river cruises

terms and conditions

2026 terms conditions

Terms and Conditions for River Cruises

2026 Terms & Conditions

For the purposes of this document reference to “you” or “your” includes all guests in the party. The Travel Corporation UK Limited is the ‘Sales Company’. The ‘Operator’ for the trips will be Trafalgar Tours Ltd. Collectively these companies are referred to as ‘Trafalgar’, or the ‘Provider’. We at Trafalgar want to do everything we can to make sure your trip is enjoyable and worry-free. As part of that commitment, we are including the following information about your trip. By confirming the reservation with payment, the guest/travel agent acknowledges that they are aware of and will comply with these terms and conditions.

 

Your agreement is with The Travel Corporation UK Ltd. ("Trafalgar "), Company Number 58915, a company registered in Guernsey whose registered office address is Travel House, Rue du Manoir, St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands GY1 2JH. A contract will come into existence between us when you make a reservation with us. All contracts with Trafalgar are made subject to the terms of these booking conditions and are governed by English law and the jurisdiction of the English Courts, you may however, choose the jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you wish to do so. The invalidity of any provisions herein shall not affect the validity of any other provisions. The agreement shall be construed as though the invalid provision was not contained herein and was replaced with an enforceable provision as similar as possible to the original provision.

All fares are per guest in Pound Sterling based on twin occupancy unless otherwise noted. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. All applicable discounts are applied sequentially. Fixed savings amounts are deducted prior to applying any percentage-based discounts. Availability of all stateroom categories cannot be guaranteed. Additional restrictions may apply. If you have purchased your transatlantic or transpacific air with Trafalgar and/or you have purchased a cruise/tour package with Trafalgar that includes air, your entire package price will be guaranteed at time of payment.

 

Reservations and Payments: A deposit of at least 15% of the cruise/tour fare (cruise/tour plus pre and or post land extensions, less applicable discounts), per person is required within three (3) days of booking or the reservation will automatically be cancelled. If you pay in full at time of booking, standard cancelation fees apply. The balance of the price of your travel arrangements must be paid at least 120 days before your departure date, or as advised at the time of booking and stated on your confirmation invoice. For bookings made within 120 days* of departure full payment is due at time of booking. For all new bookings, a courtesy hold of up to 72 hours is allowed but cannot extend past the final payment due date. Reservations will be cancelled past the 72 hours above if payments are not received in a timely manner.? When making multiple trip bookings, full payment is for all trips according to the scheduled departure date of the first departing trip. Some special promotions may have different payment deadlines. If the balance is not paid when due, we reserve the right to cancel your travel arrangements and retain your deposit.

 

Credit Card Bookings: Credit card bookings, the Provider should be advised of your credit card number when making your reservation directly with us. For security purposes, we are required to collect the guest’s credit card billing address, card expiration date and the customer verification code every time a payment is applied. Your Travel Agent shall hold all monies for each, and every person named in the booking until the booking is confirmed at which time your Travel Agent shall provide those monies promptly to us. You consent to us depositing monies received by us as required by law. We will be entitled to keep interest earned on monies.


Items Not Included in the Published Price: These include, but are not limited to, airfares to and from your destination except where specified; airport/departure taxes; excess baggage charges; aircraft seat assignments; cost of passports and visas; taxes; laundry; phone calls; all items of a personal nature; items not included on regular menus; meals not detailed in the itinerary; expenses for additional sightseeing not specified in the itinerary; and health, accident, baggage, or travel insurance.

Complimentary beverages onboard include wine, beer, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water with lunch and dinner and a 24-hour coffee and water station.

Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship crew) are included during the cruise/tour with the exception of gratuities for your Experience Director and Experience Manager. Additional tipping for onboard personnel is not expected nor required and is at the discretion of the guest.

We hope nothing will come between you and your Trafalgar holiday. Should you need to cancel your booking or any portion of it, your cancellation must be received in writing at river.uk@trafalgar.com. It will be effective on the date of receipt. These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that might be levied by your travel agent. There is no refund for unused services or for unused portions of the trip. Cancellation charges, per person and based upon the date of cancellation and the region of the cruise itinerary, are as follows:


Cruise/Tour Cancellation Charges, per person and based upon the date of cancellation, are as follows:

 

Cancellation Notice Received Before Cruise-Tour Start Date Cancellation Charges Per Person
Cancellations up to 120 days prior to cruise-tour start date £200 per person for cruise/tour
Cancellations between 119-90 days prior to cruise-tour start date 25% of the fare *
Cancellations between 89-60 days prior to cruise-tour start date 50% of the fare *
Cancellations between 59-30 days prior to cruise-tour start date 75% of the fare *
Cancellations less than 30 days prior to cruise-tour start date 100% of the fare *

*Fare is is defined as the cost of your reservation purchased purchased from Trafalgar

NO-SHOWS are subject to 100% penalty, applicable to bookings for all sailing regions.  Air cancellation fees if applicable

 

If a person in a party cancels and there is a stateroom change caused by this cancellation (such as a twin room to single), charges for the new stateroom type will be the responsibility of the remaining party.


