【英語】よくあるご質問｜Cerulean blue

Frequently Asked Questions

• Churashima All-Day Bus Tour Q&A

  • When is the deadline to apply?
    • →You can make a reservation up until 6:00 p.m. on the day before.
  • What do I need when I apply?
    • →Please provide the full name of your party’s representative and the number of participants. If there will be any children in the group, please provide your cell phone number as an emergency contact number (if you do not have a cell phone number, please provide the phone number of the hotel in which you are staying).
  • Can I directly go on the day that I want?
    • →Please make reservations beforehand, up until the day before. There are cases in which people cannot ride because all the seats are full.
  • Can I load luggage and/or baby strollers?
    • →Yes, you can. We load large luggage on the luggage space under the bus.
  • Can I get on the bus somewhere other than the meeting place?
    • →Generally, everyone agthers at two meeting places (Palette Kumoji / DFS T Galleria).Howere, as long as a place is not on our route and does not prohibit parking, we can discuss it.
  • What will I do for lunch?
    • →Everyone will have about two and a half hours of free time at the Churaumi Aquarium in Ocean Expo Park. At that point, you can obtain your lunch. During Golden Week and summer break, it can get very crowded, so we recommend bringing a box lunch and eating it in the park.
  • If, due to traffic, I arrive at each facility late, will the time spent at each sightseeing attraction be shortened?
    • →As a rule, we do not change the amount of time spent at each sightseeing attraction, but we may be delayed when returning to our meeting place.
  • Can foreigners apply?
    • →The bus tour guide can only interact with people using Japanese, but there are guidance available in either English or Chinese to guide you. If you need the guidance, please let bus tour guide know.
  • I am returning on an airplane. Will I have enough time?
    • →For customers flying on airplanes after the tour ends, please ensure that your flight will take off at least two hours after the tour ends. In the very unlikely case that you are unable to get on your flight on time because of things like traffic, please understand in advance that our company will not be able to take responsibility.
  • Is designated seating allowed?
    • →We cannot assure it, but we will take your requests.Basically, there is unreserved seat If it is near fully booked, we will arrange the seat for you.
  • What if I want to go shopping at the meeting place, DFS T Galleria?
    • →When we return, you may leave the bus at DFS T Galleria, and at that point you can go shopping.From there, you can return using the DFS shuttle bus or the Yui Rail.
  • Is there transportation back from the Churashima All-Day Bus Tour & Dinner Cruise, Sam’s Steak Dinner, and the Waryuu Buffet Cuisine Course?
    • →After the meals, transportation back is not included, so you will need to find your own transportation back (using, for example, a taxi cab).
  • Can I leave the bus during the tour?
    • →You may leave the group at any of the stops on the route (Ocean Expo Park, Ryukyu Mura, and Okashi Goten). However, please acknowledge that you will not be refunded if you do so. If you would like to do this, please request it when you make your reservation.

