FAQ’s

The Best Events Are On The Water

Before You Cruise, Get in the Know

Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you still have something on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out! Whether your request is big or small, our fantastic team is here to assist you every step of the way—even before you arrive. Let us know how we can make your experience exceptional!

contact us

You’ll find our office at 591 Stevens Drive in Richland. We’re open Monday–Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Pacific Time). Give us a call at  509-578-1717

Most cruises depart from the Columbia Point Marina dock (near Lulu’s and Anthony’s) at 660 Columbia Point Dr., Richland, WA 99352.

In spring and winter, select cruises may depart from Clover Island Marina in Kennewick. In rare cases of extreme winter weather, the Howard Amon dock in Richland may be used.

Please check your confirmation for your exact departure location and boarding time.

Yes, we cruise year-round, rain or shine. The West Star is fully enclosed and climate controlled, with heating and air conditioning on both decks, so the experience stays comfortable no matter what the weather is doing outside.

Because of the way the vessel is built, the West Star is not fully ADA accessible. The main restrooms are on the lower level and are not ADA certified, and the upper deck may be difficult to access for guests using wheelchairs.

That said, we’re happy to assist guests who can manage a few steps without a walker or wheelchair. If you have questions or want to talk through your situation, give us a call at 509-578-1717, we’re here to help.

No outside food or beverages are allowed onboard.

 

We offer regularly scheduled public dining cruises out of Columbia Point Marina in Richland, as well as private yacht charters for groups of up to 100 guests.

Yes. We rarely see weather here that would require canceling a cruise. If conditions become severe, the captain may adjust the route, return to dock, or remain dockside for the duration to keep things safe and comfortable.

Cruises are rarely canceled. If a cancellation does occur, we’ll notify you at least 12 hours in advance whenever possible, with the exception of unexpected severe weather. In some cases, the captain may choose to remain dockside until conditions improve. If your cruise is canceled, you’ll be able to reschedule for another date at no additional charge.

You’ll find parking at Columbia Point Marina Park, and there’s no charge.

Boarding time is when you’re welcome to begin arriving and stepping aboard. Departure time is when the vessel leaves the dock. You’re free to board any time between those two, but please plan ahead, parking and the walk to the vessel can take a few minutes. Cruises depart promptly, and we’re not able to board guests once we’re underway.

Yes, there are two restrooms available on the lower deck.

Smoking isn’t permitted anywhere on board, including the outer decks, in accordance with Washington State law and U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

Only animals that meet the clear definition of a service animal as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted; all other exceptions are disallowed. This means only an exclusively trained animal to execute tasks, which are directly related to the handler’s disability, as defined by the ADA may be granted passage. “Pets” used for therapy, comfort, or emotional support, do not meet the definition of a service animal and will be denied access aboard our vessel.

Yes. The West Star is regulated and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. Our crew is fully licensed and trained in accordance with USCG requirements, and all required safety equipment, including child-size life vests, is on board. Passengers 18 and over are required to carry valid photo identification.

You can purchase tickets online or by giving us a call at 509.578.1717 during business hours. We accept all major credit and debit cards, including Amex, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

The maximum capacity of the yacht is 100 guests. We can accommodate groups of 2 – 80 during our public cruises. Please contact our office at 509.578.171 for more information.

You will receive a confirmation emailed to the email address provided at the time of purchase. The confirmation will include the boarding location and time, and the departure time. We will include your name and number in your party on our boarding manifest and will ask for the full names of the remaining guests when you board to comply with USCG regulations. Be sure and check your confirmation for the boarding location and time and departure time to ensure ample time to park and reach the vessel. If you did not receive your confirmation email, please give us at call at 509.578.1717 or email sail@water2winecruises.com

Yes, we offer reduced rates for seniors age 60+ on select lunch and brunch cruises. Military members and first responders can also receive discounts on most evening cruises. Be sure to check each cruise description for details.

