Terms & Conditions: European Canal Barge Cruises
These Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC (“A&K”) Terms and Conditions apply to all 2020 European Canal Barge Cruises reservations departing between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 and bookings for future years until updated.
INCLUDED IN CANAL BARGE CRUISES
Onboard accommodations; all meals from dinner
on day of embarkation through breakfast on day
of disembarkation; all alcoholic and non-alcoholic
beverages on board the vessel; porterage of two
pieces of baggage per person; fully guided sightseeing
excursions as indicated in the itinerary (including
entrance fees); and transfers to/from the vessel as
indicated in the itinerary.
NOT INCLUDED IN CANAL BARGE CRUISES
A&K’s Guest Protection Program; international
and internal airfares, unless otherwise noted; costs
associated with obtaining passports or entry visas;
airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted;
excess baggage charges; gratuities to the crew
members; meals other than specified in the itinerary;
beverages other than those noted in inclusions above;
sightseeing not included in the published itinerary;
and personal expenses such as laundry, communication
charges and optional activities (which are subject to
availability).
MINIMUM TO OPERATE
For independent bookings, a minimum number of
guests may be needed to operate. A&K can advise at
time of booking.
CRUISE ROUTES
All cruise routes are subject to change without notice
and may differ on selected departure dates. Some
waterways may be subject to occasional closures due
to drought, storms, floods, canal or lock repairs or
other unforeseen circumstances. In the event of such
an occurrence, the following conditions may apply:
(1) if navigation must be suspended, guests will
continue to be accommodated on the stationary vessel
and regular excursions will continue to be made, with
cruising to be resumed as soon as possible;
or (2) cruise route and/or itinerary may be reversed,
another waterway may be cruised or guests may be
transferred to another vessel of similar standard.
The Captain’s judgment on any action or inaction is
considered final.
EARLY ARRIVAL
A&K recommends that you arrive a day or two before
the start of your planned program to allow time
to relax and refresh after your journey. To prepare
for the start of your program, A&K has negotiated
favorable overnight rates at many hotels; please ask
for details at time of booking.
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting
rooms, bedding requests, smoking rooms and special
dietary needs should be advised at time of booking.
Please note that while every effort will be made to
secure a special request, it cannot be guaranteed.
ITINERARIES
A&K reserves the right to modify program itineraries,
including arranged sightseeing, and substitute
accommodations, including vessels, aircraft and
trains, at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or
circumstances beyond A&K’s control. Every effort will
be made to operate itineraries as planned, but alterations
may occur after the final itinerary has been issued.
AIR TRANSPORTATION
International airfare (to the journey starting point
and from the ending point) is not included in
program pricing. A&K has special agreements with
many air carriers and can offer quotations from any
gateway. Some journeys require internal flights as
specified in the itinerary. This airfare is typically
not included and must be purchased from A&K in
addition to the journey. In the instance where charter
flights are used and seating is limited, A&K reserves
the right to substitute and confirm air reservations
on a suitable alternative scheduled air flight. All
internal air is based on economy class seating and is
100% nonrefundable at time of final payment (some
exceptions may apply). All international and internal
air quotes are subject to change until final payment
has been received by A&K. Flight confirmation is
based on availability. Air reservations cannot be
confirmed until a passport copy is received by A&K.
All air carriers are independent contractors and
are not owned, managed, controlled or operated
by A&K. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract
between yourself and the airlines (and not A&K),
even if purchased through A&K. A&K is not liable for,
and does not assume responsibility or accept claims
with regard to, seat assignments, name changes,
schedule changes, flight changes and/or cancellations.
Should you change or cancel your air transportation
arrangements before or after your travel begins, all
airline change and cancellation fees will apply.
BAGGAGE
A&K provides porterage of up two (2) pieces of
baggage per person. Please note should your journey
include internal/domestic or charter flights, your
luggage allowance may be less than two (2) pieces of
baggage and weight/size restrictions and additional
costs may apply. Details will be provided in your Pre-
Travel Documentation. Baggage and personal effects
are at the owner’s risk throughout the travel program,
and A&K assumes no liability for lost or damaged
baggage. Please check with your international carrier
for other baggage restrictions and fees applicable to
your international flights.
PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS
Quoted program prices are per person, double
occupancy except where indicated. Although not
expected, published prices may be modified due to
unexpected significant external factors not forecasted
at the time of printing. A&K is under no obligation
to give a breakdown in costs of any journey.
Modification of program content to accommodate
a smaller group size will not affect the published
program price.
CHILD POLICY
On Canal Barge Cruises, the minimum age varies by
vessel (between 12 and 18 years). Contact A&K for
details. For charters, there is typically no minimum
age requirement; however, vessel owners have final
approval concerning minimum age on board.