Deposit Protection program—5 Year Guarantee: Should your plans change and you cancel your booking one hundred and twenty (120) days or more prior to your cruise/tour start date, you will receive a credit of £200 per person, valid for up to five years from date of cancellation. This credit cannot be used as a deposit for a future booking and can only be used as a credit (no cash value). Only one credit per person can be applied to each cruise or cruise/tour booked and is combinable with all current Trafalgar promotions.


Revision Fee: A fee of £50 per person, per transaction, will be charged for any revision made to the reservation unless the change increases the value of the booking. A passenger name change, and cruise/tour date change will be treated as a cancellation subject to our cancellation policy, and a new reservation must be made. Any revision to a booking may result in the loss of a confirmed airline reservation, Trafalgar change fees (refer to the Air Travel change fees section for details), increased airfare, and any charges levied by the airlines, which will be payable by the passenger.


Air Cancellations:Should a guest cancel airline arrangements made by Trafalgar, cancellation charges will apply of £50 per person plus any airline imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the air ticket value. Where a customer has purchased a wholesale airfare under The Provider as part of their package, the airfare must be utilized in conjunction with the land/cruise as part of the package. After payment, should a package change to a flight only booking, then the air ticket will be required to be upgraded to another fare at your cost (this can include airline penalty fees, fare and taxes will be payable) to retain the ticket. Not showing up for your outbound flight as booked and ticketed will be considered a no-show, and all the connecting flights associated with this one, even a return flight will be cancelled, and no refund will apply.

Airfare: Trafalgar wants to help make your entire travel experience as seamless as possible, so we offer a service to arrange UK flights at the time of booking. Please contact your Travel Professional or Trafalgar for the most up-to-date prices. As airfares and schedules are subject to availability, we encourage you to book early. Business Class flights may not be available for flight segments within the UK or Europe and may require travel in economy class. Clients booking their own flights, and who wish to purchase one of our group or private transfers, need to check with their reservations specialist to ensure flights are booked into and out of the correct airports according to our transfer guidelines. Some cities have more than one airport and transfers operate out of specific airport. Trafalgar does not hold block space on any airline and does not assure seat availability for every single Cruise or Cruise Journey departure date.

 

Price Changes: Airlines and other travel providers (including Trafalgar ) change pricing, and itineraries from time to time. Prior to your booking and paying for travel, all prices and itineraries in this brochure are subject to change at any time.

 

Air Travel Change Fees:If you, as the Passenger, change your air travel itinerary before your ticket is issued, you may be charged a change fee by the Airline. This charge will apply each time you make a change. If you change your air travel plans after your ticket is issued, you can be charged a penalty of up to 100% of the airfare cost and you will be responsible for any increase in airfare and/or penalties levied by the airline.

 

Airline Schedule Changes and Cancellations: If the airline notifies Trafalgar of a major schedule change, we will notify you or your travel agent by email. Changes in flight time or operating airline will not result in eligibility for reimbursement or reduced change fees should you not accept the schedule change offered by the airline. If the airline cancels your flight(s) and is not able to protect you on alternate flight(s) Trafalgar will attempt to secure new air for you and any fare differential will be yours to pay. Should you not accept the new air itinerary within the timeframe allowed the air will be released and we will issue a refund of the amount received for airfare. Trafalgar reserves the right to offer alternative schedules for itineraries affected by airline schedule changes and equipment. Flight delays, flight cancellation and schedule changes are the responsibility of the airline. Trafalgar will not be responsible or liable for such delays, rescheduling or any additional costs incurred. Not showing up for your outbound flight as booked and ticketed will be considered a no-show, and all the connecting flights associated with this one, even a return flight will be cancelled, and no refund will apply.

