Practical information

Some general points

Communication before and during your trip

We create a WhatsApp group for each trip.
Through this group, we share practical information about the departure, mooring, schedule, and weather forecasts.

• As a participant, you will receive the invitation a few days before departure.
• During the trip, you can also share photos and updates.
• Please use the group only for travel-related messages, so that it remains clear and organised.
• Send personal messages directly to each other.

This will keep communication clear, useful and pleasant for everyone on board.

Personal documents

Depending on your destination, you will need certain documents. Check in good time what applies:

• Within the EU and Norway: identity card is sufficient.
• Outside the EU/UK: valid passport required (valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip).
• Minors: parental consent for travel abroad, to be requested from the local authority.

Not sure whether you need a passport? Please contact us at info@arruno-exploration.be

Health and medical information

At sea, we are on our own for a while. That is why we ask every participant to fill in a health declaration and hand it in upon embarkation.
The captain is responsible for the safety of all passengers and decides whether participation is possible.

• Be sure to mention any allergies, medical conditions or medication use.
• For serious conditions, a doctor's certificate may be required (especially for 3-iceberg trips).
• Bring your own medication, including any adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen®).
• For seasickness: consult your doctor in advance about suitable medication.

📄 Download the Health Declaration (PDF) here

Food and diets

The galley (kitchen) of Saeftinghe is fully equipped to prepare meals for all participants.
We cook with fresh, local ingredients and try to make the most of what the season and the area have to offer. Products are purchased shortly before departure and replenished along the way if necessary.

Please note that we do not have an industrial kitchen on board.
This means that our options are more limited than in a professional restaurant.
We cook simple but tasty meals, with an eye for variety and quality.

• Do you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies? Please let us know at least two weeks in advance.
  • We will work with you to see how we can practically integrate this into the menu.
• In case of severe or complex allergies (such as coeliac disease, anaphylaxis or multiple intolerances), we always ask you to contact us in advance. This allows us to assess together whether we can meet your specific needs.
  • Please send us an email with your question!
• Please take into account limited storage space and cooking capacity on board.
• In some cases, we ask participants to bring specific products themselves.

Do not forget a refillable water bottle; we avoid plastic bottles on board.

Personal safety

Each person on board has a personal life jacket with a number that corresponds to your cabin.
The life jacket is equipped with:

• 150 N buoyancy
• Cross straps
• Harness and lifeline
• Man-overboard light
• Legal inspection

Important rules:

• Always wear your life jacket outside while sailing.
• It is not worn inside, but is kept ready in your cabin.
• At night or in rough seas, you must attach yourself with a lifeline.
• Always follow the instructions of the captain or watch officer.

Safety on board is everyone's responsibility.

Luggage and storage space on board

Space on board T/S Saeftinghe is limited.
We therefore ask that you travel consciously and compactly.

• No hard suitcases! Hard travel bags or suitcases cannot be stored on board and are not permitted.
• Use a soft, foldable travel bag or duffel bag.
• Bring a small rucksack (approx. 30 litres) for walks, excursions or to carry items when you go ashore.
• Large pieces of luggage will remain in your cabin during the trip; please note that cupboard space is limited.
• Label your bag with your name.

Practical, light and flexible travel makes life on board much more pleasant, for yourself and your fellow travellers.

Living and working together on board

On board, we live together in a limited space.
To keep the trip enjoyable for everyone, everyone helps with the daily tasks. Depending on the trip, this includes cooking, doing the dishes, shopping, keeping the ship in good order, but also standing watch, steering the ship and, if necessary, assisting with navigation, etc.
Smooth cooperation makes the stay more enjoyable for everyone.

Some basic agreements:

• Always keep one hand for yourself and one for the ship.
• Never wrap a rope around your hand or arm.
• Do not untie ropes when they are under tension.
• Alcohol is only permitted with the captain's permission and never before departure or while sailing.
• We prefer not to have smoking on board. If it cannot be avoided, smoking is only permitted outside, with respect for others.

We sail together, so we also ensure each other's safety and comfort together.

What are you bringing with you?

Inspire and Exclusive Adventure trips

Recommended clothing

• Warm base layers (merino wool or thermal)
• Fleece or down jacket
• Waterproof jacket and trousers (if you don't have sailing gear, other outdoor clothing will certainly suffice)
• Warm hat, gloves, buff or scarf
• For outdoors: Waterproof (hiking) boots or warm (high) hiking shoes
• Sailing ashore: High hiking shoes with gaiters or wading boots
• For indoors: Slippers or cabin shoes
• Extra socks
• Swimwear (sauna/ice bath moments)

Practical extras

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Sunglasses (with side shields)
• Lip balm, sunscreen
• Earplugs
• Headlamp or small torch
• Camera, power bank, chargers (European plugs (220V))
• Binoculars
• Personal medication and medication for seasickness
• Sleep mask
• Water bottle
• Ski goggles during the winter period (for the steering wheel)
• Shower gel if you are going to shower ashore
• Walking sticks

A few additional points:

• In cold areas, staying dry is more important than staying warm. Dress in layers and avoid cotton.
• During the summer period, you can supplement your equipment with some more summery clothing such as T-shirts and shorts.
• Bed linen and towels are provided for guests on our Inspire and Exclusive Adventure trips. Our on-board showers are equipped with shampoo, shower gel and conditioner.
• For Exclusive Adventure trips, a packing list may also be provided by the partner organisation. They will specify any specific requirements for the activity (such as skiing, glacier tours or photography).

Sailtraining trips

Recommended clothing

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm sweetshirts or hoodies, T-shirts or other base layers
• Socks, underwear and nightwear
• Sports shoes (no slippery soles)
• Boots
• Hat, scarf and gloves if it is a winter trip or a trip to Arctic regions

Personal items

• Toilet bag with small bottles, toothbrush and toothpaste.
  • Shower gel, shampoo and conditioner are provided for use on board.
  • Bring your own shower gel for use ashore.
• Bath and bed linen (taowel, pillowcase and duvet cover/sleeping bag)
• Personal medication and medication for seasickness
• Headlamp or torch
• Water bottle
• Earplugs
• Camera
• Mobile phone with charger (European plugs (220V))
• Sunglasses, sun cream and lip balm

Nice extras

• Musical instrument or game
• Outfit or accessory for crew party
• Small backpack for use in the cities or ashore

Ready to set sail?

Before departure, please check your documents, health declaration, and personal medication.
Please read the safety instructions and join the WhatsApp group for your trip.

Do you have any questions about your preparations or packing list? info@arruno-exploration.be