• Kerama Uninhabited Island Swimming Tour Q&A

  • When is the deadline to apply?
    • →You can make a reservation up until 6:00 p.m. on the day before. If the trip is after noon time, you may also make a reservation on the same day.
  • What do I need when I apply?
    • →Please provide the full name of your party’s representative and the number of participants. If there will be any children in the group, please provide your cell phone number as an emergency contact number (if you do not have a cell phone number, please provide the phone number of the hotel in which you are staying). If you are applying for diving, please provide every participant’s full name, age, height, weight, shoe size, and whether they will be using a dive mask (for their eyes).
  • Can I directly go on the day that I want?
    • →Please make reservations beforehand. There is a capacity for the scuba diving experience, and if this capacity is reached,you may not be able to participate. If you are applying for the scuba diving experience, please provide every participant`s name, age,height, weight, shoe size, and whether they will be using a dive mask.
  • Where is Nakashima (Sea Turtle Island)?
    • →From Naha, it takes about 40 minutes to get there. It is right before Tokashiki Island (the actual island) (it is near Maeshima). Please refer to the map on our website.
  • For how long can I swim?
    • →As a rule, during the trip we let participants swim for as long as they can.
  • How old do participants of the parasailing optional trip have to be? How many people can ride?
    • →It is possible to participate as long as one is at least six years of age. However, as a general rule we ask that a parent or guardian rides with their child. In that case, it would be necessary to pay for two people. Two people can go on a parasail ride together.
  • How old do participants of the parasailing optional trip have to be? How many people can ride?
    • →It is possible to participate from 4 years old and older.However, as a general rule we ask that a parent or guardian rides with their child. In that case, it would be necessary to pay for two people. Two people can go on a parasail ride together.
  • Can I bring food or drinks?
    • →Yes, you can bring food and drinks. Please take your trash back with you. However, bringing alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
  • Is it okay if I bring a float, a beach umbrella, or a snorkel?
    • Yes, it is okay.
  • Do I absolutely have to wear a life jacket?Can I still go snorkeling without wearing a life jacket?
    • →For safety reasons, we require all participants to wear life jackets.(we also prepare the life jacket for children.)
  • Is it possible to go ashore the uninhabited island (Sea Turtle Island)?
    • →Yes, it is possible to go ashore. After arriving at the uninhabited island, the people who will do marine sports will start from the cruise, and the people who will go ashore will be brought there from the cruise by a Banana Board (approximately one to two minutes). “Nakashima – Transportation to and from the Cruise with a Banana Board” Morning Trips→9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., Return at 11:30 a.m.; Afternoon Trips→3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., Return at 5:30 p.m.; All-Day Trips: 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., Return at 2:30 p.m. Swimming to the island is prohibited.
  • On the uninhabited island, are there facilities such as restrooms and rest areas?
    • →There are no facilities on the uninhabited island. You can use the restrooms and rest areas on the boat, so please let the staff know. You can be brought to the boat on a Banana Board.
  • If it rains, will the tour be canceled? If so, will I be refunded?
    • →Generally, if the waves are over 2.5 meters, the cruise will not be held. Whether or not the cruise is held depends on the size of the waves, so as long as the rain does not cause any issues with sailing, the tour will still be held (if there are very heavy rains then the tour will be canceled). If the customer cancels because of the rain, we collect a cancellation fee.
  • Where is Naha Miegusuku Port located?How long does it take to get there from Kokusai-dori (Nago/Onna)? Is there a parking lot at the port? Is there a landmark at the meeting place?
    • →IIt takes about 20 minutes to get there from Kokusai-dori. If you go on the highway from Nago/Onna, it takes about an hour to anhour and a half to get there. From Naminoue Golf, go to the corner and trun toward the Naha Beach Side Hotel. Keep going until you reach the end of the street. You will see the entrance next to the yellow machine, please take the parking ticket from the machine, there is yellow flag on your right side in front of the ship. Please meet there. The parking fee is ￥500 one day.
  • Are there a lot of fish and coral? Are they pretty?
    • →Although the bleached coral does have an effect, compared to the sea around the main island, the water is very clear and you can enjoy seeing coral reefs and colorful fish. Please understand in advance that, for safety reasons, you may only go snorkeling around the anchored ship.
  • How many meters deep can I dive?
    • →Generally you may go about five to seven meters deep.
  • What will I do for lunch?
    • →There are box lunches included in that all-day tour, but they are not included in the half-day.It is possible to bring the sandwich or snacks by yourself.Since there are other passengers on boarding, please do not bring the other food on boarding.Only beverages are sold on the boat.
  • On the all-day tour, can I order what I would like for the box lunch?
    • →We will prepare the box lunch for you, cannot order by yourself.There are fried chicken, brasied port with salt, vermicelli salad, brasied tofu with salt.※the menu is to be little change, please understand it.
  • For the jet ski optional trip, can I operate it myself?
    • →It is not possible to borrow jet skis only, so an instructor must ride with you.
  • Is there a set swimming area?
    • →The area people may swim is from the island (Yokohama) to the anchored ship (for safety reasons, swimming past the ship into the ocean is prohibited). Please understand in advance that, for safety reasons, you may only go snorkeling around the anchored ship.
  • Can I barbecue on the uninhabited island?
    • →Barbecuing on the uninhabited island is prohibited.
  • Can I rent only fins?
    • →Renting only one part, such as fins, is possible, but the fee will same when you rent all equipment.
  • Please give me details about the rental diving gear set.
    • →Basically, it is a set that includes everything but boots.
  • Can foreigners go diving?
    • →Because we are unable to interact with people who only speak English, foreigners generally cannot participate. If they understand Japanese, or if a fellow traveler can explain everything for them, then it is possible for them to participate.
  • Is there any shade?
    • →There is no shade on the uninhabited island, but on the first level of the ship there is a deck with shade. Therefore, some people spend their day on the ship. On the uninhabited island, you can optionally rent an umbrella for ¥2,000.
  • Are there any lockers? Is there some where I can leave my valuables?
    • →For half day tour, there are lockers at the meeting room inside the port.You can leave your suitcase in the cruise ship, but we ask that everyone oversees their own valuables. Additionally, there is a remote chance of delicate equipment like laptops getting damaged, so we cannot oversee your valuables.
  • Are there any shower?
    • →On the ship`s deck, there is a simple water shower (free).For people who want to take a conventional shower and change their clothing, there is a coin shower in Miegusuku Port (2 minutes/ \100)Since there are only two shower rooms in the port, we recommend you take a shower after you back to the hotel.For all-day tour, there is no shower room in the port.
  • What should I bring on the day of the trip?
    • →Please wear your swimming suit whe you go and bring a towel, sandals and clothes.
  • Can pregnant women or infants participate?
    • →Pregnant women may not participate.For all-day tour, the passengers who 2 years old and older can participate, half day tour, the passengers who 5 years old and older can participate.When they arrive at the uninhabited island, there is no shade for them, we recommend providing an optional umbrella for them.Additionally, for those who may not be in optimal physical shape, it is possible to rest inside the ship.

