Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about Yacht StarShip. If you need further assistance, or information that cannot be found on this site, please contact the Yacht StarShip Crew at (813) 223-7999, or send us an email to [email protected].
Reservations
How do I make reservations?
You can make your reservations either online or by calling us at (813) 223-7999. Our reservations booth is open daily. The Tampa ticket booth is located at 603 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602. The Clearwater ticket booth is located at 25 Causeway Blvd, Slip #55 Clearwater, FL 33767.
Do I have to pay in full when I make the reservation?
Yes. Full payment in required in order to guarantee your reservation. You can either do this online or over the phone. All reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable once payment is made. However, we offer optional Trip Protection, which allows you to cancel up to 24 hours before your departure and relieve either a full reimbursement or store credit – excluding the Trip Protection fee. Trip Protection is not available for select cruises, including holiday and special event cruises. Please check your specific cruise details before purchasing. Trip Protection does not apply to no-shows, late arrivals, or cancellations made within 24 hours of departure. These will result in a 100% forfeiture of payment.
Can I pay in cash?
We only accept card and contactless payments for reservations, group events, and onboard purchases; cash tips onboard are still welcomed.
How far in advance do you recommend that I make my reservation?
Reservations are open 120 days prior to cruise dates. Cruises often sell out! We recommend booking as far in advance as possible for regular dining cruises. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest nights and tend to book up very quickly, so making a reservation as soon as possible is always best. For special event or holiday cruises, we recommend booking up to 90 days in advance. Our special event cruises are very popular and have limited seating, the majority of them selling out. We do not guarantee any availability!
Is my large group able to pay separately but sit together?
Yes. Guests booking separately may be seated together by referencing the same booking number in the “Seat With” box during checkout. However, for groups of 25 or more, please contact our Group Sales team directly to ensure seating together. We are unable to accommodate groups larger than 24 when booked individually.
What’s included in the price of my ticket?
For Tampa public brunch & dinner cruises, your ticket includes your cruise, reserved table, a buffet meal, DJ entertainment, and our Free Bar at Sea*.
For Clearwater public dinner cruises, your ticket includes your cruise, reserved table, buffet meal, DJ entertainment, and our Free Bar at Sea*.
*Bar Free at Sea cruises includes an open bar. This is unlimited with the purchase of a dinner ticket. If cruising only with no meal on these cruises, there will be a four-drink maximum.
Our ticket does not include any onboard purchases such as menu upgrades or boarding photos. Gratuity for meals and beverages is additional. Please refer to what’s included for your specific cruise.
Does my ticket price include gratuity?
Most Yacht StarShip tickets and gift certificates do not include gratuity. Gratuity for meal, beverages and on-board purchases are additional. $10 per person ($5 per child) will be charged on board for brunch, lunch and dinner cruises. Holiday and specialty cruises will automatically include gratuity at time of purchase.
Can I request a window table?
You may purchase a guaranteed window table for your reservation. The purchase of a window table must be done in advance. We do not offer window seat upgrades once you have boarded the yacht.
Do you offer any senior discounts?
At this time, we do not offer any discounts for seniors.
What is Yacht StarShip’s Smoking Policy?
No smoking or other use of tobacco products (including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or vaping devices, pipes, cigars, snuff, or chewing tobacco) is permitted in any part of Yacht StarShip’s fleet.
Dress code
What is the dress code aboard Yacht StarShip?
Yacht StarShip’s dress code is resort casual.
Dress Code: At Yacht StarShip we strive to create a sea of memories for everyone on board. We expect our guests to help support our inviting and family-friendly atmosphere by arriving in the appropriate resort casual attire.
To help us maintain a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere, the following clothing items are not permitted for any guests:
- Excessively revealing attire (examples: bikini tops, sheer garments without underlayers)
- Mesh or see-through clothing
- Overly torn or distressed pants
- Attire exposing nipples or other private areas
- Clothing with offensive or inappropriate language or graphics
- Clothing emitting marijuana odor
Admittance is at the discretion of the Captain. The Captain and/or Mate will enforce the dress code at the gangway. Guests not in compliance with Manthey Hospitality’s dress code may either change into appropriate attire or reschedule their cruise. Thank you for respecting these guidelines so all guests may enjoy a comfortable dining and cruising experience.