ACTIVE ELEMENTS & CONDUCT
Some active elements have been incorporated into
select itineraries. To enjoy the trips as intended,
a minimum level of fitness is required. A&K will
require prior notice if any participant has any
physical or other condition or disability that would
prevent them from participating in active elements of
any trip and/or could create a hazard to him or herself
or to other members of the group. A&K may require
guests to produce a doctor’s certificate certifying that they are fit to participate. Acting reasonably, if
A&K is unable to properly accommodate the need of
the person(s) concerned or believes that health and
safety may be compromised, A&K reserves the right
to refuse participation. The guest represents that
neither he nor she nor anyone travelling with him or
her has any physical or other condition or disability
that could create a hazard to himself or herself or
other members of the tour. A&K also reserves the
right to remove from the trip, at the participant’s own
expense, anyone whose physical condition or conduct
negatively impacts the enjoyment of the other guests
or disrupts the tour.
A&K’S GUEST PROTECTION PROGRAM
Travel insurance is not included in the price of the
program and is recommended. You may purchase
A&K’s Guest Protection Program (which provides
cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection
against lost or stolen or damaged luggage) or A&K’s
Guest Protection Program with Cancel for Any Reason
Coverage for an additional fee. Coverage only takes
effect upon A&K’s receipt of payment for the plan.
The Guest Protection Program is available up to final
payment for your journey; however, the plan must be
purchased within 14 days of trip deposit in order to
waive the pre-existing medical condition exclusion.
The Cancel for Any Reason Program is only available
for purchase within 14 days of trip deposit and is not
available to New York residents and on select journeys.
The cost of coverage is calculated based on the total
cost of your travel arrangements and is non-refundable
10 days after purchase. For more information, visit
www.affinitytravelcert.com/abk.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
It is the guest’s sole responsibility to obtain and have
available when necessary the appropriate valid travel
documents. All guests are advised to check with the
appropriate government authority to determine the
necessary documents. A valid passport is required
for U.S. and Canadian citizens travelling to all
international destinations. Passports must be valid
for six (6) months after the return of your journey and
should also have sufficient blank visa pages for entry
and exit stamps. Many destinations also require a visa
for U.S. and Canadian citizens; this will be indicated
in your Pre-Travel Documentation. Citizens of other
countries should contact the appropriate consular
office for entry requirements pertaining to their
journey. You may be refused boarding or disembarked
from a plane, vessel or train without liability for
refund, payment, compensation, or credit of any kind
if you do not have proper documentation, and you
will be subject to any fine or other costs incurred by
A&K which result from improper documentation or
noncompliance with applicable regulations.
RESERVATION AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
(INDEPENDENT BOOKINGS & PRIVATE
CHARTERS)
Any payments made to A&K constitute your
acceptance of the terms and conditions set out herein
and in more specific pre-travel documentation,
including the guest information form.
A&K accepts all major credit cards.
A deposit of 25% of the program price is required at the time of booking for Canal Barge Cruises. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 120 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation.
CANCELLATION CHARGES
Cancellations must be received in writing and will
become effective on the date of receipt, fax or email.
Cancellations received by A&K are subject to the
following:
CANCELLATION CHARGES (INDEPENDENT BOOKINGS)
Cancellations received by A&K 90 or more days prior
to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge
of 25% of the program price; cancellations received by
A&K 89 days or less prior to departure will be subject
to a cancellation charge of 100% of the program price.
CANCELLATION CHARGES (PRIVATE CHARTERS)
Cancellations received by A&K 120 or more days
prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation
charge of 25% of the program price; cancellations
received by A&K 119 days or less prior to departure
will be subject to a cancellation charge of 100% of the
program price.
CANCELLATION CHARGES FOR EXTRA SERVICES
Additional hotel nights and other extra services
booked in connection with A&K programs are
subject to specific cancellation penalties. These will
be provided at the time of booking and noted on the
invoice.
CLAIMS AND REFUNDS
Refunds are not made for any missed services, except
for verifiable extenuating circumstances. Please see
our Limits on A&K’s Responsibility clause below.
For verifiable claims to be considered, they must be
received in writing within 30 days of the termination
of the program and be accompanied by supporting
documentation and/or a statement from the local
destination company verifying the claim. Any
adjustment considered will be based on the actual
price of the services involved and not on a per diem
basis. Adjustments will not be made for unused
sightseeing trips or meals. A&K will not accept any
liability for any claims that are not received within
30 days of the termination of your travel program.
PHOTOGRAPHY DURING TRAVEL
A&K reserves the right to take photographs and video
during the operation of any program or part thereof
and to use them for promotional purposes during the
program and thereafter. By booking a program with
A&K, guests agree to allow their images to be used
in such photographs and video. Guests who prefer
that their images not be used are asked to identify
themselves at the beginning of their program.
