What is ExpeditionTrips.com?
ExpeditionTrips.com is an easy-to-use, searchable database that compiles thousands of small-ship departures worldwide into one convenient location so you can compare trips and find exactly what you want. Only trips that are available and meet your search requirements are shown. Supported by small-ship experts who have traveled and worked on small ships worldwide, ExpeditionTrips.com is your number-one choice when it comes to small-ship travel.

What types of ships are catalogued on this site?
We work exclusively with small ships, meaning those with passenger capacities of ten to two hundred. On our site you will find expedition ships, riverboats, barges, sailing vessels, icebreakers, dive boats, and more.

How do I find the ship and trip I want?
Use the database-driven Trip Search to find your perfect trip. Simply enter your destination, time of year, budget range, type of vessel, and special interests, and Trip Search will come up with the trips that best fulfill your criteria. When you find a trip that interests you, contact us either by e-mail, fax, or phone (toll-free, 1 877 412-8527). Our staff is available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, Pacific Standard Time.

What kinds of people travel on small-ship trips?
All kinds of people! In general, they are people who enjoy adventure, discovery, and learning; people who are active and want to visit remote and pristine destinations in comfort; and people who want to take an active role in their vacations.

How do I book my small-ship cruise?
You may e-mail, call (toll-free, 1 877 412-8527), or fax our office to book your cruise. Our staff is available Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM, Pacific Standard Time. We are happy to accept credit card payment for deposits and according to suppliers guidelines for final payment via phone or fax. We are currently monitoring the security issues surrounding online payment; once we are confident these methods are secure enough to protect our customers, we will make this option available as well.

Can ExpeditionTrips.com save me money?
YES! ExpeditionTrips.com receives exclusive just released offers that are only available to our members. These offers regularly include trips discounted up to 50% off the ticket price to such destinations as Antarctica, the Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands. Members receive e-mail notification of these offers as soon as they are released. We only notify you of offers to destinations in which you have expressed interest.

What do I get if I join ExpeditionTrips.com?
Registered members of ExpeditionTrips.com automatically receive the following benefits:

• E-mail notification of just-released offers that match your personal requests
• Access to the members-only Just Released Offers page of the Web site
• A personal My Expeditions folder
• Monthly e-mail newsletter
• Opportunities to win free trips
• Expert toll-free advice, five days a week
• Chances to win prizes for your travel tales

Do I have to pay to join ExpeditionTrips.com?
No. Membership is free.

How do I become a member of ExpeditionTrips.com?
Click on the Join button. Fill out the membership form and let us know where you are interested in traveling. Based on this information, we will send you notices via e-mail when just released offers that match your criteria become available.

What do I do if I forget my password?
Go to the Log In area, either on the My Expeditions page or by visiting the Just Released Offers page. Underneath the fields for password and user name, click on the Forgot your password? link. Enter your e-mail address in the field provided and our server will automatically mail the password to you.

What is ExpeditionTrips.com's privacy policy?
ExpeditionTrips.com does not sell or give your personal information to anybody. Period.

Can children travel on small ships?
Yes. Many of the ship trips are perfect for children. Some companies even plan special family departures, so be sure to look for these when planning your small-ship vacation. Contact us for more information.

Who are your small-ship experts?
They are people who have lived and worked on the ships and in the destinations highlighted. They are naturalists, expedition leaders, operations staff, conservationists, and travelers!

How do I contact your staff?
Call us, toll-free, at 1 877 412-8527 to speak with our small-ship experts Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, Pacific Time, or e-mail us at any time and receive a response the same day!

What about airline tickets?
ExpeditionTrips.com has partnered with several top Internet air providers to help you quickly and easily obtain the air tickets you need at the lowest price possible.

Can ExpeditionTrips.com make pre- and post-cruise travel arrangements for me?
ExpeditionTrips.com is happy to help you make pre- and/or post-cruise travel arrangements, be they hotel reservations, a rainforest extension, or a complete vacation package.

What is included in the trip price?
Small-ship cruises generally include shore excursions, meals, guides, naturalist staff, and accommodations on board. As each company and itinerary is different, however, what is included is addressed on a case-by-case basis.

What forms of payment does ExpeditionTrips.com accept?
From consumers we accept personal checks, VISA, and MasterCard. Credit cards are accepted for deposits. For final payment, credit cards are accepted according to suppliers guidelines. From travel agents we accept agency checks only.

How do I find books, gear, and supplies?
Just click on Shop at the top of any page. On the Shop page you'll find book lists and links to retailers with books, gear, and supplies for your trip. ExpeditionTrips.com is affiliated with top online retailers that offer you the best deals around.

What are 'cookies,' and why do I need them?
'Cookies' are tiny electronic files placed on your computer that allow us to remember you when you revisit our site. They must be enabled in order for you to easily access most of the features offered on our site.

How do I enable cookies on my computer?
If you have Microsoft Internet Explorer 5:

1. Go to Tools, then Internet Options.
2. Click on the Security tab.
3. Click the Custom Level button.
4. Scroll down the list to Cookies.
5. Click Enable in the two options there.

1. Go to 'Preferences.'
2. Select 'Roaming Access.'
3. Choose 'Item Selection.'
4. To enable the options you want, make sure they are checked. To disable, uncheck. Also make sure that your Java security and certificates are disabled.

Where can I get the most recent version of my Web browser?
You can download them from any of these Web sites for free:
http://www.netscape.com
http://www.microsoft.com
http://www.eudora.com