nature
tours & travel, wildlife tours, adventure travel and general
travel to Australia, Southeast Asia, South America and Alaska
Athens to
Venice Cruise Terms and Conditions
Please note: a signed Terms
and Conditions must be lodged with our office with your deposit
for this tour. No place will be held until this is received. Please
download a copy of this, sign, and forward to us. All participants
must sign.
Nature Travel Specialists and Star
Clippers GSA, Inc. dba Star Clippers Americas act only as a sales
and marketing agent for Star Clippers, Ltd. for the purpose of booking
travel arrangements on Star Clippers vessels. Star Clippers, Ltd.
operates the vessels on which you will be sailing. You specifically
hold Nature Travel Specialists LLC blameless from any errors or
omissions of any suppliers with whom it contracts or sells, and
acknowledge that descriptions and supply of products, travel and
inclusions are the sole responsibility of the designated supplier
not Nature Travel Specialists LLC.
Services included
Services included in travel arrangements made by Nature Travel Specialists,
LLC) are limited to those described in the supplied itinerary. No
other services are included or implied. Please check your itinerary
and/or tickets carefully for errors or omissions upon receipt, and
contact us if necessary.
Air Program
As a convenience to passengers, Star Clippers Americas offers air/sea
package featuring roundtrip coach class air transportation from
many US gateways to and from your port of embarkation & disembarkation.
Final confirmation of flights will normally occur within 30 days
of departure. Airline schedules may require an overnight stay in
order to reach your embarkation and/or disembarkation destination.
The hotel and other expenses associated with required overnight
stays are the responsibility of the passenger. Star Clippers Americas
airfares are based on capacity controlled contracts, promotional
or group fares, so make your requests as early as possible to ensure
availability. If contract fares are not available, passengers will
be charged the difference between the contract rate and the actual
airfare available. Some airlines will allow you to accumulate air
miles with the air tickets that Star Clippers Americas provides.
Please check with the airline. No upgrades to first or business
class, using frequent flyer miles, are allowed when combined with
our contract airfares. Star Clippers Americas reserves the right
to choose the airline carrier, routing and schedule from each city,
and the right to substitute charter or commuter flights for scheduled
service or vice versa. All fares, routes and schedules are subject
to availability and to change without notice. Star Clippers Americas
makes arrangements for air transportation in connection with these
special fare programs solely as a convenience to our passengers.
Star Clippers Americas is not and will not be responsible for any
cancellations, re-routings or other disruption of schedules services,
for any expenses or other consequences resulting from inclement
weather, strikes, changes/delays in the ship’s schedule or
a change/delay in the schedule or rerouting made by a passenger,
travel agent, or airline. In such events, every effort will be made
to assist passengers in securing alternate flight arrangements.
The services and responsibilities of the air carriers are subject
to the terms of the tariffs published or filed by such carriers
and to the conditions printed on the ticket issued to passengers.
All passengers are advised to reconfirm their flights with the appropriate
airline at least 72 hours prior to departure as flight schedules
may change after the air tickets are issued. Passengers should contact
the airline for seat assignments. Lost, stolen or misplaced tickets
are the sole responsibility of the passengers. All airline tickets
provided by this program are non-endorsable, cannot be rerouted,
reissued or exchanged for those of another carrier and can only
be refunded by Star Clippers Americas Any airline penalties resulting
from the cancellation or changes to the air arrangements are the
responsibility of the passenger. Once air tickets have been issued,
a $100 per person administrative fee, in addition to applicable
airline penalties, will be assessed by Star Clippers Americas for
any cancellations or changes requested by the passenger. For passengers
with independent air arrangements in conjunction with our air program,
we recommend an adequate allowance of time for travel delays and/or
misconnections in their travel plans. Name Changes: Changes to airline
tickets are subject to approval by the airline. In some cases, name
corrections may result in the loss of original airline reservations
and a minimum change fee of $100 per person; alternate carriers
and schedules may then be substituted at our discretion.
Custom Air Arrangements
Star Clippers Americas offers added flexibility in making air arrangements
to and from our cruises. We seek to accommodate custom air arrangements
to or from your port of embarkation or disembarkation on dates other
than those usually booked. Requests for Business or First Class
fares or custom air schedules/deviations are required in writing.