LIMITS ON A&K’S RESPONSIBILITY
A&K, its employees, shareholders, officers, directors,
successors, agents and assigns, does not own or operate
any property or entity which is to or does provide goods
or services for your trip. It purchases transportation
(by aircraft, coach, train, vessel or otherwise), hotel and
other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground
handling and other services from various independent
suppliers (including from time to time other affiliated
A&K companies). All such persons and entities are
independent contractors. As a result, A&K is not liable
for any negligent or willful act of any such person or
entity or of any third person. In addition and without
limitation, A&K is not responsible for any injury,
financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay
or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting
from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure,
illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection
or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities,
criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking
or downgrading of services, food poisoning,
mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means
of transportation or for failure of any transportation
mechanism to arrive or depart on time.
There are many inherent risks in adventure travel
of the type involved here, which can lead to illness,
injury, or even death. These risks are increased by the
fact that these trips take place in remote locations, far
from medical facilities. Guest assumes all such risks
associated with participating in these trips.
If you decide to participate in any activities including,
but not limited to, any excursions involving animals,
riding on animals, scuba diving, snorkeling, hot
air ballooning, helicopter flights, ziplining, high
altitude treks, climbing, whitewater rafting, jet boat
rides, snowmobiling, primate tracking and any
activity which A&K considers to carry inherent risk
of serious illness, injury or death (“Activities”) then
you fully understand and acknowledge that Activities
carry with them various inherent risks, including
serious illness, injury or death and you take complete
responsibility for your own health and safety and
agree to assume all risks of injury, illness or death,
whether foreseen or unforeseen, that may befall
you as a result of participating in any Activities and
agree to release A&K and its affiliates, their agents,
employees and representatives from any liability
whatsoever related thereto.
Further, as consideration for being permitted to participate in the Activities; you release A&K, whether known or unknown, from, and agree not to sue or make claim against A&K for, property damage, cancellation of any Activities for any reason, illness, negligent rescue operations or procedures, personal injury, or death arising out of your participation in the Activities, and any activity related thereto, including transportation to and from the site of the Activities, regardless of whether such property damage, illness, personal injury, or death results from the negligence of A&K (but not its reckless, willful, or fraudulent conduct), and/or from any defect in equipment. You further agree to indemnify and hold A&K harmless with respect to any claim made against A&K by anyone else which (a) related to your participation, or (b) which would be subject to the above release and covenant not to sue if you had made the claim directly yourself.
TRAVEL ADVISORIES
It is the responsibility of the guest to become
informed about the most current travel advisories
by referring to the U.S. State Department’s travel
website at travel.state.gov or by phone at 888 407 4747.
In the event of a State Department Travel Advisory
against travel to the specific destination location(s)
of the trip, should the guest still choose to travel,
notwithstanding any travel advisory, the guest
assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property
damage that may arise out of the events like those
advised or warned against.
ARBITRATION AGREEMENT
Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating
to these Terms and Conditions, to the Limits on
A&K’s Responsibility clause, to any A&K brochure,
to any information regarding any A&K trip, service or
package, or to any A&K-related trip, activity, service
or package, shall be submitted exclusively to and
resolved in binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois
under the CPR International Non-administered
Arbitration Rules (which can be found at cpradr.org),
before a single arbitrator appointed by CPR. Any
party or their representative may appear for the
arbitration by telephone or video conference. Each
party shall bear its own fees, costs and expenses and an
equal share of any arbitrator and administrative fees.
ONE NAME: ONE UNPARALLELED STANDARD WORLDWIDE
Throughout this brochure, you’ll see references to “Abercrombie & Kent” (or simply “A&K”). This is our shorthand for the many independent Abercrombie & Kent companies that work with A&K, to provide its travellers with a consistent worldwide standard of expertise and excellence in travel. Their independence allows our guests to benefit from unique local knowledge and specialized services available only from destination-based operating companies around the globe.
AMENDMENTS
A&K reserves the right to correct any errors or
omissions in its published materials and to amend
these Terms and Conditions at any time as the
result of any material changes to legislation or
regulation. All amended Terms and Conditions shall
automatically be effective upon being posted by A&K
to the website abercrombiekent.com. Accordingly,
guests should check the website abercrombiekent.com
prior to travel in order to ensure they are aware of any
changes.
® 2019 Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, ABERCROMBIE & KENT, A&K, CONNECTIONS, CONNECTIONS BY ABERCROMBIE & KENT,DESIGN YOUR DAY, INSPIRING EXPERIENCES, GUARDIAN ANGEL, MARCO POLO CLUB, MARCO POLO JOURNEYS, RESIDENT TOUR DIRECTOR, SIGNATURE SERIES, SIMPLY THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL, TRAVELLER’S VALET, TRAVELLING BELL BOY and the ampersand design are service marks owned by A&K Sarl.
CST #2007274-20