Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I purchase tickets in advance?
A: Yes, and we encourage you to do so, this will insure you have a reserved place onboard. Please contact us to purchase tickets Monday – Friday 9-5. We accept Visa and MasterCard. We will not take an advance reservation without full payment. You may also purchase tickets on the day of the sail 20 minutes prior to departure directly from the ship, however, there is no guarantee there will be space available.

Q: How many people will be onboard?
A: The Appledore holds 48 passengers and 4 crew.

Q: On a dinner sail, where do we eat?
A: Dining is casual, there are no tables aboard the Appledore, with the exception of a small banquette table below deck in the cabin. Most passengers eat with their plate on their knee or on the cabin top beside them.

Q: What kind of seating is there?
A: The Appledore has padded bench seating on deck and a below deck area to sit. There is adequate cushioned seating for all passengers. About 25% of the seats allow the individual to lean their back against the railings. Passengers will be on deck the majority of the time.

Q: Is there a bathroom onboard?
A: Yes, there is one bathroom onboard. It is below deck and requires use of a ladder for access. Sorry, but it is definitely not handicapped accessible.

Q: What happens if it rains?
A: The schooner Appledore sails rain or shine. We have an awning that will cover about half of the deck area if necessary. There is also a below deck area. In the event of dangerous weather such that the ship does not depart, rain checks will be issued for a later sail of equal value.

Q: Can I bring my children?
A: Yes, children are allowed on all public sails. All passengers on all dinner sails must pay full price no matter their age. On the day sails, there are student prices and children five and under are free if you opt out of the lunch. If your under five child wants a lunch there will be a charge of five dollars. Regardless of age, you must have a ticket for each child so we know how many are aboard the ship.

Q: What about safety?
A: Our vessels are inspected and licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. They meet or exceed all regulations for subchapter (T) passenger vessels. Appledore captains are also licensed by the coast guard. Both ships carry safety equipment that includes enough life jackets for everyone on board and an inflatable life raft that can accomidate everyone onboard.

Q: How should I dress?
A: Dress is casual for all sails. A flat comfortable closed-toe, soft-soled shoe is a good idea. For women, it is best to wear pants, as dresses or skirts tend to get caught in the wind. Passengers typically dress a bit smarter for dinner sails, but nothing fancy. Also, keep in mind that it can be ten to fifteen degrees cooler on the water so bring extra layers just in case. There is plenty of room to stow extra belongings if you don't need them, so don't feel you will be stuck lugging around your unneeded jacket on a hot day - bring it along just in case.

Q: Where will we go?
A: The Appledore will take you down the Saginaw River and out to the Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron.

Q: Will we sail the whole time?
A: No. The ship must use the engine to transit the river out to the Bay.

Q: Can I help sail?
A: Absolutely, and we encourage you to jump in and help out! But if you don't feel like it, sit back and relax, after all our crew are getting paid.

Q: Where can I park?
A: There is parking available at Wenonah Park at the foot of Fifth street, right next to the Appledore Dock.