Terms & Conditions: Small Group Journeys and Luxury Expedition Cruises

These Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC (“A&K”) Terms and Conditions apply to group journeys including Luxury Small Group, Marco Polo, Family, Connections and Connections European River Cruise Journeys, departing between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020; Wings Over the World Journeys departing between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021; Luxury Expedition Cruises departing between March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021; and all related Extensions and bookings of the above programs for future years until updated, excluding Cuba.

For all other terms and conditions, please refer to abercrombiekent.com.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

All group journeys excluding Luxury Expedition Cruises and related extensions, Private Jet, Wings Over the World, and Inspiring Expeditions by Geoffrey Kent are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of two (2) persons unless noted on the itinerary. Guaranteed departures will operate except only in cases of force majeure, which could include any major world event adversely affecting international travel patterns or other circumstances beyond A&K’s control.

A&K PRICE ASSURANCE

A&K will honor any lower advertised price on abercrombiekent.com for the same program, travel date and accommodation classification for all small group and Signature journeys available through A&K excluding Luxury Expedition Cruises, Private Jet, Inspiring Expeditions by Geoffrey Kent, international and internal air and extra services. Travel professional or guest must contact A&K for a price adjustment prior to travel. A&K reserves the right to modify or cancel the A&K Price Assurance for future bookings without prior notice.

INCLUDED IN JOURNEYS

All accommodations, meals and fully guided sightseeing (including park and entrance fees) as noted in the itinerary; airport transfers to/from hotel/ship in the first/last published city regardless of day of arrival and departure (on Expedition Cruises, transfers may be shared and included on start and end dates only); services of A&K Resident Tour Director or appropriate guide on Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions; coffee/ tea/soft drinks/water at included meals; local wine and beer at all designated welcome and farewell dinners and with all lunches and dinners on Connections European River Cruise Journeys; local bottled water during sightseeing; porterage of up to two (2) pieces of baggage; complimentary Internet access (where available on cruises and at land accommodations; service levels are not guaranteed); hotel taxes; and gratuities throughout, except to the Resident Tour Director/Extension guide/East Africa safari driver-guides.

Luxury Small Group, Marco Polo, Family and Wings Over the World Journeys Additional Inclusions excluding Climb Kilimanjaro:
A&K’s Travelling Bell Boy Service is provided; however, because of security regulations, this service may be limited at airports, rail stations and points of embarkation for cruises. A&K’s Traveller’s Valet includes laundry service for eight (8) pieces per person once during journey (excludes Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions). Dry cleaning is not included. A&K’s Breakfast in Bed service is included on select days up to two times per journey (limitations may apply for safari journeys).

Luxury Expedition Cruises Additional Inclusions:
Complimentary select bar drinks, beer, house wine, soft drinks, coffee drinks, juices and bottled water (excluding premium wines, spirits and Champagnes) while on board; complimentary local beer and wine for included meals onshore; complimentary room service on board; all shore excursions and lecture program while on board; A&K’s Traveller’s Valet laundry service for eight (8) pieces per person once during cruise only excluding dry cleaning; services of an A&K Expedition Staff and local guides; gratuities for the ship’s crew and A&K Expedition Staff and Pre- and Post-Tour guides; a post-cruise voyage logbook and a complimentary expedition parka and backpack and use of waterproof boots, pants and trekking poles provided on board for all Polar cruises.

Africa Journeys Additional Inclusions:
Safari duffel bag on journeys in East and Southern Africa. Medical evacuation service, when available, including air transportation to medical care facilities, is included within Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. For Climb Kilimanjaro program participants, medical evacuation is included from the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro to Nairobi. Hospitalization and medical expenses are at an additional cost.

NOT INCLUDED IN JOURNEYS

A&K’s Guest Protection Program; international and internal airfares, unless otherwise noted; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; reciprocity and other border fees; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted; excess baggage charges; gratuities to the Resident Tour Director/Extension guide/East Africa safari driver-guides; meals other than those specified in the itinerary; room service (except on board Luxury Expedition Cruises); beverages other than those noted in inclusions above; sightseeing not included in the published itinerary; and personal expenses such as laundry (except for A&K’s Traveller’s Valet as noted), communication charges, Internet access for all trains; and optional activities (which are subject to availability).

HOTEL CHECK-IN

Most hotels allow check-in to take place during the midafternoon. Should you wish to have a guaranteed room ready for your immediate check-in upon arrival, it can be arranged for an additional charge. Please ask A&K for details and prices.

ROOM UPGRADES/SPECIAL REQUESTS

Upgrades are available on request at individual hotels. 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. Due to the nature of Luxury Expedition Cruises, itineraries are for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, wildlife, ice, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond A&K’s control at the sole discretion of the Captain on board.

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% non-refundable 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 to 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. Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions are only available to guests booked on related group journeys. Modification of program content to accommodate a smaller group size will not affect the published program price.