The minimum non-refundable custom-air/deviation charge is $100 per
person plus any additional airfare incurred. Additional change requests
will be subject to a new non-refundable custom-air/deviation charge
of $100 per person. The passenger will be responsible for any additional
airfare related to the requested change. Our ability to confirm
requests will depend on airline availability and advance notice
of the request.
Travel Requirements
All passengers are required to have valid passports. Visas may be
required for certain ports visited. Without the proper entry requirements,
passengers may not be able to disembark in certain ports of call.
All travel documents such as passports, visas, proof of citizenship,
etc., required for disembarkation at various ports of call are the
responsibility of the passenger. Consult your consulate to determine
documentary requirements or entry permits. Passengers will not be
permitted to sail without proper documentation and no refund of
cruise fare will be given to any passenger failing to bring such
documentation. Please note that passengers name must be exactly
as they appear on their passport.
Suggested Attire
The atmosphere on the ship is very relaxed and casual. For daytime
wear, walking shorts, bathing attire with cover-ups, skirts, light
pants and hats are recommended. In the evening, sun dresses, skirts,
or slacks for women and slacks with polo or dress shirts for men
are recommended. Jackets are not required. Shorts or t-shirts are
not to be worn in the dining room in the evening.
Luggage
All luggage must be securely packed and clearly labeled with passenger’s
full name, ship’s name, cabin number and date of sailing.
We recommend travel documents (cruise tickets, passport and visa),
valuables, medication and hand luggage are hand carried. Neither
Star Clippers, Ltd. nor Star Clippers Americas is responsible for
any loss, theft or damage to passenger’s luggage or personal
property. Any liability for loss or damage to luggage or personal
property is limited to the terms and conditions specified on the
cruise ticket.
Embarkation
During embarkation, all passengers must have in his/her possession
a cruise ticket, valid passport, and visas (where necessary). Embarkation
times are included in cruise documents (generally four hours prior
to departure time). Passengers must be on board the ship no later
than one hour prior to sailing. If all passengers are on board prior
to the scheduled departure time, the ship may sail early.
Gratuities
Gratuities on board the ship are not included in the cruise fare
and are at the sole discretion of each individual passenger based
on the level of services performed. A 15% gratuity will be added
to each passenger’s bar bill.
Visitors
For security considerations no visitors will be allowed on board.
Children
Children are welcome on Star Clippers. While there is no structured
program providing supervision and care for young children, they
are invited to participate in shipboard activities suited to their
ability. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an
adult.
Alcoholic Beverages
Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages for consumption
on board the ship. Alcoholic beverages purchased in ports of call
we be retained and returned at the end of the voyage.
Pets
Pets are not permitted on board Star Clippers, Ltd.’s vessels.
Special Occasions
Passengers celebrating a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon or other
special occasion during their cruise should advise their travel
professional or Star Clippers Americas at the time of booking.
Medical Condition/Physical Disabilities
Any medical condition or physical disability that may require special
attention or treatment must be advised to Star Clippers Americas
at the time of booking. Star Clippers Americas recommends that physically
disabled passengers travel with someone who is able to assist them
both on board and ashore. Our vessels do not have elevators or ramps,
and access to land is often via ship's launches. Star Clippers,
Ltd. reserves the right to refuse or revoke passage to anyone who,
in its judgment, is unfit to travel due to a physical or mental
condition or who may require care beyond that which can be provided
by Star Clippers, Ltd. Star Clippers, Ltd. regards third trimester
pregnancy as a travel risk and reserves the right to refuse passage
to pregnant women. Star Clippers, Ltd. will not be responsible or
liable for any complications relative to such pregnancy arising
or occurring during the entire cruise vacation.
Medical Services
A qualified physician or registered nurse is either on staff or
is available from shore. In addition, the ship's officers are qualified
in administering first aid. Should a passenger require hospital
treatment, the ship is almost always near a medical facility on
shore. Passengers requiring prescription medications are advised
to bring them on board. Only over-the-counter medications are available
at the Sloop Shop.
Personal Funds and Credit Cards
Each passenger will receive a personalized identification card that
will be used to charge services and products provided on board the
ship. The identification cards must be presented each time a passenger
boards the ship. Passengers are advised to carry their identification
card with them at all times. Each account can be settled in cash,
travelers checks or credit card the final day of the cruise. The
following credit cards are accepted: Visa, MasterCard and American
Express. Personal checks and Discover are not accepted on board.
