Terms and Conditions
Before we make or finalize arrangements for your trip, we require that you sign below or click “I Agree” on our website. Your signature or click will signify your agreement with the following terms and conditions:
Agent for Suppliers: SmallShipTravel.com LLC. (“SST”) acts as a sales agent for any airline, hotel, car-rental company, tour operator, cruise line, or other service provider named in your itinerary or confirmation (“Suppliers”). We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of the Suppliers or their failure to adhere to their own schedules, provide services or refunds, financial default, or failure to honor future trip credits. We have no special knowledge regarding the financial condition of the Suppliers and no liability for recommending a trip credit in lieu of a refund.
Risks of Travel and Release: We assume no responsibility for and shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any party not under our control, or any acts of God, unsafe conditions, terrorism, health hazards including pandemics, illnesses, weather hazards, or the suitability for a disabled person of any portion of any trip. We have no special knowledge of dangers during travel or at destinations.For information related to such dangers, we recommend going to the State Department travel website at www.travel.state.gov, click on "Find International travel Information” then click on "Country Information", and fill in the name of the destination country. For medical and health information, we recommend going to the Centers forDisease Control website at www.cdc.gov/travel, then click on “Destinations” and scroll to the name of the destination country. It is your personal decision to travel, and you are doing so with full knowledge of current travel recommendations and travel restrictions with regards to the risks of COVID-19. YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY ASSUME ALL OF THESE RISKS AND DANGERS, AND YOU HEREBY EXPRESSLY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD US, AND OUR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, ASSOCIATES, AFFILIATED COMPANIES, GUIDES, GROUP LEADERS, AND SUBCONTRACTORS HARMLESS AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTIONS, SUITS, CLAIMS, AND DEMANDS OF ANY AND EVERY KIND AND NATURE WHATSOEVER WHICH YOU NOW HAVE OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER ARISE OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THESE RISKS AND DANGERS.
Vaccination Requirements and Other Rules: We have no responsibility for COVID-19-related requirements that travel suppliers and governments may impose from time to time, such as required vaccinations, health affidavit forms, COVID-19 screenings prior to departure or upon arrival, face coverings, or quarantines. For the latest COVID-19 government travel regulations, we recommend going to IATA’s website at https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm. For the latest travel supplier rules, check the website of each supplier, and keep checking because these rules are constantly changing, and we are not responsible for those changes.
Other Foreign Entry Rules: You assume full and complete responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, or other entry requirements of your destination and your connecting points, and all conditions regarding health, safety, security, political stability, and labor or civil unrest at such destination. Many countries require your passport to be valid for six months or more after your date of entry. Some countries will not admit persons convicted of a crime. Some countries require both parents’ consent for minors to travel.
Fees and Price Drops: You agree to pay the travel planning, change, and other fees associated with our proving professional services. All of our fees are non-refundable. If a Supplier drops the price of a trip after booking, we will try to assist you with rebooking if the Supplier allows it, and a fee may apply. We do not guarantee any refunds or successful rebooking.
Price Increases: Travel arrangements involving airline and cruise components are subject to Suppliers’ supplemental price increases that may be imposed by the supplier and/or government, even after you have completed your purchase. You hereby consent to any such price increases and authorize your credit or debit card to be used for them. Suppliers have their own contracts covering cancellation penalties and other terms and conditions, and you may be bound by those contracts regardless of whether you receive notice of their terms.
Insurance: For your protection, we strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation and travel accident insurance. Please note that, unless you buy a cancel-for-any-reason policy, most policies have a specific clause stating they do not cover epidemics and pandemics, especially when travel warnings are in place. No representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance. You agree to hold us harmless for your election not to purchase travel insurance or for any denial of claim by travel insurer as it relates to COVID-19 or any other claim under the policy. Additional information insection below.
Credit Card Merchant: We also strongly recommend that you use a credit card for your purchase, so that you can exercise your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act if you do not receive the services you purchased. However, if we are the credit card merchant, our role is to facilitate the sale, collect funds on your behalf, and remit those funds to the Suppliers. If the Suppliers do not provide the services, your only recourse would be against the Suppliers, and you agree not to initiate a chargeback against us.
Claims Deadline and Exclusive Jurisdiction: You agree to present any claims against us within 30 days after your trip ends and to file suit within one year of the incident, and you acknowledge that this expressly limits the applicable statute of limitations to one year. You agree that the courts in Durham, North Carolina will be the exclusive jurisdiction for all claims brought by you or us, and you hereby submit to the personal jurisdiction of those courts.