 

Air Bookings and Restrictions: We are required to collect the full first, middle and last name as it appears on your passport, as well as date of birth and gender. This information is required before we can book your air. Trafalgar is not responsible for denied boarding or reissue costs due to an incorrect name, date of birth, or gender information supplied to Trafalgar. Flight itineraries provided prior to ticketing are subject to change without notice. Trafalgar is not responsible for any inconvenience or any costs or fees incurred by delays, lost luggage, or disruption of air service. Flight itineraries provided are subject to change by the Air Carrier(s). We recommend you contact the airline within seven (7) days of departure to reconfirm your flights. Some airfares used by Trafalgar are not eligible for frequent flyer mileage or seat upgrades.

 

Seat Assignments and Special Services: Requests for seat assignments, special meals and special services must be made directly to the airline. Not all airlines offer pre assigned seats. Some may charge for pre assigned seats. Any additional charge imposed by airlines will be at guests’ expense. Where pre-assigned seats are not offered or different seats are desired, guests must contact the airline(s) direct to arrange seating assignments. Seating is solely under the airline’s control, as are itinerary changes due to flight delays and schedule changes.

Guests who purchase air through Trafalgar may be eligible for our complimentary group airport transfers, or for private transfers at an additional price. If air is not purchased through Trafalgar, both group and private transfers may be purchased up to 45 days prior to departure. All flights must meet our transfer guidelines which can be found on our website at https://www.trafalgar.com/en-gb/river-cruises/transfers. Purchased transfers are non-refundable 29 days or less prior to your cruise-tour start date. No refunds will be issued for transfers that are missed due to delayed or cancelled flights, or other travel delays. Guests who miss their purchased or complimentary transfer must make their own way to the ship/hotel at their own expense. Trafalgar is not responsible for the cost of alternate travel arrangements due to missed transfers.

Baggage Fees, Baggage, and Personal Belongings: Trafalgar allows one (1) suitcase, one (1) carry-on bag, and one (1) personal bag (handbag, computer case, etc.) per person onboard our ships and motor coaches. Airlines may have additional baggage restrictions and may impose additional fees for checked baggage and/or excess baggage. Additional taxes and surcharges may be collected by foreign government and non-government entities. Keep an eye on your baggage—it is your responsibility throughout the trip. Trafalgar is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to baggage and/or personal belongings at any time during the cruise, or on included transfers and other transportation.


Check-In and Check-Out Times: Please note that standard check-in and check-out times will apply regardless of flight schedules or transfer arrangements.


ARRIVALS: On the day of embarkation, your stateroom will be ready after 3:00 PM. Guests who embark prior to 3:00 PM can wait in one of the public areas onboard. For itineraries beginning at a hotel, your room will be ready after the hotel’s standard check-in time. Trafalgar is unable to request early check-ins.

DEPARTURES: On the day of disembarkation, you must vacate your stateroom by 8:00 AM. Guests with flights departing later in the day may wait onboard in one of the public areas until 1:00 PM or later, depending on the sailing schedule. For itineraries ending at a hotel, you must vacate your room by the hotel’s standard check-out time. Trafalgar is unable to request late check-outs.


Mandatory Passenger Registration: Due to government-imposed security/immigration measures, passport information and emergency contact information are required for all passengers prior to release of documentation. Trafalgar Guests are required to register for their cruise at https://www.trafalgar.com/en-gb/river-cruises/passenger-information-form. There you can provide the following necessary information:

  • Your full name and date of birth as shown on your passport.
  • Your personal details, including your email address and phone number.
  • Your emergency contact info and travel insurance details.
  • Any dietary, medical or other special requirements you may have.

If your cruise/tour includes air travel as part of the program, flights will be booked using the passport information provided on our registration form.


Documents: Provided full payment has been received on time and registration is completed, travel documents will be emailed to you 30 days prior to travel. Here, you’ll also find information about your cruise such as the point of embarkation, your accommodations, and answers to a host of FAQs.


Passports: A valid passport is required to travel on all Trafalgar programs. Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months after the scheduled return date of the trip. You should check with your Travel Advisor or the British Consulate Service for information regarding necessary visas and other documentation. Non-British citizens must contact the appropriate consular office for entry requirements pertaining to your trip. Any visa(s) or other documentation required for a particular itinerary is the sole responsibility of the guest. Check your passport to confirm it will be valid for your travel dates, and allow time to renew if needed. Passport validity rules vary from country to country, so check the FCDO travel advice to find out the rules for the country you’re visiting. If you’re travelling to any country in the EU (except Ireland), the rules for British passport holders are different now that the UK is no longer in the EU. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the EU and it must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave. Airlines may have additional requirements. Children's passports are only valid for five years. Visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/passports-and-visas for extra guidance.