All onboard charges are in Euros.
Safe
Each cabin is equipped with a private safe. Operating instructions
are clearly posted. Because each passenger is responsible for items
kept in his/her stateroom, it is recommended to place items of special
value in the complimentary safe.
Electrical Appliances
Star Clipper provides passengers with 110-volt (American current).
Telephone Communications
Cabins are equipped with a direct dial telephone that passengers
can use while at sea. All calls will be billed to their on board
account. Should someone wish to contact a passenger at sea, they
may do so by calling the Star Clippers Americas office and the information
will be forwarded to the ship. Passengers contacted from shore via
fax will be charged on board.
Smoking / Non-smoking
A smoking tolerated section is situated in part of the piano bar
lounge. The cabins, dining room and all other enclosed public areas
are strictly non-smoking.
Watersports
All passengers have access to our watersports program which includes:
snorkeling, SCUBA diving, sunfish sailing, waterskiing, and windsurfing.
Please note: all watersports are complimentary except for SCUBA
diving. A certification card is required for SCUBA diving.
Laundry Services
Laundry services are available at an additional cost and may be
arranged through your room steward. Dry cleaning is not available
on Star Clipper.
Sloop Shop
Star Clippers, Ltd.'s Sloop Shop offers a variety of shirts, bags
and other miscellaneous items. Toiletries and convenience items
are also available.
Just Cruising Fares
All fares are quoted in US Dollars and are per person based on double
occupancy. Fares include: shipboard accommodations, ocean transportation,
ship’s watersports program (except SCUBA diving), all meals
and on board entertainment. Fares do not include: port charges,
fuel surcharge, baggage handling, travel insurance, transfers, optional
air/sea or land programs (unless noted), shore excursions, airport
facility charges, taxes/fees, nor do they include items of a personal
nature such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, gratuities, gift
shop purchases, medical services, phone calls, etc. All onboard
charges are in Euros. Just cruising fares in this brochure apply
to residents of the United States, Canada and Latin America only.
Port Charges, Fuel Surcharge and
Airport Taxes
Port charges and fuel surcharge are in addition to the cruise fares.
Payment for port charges must be made at the time the final payment
is due. Airport taxes, including any fuel or facility surcharges,
and airport departure taxes are the responsibility of the passenger.
Guarantee of Fares
Passengers with confirmed bookings under deposit, or who have made
final payment, shall be protected in the event of a price increase.
However, excluding the above, Star Clippers Americas reserves the
right to increase all prices appearing in this brochure without
prior notice, including port charges, fuel surcharge, airport facility
charges, insurance and taxes/fees. These charges are implemented
by various governments and as such are subject to change without
notice and any increase must be paid by the passenger. Information
contained in this brochure supersedes all prior brochures.
Single Supplement Rates
A single supplement fare is available at 150% of the published cruise
fare for categories 2-6 selected in the season in which the passengers
are traveling. It is available at 200% for Category 1 cabins, Deluxe
Suites and the Owner’s Cabin or Owner's Suites. As a single
supplement, the passenger may choose the cabin and category at the
time of booking. Holiday surcharges apply. Single space is capacity
controlled.
Guaranteed Single
A guaranteed single fare is available at a specific rate depending
on the season of travel and length of sailing. Passengers traveling
as guaranteed singles may not choose their cabin. A cabin will be
assigned within 2 weeks of the date of cruise departure. This fare
is capacity controlled and may not always be available. Other promotions
are not combinable with this fare.
Deposit and Payment
To secure your reservation, a deposit of $500 per person is required
within 7 days of booking. This option period is less within 90 days
of departure. Final payment is required 75 days prior to departure.
All payments may be made by either check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover
or American Express. All final payments by credit card requires
the signature of the credit cardholder. Only cashier's check or
credit card is accepted on bookings made within two weeks of sailing.
Please make checks payable to Star Clippers Americas All reservations
are subject to cancellation if payments are not received by the
due date. Group policies may differ.
