Frequently Asked questions
What time can passengers board?
I have food allergies, can you adjust the menu? I have cultural restrictions can you adjust your menu.
How big is the Mystère?
Does weather affect the trip?
What is the cancellation policy?
Where do I pick up my ticket?
What about small children?
Are discounts available?
What is the dress code?
What is your bar like?
Do you have gift certificates?
Is the Mystère handicapped accessible?
Can I get an extra options or enhancements to my cruise?
Do you accept walk up customers?
Can I bring my own food on board?
Passengers are advised that they are obligated and required to behave in a safe and courteous manner. The obligations between the Passengers and Empire Cruise Lines are contained within the Passenger Ticket Contract. This contract can be downloaded from our website and is also available for review by requesting a written copy. All Passengers are advised to read and understand this contract. Once a ticket has been purchased the passenger is bound by this contract.
What time can passengers board?
Passengers are permitted to board the vessel fifteen (15) minutes prior to departure. If the vessel is ready to accept passengers prior to that time you will be told by the vessels crew that you may board. If you require earlier access due to a special events please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you but remember, passenger safety is our number one priority, at no time will passengers be permitted until the vessels crew has completed pre departure inspections. Please be on time for your cruise. The vessel will not delay her departure due to a passengers absence, tardiness or delay.
We will do all that we can to accommodated your needs. Let us know and we will inform our catering company and they will create a meal to suite your needs.
The Mystère is 60ft in length.
She has a beam of 17ft.
She draws approximately 6ft when unburdened and has an air draft of 18.5ft
She is double deck with a fully enclosed lower saloon and an open upper deck.
Our USCG Certificate of Inspection allows us to carry 88 passengers.
Her Tonnage is 44 Gross Tons
Generally speaking weather does not affect the vessel. However our policy is to remained tied up if sustained winds exceed 20kts or gusts are expected to exceed 30kts or when the National Weather Service issues specific warnings. Our lower saloon is fully enclosed and is very comfortable during all weather conditions. The ships Captain is continually monitoring all weather, current and water conditions for the safety of the passengers.
What is the cancellation policy?
We regret that refunds are not given. We cruise rain or shine May though October. In the rare event that the ships Captains prohibits cruising because of weather or other issues we will issue a voucher good for one year from the scheduled cruise date. If possible we will contact you in advance. You can reschedule a reserved seat 24 hrs prior to your cruise date.
Tickets are picked up at our dockside kiosk up-to 30 minutes prior to the cruise.
The vessel has safety rails that exceed USCG requirements and has more then the required number of life vests. Children are welcome on almost all our cruises and discounts are offered for children age 12 and under. We encourage families to bring their children along for our Saturday afternoon sightseeing cruises and special children’s tours. A limited number of child booster seats are available, please call ahead to reserve one if you would like one to be set aside for you.
On party and late-night cruises, passengers must be age 21 or older with valid ID.
Discounts are provided for senior citizens, active duty military personnel, disabled veterans and groups of passengers exceeding 10 individuals on a single voyage. Discounts can not be combined. Please contact us for details.
We strive to bring a sense of comfortable elegance and a little refinement back to the world and when you are aboard the M/V Mystère, you are our guests. Like all guests please remember you are in someone else’s house so we ask that you respect each other and the vessel.
Dinner and Brunch Cruises: For men, appropriate attire includes slacks and a polo or button down shirt. Tee shirts are not allowed, excessively worn trousers are prohibited. Excessively baggy pats, long belts are prohibited. Hats are prohibited in the lower saloon. For women, nice slacks,
Capri pants or a sundress is recommended. Although allowed, we strongly discourage collarless t-shirts, jeans, shorts or sneakers.
Party Cruises: Dress code for party cruises is club appropriate attire. No excessively baggy trousers are permitted. Baseball caps are also prohibited during party cruises. The vessels crew may at their discretion request changes in attire or prohibit certain articles of clothing.
Sightseeing: Casual attire is fine but the prohibitions on hats, baggy pants etc still apply.
We feature New York State wines and have sommeliers aboard for wine cruises. Our bar is well stocked with the most popular liquors and mixers. Our mixed drinks start at $6, beer starts at $3, and wine begins at $5 per glass. Soft drinks are $1.50 each. Passengers are prohibited from bringing outside alcohol aboard. Passengers are prohibited from taking open containers of alcohol off of the vessel.
Do you have gift certificates?
Mystère Gift Certificates are available in increments of $25. They may be purchased by calling 315-934-4157 or bought on board.
Printed gift certificates come with a brochure in an envelope suitable for gift giving. All gift certificates are valid for one year.
Is the Mystère handicapped accessible?
The access doors of the Mystère can accommodate wheelchairs up to 27.75 inches in width. There is a set of three steps leading from the dock to the door. Unfortunately there are no provisions for gaining access to the upper deck via wheelchair. The restroom facilities are not specifically designed for wheelchair access.
Can I get an extra options or enhancements to my cruise?
Of course! The Mystère crew excels in personalized service and attention to detail. You can choose from a private table for two, balloons, roses, Champagne, bar packages and more.
Do you accept walk up customers?
We SRONGLY encourage reservations. The Mystère is not like a shore side restaurant where you can just wait for a table. Waiting for a table on a nice summer evening? How ordinary and boring is that? Since we bring a lot of food for every cruise we can accept a limited number of walk up passengers for dinners, brunches and party cruises but a $5 surcharge will be added and your meal options will be limited. On Saturday sightseeing cruises we also suggest reservations but no surcharge is in effect.
Can I bring my own food on board
Health Department and insurance policies prohibit passengers from bringing any unpackaged food aboard the vessel. If you have a special request for larger groups or for any special occasion let us know and we will be happy to arrange for that “special treat” or to make arrangements with one of our approved and inspected catering organizations. Outside beverages are always prohibited.
what is the smoking policy?
Hi, for several safety reasons there is a no smoking policy on our ships.