General / Ticketing
Will I receive my tickets after I order online?
No, physical tickets are required. Check-in when you arrive and we will confirm your reservations and provide you with your boarding ticket.
Is gratuity included?
Yes, a service charge is included in the cost of your ticket. However, if your experience is exceptional, gratuities are appreciated.
What is a landing fee?
The landing fee covers a wide range of costs associated with maritime business operations, including Port facility expenses, licenses, regulatory fees, environmental costs and maritime security.
Can I cancel or change my tickets?
Reservations are non-refundable. Please provide Flagship with 24-hour notice prior to the cruise date to reschedule your cruise to another time and date.
What if the weather is bad?
Tours are not necessarily cancelled due to rain, however if there is a wind advisory or if weather conditions are extremely poor, then it’s possible the tour will be cancelled that morning. The Patriot, which has open-air seating, is more likely to be cancelled due to rain. If your cruise is cancelled, you can choose to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Where should I park?
Information on nearby parking lots can be found here along with directions and map.
Are your boats safe?
Yes, all of our vessels are inspected regularly and are 100% Coast Guard Certified.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes, you can purchase any Flagship cruise as a gift. Learn more about Flagship gift certificates.
Onboard
What should I wear?
For dinner cruises, while there is no official dress code, guests do tend to dress a bit more formally. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are currently only allowed to have our dining tables outside on our top deck. Evenings do get cool. We ask customers to bring a light jacket or sweater.
For all other cruises, aim for casual and comfortable. We recommend dressing in layers. Temperatures and winds can often be unpredictable. For daytime cruises, don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.
What time do I board the ship?
Ships board between 15- 30 minutes prior to departure. When planning your arrival, please allow enough time for traffic, parking and to check in for your boarding pass. For the Patriot, please allow additional time for a 15 minute safety briefing. For dining cruises, you may board the ship up to 30 minutes before departure to enjoy the dockside sights and a boarding cocktail.
Is smoking allowed?
No, smoking is not permitted on any vessel.
Will I get seasick?
San Diego bay waters are usually very calm and seasick incidents are not common. If you are prone motion sickness, it is recommended you take any medication before boarding the vessel. Wristbands for motion sickness also work well. Either can be purchased at our dockside gift store, the Wheelhouse Gift Shop, or most drug stores.
What if the weather is bad?
Tours are not necessarily cancelled due to rain, however if there is a wind advisory or if weather conditions are extremely poor, then it’s possible the tour will be cancelled that morning. The Patriot, which has open-air seating, is more likely to be cancelled due to rain. If your cruise is cancelled, you can choose to reschedule or receive a full refund.
For whale watching excursions, the ship will leave the bay so plan on ocean conditions. For current conditions please visit the National Weather Service.
Are children allowed?
Yes! Children ages 4-12 are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Children under 4 are free for all departures, except the Patriot Jet Boat. Due to safety restrictions, children under 4 are not allowed on that ship.
Are food or drinks available on board?
Yes! We have a snack bar available for purchase on board our harbor tours and whale watching excursions. The snack bar carries a variety of sundries including hot dogs, sandwiches, chips, popcorn, water, soda, alcoholic beverages and more.
Is seating reserved?
For non-dining cruises, all indoor and outdoor seating is open and available to all passengers on a first-come, first-served basis. For dining cruises, our hostess will seat your party when you board.
Groups & Private Events
What’s the best way to book my party and purchase tickets?
For parties 20 guests or larger, please contact our group event team for information and special rates. For parties with fewer than 20 guests, you can book directly online if you prefer. Or contact us, we’ll be happy to assist.
Can I bring cake/decorations/etc.?
Yes. We do everything we can to accommodate your requests. Please contact us so we can speak about the details of your specific event.
Will we be sharing the ship with other events?
If you book a private event, the ship will be yours exclusively. Group bookings can be made on public cruises as well.
Accessibility
Are any of the vessels wheelchair accessible?
The following vessels are partially accessible: California Spirit, California Princess, Spirit of San Diego, Marietta, Cabrillo and Silvergate.
For most of our fleet, the vessel and interior main deck are ramp accessible but the exterior top deck and restrooms are not. For the Patriot Jet Boat and Water Taxis, all guests, including those with disabilities or who use a wheelchair, must be able to transfer into and out of the Patriot by themselves or with the assistance of a member in their party.
Are the bathrooms on any of the vessels wheelchair accessible?
None of the restrooms are wheelchair accessible EXCEPT on the California Princess and the California Spirit.
Is boarding assistance available?
Yes. Since the ramps from the shore to the docks can be steep, Flagship Cruises & Events offers assistance by its uniformed staff for all persons using a wheelchair or who otherwise need assistance boarding a vessel.
Are animals allowed on any of the vessels?
Service animals are welcome onboard any of our vessels except the Patriot Jet Boat.
Are tours available to the hearing impaired?
Yes. Please Contact Us and we'll be happy to schedule this with you.
It is the policy of Flagship Cruises & Events that ALL persons, regardless of race, color, gender, disability or any other protected characteristic are entitled to use its vessels. All Company employees are expected to comply with this policy. Updated: 8/8/17
If you have any other questions about Flagship Cruises, please contact us and we will provide the information you are looking for.