Important Info for Guests
We are looking forward to your arrival on the dock this coming summer!
This page contains information that will make your visit more enjoyable, and your planning more efficient. Island rules are covered in a mandatory orientation session when you arrive on Star, and in printed materials available on the island. We are highlighting selected rules here because we want to make sure you are aware of them prior to your arrival.
- Boats
- Luggage
- Medical Considerations
- Cancellation Policy
- Alcohol, Tobacco Products & Illegal Drugs
- Fire Drills & Emergencies
- Firearms/Fireworks
- Minor Children
- Outstanding Charges
- Pets & Service Animals
- Smoking/Open Flame
- Syringe Disposal
- Valuables
Boats
The ferry service to the island will operate from the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company on Market Street in downtown Portsmouth. For information about the departure times and parking, please see the Boats and Parking page.
Luggage
Luggage limits are strictly enforced. Each person may bring: one small carry-on bag (a backpack or small tote, including your personal items), a specialty item, such as a musical instrument, tennis racquet or easel, and one “checked” bag (preferably a duffle bag without wheels) weighing under 40 lbs. or two bags weighing under 25 lbs. each. Star Island Corporation and the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company assume no responsibility for the handling, damage, or loss of any luggage belonging to Star Island guests. Please pack any prescription drugs in your carry-on luggage.
Medical Considerations
Bring enough of any needed medicine to cover the length of the stay plus an extra four days. All controlled medications must be locked up at all times (lock boxes provided). No prescription medications are kept on-island and there is no guarantee that we can get specific prescriptions filled. Star is in a remote location, and there are inherent risks in traveling to and staying on Star which cannot be eliminated. We strongly recommend not coming to Star if you suffer from any condition which might reasonably require emergency medical response. Conferees who knowingly come to Star with such a condition and then require emergency medical evacuation will be charged for the full conference. Individuals with assisted living requirements should make arrangements to ensure the requisite level of care during their visit, which may include hiring a health aide. Guests are responsible for their own medical condition while on the island, including monitoring health conditions and ensuring that they have adequate medication to address any possible medical issues which may arise.
Cancellation Policy
Registrants may cancel at any time, although the cancellation policy follows specific dates in conjunction with the program start date in regards to a refund of deposit and/or charge of entire R &B fees.
Exceptions to the cancellation policy resulting from extreme circumstances are made solely at Star Island Corporation’s discretion. Program Registrars may inquire directly with the Island Registrar in these situations. Non-refunded deposits and R&B fees we collect according to the terms of this policy cannot be acknowledged by Star Island as donations.
For more information about the cancellation policy, contact the registrar of your specific program or the email hidden; JavaScript is required.
Alcohol, Tobacco Products & Illegal Drugs
Compliance is expected with all federal and state laws governing the use of alcoholic beverages by persons under 21 years of age, use of tobacco products by persons under 18 years of age, and the possession and/or use of illegal drugs. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted in public areas (except if included as part of a conference function). Alcohol and tobacco products are not available for sale on the island. Those who engage in excessive drunkenness or possess or use illegal drugs will be required to leave on the next boat and will be charged for the full conference period. Beyond the obvious safety issues caused by the use of illegal drugs, most people are not aware of the significant penalties associated with transporting illegal drugs in US waters – conferees should be aware that their luggage is subject to baggage screening as per all applicable laws. People attempting to bring illegal drugs to Star Island risk significant penalties including heavy fines and long-term incarceration, and they jeopardize the Star Island Corporation in the process.
Electrical
Due to the limitations of the island’s electrical system, and for safety reasons, conferees should not bring appliances with heating elements (e.g. heating pads, hair dryers, hot water immersion heaters). Conferees with medical equipment electrical needs (i.e. three-pronged outlets, CPAP machines) should notify the conference registrar.
Fire Drills & Emergencies
If at any time you hear our emergency signal, you must evacuate to the flagpole on the front lawn and await instructions. Violators will be required to leave on the next boat and charged for the full conference period. We conduct weekly drills on the island. People with mobility concerns should notify the conference registrar.
Firearms/Fireworks
Firearms and fireworks of any kind are strictly prohibited. Violators will be required to leave on the next boat and charged for the full conference period.
Minor Children
Parents retain full responsibility for their minor children (under age 18) at all times. Minor children cannot come to Star without a legal parent or guardian unless a Minor Medical Release Form is completed and submitted to the conference registrar. For more information on bringing children to Star Island, please visit the Young Shoalers page.
Outstanding Charges
All outstanding charges must be paid in full or permission to return to the island will be denied.
Pets & Service Animals
Guests are not permitted to have pets on Star Island. Service animals are welcome, but we ask that you provide us with advanced notice.
Smoking/Open Flame
Fire is our chief concern, and thus smoking is only allowed while in the presence of a red butt can. Butt cans are located in designated areas and cannot be moved. Smoking and the lighting of any open flame are prohibited in all buildings. There is no smoking where combustible materials (such as propane tanks) are present. Due to the danger of brush fires, smoking is not permitted on the grounds on any part of the island, including the rocks. Violators of this policy will be required to leave the island on the next available boat and will be charged for the full conference period.
Syringe Disposal
All used syringes or “sharps” must be disposed of in designated containers. If someone is “stuck” as a result of careless disposal, the individual responsible may be required to undergo blood tests.
Valuables
Guests are discouraged from bringing valuable items to Star. There is access to some secured storage if necessary. Star Island Corporation is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
Permission to Use Star Island: Star Island is private property, owned and operated by the Star Island Corporation, dedicated to religious and educational activities. Island conferences, as well as guests and day visitors, come to the island with permission from the Star Island Corporation. This permission may be revoked at any time if, in the sole discretion of those in charge of island operations, such action is deemed necessary because of behavior which causes disruption of a meeting, creates a threat to the health and safety of others, or causes damage to island property.