• Location Photo tour Q & A

  • When is the deadline to apply?
    • →We accept applications until two weeks before the day of the photo shoot. If you would like to apply after that, please contact us.
  • What do I need when I apply?
    • →①The day and time frame in which you would like to do the photo shoot

      ②The date and time to meet (※This can generally done until the day before the photo shoot)

      ③Both people’s full names and ages

      ④Your round-trip flight times

      ⑤Sizes (groom: height, weight, shoe size; bride: clothes and shoe size)

      ⑥Party’s representative’s cell phone number

      ⑦The hotel at which you will be staying

  • Is it necessary to have a meeting?
    • →From the time you contact us until the time you apply, we will contact you by either phone or e-mail. After you arrive in Okinawa, you will go to the fitting and the final meeting.
  • Is there transportation to and from the destination?
    • →You will have to find your own transportation to and from each studio.
  • What happens if it rains?
    • →If we are unable to do the photo shoot because of rain or a typhoon, we will discussing with customer to chose one from below.

      ①do the photo shoot on anoter day druing the customer`s stay.

      ②do the photo shoot inside the chapel

      ③Cancel it. The arrange fee ￥10,000, we will refund after subtracting the arrange fee.※If, for any reason, the customer cancels, he or shi will have to pay the standard cancellation fee.

      For ①、②、　if there is no free we cannot chage, please understand it.

  • If I bring my own clothing, will I receive a discount?
    • →We accept people bringing their own clothing. However, they will not receive a discount on the package price.
  • Can I do the fitting beforehand?
    • →You can see some images of fittings done by our company on our website. However, the actual fitting will be held in the studio after you arrive in Okinawa. Depending on your size, the number of outfits you can try on may vary.
  • My family is coming with me. Can I take photographs with them?
    • →You may apply whether you are bringing your children, family, or anyone else. Additionally, everyone can be included in the photo shoot. The limousine can accommodate up to seven people. If you have more than seven people in your group, you will have to find your own transportation to the photo shoot location.
  • Around how long does it take?
    • →The fitting and meeting (which can be held up until the day before) takes approximately an hour. On the day of the photo shoot, it takes about one hour for preparations, and it takes about two hours after leaving the studio to return. The actual photo shoot takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
  • Can I apply if I am pregnant?
    • →The photo shoot takes about 30-40 minutes, and is held outside. If the weather is clear, the sun can make it very hot, and this can lead to physical exhaustion. Just to be on the safe side, we ask your doctor to confirm that you can participate. Additionally, we do not provide any maternity dresses. You can choose from the dress sizes that each studio has, and we can make some adjustments to the back of the dress.
  • Can I choose the photo shoot location?
    • →Generally, customers cannot choose the photo shoot location. We use the following locations for photo shoots: for the southern course, Senagajima and Bibi Beach; for the center course, Kaichuudouro and Hamahigashima. The location may change based on the conditions of the day.

