Ports-North Pre-Cruise Information Page

Ports-North Pre-Cruise Information PagePorts-North Pre-Cruise Information PagePorts-North Pre-Cruise Information Page

Ports-North Pre-Cruise Information Page

Ports-North Pre-Cruise Information PagePorts-North Pre-Cruise Information PagePorts-North Pre-Cruise Information Page

Scroll This Page For More on your Ports North Cruise

Scroll This Page For More on your Ports North CruiseScroll This Page For More on your Ports North CruiseScroll This Page For More on your Ports North Cruise

* Preparing

* Food & Beverage

* Mother Nature - Weather Protocols

* Special Requests

* While on Board

* Necessary Legal Stuff

Return to Ports North Main Page

Preparing

Your booked... Now What?

Now that your cruise is on the schedule you can do two things…. Get excited and plan. The excitement part will happen on its own, and Ports North will be planning on our end, but there are a few things you should think about in preparation:

  • Weather- Northern Michigan is beautiful and mother nature often graces us with perfect summer weather, but sometimes she has a bad day. We will be following the forecast prior to your cruise and will be in contact with you accordingly but please look ahead on your own.  
  • What to wear- Hey, Ports-North is not the fashion police but we have a couple of rules and requests:  
  • Soft soled shoes or boat shoes are appropriate while on board. If your cruise includes a stop for lunch, dinner, or a fashion walk you are welcome to bring your heels, dress shoes, or cowboy boots but we can’t have you wearing them during your cruise. 
  • It can be several degrees cooler on the water than on land. If you are prone to getting chilled, a jacket, sweater, or similar might be a good idea.
  • Since we are all hoping for one of those picture perfect summer days, please include sunscreen lotion in your planning. NO SPRAY TYPE!  


Food & Beverage

Food and Beverage- We offer food and beverage options if you let us know at least 48 hours prior to your cruise. We work with the Petoskey Cheese Company for on board food and highly recommend a charcuterie or sandwich array. Let us know what you would like! We can also provide soft drinks as part of your pre-cruise order. You may bring your own supply of beer or wine… enough to add the right kind of splash to your cruise but NOT enough to make it so the captain or your fellow cruise mates want to throw you in!  Food and beverage will be available 30 mins after we leave the dock and up until 30 mins prior to returning which allows us time to assure we are well under weigh on the front end and to clean up a bit prior to return. We do ask you to assist us in making this part easy!

Weather - Doesn't Always Cooperate

Mother Nature

As beautiful as Northern Michigan is, and as hard as we have tried to control it, we are still subjected to the whims of mother nature. We always er on the side of safety but there is more to it than just what's safe so we operate on a Green, Yellow, Red Protocol.  


  

Green

Weather is suitable for the charter and poses no additional precautions or concerns. We hope every day is a green day!

Yellow

Weather has the potential to affect the charter. It is NOT unsafe but due to wind, waves, rain, or other elements passengers should prepare and take additional steps to maximize the enjoyment of the charter. The captain remains prepared to conduct the charter and will do his very best to mitigate the affect of any weather conditions.Captain and charter designee shall discuss the conditions present or predicted. In the event the guest chooses to cancel the charter and attempt will be made to reschedule with no change in fee. In the event a charter is not or cannot be rescheduled the deposit shall be forfeited.

Red

For whatever reason the captain, in his sole discretion, may cancel a charter at any time due to weather (or mechanical issues) that poses a safety or other risk deemed to be too great. If the charter is canceled prior to departure guests will be offered the opportunity to reschedule or receive a full refund. If a charter is cancelled after departure, and unable to be rescheduled or accommodated, a pro-rated refund shall be issued.  We can always have a dockside lunch, dinner, or party!

Non-Weather ... but similar

If a person on board becomes seriously ill the captain may terminate the charter and a pro-rated refund or reschedule shall be offered. In the event the captain is asked to terminate the charter for any reason, such as motion sickness or illness related to alcohol consumption, or a similar condition, no refund will be given.  Enjoy your beer or wine in moderation!

Special Requests

Occasion worth celebrating?

Occasion worth celebrating?

Occasion worth celebrating?

Is someone celebrating a birthday, retirement, engagement, or other special occasion?  Let's talk about how we can help make it just that much more special?


Email Us!

Special Destinations

Occasion worth celebrating?

Occasion worth celebrating?