Administrative fee
Certain changes made to a reservation within 60 days of departure
will result in a fee of $60 per person. In addition, any costs incurred
for changes in land &/or air arrangements will be the responsibility
of the passenger. Upgrade requests made prior to boarding the ship,
will not be assessed the change fees, only the balance of the full
cruise tariff for the category selected for the upgrade. This does
not apply to changes in sailing date if penalties have already been
incurred. Sailing dates can not be changed within the penalty period.
Cancellations and Refunds
For full refund of cruise fare, notice of cancellation must be in
writing and received by Star Clippers Americas no later than one-hundred
twenty (120) days prior to sailing. If a cancellation occurs, the
following charges will be assessed:
119-75 days prior to departure = $500 per person
74-60 days prior to departure = 60% of cruise fare
59-30 days prior to departure = 85% of cruise fare
29 days or less prior to departure = No refund
Refunds will normally be made to the booking party. Cruise and air
tickets must be returned prior to any refunds being processed. Star
Clippers Americas can only be responsible for refunding amounts
actually received. If cancellation fees are charged by air carriers,
pre/post hotels, or suppliers they will be deducted from any refund
made. No refunds will be made to passengers who do not board the
ship or passengers who cancel after the start of the cruise. We
recommend the purchase of travel insurance.
Travel Insurance
Our specialized Cruise Insurance Protection Plan through Travel
Guard® / Insure America covers you and your investment before
and We strongly advise travel insurance, ad Nature Travel Specialists
will be pleased to advise you in this regard. Generally travel insurance
covers Tour Cost, Trip Cancellation & Interruption: Trip Cancellation
and Interruption pays for forfeited, non-refundable, unused payments
or deposits if due to: Unforeseen sickness, injury, or death of
the Insured, a Traveling Companion, Immediate Family Member, or
Business Partner. (Certain exclusions apply.); Inclement weather
conditions causing delay or cancellation of travel; The Insured’s
principal residence being made uninhabitable by fire, flood or similar
natural disaster, vandalism, or burglary; The Insured(s) being subpoenaed,
required to serve on jury duty, hijacked, or quarantined; Being
involved in or delayed due to an automobile accident en route to
departure; Strike, resulting in the complete cessation of travel
services at the point of departure and/or destination. Pre-existing
conditions are covered if insurance is taken out within 21 days
of first payment. Full details, costs, inclusions and exclusions
can be found in the brochure provided. Although Travelex is our
preferred insurance provider, you are welcome to insure with the
insurer of your choice.
Rights Reserved & Limits of
Responsibility
The transportation of passengers and baggage is governed by the
terms and conditions of the Contract of Passage contained in the
cruise ticket. The passenger's acceptance of the ticket contract
and acceptance of passage on the vessel constitutes acceptance of
the terms, conditions and information contained in this document
and the cruise ticket. It is recommended that you read the terms
carefully.
Star Clippers, Ltd. reserve the right at their sole option and discretion
and that of the Captain of the ship without liability for damages
or refund of any kind to deviate from the ship's advertised or ordinary
itinerary or route, to delay, advance or cancel any sailing, to
omit or change ports of call and may, but is not obliged to, arrange
for substantially equivalent transportation by another vessel and/or
by other means of transportation, to cause the passenger to disembark
from the ship temporarily or permanently, to tow or to be towed
or assist other vessels, or to perform any similar act which, in
its sole judgment and discretion, is justified for any reason.
Star Clippers, Ltd. or Star Clippers Americas may for any reason
whatsoever cancel any sailing at any time before departure of the
ship including the event of a full-ship charter. In such events,
Star Clippers' only liability will be to refund to the passenger
the amount it has received for the cruise ticket.
Independent Contractor / Limit of
Liability
Star Clippers, Ltd.’s liability and responsibility does not
extend beyond the vessel; any arrangements made by or for passengers
either before boarding or when disembarking are at the passenger's
own risk. Nature Travel Specialists LLC, Star Clippers Americas
or Star Clippers, Ltd. own or controls any airlines, ground transportation
or hotels. As a convenience to our passengers, Star Clippers Americas
may sell tickets for shore excursions or arrange other services
which are operated by independent contractors, but Nature Travel
Specialists LLC, Star Clippers, Ltd. or Star Clippers Americas shall
be responsible in any way whatsoever for any damage, loss, injury
or death arising in conjunction with the services provided by these
independent contractors.
Download
a copy of these terms and conditions here