Reservation, Deposit, Requirement & Final Payment Schedule
The quickest and best way to make a reservation is to call us at 1-888-318-3110 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. You may also request a reservation online at www.smallshiptravel.com. Early registration is strongly recommended for the following reasons: Size is limited; we use small-ship cruise lines with a small number of cabins—choice cabins ALWAYS sell out quickly; single accommodations are subject to availability; some trips require additional preparation time and airlines restrict seat inventory. Private Journeys arrangements require access to special fares and inventory which is quite often limited.
Payment Schedule
Deposit: $1,000 on SST Exclusive Voyages & Tours
Initial deposit: 25% of trip cost on all other cruises
Final payment: 180 days
Your deposit can be charged to a MasterCard or Visa credit card or paid by check. If you make your reservation after the final payment date, payment in full will be required at the time of the booking. Final payment for land tours is due at least 95 days prior to departure. Make your check payable to Small ShipTravel, and send it to: PO BOX 91583, Raleigh, NC 27675. The final payment for small-ship cruises is due at least 180 days prior to departure. Final payment for Private Journeys is due at least 150 days prior to departure and sometime depends on specific services that are included which may have more restrictive payment terms. If final payment is not paid when due, Small Ship Travel reserves the right to regard the reservation as cancelled. If the trip is fully booked when we receive your deposit, we will retain your deposit and place your name on a priority waiting list in case other participants cancel. If you do not clear the waiting list, any monies paid to us will will be refunded or we will convert the funds into a credit for future travel.
Cancellations and refunds
If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your trip (or any portion thereof), you must notify Small Ship Travel in writing or by e-mail immediately. The effective date of your cancellation will be the date that we receive your notification. Small Ship Travel will assess a cancellation charge to cover loss of nonrefundable advance payments we may have made on your behalf to including, but not limited to: ground operators; cruise lines; hotel reservations, airlines; government agencies; communication expenses; and the loss of time. The cancellation charge applies regardless of the reason for cancellation, such as State Department travel warnings. Cancellation charges per person are as follows:
Exclusive Voyages
Days prior to departure Charge
216 days or more: $750
215-181 days: 50% of cost of trip
180-151 days: 100% of trip cost (no refund)
Any changes to reservation: $300 administrative fee
Cruises
Days prior to departure Charge
216 days or more: $500
215-181 days: 25% of cost of trip
180-151 days: 50% of cost of trip
150-121 days: 75% of cost of trip
120 days or fewer: 100% of trip cost (no refund)
Any changes to reservation: $300 administrative fee
Private Journeys
Days prior to departure Charge
270 days or more: $750
269-216 days: 25% of cost of trip
215-181 days: 50% of cost of trip
180-151 days: 75% of cost of trip
150 days or fewer: 100% of trip cost (no refund)
Any changes to reservation: $300 administrative fee
Name changes are considered a cancellation, and the above-listed charges apply. If you are a no-show, if you cancel your trip after the departure date, or if you leave a trip already in progress, you will not receive any refund for any unused portion of your trip. Note: Small Ship Travel, may, in order to take advantage of schedules and competitive pricing, purchase airlines tickets in advance. These tickets are non-refundable within 216 days of departure. Additionally, all flights tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable once ticketed regardless of travel dates, class of service, date of ticket, names of travelers or form of payment.
Tour pricing & inclusions
Tour prices quoted include accommodations based on double occupancy; airfare from your gateway city (when purchasing tour with airfare), meals, performances, admissions and scheduled excursions as noted in the itinerary, hotel taxes, airport transfers for group flights, baggage handling for one bag per person, services of a Small Ship Travel Guide (if applicable); gratuities and taxes for included meals and baggage handling on land. Please note that air upgrades, airline taxes, fuel surcharges, departure fees, governmental fees and port charges are subject to change.
Not included in your tour price
Passport and visa fees; airfare from your hometown to your gateway city; personal expenses such as telephone, communication charges, laundry, beverages, room service, and meals not specified; excess baggage fees; independent transfers when purchasing a land-only package; gratuities to guides and drivers for shore excursions, for hair salon and spa services onboard, and to hotel & restaurant staff, guides and drivers on the land portion of the trip; optional activities or shore excursions; flights connecting two or more programs and cancellation, travel and health insurance.
Passport & Visas
A valid passport is required for all Small Ship Travel programs. A visa may be required for some of our programs. As we continue to add new destinations, it is your responsibility to check with the appropriate country for their visa requirements. Small Ship Travel is not responsible in any way for providing you with information related to passport and/or visa requirements. Small Ship Travel does not accept any responsibility in your failure to secure the necessary documentation for your trip.