Where would you like to go and arrive in style on a classic private yacht?  Sure, we could go just about anywhere but there are a lot of cool places that may be a bit off of our usual course.  Where do YOU want to go?

Email Us!

Special Add on Request

Special Add on Request

Special Add on Request

Our vessel is equipped with everything you need to have an enjoyable cruise.  What else can we have on board that meets your special needs?  Flowers, balloons (careful, we do NOT let them go), a cake, ice cream, a piece of jewelry you want us to stow for you to bring out at the perfect moment...  Tell us!


Email Us!

Call Me

Special Add on Request

Special Add on Request

You've learned a lot about us here online...  what question didn't we answer?  What else might we do to make your cruise perfect?  Call or text me.


Capt. Brent

USCG Liscensed

40+ years on the water

"I think I have visited every harbor on Lake Michigan by boat"


Call my cell

While On Board

Bon Voyage!

Coming Into Harbor

Coming Into Harbor

 

You arrived about 10 minutes ahead of your departure time- perfect! Permission to board- of course! Let us help you get any items you have brought with you aboard and give you a hand in climbing aboard. If anyone needs special assistance, please let us know that ahead of your cruise so we can be prepared. Welcome aboard! 


Once all members of your party are on board we will do a welcome and brief safety orientation… you know, fire extinguishers, lifejackets, trash receptacles, layout of the vessel, use of the head (that’s the toilet for you land based folks!), etc. Once that necessary orientation is complete it’s time to just relax and enjoy the cruise!


"What can I do to help?" Nothing is needed… we got this! That said, sometimes folks want to be a part of the actual act of cruising…. Boat handling, lines, etc. If you let us know, we may let you cast off a line, stow a fender, cleat a line, or even pilot the boat along the way. It’s your cruise and we want it to be all that you want it to be.  

Coming Into Harbor

Coming Into Harbor

Coming Into Harbor

 

Your cruise will involve at least one experience of pulling into a harbor… your return… it may include a stop along the way too. This is a time when your captain needs to pay particularly close attention to maneuvering the boat. Unless you have discussed your desire to take part in the docking experience (you’ll have your assignment at this time) we ask you to keep the walkway and ladder access free by minimizing your movement as we dock. We want to make sure the vessel is docked and secure before anyone moves around too much and certainly before you attempt to disembark. Make sure your captain has given permission to step off before you attempt to do so…. Not a time you want to take a dip!

Cruising With Kids

Cruising With Kids

Cruising With Kids

 

Being on the water can be a magical experience for a child.  We don't recommend children under the age of 6.  Children must be accompnaied by parents or grandparents.  If you are cruising with your kids or grandkids please let us know ahead of time so we can discuss some of the special rules that apply and to make sure we have proper lifesaving vests to fit them. 

After Your Cruise

Cruising With Kids

Cruising With Kids

 

You may certainly offer a gratuity to your crew. Captains and stewards/mates, welcome the show of appreciation.  


AND


Post your pictures and tag us! We love to see that you had a good time and share in that great experience!


AND


Book your next adventure!

Waiver & Captain's Promise

We hate this stuff too....

This part isn't fun but we have to pay attention to it so here we go....  Prior to your cruise each member of the party will be asked to sign their agreement, captain too!

Ports-North Captain's Promise

I, Captain Brent Mallek, promise and certify that I have a Captain’s License issued by the U.S. Coast Guard and that I am legally qualified to take passengers on yacht charters on the great lakes, connected waterways, and tributaries. I promise not to take any unnecessary risks that could potentially put passengers or crew in harm’s way and to avoid bad weather to the fullest extent possible. This charter operates under the authority of the Captain and the captain alone. 

Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _________________________     (Captain) 

This Charter Agreement entered into on the ______ day of _______________, 20______, between Ports North Yacht Charters (Charterer) and 