• ＜Luxury＞Location Photo Album & Video Course Q&A

  • When is the deadline to apply?
    • →We accept applications until seven days before the photo shoot. If you would like to apply after that, please contact us.
  • What do I need when I apply?
    • →①The day and time frame in which you would like to do the photo shoot.

      ②The time and day whichi you would like to try the dress.

      ③Both people`s full names and ages.

      ④Your round-trip flight times.

      ⑤Size (bridegroom: S/M/L size, shoes size. Bride: the size of clothes, shoes size)

      ⑥Party`s representative`s call phone number.

      ⑦The hotel at which you will be staying.

  • Is it necessary to have a meeting?
    • →From the time you contact us until the time you apply, we will contact you by either phone or e-mail. We conduct the fitting and final meeting on the day of the photo shoot.
  • Is there transportation to and from the destination?
    • →You will have to find your own transportation to and from the bridal salon.
  • Where are the fitting and preparations done?
    • →Currently, they are done at Izumo Bridal Gallery Lapis (788 Takaesu, Uruma-shi, Okinawa-ken 904-2242).
  • What happens if it rains?
    • →IIf we are unable to do the photo shoot because of rain or a typhoon, we will discussing with customer to chose one from below.

      ①do the photo shoot on anoter day druing the customer`s stay.

      ②do the photo shoot inside the chapel

      ③Cancel it. The arrange fee ￥10,000, we will refund after subtracting the arrange fee.

      ※If, for any reason, the customer cancels, he or shi will have to pay the standard cancellation fee.

      For ①、②、　if there is no free we cannot chage, please understand it.

  • If I bring my own clothing, will I receive a discount?
    • →We accept people bringing their own clothing. However, they will not receive a discount on the package price.
  • Can I do the fitting beforehand?
    • →You can see some images of fittings done by our company on our website. However, the actual fitting will be held the day of the photo shoot. Depending on your size, the number of outfits you can try on may vary.
  • My family is coming with me. Can I take photographs with them?
    • →You may apply whether you are bringing your children, family, or anyone else. Additionally, everyone can be included in the photo shoot. The limousine can accommodate up to seven people. If you have more than seven people in your group, you will have to find your own transportation to the photo shoot location.
  • Around how long does it take?
    • →The fitting and final meeting take approximately one hour. Then, it takes about an hour for preparations, and it takes about two hours after leaving the studio to return. The actual photo shoot takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
  • Can I apply if I am pregnant?
    • →The photo shoot takes about 30-40 minutes, and is held outside. If the weather is clear, the sun can make it very hot, and this can lead to physical exhaustion. Just to be on the safe side, we ask your doctor to confirm that you can participate. ・We do not have any maternity dresses prepared. However, we have dresses that be adjusted to different sizes, so even if you are pregnant you should be able to find something.
  • Can I choose the photo shoot location?
    • →Generally, customers cannot choose the photo shoot location. However, if there is a place in particular that has a lot of sentimental value, we can discuss it. We use Kaichuudouro and Hamahigashima as photo shoot locations. The location may change based on the conditions of the day.

