Reservation

Do I need to make a reservation in advance?

We recommend you make a reservation in advance.
Even if you come directly to the ticket counter without a reservation on the day,
we will refuse boarding if it is full.

How do I pay?

Payment is by cash only. We don't accept credit cards.
You can't buy ticket on the previous day because we sell it after checking the sea condtion on the day.

Can I choose the seat?

All seats are non-reserved, so you can't make a seat reaservation.(※)
Regardless of whether you have a reservation or not, you can board in the order you line up at the boarding gate.
Please understand that there are no seats for the full capacity.
※Reserved seats with a charge are located in the front of the 2nd floor of the boat,
but the reseption is only available on the ship on the day.

About drift ice

When is the best time to see the drift ice?

The drift ice tends to be seen from mid-February to early March.
In recent years, global warming has had a negative impact on things like the size of the drift ice and when it can be seen.
Therefore, past trends about drift ice are not helpful.

Dose the ship always go to the place with the drift ice?

If the drift ice zone is further than our cruising area, you may not be able to see them in cruising time.
Cruising time is about 1 hour. The ship travels 10 kilometers one way.
Even if there is no drift ice in the range, we cruise on the sea of Okhotsk without drift ice.

Can we see the drift ice every day?

The drift ice is not seen evry day because it is always moved by wind and tide.
Even on the same day, the position of the drift ice may change in ashort time depending on the sea condition.
There is no time during the day when you can see the drift ice with high probability.

Can I see any animals during cruising time?

If you're lucky, you might be able to see stellers sea eagles and seals.
We recommend you bring binoculars or camera to watch them.
Please don't take pictures with a drone.

About ship

Can I buy the special seat in advance?

Sorry, you can't buy the seat in advance.
Please take that seat on a first come-first-served basis after boarding the ship.
The staff will come to collect the money after departure. The price is 400 yen.

Dose the ship roll? Can I buy some medicen for seasikness?

The ship may roll depending on the sea condition on the day.
We don't have some medicen for seasikness. Please prepare them by yourself.

There are toilet at the ship?

There are separate toilets for men and women at the ship.

Boarding procedure

How many minutes in advance do I have to buy a ticket?

Please buy tickets at reast 20 minues before departure.
The reception will be close 5 minutes before departure.
The ticket counter is always crowded, so please come with plenty of time.

When will it be decided whether the ship will go or not?

We will decide about 1 hour before the departure time of each cruise.
Please check the cruise status on our website.
After purchasing tickets, if the sea condition suddenly changes, the cruise may be canceled just before departure.

Will I get a call when the cruise is canceled?

We don't inform the cancellartion individually.
Please check the cruise status on our website on the day.
It will be canceled automatically, so you don't need to come to the ticket counter.

Is there parking space?

Please park your car at Rordside Rest Area 【Ryuhyokaido-Abashiri】
It is Free spce.

Is there a place to check the laggage?

Ｔhre are coin lockers at road side station Abashiri where Aurora's ticket counter is located.
If all of them are used, we will keep the luggage for a fee near the ticket counter.

Others

What kind of clothes shold I wear when I board a ship?

There is a heater inside the ship, but most passengers see the view from outside.
The average tempurature in winter of Abashiri is from 0℃ to -10℃, it gets colder on the sea.
We recommend wearing a tick outwear.