Parking
Where do we park for our Cruise from Tampa?
Your cruise ticket does not include parking. However, paid parking is available at multiple locations in the Channelside area.
Channelside Parking Garage: 369 South 12th Street, Tampa, FL 33602
This garage is directly across the street from our location and is the only lot where we offer a discounted rate. Park on the wing of levels 3–5 to access the elevator closest to us.
Bring your parking ticket from the machine to the ticket booth before your cruise to receive a discounted rate.
If an attendant is present, you may also receive the discount by showing your cruise confirmation upon entry.
If both the garage and parking lot are full, the attendant will direct you to nearby parking options where posted rates apply.
Garrison Street Parking Lot: 603 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
This lot is the closest parking option to our boarding area and may be best for guests with mobility concerns. Please note that discounted rates are not available here.
Parking is paid through the ParkMobile App (code: 3444). We recommend downloading the app in advance.
If an event is taking place and a parking attendant is present, event parking rates will apply.
Where do we park for our cruise from Clearwater?
Parking is available at the Clearwater Municipal Marina where Yacht StarShip IV is docked. Parking is first-come, first-served. The Clearwater Marina operates a pay-by-plate parking system. Guest will be responsible for purchasing parking permits from the kiosk. The rate is $1 per hour.
Parking prior to 6:00 p.m.: Park and locate the nearest parking kiosk to purchase up to 30 minutes at $.50 cents. Please check in at the Yacht StarShip ticket booth to receive your boarding passes and the daily parking code. Once you have received the parking code, you must go to the nearest kiosk, enter the code and your license plate number in order to purchase enough time for the duration of your cruise.
Parking after 6:00 p.m. If you arrive for your cruise after 6 p.m., please visit the nearest kiosk and enter your license plate number to purchase enough time for your cruise. You do not need the daily parking code if you’re parking after 6:00 p.m.
Overflow parking is also available at the North Beach Parking Plaza.
Please allot an appropriate amount of time for traffic, parking, and walking to the yacht. We strive to leave on time for all cruises and there are no refunds for late arrivals.
Tickets & Boarding Passes
Where do I pick up my tickets?
Your tickets will be at the Yacht StarShip ticket booth, located next to the ship. For your convenience, the ticket booth opens one hour prior to the scheduled departure time.
What kind of security check is required when I pick up my tickets?
Your photo identification and reservation number are required at our ticket booth when picking up your tickets. Please note, for your security, we require that all reservations must present the credit card used and matching photo ID at our ticket booth upon boarding.
Passenger Screening: In accordance with US Coast Guard regulations, all passengers and their belongings being brought onto our vessels are subject to search and screening (including metal detection). In order to expedite the boarding process, we ask that you please do not bring any unnecessary bags on board and please make sure that all gifts are in gift bags or unwrapped for easy screening.
Are weapons allowed on board?
No weapons of any kind are allowed on board, including for those with a concealed weapon license.
Can you e-mail my boarding passes?
Your confirmation e-mail will include your confirmation number to pick up your tickets at our ticket booth when you arrive for your cruise. We do not send the boarding passes to you prior to your cruise.
Boarding Process
Is the vessel handicap accessible?
Yacht StarShip I has an elevator on board with a maximum capacity of three (3) passengers. StarShip can accommodate most wheelchairs, motorized scooters and walkers. Please indicate when making your reservation if any members of your party need accommodation.
Please note, our elevator is temporarily out of service. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understand.
Yacht StarShip II can accommodate standard wheelchairs on the first deck of the ship, however there is no elevator for access to the second and third decks. There is a restroom on the first level with limited handicap access.
Yacht StarShip IV can accommodate standard wheelchairs on the first deck of the ship, however there is no elevator for access to the second deck. There is a restroom on the first level with limited handicap access. Please note, there are two steps down from the gangway to board the yacht and raised thresholds at exterior doorways.
Is there pre-assigned seating?
As you board, our captain and marine crew will direct you to your deck. From there, our hostess will show you to your reserved table(s).
May I bring my own camera on board?
Guests are more than welcome to bring their own camera for personal pictures while aboard the yacht. Upon boarding, our photographer will capture a boarding photo for you and your guests.
