Frequently Asked Questions for ISSO Graduation Cruise

Join our WhatsApp Group
Orange Divider

Registration will remain open on the website until all tickets have been assigned or until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 1 May (whichever comes first). After that time, the roster will be finalized. TRANSFERRING TICKETS IS NOT ALLOWED. 

Please notify ISSO in writing by sending an email to the ISSO Programming Team. We will remove you from the roster. Please note, however, that the $30.00 registration fee is non-refundable. TRANSFERRING TICKETS IS NOT ALLOWED.

No refunds are available. TRANSFERRING TICKETS IS NOT ALLOWED. 

Only those who register and pay the non-refundable registration fee of $30.00 will be allowed onto the vessel. This cruise is intended for Columbia University students served by ISSO who graduated in December 2025 or who are graduating in May or summer of 2026. 

The boat has both inside and outside spaces, so dress accordingly and comfortably. Dress in business casual attire. A jacket is recommended.

All participants must bring a valid photo ID. This could include Passport, U.S. Driver's License, or U.S. State ID. Your CUID will not be accepted to get you onto the ship. Photocopies of photo IDs will not be accepted. No items can be brought onboard that can be used as weapons (i.e. knife, mace, etc.). ISSO recommendation is to pack light.

Check in and boarding will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the ship will depart promptly at 7:00 p.m. Please plan to arrive between 6:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. 

The vessel will depart Pier 61 at 7:00 p.m. but all participants must be aboard before then. The ship’s crew will determine when the boarding is officially over. Participants are asked to arrive by 6:15 p.m. If you arrive late and the boarding is already complete, you will forfeit your participation and the $30 registration fee will not be refunded.

  • ISSO is working with City Cruises for this year’s ISSO Graduation Cruise. Our vessel (boat) will leave from Pier 61, Chelsea Piers. All participants should arrange to get to Pier 61 between 6:00 p.m. -6:15 p.m. The most direct route using the subway is to take the 1 train to 18th Street and walk (approximately 15 minutes) to Pier 61. MTA Option 2: Take the 1 train to 23rd street and then the M23-SBS bus to 12 Avenue and West 23rd Street and walk (approximately 2 minutes) 

  • An ISSO staff member will leave ISSO promptly at 5:00 p.m. on the day of the cruise. If you want to travel to the Pier with them, please be outside the Armstrong Building by 4:55 p.m. on the day of the cruise. 

  • If you travel on your own and can’t find the meeting spot, please send a message to our ISSO Graduation Cruise WhatsApp Group. Only if there is no response there, then you can text or call Chad Goeden (212-854-6263) or Stacy Bile (212-853-4798) 

With so many students who have registered for this cruise, ISSO and City Cruise staff must ensure everyone is properly registered and checked-in before the ship can depart. When you arrive: 

  • You will be greeted by ISSO staff who will ensure you are on the registration list, then 

  • City Cruise staff will check your ID and provide you with a wristband. You must have a valid Passport, U.S. Driver's License, or U.S. State ID. (no photocopies are accepted and CUID is also not accepted to board the ship). 

  • City Cruise staff will check any bags and/or purses you bring with you. Bringing outside food and alcohol is not allowed onto the vessel. Bringing any illegal or controlled substances, including marijuana, onto the ship is strictly prohibited. Any person who appears intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or any other drug will not be allowed onto the ship and no refunds will be given. 

  • After completing the previous three checks, participants will be invited onto the ship. 

ISSO staff will be there to celebrate with you and all of the graduating international students who will join the cruise. They can help to introduce you to others onboard if you let them know. 

Yes. A dinner buffet will be served all throughout the cruise. The menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.

If you have food allergies, please consult with the City Cruise staff onboard before eating any of the food.

Non-alcoholic drinks will be available to all participants throughout the cruise at no cost. Each participant that is 21 years of age or older will receive 2 drink tickets valid for wine or beer as part of the cruise. Participants can purchase additional wine and beer at their own expense.

City Cruises will have staff on the ship that will assist with anyone who doesn’t feel good. ISSO staff is also available to help.

City Cruises will have staff on the ship that will assist with anyone who doesn’t feel good. ISSO staff is also available to help.

Please contact the ISSO Programming Team.

Contact the ISSO Programming Team.

The ship is scheduled to return to Chelsea Piers at 10:00 p.m.