Health & Walking
Participants in all Small Ship Travel programs should be in good physical condition and prepared to enjoy walking, often over uneven cobblestones. We ask you to appraise your own capabilities honestly. And, we ask that you be considerate of the other group members and do not delay the scheduled group activities. We do not provide assistance if you require the use of a wheelchair or have other personal needs; in such cases a companion who will assist you must accompany you. Small Ship Travel reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any participant should such person’s health or deportment impede the operation of the trip or enjoyment of any other participant. If Small Ship Travel decides not to retain a participant during the trip, Small Ship Travel assumes no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour or for any incidental charges therein.
Travel insurance
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR INVESTMENT IN CASE YOU HAVE TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR VACATION. SmallShipTravel.com, LLC recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/ Repatriation, Travel Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For your convenience, we offer plans through Travelex Insurance Services. For more information and rates, please contact www.smallshiptravel.com.
360° Group Premier Flyer: Provides an overview of benefits and coverage limits
360° Group Premier Policy: View/download the policy based on your state of residence.
If you purchased prior to 10/1/2023, go here to view your policy based on your state of residence:https://partner.travelexinsurance.com/policy/?plannumber=GPB-0521
For questions regarding benefits or coverages, please contact Travelex Insurance Services at 888-574-7026 and reference plan number GPZ-1023.
This is intended as a general description of certain types of insurance and services available to qualified customers through the companies of Zurich in North America, provided solely for informational purposes. Travelex Insurance Services Inc. CA Agency license #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535).
FREE AIRFARE PROMOTION
Included Economy Class is available to guests opting to book the FREE INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE Promotion. Such airfares are capacity controlled, limited to select gateways, air carriers, and routings of Small Ship Travel’s choosing (utilization of two one-way tickets is not eligible under this offer). Airfares may also vary depending on the departure/arrival gateway. Guests should book early to secure the best airfare and flight schedule. SmallShip Travel may choose to withdraw or modify the FREE INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE Promotion at any time without advance notice. In the event Economy Class airfares are not available (determined at Small Ship Travel’s sole discretion) or for guests not utilizing the Included Air, a non-use air credit may be applied.
Small Ship Travel’s Air package includes roundtrip Economy Class air and transfers between airport/pier on days of embarkation/debarkation. In case the package includes also pre and/or post-cruise extensions, transfers between airport/hotel and hotel/pier are also included. Note: Due to limited air availability and/or airline schedule changes, guests may be required to purchase a pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stay (or dayroom) plus applicable transfers in conjunction with their confirmed air schedule. Small Ship Travel is available to assist with these arrangements. Additional costs are the sole responsibility of the guest. Guests opting to independently purchase hotel arrangements forfeit the applicable transfer(s) included in FREE INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE Promotion and will be required to confirm their own transfer arrangements.
Small Ship Travel’s ability to offer air service from specific gateway cities is limited to airline scheduling and the availability of negotiated airfares. Airfares negotiated by Small Ship Travel may limit your ability to exchange, endorse, or make changes to air tickets. Small Ship Travel reserves the right to select the applicable air carrier, routing, and layover as required and reserves the right to substitute charter flights for scheduled service and scheduled service for charter flights. Airfares may be revised upwards or downwards at any time prior to flight booking, are limited to certain classes of service as specified by each airline partner contract, are subject to availability, and may not apply during holiday periods. Business and/or First class upgrades are guaranteed on the intercontinental/transoceanic flights only and are subject to availability of select carriers. In providing air arrangements, Small Ship Travel acts only as an agent on the guest’s behalf and does not operate, control, or supervise any airline and will not be held responsible for carriers failing to meet schedules whether or not air schedules/tickets were issued by Small Ship Travel. Small Ship Travel reserves the right to change inclusive items as needed, including private versus group transfer, and any other item that may be designated as part of the Small ShipTravel Air package. Final payment is due before ticket issuance and release of documents. Small Ship Travel reserves the right to modify the FREE INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE Promotion offer procedures and fees at any time without notice. All travel documents (including visa and healthcare requirements) are the guest’s responsibility. In the event guests are denied boarding by air carriers for failure to have proper travel documents, Small Ship Travel will have any liability and no refunds of any kind will be made by Small Ship Travel to these guests. Guests are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance prior to booking.
When Small Ship Travel has determined that a dayroom or overnight may be required due to possible conflicts between flight arrival/departure and scheduled embarkation/disembarktion, Small Ship Travel will offer clients accommodation options, and for an additional charge. Small Ship Travel FREE INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE Promotion includes roundtrip Economy Class Air and applicable transfers between airport/hotel and hotel/pier. Guests opting to independently purchase hotel arrangements forfeit the applicable transfer(s) included in the FREE INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE Promotion and will be required to organize their own transfer arrangements.
Note: Guests are at all times responsible for additional costs incurred when purchasing additional hotel nights, early check-in, late check-out, room upgrades, meals, additional ground transportation, etc.