Visas: Visas can be acquired for a fee through the consulates or embassies of the countries to be visited, and in some cases, they can be purchased on arrival. Obtaining and carrying these documents is your sole responsibility; Trafalgar will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any passenger, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper travel documentation.


ETIAS: The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a visa waiver/pre-screening program for ALL travellers who are visiting countries in the Schengen Area, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania. ETIAS is expected to come into effect in 2025. Once in effect, guests will complete a short online application with security, health, and passport questions, pay a processing fee, and obtain an approved ETIAS visa waiver within approximately 72 hours. The waiver will be required for entry and will be valid for short-term stays of up to 90 days. Travellers can then move freely between the Schengen countries as there are no internal hard borders within the zone. For more information, please visit the official website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias.


Travel Insurance Recommendation: We strongly encourage you to purchase travel protection when traveling with Trafalgar. Should you choose to travel on Trafalgar without travel insurance coverage you will need to acknowledge your agreement to take full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while traveling with Trafalgar. Your cruise documents will not be released until the insurance acknowledgement section of the Passenger Information Form has been completed. If you do not currently have travel insurance, please contact Trafalgar or your travel advisor as soon as possible to discuss your options.


Itinerary Changes: You can count on the value of Trafalgar’s experience and regional knowledge to make sure you enjoy your cruise/tour even when conditions beyond our control occur. The very nature of a river, its sources, and networks of bridges and locks, means that there will be times when weather or other conditions in a region require Trafalgar to make adjustments and/or modifications to an itinerary. Although every effort will be made to keep itineraries, vessels, and hotels as they are shown in the brochure, Trafalgar reserves the right to substitute itineraries, hotels, or vessels. In such cases, we will do everything we can to make sure the locations visited, the excursions taken and the hotels or vessels offered are similar to the ones originally planned. Changes which are minor in nature will not result in eligibility for a refund or compensation, these include but are not limited to changing order of itineraries, arrival/departure times, providing alternative stops and experiences and provision of alternative accommodation. Where Trafalgar makes a major change unless the change arises for unusual or unforeseeable reasons outside of our control (also referred to as reasons of "force majeure", and includes war (and threat of war), riot, industrial dispute, actual or threatened terrorist activity and its consequences, civil disturbances, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, epidemics, pandemics, unavoidable technical problems with transportation and any other similar events).

 

Before the departure of the cruise guests are entitled to cancel the cruise, receive a full refund of monies paid and compensation as laid below.

 

After the departure of the cruise-tour guests are entitled to cancel the remaining portion of the cruise-tour, receive a refund of the unused portion of cruise-tour and compensation of £50 per person.

 

In the event of a major change and the guest chooses to remain on the cruise, or an alternate Trafalgar program, the guest is only entitled to a refund of any price difference where the price of the cruise provided is less than the cruise booked.


Advanced, Cancelled, or Delayed Sailing: Trafalgar reserves the right to cancel, advance, postpone, or modify scheduled departure, return, or itinerary dates, as well as locations, events, and schedules, and may, but is not obligated to, substitute, vary, alter, reschedule, cancel, and/or relocate any accommodations, vessels, modes of transportation, and other aspects of the holiday. Trafalgar is authorized to take these actions due to causes or circumstances of any kind or nature beyond Trafalgar’s control or causes or circumstances within Trafalgar’s control that Trafalgar deems to make such actions appropriate. Trafalgar will not be liable for cancellation, delay, rescheduling, or other adjustment or impact to a departure or itinerary, or other aspects of the holiday brought about due to force majeure or other circumstances beyond its control that prevent or interfere with any aspect of the cruise/tour, also including governmental and administrative actions. The company’s only liability will be to provide Passengers the amount it has received for the Contract in the form of a Future Travel Credit or at Trafalgar’s discretion a refund of monies paid to Trafalgar in connection with such cruise/tour. Trafalgar is not responsible for other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or changes and is not liable for any cancellation or change costs or penalties incurred on other travel arrangements made with or without the provider, including air tickets.


Cancellation before departure due to Force Majeure Events: If Trafalgar cancels a cruise before departure as a result of a Force Majeure Event, we will provide an alternative comparable cruise (if available). If an alternative is not available you will be offered a refund of all moneys paid to Trafalgar. No additional compensation is payable in these circumstances.

