Terms and Conditions for River Cruises

All prices are per guest in New Zealand Dollars based on double 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 booked air travel and/or a cruise package that includes air travel through Trafalgar, the price of your entire package will be guaranteed at the time of making the initial payment required by it. For current pricing, please refer to our website.

 

Reservations and Payments:A deposit of at least 10% of the cruise/tour fare (cruise/tour plus port charge plus pre and/or post land extensions, less applicable discounts), per person is required at time of booking. Final payment is due at least 120 days prior to departure, and 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 if payments are not received in a timely manner.

 

Waitlists: Trafalgar may offer guests the ability to be waitlisted on some sold out departures. If you choose to be on the waitlist, a fully refundable deposit of $500 per person is required at the time the waitlist is made. We will contact guests if and when their requested cruise becomes available. Pricing will be effective from the date the waitlist request was created. Once a waitlist request is confirmed as available, standard payment and cancellation policies will apply to the new booking. You can remain on the waitlist until the day of departure, after which the waitlist will automatically cancel, and we will refund all monies paid to us. If you wish to cancel your waitlist before this time, please contact our Reservations department.

 

Complimentary beverages
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
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.nz@trafalgar.com. It will be effective on the date of receipt. The cancellation charges noted below are in addition to any cancellation charges that might be levied by your travel agent. There is no refund for unused services or unused portions of the trip. For additional worry-free travel, please see the Gold Seal Protection Plan: https://www.trafalgar.com/en-nz/river-cruises/protection though it should be noted that this is not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance, and we recommend guests consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking.

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	$400 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 defined as the cost of any cruise, or land, element purchased from Trafalgar

NO-SHOWS are subject to 100% penalty, applicable to bookings for all sailing regions. If air is cancelled one hundred and nineteen (119) days prior to departure or less, the full price of your air is non-refundable.

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 start date, you will receive a credit of $400 per person valid for up to five years from date of cancellation. This credit cannot be used as deposit or Gold Seal Protection payment for a future booking. This credit will be applied as a reduction to the base fare of the new booking on an alternative departure. Only one credit per person can be applied to each cruise booked and is combinable with all Trafalgar promotions current at the time of the booking. This credit cannot be redeemed for cash.

 

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

Revision Fee: A fee of $75 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.

 

Gold Seal Protection" Gold Seal Protection premiums are non-refundable.

Airfare: Airfares are subject to change or withdrawal at any time (without notice), and airlines reserve the right to change the payment due date at any point prior to ticketing. Changes to flight itineraries and name changes may result in penalties charged by the airline concerned and passed on to the passenger.

Air Cancellations and Revisions: If you, as the Passenger, change your air travel itinerary after ticket is issue, you will be charged a $75 per person change fee (see Revision Fee) in addition to any airline penalties, and you will be responsible for any increase in airfare and/or penalties levied by the airline, which may be up to 100% of the air ticket value. This charge will apply each time you make a change.

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 penalties by the airline, which may be up to 100% of the air ticket value will apply. 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: Airline regulations require us to collect your full first, middle, and last names as they appear on your passport or government-issued ID, 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.

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 and any additional charge imposed by the airlines will be at the guest’s expense. Seating is solely under the airlines' control, as are itinerary changes, flight delays, and schedule changes. Some airfares used by Trafalgar are not eligible for frequent flyer mileage or seat upgrades.

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 Transfers page https://www.trafalgar.com/en-nz/river-cruises/transfers.

 