_________________________________________ (Charteree- Print Name)

Waiver & Release

I, the Charteree, fully understand that I am boarding a privately chartered vessel that operates in both protected and open water. I am fully aware of the inherent dangers involved and understand and assume the risks and hazards associated with boating. These risks and hazards include, but are not limited to, the following: Sun, rain, lightning, sea spray, contact with lake water, and any other weather conditions; sea sickness; pitching and rolling; slippery and wet decks; injuries, internal or external, from: boarding and disembarking the vessel; Perils of the lake; equipment failure; and the unintentional conduct of any other person on the boat. I understand that I have a duty to exercise reasonable care for my own safety and I agree to do so. I further understand that this trip may not be recommended for anyone with pre-existing conditions such as circulatory problems; high blood pressure; heart conditions; pregnancy; weak bones; knees, back or ankle problems and I agree to consult a physician should there be any concern as to the charter affecting my condition(s). I assert that I am physically fit to ride on a boat and I will not hold vessel Ports-North Yacht Charters or their employees, agents or other associated persons responsible if I am injured as a result of any problems (medical, accidental or otherwise) which may occur while chartering the vessel or otherwise participating in the trip. I understand and agree that I will not hold the Captain, Crew, or Ports-North Yacht Charters, its successors, affiliates, owners, investors, employees, volunteers, or persons otherwise associated with the company in the provision of charter services, liable for risks and hazards associated with boating, and I expressly release them from all such risks and hazards. 


Charter Basics

The Charter begins at the designated departure time, and ends at the designated disembarkment time. Charter duration includes docking, undocking, as well as travel to and from destination. Please allow extra time in case of unforeseen delays so that you can get the maximum out of your charter. Failure to arrive for your charter will result in a forfeit of deposit. 

All members of the charter party are recommended to be at the boat at least 10 minutes prior to departure. If an unforeseen circumstance occurs that could delay the group, a call should be made to the Captain or Ports-North Yacht Charters to prevent cancellation. Ports-North Yacht Charters reserves the right to cancel any charter where the party fails to arrive within a reasonable time of the scheduled departure time. 


Weather- see our weather protocols section.


Cancellations

All cancellations must be made by the charteree at least 7 days prior to the departure date and a reschedule or refund of deposit shall be offered. Cancellations between 6 and 3 days prior to departure date shall be eligible for a 50% refund of deposit. Cancellations within 48 hours of departure shall forfeit the deposit. 


In the rare occasion that the boat experiences any mechanical issues or difficulties, or Ports-North cancels the charter for any reason, a reschedule or full refund will be offered.


Stop and Hard Stop Matters

Hard Stop- Possession of firearms on board is strictly prohibited with the exception of law enforcement individuals or others who may be required to carry a weapon.  

Hard Stop- The use of or possession of illegal substances, and given the governing body over the vessel and captain is the United States Coast Guard, a Federal Agency, this restriction includes cannabis. Legally prescribed medication is, of course, permitted.  

Stop- Alcohol. Beer and Wine are the only alcoholic beverages allowed on the vessel, and may only be consumed by persons aged 21 or older. Cans are preferred. Glass bottles and coolers are permitted with at least 24 hours advanced notice. Ports-North Yacht Charters will provide drinking water. More on food and beverage later! Ports North wants every guest to have a fantastic excursion and will do all we can to assure that guests enjoy their charter. That said, any person(s) appearing to be intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted to board the vessel and if during a cruise an illegal drug is found on board or is in the possession of any individual(s), or the captain determines that any individual(s) are unstable due to excessive drinking, the trip will immediately be terminated without a refund.

Stop- Ports-North is not a fishing charter. However, as a special request fishing is permitted from the vessel with prior arrangement with the captain. Ports-North follows all Michigan Fishing regulations and requires all guests to be responsible for compliance if they arrange to fish as part of a charter.  

Stop- High heels, hard sole dress shoes, or cowboy boots may be fashionable but they are not appropriate footwear on a boat. Please make sure you have soft soled footwear and if you are headed to dinner or an even as part of your excursion have your change of footwear along! 

Stop- From time to time, we may take photos during a cruise and those photos may be used for digital marketing purposes across our website and social media platforms. Your release of the right to use your image in this manner is assumed unless you expressly inform Ports-North and in that case no photos will be taken during your cruise.  


Signatures

I have read this document including Promises, General Release, Waiver and Consent Agreement and understand it is a legal document designed to inform me of risks and release the Captain, Crew, and Ports-North Yacht Charters from any and all liability for personal injuries, mishaps, or omissions from the conduct of other boaters or passengers (intentional or not) and crew during this Private Charter. I agree to be bound by it, from the date of my signature, forever into the future. This agreement shall be construed in accordance with the admiralty and maritime laws of the United States of America and the State of Michigan.

  1. ____________________________________________ 
  2. ____________________________________________ 
  3. ____________________________________________ 
  4. ____________________________________________ 
  5. ____________________________________________ 
  6. ____________________________________________

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