving you the freedom to plan your travel according to your schedule. Make sure to arrange your flights and transfers to and from the ship independently and allowing enough time for possible delays.

We strongly urge you to take out travel insurance to cover any medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and activities outside of the Santa Maria Manuela. Please ensure that your insurance coverage begins before your trip, so you are fully protected from the moment you start your journey. While on board the Santa Maria Manuela, you are covered by the ship’s insurance, but it does not extend to flights, hotels, or any other activities or services off the ship.

As you do when travelling by plane, passengers aboard ships are required to provide certain information for customs and port authorities before embarking, and for the ship to ensure of your comfort and safety.

The SMM complies with all regulations regarding the protection of personal data, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The ship cannot depart the dock until all information is complete. 

Please be aware that all costs and fines resulting from the late (less than 14 days before departure) or incorrect submission of passenger details, including invalid travel documents, will be charged to the passengers.