• Whale Watching Tour Q&A

  • When is the deadline to apply?
    • →You can make a reservation up until 6:00 p.m. on the day before. However, there are cases in which the seats fill up, so we recommend reserving your spot as soon as you know the date and time you would like to go.
  • What do I need when I apply?
    • →Please provide the full name of your party’s representative. If there will be any children in the group, please provide your cell phone number as an emergency contact number (if you do not have a cell phone number, please provide the phone number of the hotel in which you are staying). If your reservation is for the ship that leaves Naha at 9:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., and you would like transportation from a hotel in Naha City to and from the ship, please inform us of the hotel name.
  • Can I directly go on the day that I want?
    • →If all the seats fill up, we will not be able to let you come. Therefore, we ask that you make reservations beforehand.
  • Does the probability of spotting whales change based on what time of day it is?
    • →The probability of spotting whales does not change based on the time of day. If you are able to spot them throughout the morning, you may not be able to in the afternoon, and vice versa. Please choose a time that will fit in your schedule and be convenient.
  • Is there somewhere I can leave my valuables and luggage?
    • →There are no lockers at the meeting place, so we ask that everyone oversees their own valuables. It is possible to leave your suitcase on the ship.
  • Is it possible to get transportation to and from the destination?
    • →There is complimentary transportation from hotels in Naha City to and from the ships departing from Naha at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. This is provided on a first-come-first-served basis, so if you would like to use this please inform us of the name of the hotel at which you will be staying when you make your reservation. We contact you to inform you of the pickup time sometime after the night before. However, depending on the hotel, the pickup could time be early, or the vehicle could take time to go to other hotels. Because of this, we recommend directly going to the port if your tour includes a rental car.
  • What do I do if I am not able to spot any whales?
    • →Because whales are wild animals, there are cases in which people are not able to see any. In the unlikely case that the customer is unable to spot any whales, we do one of the following.①Refund(there is excluded period. Please check the tour page for more information)②Try again. (During the holding period)

      However, if one of the following applies, we cannot do either ① or ②. Please acknowledge this in advance.

      ●You saw a blow (whale spouting) in the distance

      ●A number of other customers on the ship saw whales

      Additionally, if the customer’s schedule does not allow for either ① or ②, please understand in advance that we will do neither. We apologize in advance.

  • What happens if it rains?
    • →If the level of rain does not interfere with sailing, we will still depart. If we are able to depart yet you cancel because of the rain, you will have to pay a cancellation fee. If the weather is worse than that, or if there are high waves, then the tour will be canceled. If it is canceled, we will contact you on the day before or the day of, and either do it on a different day or refund you. With the refunds, we refund the customer through a bank transfer, but if the tour is canceled because of the weather, any bank transfer fees will be the customer’s responsibility. Please understand this in advance.
  • Can I apply if I am pregnant?
    • →The Okinawan winter ocean in which whales come differs from the summer ocean in that the waves are high at this time of year. Therefore, infants and pregnant women may not be able to board because of the conditions of the water. Please acknowledge this in advance.
  • I am worried that I might get sea sick…
    • →We recommend taking medication to prevent motion sickness 30 minutes before boarding. We also sell mediation to prevent motion sickness at the reception desk for ¥500. People are usually able to avoid getting motion sickness by looking into the distance, sucking on candy, and staying in a well-ventilated area.
  • Is there anything I should prepare beforehand?
    • →It is useful to bring a raincoat, binoculars, and a towel. The Okinawan winter ocean has many cold and windy days, so please ensure you properly protect yourself from the cold. Additionally, the ship may sway, so we recommend wearing shoes that do not slip easily, such as sneakers.
  • Is there a parking lot at the meeting place?
    • →DDeparting from Naha: The parking fee at Naha Miegusuku Port for a whole day is ￥500.Departing from Chatan: the parking fee is free, but you have to pay the facility usage fee ￥100 per person on the day (12 years old~).
  • What kind of whales can I see?
    • →Humpback whales. Large males can grow to be more than 15 meters long, and can weigh 30-40 tons.Compared to other types of whales, humpback whales have the characteristic of unusually long pectoral fins. There is also a unique design on their tail fins, and that can be used to distinguish individual whales.

      In order to meet other whales, give birth, and raise their offspring, these whales come from the waters around the Aleutian Islands, which are close to Hokkaido, to the warm Okinawan waters.

      It is known that, in breeding season, male humpback whales sing a “song.” This song can last from 35 minutes to several days.

      If you know about humpback whales’ many actions beforehand, you will be able to enjoy the trip even more!