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Question:
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I’d like to make my reservation over the phone. Can you take my reservation?
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Answer:
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Yes, we are happy to handle your reservation by phone Monday through Thursday from
10:00 am until 4:00 pm. You can also very easily and quickly make your reservation
online by going to our website, www.portofhouston.com;
click on "Sam Houston Boat
Tour"; then select "Online Reservations"; and you will be able to view all of the
important and essential information relating to making your reservations at any
time.
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Question:
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How much do the tours cost?
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Answer:
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We are pleased to offer the Sam Houston Boat Tour free of cost – this is a free
tour.
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Question:
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How far in advance can I book reservations?
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Answer:
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We are happy to take your reservation, or you may make your reservation up to three
months in advance. Please note that our summer months are our busiest times of the
year, so you may want to book early in order to obtain desired dates. Your reservation
must be made at least 24 hours in advance. If you are reserving a tour for a group
of six or more, reservations should be made 48 hours in advance.
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Question:
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Do the tours take place if it rains?
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Answer:
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The tours take place, rain or shine unless there is lightning or heavy fog. In the
event a tour needs to be cancelled, the reservation office will contact you and
advise of any cancellation and work with you to reschedule your tour.
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Question:
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How long are the tours?
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Answer:
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The narrated tours last 90 minutes.
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Question:
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Can I bring food on the tour?
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Answer
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No food, drink, or duffle bags are allowed on the tour. Complimentary beverages
such as soft drinks and water are provided.
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Question:
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Can I bring my pet?
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Answer:
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No, no pets are allowed on the tour.
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Question:
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Do I need any ID for the tour?
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Answer:
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Yes, all adults over the age of 18 are required to have a valid State or Federal
photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
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Question:
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Can I just show up for the tour, or will I need a reservation?
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Answer:
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For security purposes, reservations are required in advance. A limited number of
reservations can be made online or via phone.
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Question:
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Will I get a confirmation for my reservation?
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Answer:
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Yes, if you provide your email address, you will receive an email confirmation upon
completion of your reservation request.
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Question:
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How soon do I need to arrive for my scheduled tour?
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Answer:
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You should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time so
that you will have ample time to get through Security.
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Question:
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What is the physical address of the tour?
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Address:
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The physical address is 7300 Clinton Drive, Houston, TX 77020. Directions to the
M/V Sam Houston Pavilion: leave East Loop 610 at Clinton Drive (exit #28). Proceed
west on Clinton, past McCarty, to Gate 8. Enter Gate 8 and stay to the right. Security
personnel and signs will direct you to the pavilion.
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Question:
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Is parking available?
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Answer:
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Yes, free parking, is available.
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Question:
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Are there nearby restaurants?
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Answer:
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Yes, there are several, for example:
Burger King
Brady’s Landing
El Jardin Mexican Restaurant
McDonald's
Subway
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Question:
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What is the tour schedule?
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Answer:
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10:30 am and 2:30 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Friday, and Saturday. 2:30 pm on Thursday
and Sunday. We are closed on Mondays and closed for all major holidays. We are closed during the month
of September for maintenance.
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Question:
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Can I make a group reservation?
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Answer:
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When booking group reservations, we will require the names of all members of your
group. If you do not have all of the names at the time you book your reservation,
you may provide this information later; however, you must provide the names of all
group members at least 48 hours in advance.
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Question:
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Where does the tour go?
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Answer:
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The tour starts at the M/V Sam Houston pavilion at the Turning Basin, travels east
under the 610 bridge to the Washburn Tunnel and back.
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Question:
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What will we see on the tour?
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Answer:
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The tour includes a narrated tour identifying port infrastructure, vessels on the
channel and historic sites.
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Question:
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Can we schedule a school tour?
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Answer:
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Yes, you can schedule a school tour with a maximum of 45 travelers per tour. We
require one adult chaperone per four students. The adults are included in the total
number.
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Question:
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Is everyone given a life jacket during the tour?
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Answer:
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No, however, there are life jackets on board that are available to passengers.
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Question:
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Does the boat have wheelchair access?
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Answer:
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Yes, the boat can accommodate approximately 10 people that need wheelchair accessibility.
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Question:
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Can we eat under the pavilion?
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Answer:
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Eating is not allowed under the pavilion.
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Question:
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What types of drinks are served?
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Answer:
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Water, soft drinks, and coffee are served beginning at mid-point of the tour.
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Question:
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Can I bring a snack and a small cup for my child on board?
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Answer:
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Yes, individual snacks and small cups are allowed for small children.
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Question:
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Can I bring a diaper bag on board?
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Answer:
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Yes, only small diaper bags are allowed on the vessel.
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Question:
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Can I carry a fanny pack or purse on board?
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Answer:
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Yes, only small bags and purses are allowed aboard the vessel. Please be reminded
that all bags are subject to search.
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Question:
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What is the purpose of the tour?
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Answer:
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To promote the development of commerce and industrial growth along the Houston Ship
Channel by encouraging members of the community-including residents, students, elected
officials, and tourists-to become familiar with the Port’s facilities and the industrial
development on the Houston Ship Channel.
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Question:
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Is the boat air conditioned?
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Answer:
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Yes, there is central air and heat on the inside of the vessel.
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Question:
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Do we need to notify someone if a person or group needs wheelchair accessibility?
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Answer:
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It is not necessary to notify the port authority of any accessibility requests.
The vessel can accommodate persons with accessibility needs.
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Question:
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Can someone in a wheelchair be dropped off in front of the boat?
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Answer:
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No, for safety reasons everyone must park in the parking lot. A ramp is available
to access the boarding area.
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Question:
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If the tour is cancelled, who would notify us of the cancellation and how would
we receive the notification?
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Answer:
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If the tour is cancelled, you will receive an email or telephone call notifying
you of the cancellation.
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| © 2004 Port of Houston Authority |
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