Yes, a $50.00 deposit is requested to secure your Standard or Private cruise date and time in the future. For same day cruise arrangements, the advance deposit may be waived. Should the trip be canceled by the captain or by the guest (prior to 72 hours), the deposit will not be charged or will be applied toward a future trip, if requested. When you provide your credit card information toward a deposit, the credit card is not actually charged, unless you fail to cancel with proper notice or "no show" for your scheduled cruise. Therefore, you still need to bring your credit card on the day of the cruise. Custom cruises and Private cruises require a $100 deposit and 2 weeks notice of cancelation.

Final payment is due at the end of your cruise, payable in cash or by MasterCard, Discover, American Express or VISA (no checks please). If you provide a credit card number toward a deposit in advance of your cruise, you will need to bring your credit card for your final payment. If you are pleased with our service, feel free to add a gratuity to your final payment, which will be shared amongst the crew.

Temperatures on the lake can be 10 - 15 degrees cooler than on land, so dress appropriately for the projected temperature on the day of your cruise. Bring additional clothes, such as a sweatshirt or jacket, to be able to add or remove layers, or clothes to change into (a private dressing area is available). Footwear should be light or white-soled shoes (non-marking shoes such as tennis shoes or boat shoes are requested) and preferably non-skid type. Life jackets are on-board, however if you prefer to bring your own - you may do so.

Bring your hat, a camera, sunglasses, and possibly your favorite CD's or iPod to enjoy! Bring a lotion-based sunscreen (Please - NO oil-based suntan products. They stain our decks and make them slippery). We will provide a cooler with bottled water and non-alcoholic cold drinks. You are permitted to bring snacks, and a small cooler (1 per group) filled with food and beverages of your choice. If alcoholic beverages are brought and consumed on board, you must do so responsibly or the cruise can be terminated and full charge applied to the cruise. If you would like us to arrange food for your charter, we can provide catering options. Please contact us at least 72 hours in advance to arrange catering.

The Captains of Cat's Meow are safety-minded and closely monitor the weather. Wind, waves and weather are not under anyone's control. Should conditions warrant it, the cruise trip may need to be rescheduled, cancelled or cut short (for which the rate would be adjusted accordingly). All weather related decisions are made by the captains of Cat's Meow. It would be a good idea to double check with the captain if you have any concerns regarding the weather. We strongly advise if you are traveling from outside the area, to call the Captain prior to leaving, to check current weather and wave conditions.

No, Cat's Meow Cruises maintains a Smoke Free environment. Smoking is not permitted at any time while you are aboard.

Our goal is to make your trip both enjoyable and safe. Most young children are curious, can move very quickly and may have difficulty remaining still. On a boat, this presents additional safety concerns and therefore children 10 years of age or older are preferred. If you feel this experience is something that your 9 year old or under can handle, you need to send us an email or call us to discuss this request in advance. Please be aware that parents must monitor their children at all times (one adult for each child) and keep them within arm's reach. Children 12 and under must wear an approved Coast Guard life jacket whenever they are in the cockpit or on the deck. Teens are requested to wear an approved Coast Guard life jacket on deck when underway. Life vests will be provided.

One of the major advantages of sailing on Cat's Meow is that it is very stable and sails nearly level because it is a catamaran. Generally, people do not need to take motion sickness medication. However, if you are prone to motion sickness or have any doubt, you may want to take preventive measures ahead of time (i.e. Bonine, Dramamine, etc. - we suggest the non-drowsy type). You may wish to discuss the appropriate medicine with your doctor.

For Standard Cruises, you must call us at least 72 hours before your date of departure to cancel or change your reservation. At that time, we can reschedule your party for a later date if you so desire. This provides us an opportunity to possibly fill your reservation with another party. Should you cancel with less than 72 hours notice, you will be charged a $50.00 cancellation fee. For Custom or Wedding Cruises, a 2 weeks notice of cancelation is required.