Are drones allowed on board?
No, drones are not allowed on board.
Do you take photographs?
A Yacht StarShip photographer will take a group photo before you board, which can be purchased during your cruise. On occasion, Yacht StarShip will also have a photographer on board to take photos for promotional purposes. If you do not wish for your photo to be taken, please let the photographer or a member of our staff know, otherwise Yacht StarShip may use your photo.
Cruising & Dining
Where does the boat dock and depart from?
Yacht StarShip docks regularly out of Tampa and Clearwater. Your departure site is printed on your confirmation page when booking online. When docking in Tampa, Yacht StarShip normally departs from 603 Channelside Drive, near the Benchmark International Arena and Sparkman Wharf. When docking in Clearwater Beach, the yacht will depart from the Clearwater Municipal Marina, 25 Causeway Blvd., Slip #55.
Where is the normal cruise route?
Yacht StarShip’s normal Tampa route includes cruising out of the Ybor Channel and into the Hillsborough Bay and Garrison Channel. While en route, passengers view Bayshore Drive, Harbour Island, Davis Islands and downtown Tampa’s skyline. Yacht StarShip’s Clearwater cruise route includes views of the scenic intercostal waterway from Belleair to Island Estates. Weather permitting, we will cruise into the Gulf of Mexico for a famous west coast sunset.
How soon will my party begin eating on our cruise?
Please keep in mind that unlike a typical restaurant, all of our guests arrive at the same time. Once on board, you will be greeted by the hostess and escorted to your private table. Your server will introduce him or herself and give you the opportunity to decide for yourself how to pace your service. Serving may begin immediately.
Is there a limit to the amount of drinks I can have?
Those who choose the sightseeing-only cruise without dinner on our Bar Free at Sea Cruises will be limited to four drinks. Crew members reserve the right to cut off guests at any time who appear intoxicated.
What type of entertainment do you have?
After dinner, dance to the sounds of our Cruise Director’s vast repertoire on the lounge deck or relax beneath a blanket of stars, while taking in the beautiful sights and sounds of Tampa Bay or Clearwater Beach. Enjoy the best views, only possible from the water! From exciting dance music to romantic dinner music, Yacht StarShip’s Cruise Director will simply dazzle you.
Do you offer any vegetarian, vegan or gluten free options?
Yes, we offer a vegetarian option on all of our dining cruises. For any other dietary restrictions, please let your reservations agent know at the time of booking so we can notify the Chef. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions when notified ahead of time.
Do you have a kid’s menu?
Yes, we have a special kid’s meal available and children are also welcome to order off our regular menu.
Weather, Rescheduling & Cancellation Policies
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
Yacht StarShip’s cancellation policy states that all reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable once payment is made. However, we offer optional Trip Protection on select cruises, which allows you to cancel up to 24 hours before your departure and relieve either a full reimbursement or store credit – excluding the Trip Protection fee.
Special event cruises are non-refundable and non-transferable. Trip Protection is not available for holiday and specialty cruises. Please check your specific cruise details before purchasing.
What if it rains?
Yacht StarShip will cruise in most weather conditions year-round. Each enclosed deck is climate controlled and the weather will not affect your cruise. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard, the ship will remain dockside for the length of the event.
Special Occasions
Does Yacht StarShip do anything special for anniversaries or birthdays?
For birthdays or special occasions, we will include a message on our welcome board in the Tampa boarding area and the Captain will welcome you by name in his announcements. Please let us know when you make your reservation if you are celebrating a special occasion.
I want to do something extra special for a birthday or anniversary, do you offer anything?
We offer cruise enhancement packages for special occasions. Packages must be purchased in advance. View special cruise enhancements.
Can I bring a birthday cake on board?
Small cakes that do not require refrigeration are allowed to be brought on board. Your server will place the cake in our galley until it is ready to be cut and served.
Do you offer private parties?
Yes, we offer several options for semi-private or private groups of 25 people or more. For more information on booking a private event, please call us directly at (813) 223-7999 and ask to speak with a group sales manager or you can fill out our event contact form here.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes, you can purchase gift cards here.
Careers
How can I apply to work for Yacht StarShip?
Click here to apply online. Or email your resume to [email protected].
