Fieldtrip Logistics

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Standard Fieldtrip Structure

Below is a basic itinerary for your cruise:

1. Upon arrival, crew members will board the buses and give an overview of the trip and rules aboard the boat (with smaller groups, this may be done by the captain on the dock).

2. You will board the boat by chaperone groups.

3. Upon boarding, groups will locate a "home base" on the boat for backpacks, etc.

4. Students are welcome to explore the boat for the first 15 minutes of the trip.

5. Depending on the size of the group, students will listen to the narration and be outside during the first part of the cruise, and then rotate through the interactive stations and complete worksheets on the last half of the cruise.

6. When it is time to rotate through the stations, our educators will make an announcement and explain the procedures. There are five stations. Students will be assigned a starting station (you can help by dividing your students before they get here into five groups, numbered 1 through 5). Students will go to the first station and receive the field trip worksheet .  Students will use the stations to answer questions on the worksheet.  Our educators will announce when it is time to switch stations. Chaperones should stay with their groups at all times and assist the students in filling out the worksheet. They will have approximately 5-10 minutes at each station.

7. Students will turn in completed worksheets and enter in a raffle to be drawn at the end of the cruise.

8. We have learned that the galley snack bar and gift shop are a distraction. Unless requested we will not open either, or we will wait until the last 30 minutes of the cruise. You may opt to include in your fieldtrip, an end of cruise healthy snack and beverage (hot chocolate or punch depending on weather) for an additional $2.00 We realize most students bring their own lunch which we encourage, however, we strongly recommend a predetermined “lunch time” preferably towards the end of the cruise so students can maximize their cruise experience with us.

About the Boat

The 90 foot M/V Thomas Laighton is inspected and certified by the United States Coast Guard to carry 348 passengers. The vessel features three decks, two of which include enclosed and heated cabins, as well as two open air under cover decks, and two sun deck areas, which provide excellent viewing. There are four restrooms, two of these are handicapped accessible. We try to limit our groups to 150 whenever possible. If you have a small group, we try to group you with similar grade levels

School Safety and Awareness Information

We pride ourselves on our excellent safety record. Therefore, we ask that everyone become familiar with the following safety rules. Please print and share these rules with your chaperones and students. Click here for a printable PDF file of these rules .

Chaperones

All chaperones must have a clear list of the students for whom they are responsible. Please have each chaperone sign the bottom of their list before handing it to the Captain upon boarding. All chaperones must stay with their assigned students. There is to be no congregating with other chaperones.

Nametags

Students as well as chaperones MUST wear nametags. It is extremely important for students as well as our staff to be able to easily identify chaperones.

Damaged/Stolen Property

Your school is responsible for all damaged or stolen property.

The following items are not allowed on board and should be left on the bus:

• Walkmans or stereo/radios of any sort
• Chewing gum
• Glass containers

Expected behavior

Students are expected to abide by many of the same rules as in school. There is to be NO RUNNING OR CLIMBING ON BENCHES, RAILINGS, OR TABLES. There is to be no commotion on the vessel.

Trash

Trash should be disposed of in the proper receptacle, NOTHING gets thrown overboard. Students are expected to pick up after themselves and will be asked to do so before disembarking if necessary.

Health Conditions and Medications

Students or chaperones with any medications or health conditions that could be at risk offshore must bring this to the attention of the Captain. (This information will be kept confidential.)

Inclement Weather

We will contact you and keep in touch regarding any upcoming weather situations. In the event of a potential weather problem we will discuss possible alternative routes or rescheduling.

NO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES WILL BE TOLERATED!!

If any controlled substance is found, the Captain will immediately return to port. The group will not receive a refund!

It is our intent that the students have a GREAT time on board. In order for this to occur, we must have full cooperation from staff and chaperones in controlling an exciting and educational day at sea. Thank you for choosing the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company. We look forward to cruising with you!

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