The following information is general information only; refer to each trip’s complete itinerary for cancellation penalties for that particular trip. Your payment for a tour, cruise or air ticket is regarded by Royal Travel as an agreement to the General Information / Terms and Conditions stated here and in each tour company or cruise line’s individual trip itinerary.
Deposits
A deposit is required on most cruises or tours within 2 days of your reservation (occasionally the deposit due date is shorten depending on the requirements of the travel supplier); your reservation cannot be held after that without a deposit, and must include a completely filled out and signed reservation form. Deposit amounts vary depending on the type of trip offered. Refer to the trip description for the exact amount. Deposits are by cash, check made payable to Royal Travel, or any credit card that is accepted by the tour operator or cruise line.
Final Payments
Final payments are due 45-60 days prior to departure for most vendors. Your reservation is subject to cancellation if final payment is not received in our office by the appropriate date. Please note some tour operators do not accept some credit cards. Final documents are sent about 10-14 days prior to trip departure. Reservations made within final payment date are subject to full payment at time of booking.
Late Bookings
Availability for late bookings may not be in the category and price listed, and a late booking fees may be assessed for bookings made within 45 days prior to departure.
Cancellation and Revision Fees; Refunds
These fees vary with each tour operator or cruise line; be sure to read the Terms and Conditions with the tour itinerary. Royal Travel may assess an Administrative fee of $50.00 per person for any voluntary cancellation. Cancellations must be in writing. After the date when the balance of payment is due, events may occur that are beyond our control. If those events force us to alter your travel arrangements, we do not accept liability. Any refund as a result of any alteration or cancellation caused by events beyond our control will be limited by the amount paid to Royal Travel. Royal Travel will accept no responsibility for any affect on customers resulting from any event beyond the control of Royal Travel. Since we are an agent for the tour operator or cruise line, monies paid to Royal Travel go directly to them for all accommodations and features, so your right to a refund is based on that particular cruise line or tour operator’s cancellation and refund policy. Any changes to the tour itinerary that incur additional charges will be the sole responsibility of the tour participant. Processing a refund can take 3 months. A handling fee of $30.00 per transaction may be charged for any alteration or revision made to a reservation. If a tour is cancelled, all monies will be refunded; however, Royal Travel cannot assume responsibility for any additional costs or any fees relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of air tickets or of other travel arrangements made in regard to the canceled trip. There are no partial refunds on package tours or cruises for unused services or features. Accommodations, meals and services that were not used will not be refunded. We, as well as our cruise line or tour operators, are firm about the above cancellation policies.
Travel Insurance
We have found that frequently passengers are unable to take a scheduled trip due to health matters for themselves or, more often, members of their families. The cancellation penalties can be severe. To protect your travel investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance. Please ask us about the coverage from the tour company or cruise line you have chosen, and we will provide the specific information that you need. If you decline insurance coverage, we request that you do so in writing and that you agree that you are fully aware of the penalties should you have to cancel.
Airfare
We have low add-on fares from major gateway cities in the U.S. on most of our trips. Call or e-mail for airfare pricing from your hometown. If using frequent flyer miles on land-only packages, remember to book months in advance for availability. Airfare prices are based on availability at time of booking and are subject to change until fully paid for and ticketed. We will attempt to get all requested seat assignments but we are limited to airline availability and requirements. Once issued, air tickets are non-refundable but sometimes changeable with a fee. Any cancellations after the purchase of air tickets are subject to the airline cancellation penalties, which may be different than land cancellation fees. Airfare taxes/schedules are subject to change without notice. If, due to any cause beyond our control, we are unable to arrange for air travel (for example, because of capacity controls placed upon us by airlines due to the types of fares under which we book) or the air travel we arrange is unavailable or otherwise fails to materialize, our liability will be limited to refunding the air add-on amount paid to us. We assume no liability for any acts or omissions of any airline, including, without limitation, those involving cancellation of flights, schedule changes, re-routings; damage to, or delay or loss, of baggage; flight delays, equipment failures, accidents, pilot or other staff shortages, overbooking or computer errors. The liabilities and obligations of an airline to you, and your rights as an airline passenger, are subject to any and all terms and conditions of the airline’s ticket and tariffs. Royal Travel cannot assume responsibility for any additional costs or any fees relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of air tickets or other travel arrangements not made through Royal Travel. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover any air penalties for a nominal cost.
Prices
Most prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted. Single supplement prices are available. If your travel companion cancels, you will be charged the single supplement fee. We reserve the right to change pricing in the event of any cost increases for operational requirements. The tour or cruise participant is responsible for proper travel documentation and payment for a passport, any needed immunizations or visas for travel, and for providing the correct passport name to Royal Travel. In case of human or computer error, Royal Travel reserves the right to re-invoice for the correct price of service.
Hotels
The hotels listed by tour operators will be used, but if a change becomes necessary for any reason, hotels substituted will be equivalent to those listed. Most hotels used are moderate to first class or 3-4 star unless otherwise stated. Rooms are usually not ready for check-in until mid-afternoon. Please note that hotel rooms, especially in Europe, are often older, smaller (especially single accommodation rooms) and less equipped than the American equivalent and are much higher priced during peak travel seasons. Sometimes standards and service are not what we are accustomed to, but are all part of the adventure of travel and exploring the world.
Baggage
For most tour operators, one suitcase is allowed on most escorted tours, with dimensions not exceeding 30”x18”x10”, and not weighing more than 50 lbs., and this is subject to change. The tour operator may levy charges if these limits are exceeded. International carriers may have their own restrictions and/or limits, especially on carry-on luggage. A smaller bag (motor-coach carry-on) should not exceed 17”x14”x8”. Wheeled carry-on cases are not suitable as hand luggage on coaches. No responsibility is accepted for loss of or damage to baggage or any of the tour participants’ belongings.
The Following May Not Be Included In the Cruise or Tour Price
Any government, Federal or airport fees or taxes; passports; visas; tips to your tour director, travel insurance, tour driver and local city guides; gratuities on cruise ships; laundry, beverages, food not listed, and optional excursions unless so stated in the terms and conditions; and all other items of a personal nature.
Passports & Visas
A valid passport is required for all participants on international tours; and most countries require passports to be valid up to 6 months after your trip dates. For tours requiring visas for U.S. citizens, detailed visa information will be given to you. Non–U.S. citizens must consult with the appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed. Securing any needed visas is the responsibility of the tour participant.
Medical
It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to check with his/her private medical doctor, local county health agency, or travel medicine clinic for any necessary or precautionary medicines & immunizations required for travel to certain countries.
Group Travel Responsibilities
We, and all tour companies reserve the right to cancel any trip that does not meet the minimum requirements to operate, and Royal Travel is not responsible for any other expenses incurred by the client in relation to the trip being canceled. Trips not meeting the minimum group requirements may not be escorted by an Royal Travel social escort but will always have a professional tour director. Royal Travel escorts are responsible on trips as hosts only and to help the group to run smoothly and cohesively. They do not represent or replace professional tour guides used on some trips. Royal Travel assumes no responsibility for any actions of the tour participants on its trips and we do not screen our tour participants. Royal Travel and its tour operators reserve the right-to-cancel, reschedule, or change any tour or itinerary as deemed necessary for operations requirements.
Tour and Cruise Participants Needing Special Assistance
Any disability requiring special attention must be reported to us at the time the reservation is made. Royal Travel, and its tour operators or cruise lines will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled tour members, but neither is responsible in the event it is unable to do so, nor shall be responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other independent travel suppliers. Most touring motor coaches are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches, and other transportation vehicles or other personal needs. A qualified companion must accompany travelers who need such assistance.
|