CHILD POLICY

The minimum age is 10 years old unless noted on the itinerary. Minimum age is seven years old for Luxury Expedition Cruise Journeys, 12 years old for Connections European River Cruise Journeys and varies for Family Journeys. All children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A&K reserves the right to marginally exceed the published maximum group size on Family Journeys to accommodate a family.

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. Due to ship restrictions, women who will be six (6) months or more pregnant at any time during the cruise are not permitted to travel on Expedition Cruises.

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 nonrefundable 10 days after purchase. For more information, visit www.affinitytravelcert.com/abk. 

Special Requirement for Antarctica, Arctic, Iceland & Greenland and Kimberley Cruises:
Due to the remote locations, A&K requires proof of a minimum of $100,000 per person in emergency evacuation/ repatriation insurance for all Antarctica, Arctic and Kimberley cruises. This minimum amount is included in the A&K Guest Protection Program; upgrades can be purchased for higher coverage on request. If you do not purchase the A&K Guest Protection Program, we require proof of alternative coverage. Please note emergency evacuation insurance provides for covering the cost associated with emergency evacuation and repatriation up to the limits of the respective policy; however, it does not guarantee the timing, method or mode of such evacuation and repatriation, which is subject to weather, location and other conditions or variables outside of A&K’s control.

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

Any payments made to A&K constitute your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out herein and in more specific pretravel documentation, including the guest information form.

A&K accepts all major credit cards.

Deposit per Person Required at Time of Booking

Luxury Small Group, Marco Polo and Family Journeys	$1,000
Connections and Connections European River Cruise Journeys	$500
Luxury Expedition Cruises	$2,500
Wings Over the World Journeys	25% of program price

             

Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of the request in order to secure confirmation. For all Luxury Expedition Cruise, Connections European River Cruise and Select Journeys indicated below, final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. For Wings Over the Mediterranean, Wings Over Spain & Morocco and Wings Over Northern Europe final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. For all other Wings Over the World Journeys final payment is due 180 days prior to departure. An additional nonrefundable permit fee is required at time of booking for journeys including Uganda and Rwanda.

Select Journeys: Australia & New Zealand: The Lands Down Under; Brazil: The Amazon, Pantanal & Iguazu Falls; Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat; Easter Island & the Tapati Festival; Egypt & the Nile: A Holiday Journey; Family Costa Rica; Family Galápagos; Galapagos Holiday Adventure; Galápagos Wildlife Adventure; India Wildlife Safari; Legends of the East by Rail: Bangkok to Singapore & Bali; Marvels of Chile; Mongolia: Naadam Festival & the Khan Legacy; Myanmar & the Irrawaddy; Oman & the Emirates: The Sands of Time; Patagonia: The Last Wilderness; Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley; Rwanda: Land of a Thousand Hills; South Korea & Japan: Cultural Legacies of the East; Southern Africa Safari by River & Rail; Splendors of Morocco; Taj Mahal & the Treasures of India; Wellness Bhutan: Mystical Himalaya; Wellness India: Ancient Traditions & Inspiring Icons; Wellness Kenya: Cultures & Wildlife; Wellness Peru: Spirit of the Incas; Wellness Southeast Asia: Timeless Rituals of Indochina; Wild Canada: Belugas & Bears; and Wonders of the Galápagos & Machu Picchu.

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 FEES PER PERSON

Luxury Small Group Journeys, Marco Polo Journeys, Family Journeys, Connections Land Journeys, and related Extensions (except Select Journeys as listed above)

91 days prior to departure or more	$500
90-61 days prior to departure	20% of program price
60-31 days prior to departure	50% of program price
30 days prior to departure or less	100% of the program price

Connections European River Cruise Journeys, Select Journeys listed above and related Extensions

121 days prior to departure or more	$500
120-91 days prior to departure	20% of program price
90-61 days prior to departure	50% of program price
60 days prior to departure or less	100% of the program price

Luxury Expedition Cruises and related Extensions

181 days prior to departure or more	$500
180-121 days prior to departure	$1,500
120-91 days prior to departure	20% of program price
90-61 days prior to departure	50% of program price
60 days prior to departure or less	100% of the program price

Wings Over the World Journeys (journeys that include European destinations)

181 days prior to departure or more	10 % of program price
180-121 days prior to departure	25% of program price
120-91 days prior to departure	50% of program price
90 days prior to departure or less	100% of program price

Wings Over the World Journeys (journeys that do not include European destinations)

211 days prior to departure or more	10 % of program price
210-181 days prior to departure	25% of program price
180-121 days prior to departure	50% of program price
120 days prior to departure or less	100% of program price

 

Partial Room Cancellation:
If a guest cancels or leaves a journey and a roommate remains, an additional supplement may apply to the price for the remaining guest.

CANCELLATION CHARGES FOR INTERNAL AIR

All internal air is 100% non-refundable at time of final payment (some exceptions may apply).

CANCELLATION CHARGES FOR EXTRA SERVICES

Additional hotel nights and other extra services booked in connection with A&K journeys 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 to their Resident Tour Director 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 US 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