Children are welcome aboard our family-friendly cruises, such as lunch, brunch, select dinners and select special events cruises. Children under 2 are free, however, they must be included in your reservations pursuant to U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Also, please request a high chair if needed when making a reservation. A guardian or parent must attend any minors and are required to make evident to our satisfaction proper and sufficient supervision. Cocktail and party cruises are restricted to guests 21 and over.

Gift certificates may be purchased online or by visiting our office. Gift certificates are not valid for onboard purchases, only for cruise tickets. For more information call our office during normal business hours 509.578.1717

Individual ticket prices do not include a booking fee, fuel surcharge, service charge and Washington State sales tax. These charges are additional and are paid at the time your reservation is booked. Prices and schedules are subject to change.

Yes! 16% service charge will be added to your reservation at the time of booking. If you have enjoyed the cruise experience and purchased additional items onboard, gratuities for our hardworking staff are appropriate and always greatly appreciated! A gratuity in the range of 15% to 20% of the cost of your on board purchases is appropriate. Gratuities may be paid in cash or added to your credit card payment for onboard purchases.

Yes, you will be seated at your own private table, with location depending upon the size of your party. We assign seats based on customer needs, requests, and the capacity for each cruise. However, sometimes seating is limited on heavily booked cruises, and we occasionally have to seat passengers with others. There is pre-assigned table seating on all our dining cruises and some Special Event Cruises, with the exception of Special Event Cruises that offer limited cocktail-style seating.

While tickets are non-refundable, we’re happy to help you reschedule for another cruise within one year of your original booking.

If you miss your cruise, we’re not able to offer a refund or reschedule. We recommend allowing extra time for parking and boarding to make sure you don’t miss departure.

For large size groups, please call our office please call our office Monday through Friday 9am – 5pm Pacific Time at 509.578.1717 or email sail@water2winecruises.com for more information. We would love to help you celebrate special occasions onboard. Please let us know what you are celebrating and the names of those being honored. Always feel free to check with your server if there is anything we can do to make your celebration more special.

Yes. Our captains have an open-door policy and are happy to say hello when they’re available. Feel free to stop by the pilothouse when the door is open and they’re not handling anything that requires their full attention.

Yes, food is included on public dining cruises (not on sightseeing only tickets). Food is available onboard for purchase for those who purchase a sightseeing only tickets.

You may change your dinner entrée up to 3 days prior to your cruise departure. Please call our office at 509.578.1717 during normal business hours for assistance.

If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance—we’ll do our best to accommodate. When booking online, include details in the comments section. Already booked? Email sail@water2winecruises.com or call 509.578.1717 during business hours and we’ll update your reservation. We take dietary needs seriously and do our best to make sure you’re well taken care of.

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available on all cruises. Simply let us know your preferences when booking and we’ll take care of the rest.

Cakes are not allowed on board.

A wide range of handcrafted cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase during your cruise from our full-service bar. Please bring a valid ID if you would like to purchase alcoholic beverages on board. We accept Amex, Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit or debit cards onboard.

We do not require a particular dress code for any of our regularly scheduled cruises. We recommend resort casual to dressy attire for our Dinner Cruises and Special Event Cruises, as many of our guests celebrate special occasions on board. Please no ball caps or gym wear. As it may be breezy on the open-air decks, we recommend you bring a light jacket or sweater on all cruises in the event you wish to enjoy the sights from the open-air decks.

Our vessel is very stable and gentle even in high winds. It is rare to hear of anyone experiencing motion sickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, however, we suggest you take preventative measures, such as taking Bonine or ginger tablets several hours in advance.

You may not bring any weapons, firearms, fireworks, explosives, hazardous substances, alcohol, illegal drugs, drinks, or food aboard our vessel.

There is absolutely no swimming, jumping, or diving from, off, or to the boat. Nothing whatsoever may be thrown over-board. Our vessel is regulated and certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. All captains are licensed and trained, as required by the USCG, to ensure everyone’s safety.

Please contact us at 509.578.1717 during normal business hours for answers to any additional questions.

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