The Docks

[samoht04]

This is probably a stupid Question but how do you use the Docks? I was mainly wondering because it won't let me click on the boat or anything I could see or find. So do you need to do something first like a Quest or buy something or have a trait?

[Deckayder]

It is not a stupid question  I think it depends on which Hero character you are playing, and also on what traits your Hero has. For example, my Knight has the traits Adventurous and Whale Ate My Parents (which is hilariously funny by the way!). The Adventurous trait allows him to "Go on an Adventure" when I click on the ship. The Whale Ate My Parents trait allows him to go on a whale hunt when I click the ship and "Scream at the Sea" when clicking on the dock.
Beyond that I think that certain quests will involve doing things at the dock, although I haven't come across any yet. Personally I have found it a good area of the kingdom to fish and find different metals/gems and plants.

I did also notice that in the village market you can purchase maps to far off islands - does anyone know if purchasing these maps will give you additional interactions with the docks/ship?

Deck

[Gheez]

Deckayder is right, certain quests do involve the dock area.  Clicking on the ship, gives the options available when you are on that particular quest. (Sorry to sound so vague but I'm trying to avoid spoilers.)  One of my sims has had the opportunity to visit a foreign land, patrol the seas and also to go whale hunting - but some of the options only appeared when it was part of his quest.

[samoht04]

I was playing a Wizard at the time and he has Earthy and Scholarly as his traits and Licentious as a FF. I will try with my Knight who has adventurous and see if that works. Thanks for the help Deckayder and Gheez! 

[Joria]

The maps do give some characters the ability to go to those destinations.