Q. What are the cabins like?
A. The cabins are very comfortable, and feature either double beds, twin beds or bunk beds. All cabins are carpeted and air-conditioned, with private "head" (both hot and cold fresh-water showers).

Q. How many people are on board?
A. There are accommodations for up to 30 sailmates on board. The professional crew is there to meet your every need!

Q. How big is the Sir Francis Drake?
A. The Drake is 165' in length, 23' across the beam (wide), and has a draft of only 8'. This shallow draft allows her to pull into small cays, islets and bays where large cruise ships can't go! The beautiful top deck (sun deck) is perfect for sunning, relaxing, reading or dancing under the stars.

Q. Do I have to dress up?
A. Dress on the Drake is always casual! Dressing for dinner means putting on a clean T-shirt! If you are out of clean ones, you can purchase one from the little Treasure Chest Boutique on board. You might want to dress up on the last night of your cruise for the Captain's dinner. He'll be wearing his uniform that night!

Q. What's a typical day like?
A. Your day usually begins after a delicious breakfast. Sails are raised and you set off for yet another glorious beach! The ship is usually under sail for one to four hours, depending on the destination for the day. Islands dot the sea along the Sir Francis Drake Channel in the Virgin Islands. Here you are always in sight of land, making for smooth and calm sailing.

Lunch is often served as a beach picnic. The rest of the day is spent exploring the island (hike or sightsee) or the beaches and surrounding waters (swim, snorkel, sail a Sunfish or windsurf). The daily Captain's Chat will give you all the necessary information to plan your day to perfection! Sunsets in the Caribbean can be spectacular and you will celebrate every sunset with snacks (hot and cold) and rum punch! What a way to relax in paradise!

Dinner is sometimes served buffet-style on the top deck and other times in the salon (one seating accommodates all). Evening entertainment is usually ashore, where passengers and crew join the locals at quaint nightspots and pubs which feature live calypso and reggae music.

The ship is normally at anchor in protected coves during the night. You can even choose to sleep up on the top deck--throw out a deck pad, grab a pillow and blanket and sleep beneath the moon and stars!

Q. Can I spend the day on-board just relaxing?
A. Sure! Read a book, take a nap, or just relax in the sun (or the shade). How you spend your day is completely up to you.

Q. What kinds of people sail on the Sir Francis Drake?
A. Passengers on the Drake come from all over the world and come in all ages. They are mostly couples (honeymooners love it!), but singles also enjoy the total relaxation that is a Sir Francis Drake cruise.

The majority of the Drake's passengers responding to post-cruise evaluation questionnaires said they would cruise again and/or they would recommend the Drake to friends. For many it has been the best vacation they ever experienced.

Q. When does the Sir Francis Drake sail?
A. The current winter season, from December 6 to mid-May, is in the British Virgin Islands. Depart any Saturday for seven-night cruises.

For summer 1998, the Drake will set sail out of St. Lucia, offering a choice of unique Caribbean island hideaways, following a northbound course OR a southbound course on alternate Saturdays.