Product

Smarter scheduling, better service: Optimize your Manifest in minutes

Your FareHarbor Manifest should already be part of your daily routine — but are you using it to its full potential?

This tool isn’t just a list of bookings. It’s a customizable feature that helps you save time, reduce day-of stress, and deliver a seamless, more professional experience for your guests. When you use it strategically, the Manifest becomes a powerful tool for keeping your team aligned and your operations running smoothly.

What’s the Manifest?

Simply put, the Manifest is a tool within your Dashboard that helps you manage day-to-day operations with ease.

It provides real-time snapshots of your daily bookings, surfacing key information in a flexible, easy-to-navigate format. You can tailor each view to fit your workflow, helping your team stay organized and responsive when it matters most.

Just a few ways you might use the manifest:

  • Quickly check in guests for a tour — or view check-in status for completed activities
  • Review all bookings for the day and make notes or edits as needed
  • Provide your drivers with a summary of pickup locations and times

Now, let’s dive into three easy ways you should put it to work.

1. Customize your view for faster workflows

Whether you’re running a single catamaran snorkeling tour or managing multiple food tour departures across locations, no two operators work the same way. That’s why customizing your Manifest is essential for a streamlined, day-to-day experience for your entire team.

Two easy ways to tailor your Manifest:

    • Use filters to focus on what matters: Sort bookings by activity, guide, or time to show only what’s relevant to each staff member’s role.
    • Adjust visible columns highlight key info: Choose the guest and booking details you actually need — like payment status, dietary notes, or pickup location — and hide the rest for easier viewing.
  • Customize check-in statuses to match your needs: Edit or create new check-in options with custom names, types (Checked in or No-show), and colors that display clearly on bookings and the Manifest.

Pro tip: Save personalized Manifest views for each staff member so they can quickly access the information that is applicable to their role.

2. Deliver standout service with custom fields

Want to wow your guests with a more personalized experience? It starts with having the right information up front.

One of the easiest ways to collect vital customer information is through custom fields in your book form — then appear directly in your Manifest for quick reference. You can ask questions about dietary restrictions, language preferences, special occasions (like birthdays or anniversaries), add-on selections, and more. 

Having this information at the time of booking empowers your staff to deliver a five-star, tailored experience every time.

Just remember, too many custom fields in a checkout flow can lead to decision fatigue and even lost bookings. Be intentional about which fields you include, and focus on the details that truly enhance the guest experience.

Pro tip: Use short field names to keep your Manifest easy to scan.

3. Check in guests and stay in sync

When things get busy, keeping track of guest arrivals shouldn’t slow you down. 

The Manifest makes check-in simple:

    • Check guests in quickly as they arrive: Use the digital Manifest on your phone or tablet to check in guests on the spot — or print it out for guides who prefer a paper version. 
    • Mark no-shows instantly: Keep your records accurate and make it easier to follow up after the tour.
  • Easy viewing: You can see whether guest waivers have been signed within the Manifest during check-in.
  • Seamlessly stay in sync: Everyone on your team sees the same up-to-date info, reducing confusion and keeping the day moving smoothly.

This small upgrade to your check-in routine can have a big impact on your guest experience — and your team’s efficiency.

Pro tip: Make check in even more seamless with QR codes, these are easy to scan using the FareHarbor app.

3 bonus tips to make the most of your Manifest 

  1. Print or export your Manifest for a backup copy or guide reference — perfect for teams working offline or on the move.
  2. Encourage your team to review it before each shift so everyone starts the day aligned, informed, and ready to deliver a great guest experience.
  3. Use it alongside FareHarbor’s reporting tools to connect day-of activity with broader business insights — giving you a more complete view of what’s working and where to improve.

One tool, endless impact

Your Manifest is more than a schedule — it’s your daily game plan. With a few customizations and tips, you can turn it into a powerful tool that supports your team, enhances the guest experience, and helps you stay organized no matter how busy things get.

Ready to make your Manifest work harder? Visit the FareHarbor Help Center for step-by-step instructions.

Share this post

Start streamlining your bookings today

Discover how FareHarbor can help you with solutions designed for your business. Get your questions answered live by one of our industry experts.

Get a demo

Post Cards