Small Ship Travel reserves the right to request full payment of client’s balance in order to facilitate airline ticket purchase at any time before cruise departure.
Small Ship Travel requires the full passport details including but not limited to: passport number, expiration date, gender and date of birth, nationality, residential address, destination address, and guest’s name as it appears on their passport at the time of booking. Failure to provide this information as required may result in complete cancellation of air schedules. Small Ship Travel cannot guarantee the re-booking of the original air schedule if canceled, and additional airline fees/fees may be assessed. Airline tickets and cruise documents will not be released until required information and additional payment are provided in full to Small Ship Travel.
As a courtesy, Small Ship Travel will send a generic request to the airline(s) for pre-assigned seats where possible. This is strictly a courtesy, and Small Ship Travel is not responsible for changes or cancellation of pre-assigned seats before flight departure, for any reason. Guests are advised to contact the airline(s) directly to confirm and/or change pre-assigned seating. Other requests, such as adding frequent flyer numbers and requesting special meals or wheelchair assistance, must be requested directly with the airline(s). Guests are, at all times, responsible for paying all service fees imposed by the airline(s). Some airlines restrict the accumulation and/or use of frequent flyer miles in conjunction with fares used by Small ShipTravel. Please note that each guest is fully responsible for any/all baggage fees that may be imposed by the airline(s) upon check-in.
FREE AIRFARE PROMOTION
Booking Terms & Conditions
Special savings plus FREE INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE valid on select departures of Best of Southern Africa, Springtime in Holland; Romance of the Alsace; Scotland and Norway Exploration; Great LakesVoyage. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. Payment is due in full at time of booking.
AIR UPGRADE: Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $1,500 per person or Business Class air from $3,500 per person based on select gateways, dates and the respective cruise. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruise + extension check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.
GENERAL RESTRICTIONS: Cruise fares listed are cruise only in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and for US residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are subject to availability; may not combinable with other offers. Special cruise fares are based upon published full cruise fares; cruise fares do not include prepaid charges, optional facilities and service fees, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket which may be viewed elsewhere on our website. Full cruise fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to economy, roundtrip flights only from select Small ShipTravel US gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Small Ship Travel reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares, fees and surcharges at any time.For up-to-date prices, please call Small Ship Travel. The cruise ship fuel surcharge is additional revenue to the specific cruise line operating the sailing, as are any additional charges relating to currency fluctuation other than for fully paid cruise fares and full fares, which fluctuations are beyond our control.
AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:
Note: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid First, Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within NorthAmerica or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Round trip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruise+extension package; if air is not purchased from Small Ship Travel, transfers may be purchased separately. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruise+extension check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Two-one way fares are not eligible under this offer. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.
Photography on tour
Small Ship Travel reserves the right to take photographs or video during the operation of any tour or part thereof, and to use the resulting images or video for promotional purposes. By booking a reservation with Small Ship Travel, you agree to allow your image to be used for such purposes, without compensation. If you prefer that your image not be used, you must identify yourself to the guide at the commencement of the tour.
Sellers of Travel Registrations
CST Registration number: 2160153-40
California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business has a trust account for clients from California. SmallShipTravel.com LLC is not a TCRF participant.
Washington State Registration: UBI: 605586052 001 0001
Binding Arbitration
Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning the program, or the program itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) North Carolina law and will take place in Durham, NC. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Small Ship Travel are waiving the right to a trial by jury. Any arbitration commenced against Small Ship Travle must be on behalf of only the signatory to this Agreement and his or her immediate family members who traveled with signatory, such as a spouse or child. Under no circumstances can participant be part of a class or other joint action.
Passenger Ticket Contract
The individual Passenger Ticket Contracts from our contracted suppliers (Ponant, Silversea, Uniworld, Lueftner (Amadeus fleet), etc.) govern the relationship between that supplier and the Small Ship Travel passenger. These respective Passenger Ticket Contracts establish limits on liability, limits on claims, define the time to file claims, and the acceptable jurisdictions for making claims. These Passenger Ticket Contracts incorporate provisions and limitations under the Athens Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage by Sea, 1974 and amendments thereto, the European Parliament and London International Convention and other relevant authorities and protocols for deep sea cruise passengers and the Strasbourg Convention on the Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976, 1988 and amendments thereto, for passengers on inland waterways.
Click any of the following for links to:
The Ponant Passenger Ticket Contract
The Silversea Passenger Ticket Contract
The Uniworld Passenger Ticket Contract
The Leuftner Passenger Ticket Contract
Booking travel with Small Ship Travel certifies acceptance of the Passenger Ticket Contract for your respective supplier.
Acceptance of Contract
By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement for this program or for any program to which he/she may transfer.