 

Cancellation before departure due to Force Majeure Events: If Trafalgar cancels a cruise before departure due to reasons other than a Force Majeure Event, we will provide an alternative comparable cruise (if available). If an alternative is not available then a refund of all moneys paid to Trafalgar will be made. Trafalgar is not liable for any cancellation or change cost or penalties incurred on other travel arrangements made through other providers, including air travel, that may be affected thereby. Compensation may also be paid as follows:

  • 46 days or more prior to departure date: £0 per person
  • 45 - 22 day prior to departure date: £10 per person
  • 21 - 8 days prior to departure date: £20 per person
  • 7 -1 days prior to departure date: £30 per person
  • Day of departure: £40 per person


Cancellation After Departure: In the event that it becomes necessary for Trafalgar to cancel a cruise after the program has commenced, we will provide an alternative comparable sailing or land program (if available). If an alternative is not available you will be offered a refund of the unused portion of the Trafalgar cruise-tour and compensation of £50 per person.


Stateroom Changes: If due to unexpected technical or other unforeseen circumstances, it becomes necessary to change a guest’s stateroom onboard, any change to stateroom category will result in eligibility for a refund equal to the fare difference between the category booked and the category of relocation.


Extensions/Land Tours: Trafalgar reserves the right to reschedule and/or cancel land extensions or land tours if the minimum number of participants (20 people) is not met or for safety reasons. If you, as the Passenger, choose to cancel your pre- or post-cruise extension one hundred and nineteen (119) days or less before departure, then please refer to the Cancellation Policy section for the applicable cancellation policy and penalties that will be applied.

 

General Information and Conditions


Illness or Absenteeism
In the event of your withdrawal from a cruise or cruise/journey after commencement for reasons of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a cruise and cruise / journey, including but not limited to missed meals or sightseeing. Trafalgar makes no representation or guarantees concerning reimbursements of funds paid by you under any insurance claim.


Security
Security is a major concern to all of us and the situation globally is constantly changing. Events around the world, coupled with the “Travel Advisories” put out by various governments, may at times necessitate changes to the accommodations and itinerary or even trip cancellation. Risks are involved in travel to any country that may experience security difficulties. You must accept these risks and assume responsibility for your own travel decisions.


Health and Mobility
The Company strives to provide a safe, enjoyable, and memorable travel experience for all passengers, and has therefore put the following policies in place:

  • All guests must ensure they are medically and physically fit for travel.
  • Passengers are required to advise the Company at time of booking of any physical, medical, or other special needs that require accommodation. After the time of booking, should a Passenger develop a physical or medical condition that requires accommodation, the Passenger is required to advise the Company.
  • The Company may impose health and safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the cruise-tour, and for the wellbeing of our Passengers and crew. The Company may also exclude an individual from participating in a tour or activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety. To stop the spread of contagious illnesses, the Company or local authorities may require the isolation or quarantine of Passengers. These measures will not result in the eligibility for a refund of unused features or services.
  • The Company welcomes Passengers with special needs or disabilities, however, please note that the Company does not provide personal medical or mobility devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting, or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any Passenger who requires services of a personal nature.
  • The Company does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. The Company is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on tour, or for the quality of the care or services received.
  • Passengers should be aware some tours include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, stairs, and locations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. During the tour, the Company may make arrangements with carriers, hotels, and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which the Company has no control. Accommodations on international tours may differ from those in your home country. The Company cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers travelling on international tours.
  • The Company may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with Company’s Terms and Conditions.


Young Travellers
Guests must be 5 years of age or older. Guests who are less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and booked in a cabin with someone who is 21 years of age or older.


Smoking Policy
For the comfort of all our guests, smoking is only permitted on the sun decks of our ships. Smoking is not permitted on motorcoaches. This policy applies to all forms of smoking materials including vapor e-cigarettes.


Diets
Please advise the Trafalgar reservation agent of specific dietary considerations and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Please also indicate your needs when you complete the Passenger Information Form.


Shipboard Credit
If your Trafalgar River booking includes shipboard credit, it will be automatically applied to your onboard account. Shipboard credit is issued in Euros. In general, shipboard credit can be used towards the onboard purchase of beverages and tours not included in the cruise price, as well as items in our gift shop, and spa services. It cannot be used as a gratuity or to purchase items that are not sold onboard. Shipboard Credit is not available for purchase, and unused portions thereof are not refundable.


Pets
Pets are not permitted on Trafalgar trips.

Before you travel

Essential details and documents to help you prepare for your river cruise.

Passenger information form

Booked your trip? Please complete your passenger information form before you travel.

Transfers

Helpful guidance for getting from the airport to your ship.

Got questions?

See the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to the questions that get asked most.

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of The Travel Corporation family of companies.
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