Living on FALKOR (too)

Meals

Hours:

Breakfast                  Served between 07:00-08:00

Lunch                          Served between 11:30-12:30

Dinner                        Served between 17:30-18:30

Midnight Meal      Leftovers or meals set aside

Typically the Chefs prepare a full breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.  There is not a Chef on duty through the night to prepare dedicated midnight meals.  When meals are required in the middle of the night, the Chefs will cook an extra-large dinner and provide leftovers from that meal or will prepare a simple meal that they can leave out that night so night workers can help themselves.   There is always fruit, snacks, sweets, instant noodles, sandwich fixings, cereal and other goodies which are available at any time, as well as coffee, tea and sugary drinks available around the clock.

Meals will be prepared in the Galley and laid out buffet style by the Interior Department team, following the schedule above.  Help yourself to drinks from the refridgerator in The Mess.  After your meal, dispose of any excess food (organic matter) in the organic bin, napkins and wrappers can be put in the paper bin.  All cans, bottles, cardboard and plastic to be disposed in the correct recycling container in the scullery area of The Mess. 

Under crowded conditions, a second sitting in The Mess may be required.  Persons in the first sitting should finish promptly to allow others to eat.  Persons on watch or relieving the watch have priority in the serving line.  Seating arrangements are rather informal; crew and scientists share The Mess

Dietary Restrictions

The ship is fortunate to have very good Chefs to prepare three meals per day.  There are usually several options available at each meal.  If you are a vegetarian, vegan, gluten sensitive or have any other dietary restriction, please ensure that you have noted this in the Medical Profile form.  The same is true if you have a food sensitivity.  If there is anyone on the cruise with a declared food sensitivity, the Chefs will label any dishes containing that ingredient so that it may be easily avoided.  As the Chefs are provisioning the ship and planning food stores and meals weeks in advance, it’s important for them to know any special dietary needs well ahead of time.  Please ensure that your Medical Profile form is completed and submitted by the due date so that we can accommodate your needs.

Plastics and Other Trash

In the old days all trash was thrown over the side of the ship.  New treaties strictly limit what may be discarded in the ocean and where, and the Captain must enforce compliance. SOI maintains a “Zero Discharge” policy, discharging only food scraps at sea when permitted.

Cabins

Your cabin assignments will be made by the Chief Scientist or Purser prior to arrival.  

Each shared cabin (two to a room for all participants except the Chief Scientist) has its own bathroom with shower.  The Chief Scientist is in a single cabin.   The cabins are small in size with very limited storage.   It is recommended that you limit the belongings that you bring and that you use soft sided luggage (e.g. duffel bags) to make storage easier. There is no dedicated luggage storage elsewhere on the ship.

Personal toiletries (e.g. bath soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc) and shower shoes are not provided.

Wearing shoes in the newly carpeted cabins, lounges and conference room are not permitted.  Please bring appropriate "inside" footwear to use while in the accommodation spaces (e.g. The Mess and non-work spaces).

Power

The cabins have 230V, 60Hz power (note that this is non-standard) with European (German Standard) style outlets.  Note: U.S. (North American) style outlets and power are not available in the cabins but are available in the labs and many other work areas.   Many modern electronics, especially those with "power bricks" or chargers (e.g. phones, laptops and tablets), are able to use  ship (230V, 60Hz), North American and European power and may used in cabins if you bring a suitable plug adapter.  Adapters are not provided but are widely available online and at travel stores.

Cabin Cleaning / Housekeeping

The science party, special personnel and guests are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of all their cabins, heads, showers, and laboratory spaces.  Behind your cabin door, you will find the Cabin Cleaning Commitments.   It is your responsibility to keep your cabin tidy and clean at all times.  Cleaning equipment is available throughout the ship.

Fresh linen is issued once a week.  Weekly sanitary inspections of cabins are required by regulation;  understanding of this requirement is appreciated.   Cabins and laboratory areas must be left clean by scientists and guests departing the ship for the benefit of those coming aboard.  Before science party members may depart the ship your cabin and work areas will be inspected before  you are allowed to disembark. 

Internet

The internet is shared by everyone aboard.   There is a limited bandwidth so large downloads and video streams are discouraged.   There might be times throughout the day specified for large science video uploads, ship-shore chats, etc.  In these instances, the Lead Technician or Elector Technical Officer will make everyone aware of times when internet use will be restricted.

Laundry

Self service laundry facilities are available.   Detergent and other products are provided.

Recreation

The ship has a small gym on board with a treadmill, rowing machine, spin bike, free weights and a strength training machine.  There are also yoga mats, boxing gear, and other assorted accessories.

You will have access to all the lounges with engtertainment systems.  We have a DVD movie collection available to everyone. 

There are also two very nice outdoor recreation decks (weather and conditions dependent).   Some people like to bring their own workout gear or yoga mats to exercise in their cabins or the Outdoor Lounge.