Purchased transfers are non-refundable 29 days or fewer 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:  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.   Flights included as part of your cruise-tour itineraryShould your Uniworld itinerary include one or more flights within the region visited as part of your cruise-tour itinerary, such flights will be in economy class. Should passengers’ baggage exceed the airline’s limit, excess baggage fees may be levied and will be the passengers’ responsibility to pay.   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 3:00pm. Guests who embark prior to 3:00pm 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. We are unable to request early check-ins.  Departures: On the day of disembarkation you must vacate your stateroom by 8:00am. Guests with flights departing later in the day may wait onboard in one of the public areas until 1:00pm 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. We are 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 via our 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.     Passport:  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 traveling 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 abta.com/passports for extra guidance.   VisasVisas 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 travelers 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. Travelers 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/etias_en.    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 (https://www.trafalgar.com/river-cruises/passenger-information) 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 Uniworld 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 out in the table 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 vacation . 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 cancelation, delay, rescheduling or other adjustment or impact to a departure or itinerary, or other aspects of the vacation 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. Trafalgar is not responsible for other travel arrangements affected due to our cancelations or changes and is not liable for any cancelation or change costs or penalties incurred on other travel arrangements, including air tickets. Trafalgar is not responsible for other travel arrangements affected due to our cancelations or changes and is not liable for any cancelation or change costs or penalties incurred on other travel arrangements, including air tickets.    Cancelation 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.     Cancelation before departure due to Events other than 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 cancelation 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   Cancelation 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.     Extensions / Land Tours 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 days or less before departure, then please refer to the Cancelation Policy section for the applicable cancelation policy and penalties that will be applied.     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 Cancelation Policy section for the applicable cancelation policy and penalties that will be applied.    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 cancelation. You must accept these risks involved in travel to any country that may experience security difficulties and accept 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 the UK or your home country. The Company cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers traveling 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 Travelers   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 vapour 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 (https://www.trafalgar.com/river-cruises/passenger-information)    Shipboard Credit   If your Trafalgar booking includes shipboard credit, the credit will be converted from the currency of your booking to the currency used onboard the ship using the Average Daily Exchange Rate for that year. The Average Daily Exchange Rate is calculated monthly and is the average rate of exchange between the US dollar and the currency onboard starting January 1 of the year you are traveling through the first day of the month of your travel. Your credit will be automatically applied to your onboard account. Please speak to our Front Desk for information about the services available to purchase with your Shipboard Credit. Shipboard Credit is not available for purchase, and unused portions thereof are not refundable.    Pets   Pets are not permitted on Trafalgar trips.  

Responsibility and Waiver: Vessel operators or service providers are responsible to the passenger for supplying the relevant services described in this brochure or on the Trafalgar website, are not our agents or employees, and make such supplies as principal and subject to terms and conditions as they respectively impose. Trafalgar does not acquire such services as your agent and its responsibility is limited to the services of reservation and ticketing which it provides.

 

In the absence of its negligence, neither Trafalgar nor its agents or co-operating organisations shall be responsible for any cancellations by any vessel operator or service provider, diversions or substitutions of equipment, any acts, variations, postponements, omissions or default whatsoever by air carriers, land carriers, hoteliers or hotels, transport providers or any other persons providing any of the services and accommodations to passengers (including any consequences thereof such as changes in services, accommodation or facilitations necessitated thereby). Nor shall Trafalgar, such agents or co-operating organisations be liable for any loss or damage to baggage or property or for injury illness or death or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising from loss negligence or delay due to the act, error, omission, default or negligence of any person not their direct employee or under their exclusive control, including any act, error, omission, default or negligence of any country government or governmental authority, officer or employee.

Costs: In any legal action, arbitration, or other proceeding to enforce, interpret or construe the Terms and Conditions, or concerning any grievance relating to the cruise, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable legal fees and expenses on a solicitor/client basis.

Errors and Omissions: Every effort is made to ensure website accuracy and brochure accuracy at the time of going to press, however Trafalgar cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances in relation to brochures, websites or any other printed collateral used to promote cruises. We reserve the right to make corrections as required.

Agreement: Each guest is required to comply with the terms, conditions, requirements, laws, rules and/or regulations of any service provider, or any country or governmental authority, and shall be liable for any such non-compliance.

Data Protection Statement: In order to process your cruise booking, Trafalgar will need to use personal information of yours and other passengers included in your booking. This personal information may include each passenger’s name, address, phone number, email address, passport number, credit/debit card number and sensitive information such as health, medical, dietary, mobility, religious or other special requirements. This personal information may be passed on to vessel operators, service providers, independent contractors and other suppliers of your travel arrangements in addition to public authorities (such as customs and immigration), security and credit checking organisations, and otherwise as required by law.

 

Additionally, we may need to provide personal information to contractors who provide services to or for us (such as sending mail, processing payments or providing marketing assistance). This may involve sending personal information (including sensitive information) to other countries, in the event of which we will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the overseas recipient does not breach the New Zealand Privacy Act in respect of your personal information. We may also use the personal information you provide us to review and improve the cruises and services that we offer, and to contact you (by post, email and/or telephone) about cruises and services we offer in which you may be interested. If you do not want to receive this information, or if you want a copy of the personal information we hold about you, please call or write to us at Travel Corporation NZ Ltd, 131 New North Road, Eden Terrace, PO Box 68640, Auckland 1021. We may charge a fee for supplying you with this information as permitted by law.

 

TRAVEL CORPORATION NZ LIMITED. 131 New North Road, Eden Terrace, P.O. Box 68-640, DX: CX 10210, Auckland 1021, New Zealand