Booking Terms and Conditions

Important Notice:

This English version of the General Terms and Conditions of Travel is provided for convenience only. In case of any discrepancies, inconsistencies or deviations between the English and the German version, the German version shall prevail and be legally binding.

Dear EXPLORA JOURNEYS Guest,

Before concluding a travel contract with us, which qualifies as a package travel contract under European law, we are required to inform you both about the details of this package travel that are essential for you and about your rights under EU Directive 2015/2302.

The essential information regarding the course and content of your package travel can be found in the general and specific service descriptions of the trips offered by us and in these General Terms and Conditions of Travel. Information on your rights under EU Directive 2015/2302 is provided in the prescribed standard form on our website and in the option confirmation.

The following provisions, insofar as effectively agreed, shall form part of the package travel contract concluded between you and EXPLORA S.A. as the responsible tour operator – hereinafter referred to as “EXPLORA JOURNEYS”. They supplement the statutory provisions of §§ 651a to 651y of the German Civil Code (BGB) and Articles 250 and 252 of the Introductory Act to the German Civil Code (EGBGB).

In addition, the general conditions of carriage of the carrier/shipping company for passengers and their luggage at sea (conditions of carriage), the Guest Conduct Policy, and, with regard to air transport services, the conditions of carriage of the respective operating airline for scheduled flights with international airlines shall apply. These conditions are available at travel agencies and on our website.

You are therefore requested to read these terms carefully prior to booking, as they govern the contractual relationship between you and EXPLORA JOURNEYS.

The headings used in these terms are intended solely to facilitate orientation and shall not be binding for the content or interpretation of the clauses.

For the protection against all travel risks, we strongly recommend that each traveller take out travel cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance and travel health insurance including coverage for repatriation.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Booking and Conclusion of the Package Travel Contract / Deposit

By submitting a booking, you make a binding offer to EXPLORA JOURNEYS to conclude a package travel contract and, at the same time, confirm that you have taken note of the above-mentioned pre-contractual information. The booking may be made in writing, by telephone or electronically. It may be made directly with us or through an authorised travel agency. The person making the booking shall act on behalf of all travellers listed in the booking.

The basis of your booking is the travel offer published on our website. You will promptly receive an option confirmation for this travel.

Upon receipt of the option confirmation, a deposit of 25% of the travel price per person shall become due in accordance with § 651r BGB in conjunction with Article 252 EGBGB within the deadlines specified:

• within 7 days if the booking is made up to 121 days prior to departure,
• within 3 days if the booking is made between 120 and 31 days prior to departure,
• within 1 day if the booking is made less than 30 days prior to departure.

At the same time, the full premium for any travel insurance arranged via EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall become due.

As soon as your deposit has been received within the period specified in the option confirmation by us or the authorised travel agency, a package travel contract shall be concluded between you and all travellers listed in your booking and EXPLORA JOURNEYS. EXPLORA JOURNEYS will document the contract as soon as possible by sending a written travel confirmation containing the entire contractual content.

The binding nature of the package travel contract shall not depend on whether you make use of options to store or print the travel confirmation or whether you receive the travel confirmation in paper form (by post).

If the deposit is not paid, your option booking will be automatically cancelled in the system.

If the content of the final travel confirmation deviates from the content of the option confirmation, this shall constitute a new offer by EXPLORA JOURNEYS to conclude the contract. You shall have the right to accept this offer within 7 days. EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall be bound by this offer during this period. If you declare acceptance of the amended offer in writing within these 7 days, the package travel contract shall be concluded on the basis of this offer.

In accordance with statutory provisions for package travel contracts concluded by means of distance communication (e.g. via letters, telephone calls, e-mails, telemedia or online services), there is no right of withdrawal, but only the statutory rights of cancellation and termination.

2. Final Payment / Insolvency Protection Certificate

The final payment shall become due 30 days prior to departure without further request. You are expressly advised to observe the payment date specified in the travel confirmation, as late receipt of payment may result in the cancellation of your travel.

If the agreed travel price has not been paid in full by the due date, EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall be entitled to terminate the package travel contract and to claim compensation in the amount of the applicable cancellation fees, provided that no travel defect already exists at that time which would entitle you to withdraw. EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall also be entitled to claim damages for non-performance in accordance with §§ 280 (1), (3) and 281 BGB.

If you choose the payment method “bank transfer”, EXPLORA JOURNEYS expects the funds to be credited by the agreed due date.

If you book your travel 30 days or less prior to departure, the full payment must be made immediately upon receipt of the option confirmation together with the insolvency protection certificate.

Together with the option confirmation/invoice, you will receive an insolvency protection certificate securing your payments in the event of insolvency of EXPLORA JOURNEYS. For the protection of customer funds, EXPLORA JOURNEYS has taken out insolvency insurance with REVO INSURANCE S.p.A. The certificate grants you a direct claim against the insurer in the event of insolvency or inability to pay on the part of EXPLORA JOURNEYS.

3. Services Included in the Travel Price

The scope of the contractual services is determined by the description of the package travel, for example in the offer brochure, as an attachment to our offer in PDF form, on our website, or in all other media in which we usually present our offers in full, as well as by the information referring thereto in your travel confirmation. The same shall apply to the travel price to be paid by you.

The services included in the travel price are specified in the programme provided to you. The costs for all additional ancillary services – unless otherwise stated – shall be borne by you and shall be charged separately.

As a general rule, the following services are included in the travel price (unless otherwise specified): accommodation in the booked suite category, meals on board, alcoholic beverages, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, mineral water, gratuities, port charges, Wi-Fi internet access, entertainment programme (if offered) and, where applicable, complimentary transfer from the port to the city centre.

Depending on the suite category or special fare booked, additional services may be included; these are expressly specified in the service description of the respective travel.

The travel price does not include any medical treatment costs that may become necessary (we therefore expressly recommend taking out adequate travel health insurance), nor does it include services or products of independent providers (e.g. spa area and boutiques) or destination experiences (shore excursions). Exclusive food and beverage offerings may be booked separately at an additional charge.

4. Price Changes

EXPLORA JOURNEYS reserves the right to increase the price of a package travel by up to 8% if, after conclusion of the contract, one of the following events occurs and the price increase results directly therefrom:

• an increase in the cost of passenger transportation due to higher fuel or other energy costs;
• an increase in taxes or other charges for agreed travel services, such as tourist taxes, port or airport fees; or
• a change in exchange rates applicable to the package travel.

If the transport costs increase after conclusion of the contract due to increased fuel or energy costs and such increase is calculated per seat or suite, EXPLORA JOURNEYS may increase the travel price by up to 8% and demand payment of the increase from the guest.

Otherwise, the additional transport costs charged by the carrier for each means of transport shall be divided by the number of seats or suites of the agreed means of transport. The resulting increase per individual place may be charged to the guest.

If taxes or other charges for agreed travel services, such as tourist taxes, port or airport fees, increase after conclusion of the contract vis-à-vis the tour operator, the travel price may be increased by up to 8% in proportion to the increase in costs per traveller incurred by EXPLORA JOURNEYS.

In the event of a change in exchange rates applicable to the package travel after conclusion of the contract, the travel price may be increased by up to 8% in proportion to the resulting increase in costs for EXPLORA JOURNEYS per traveller.

Any increases pursuant to this clause shall be passed on to you and a new invoice shall be issued accordingly.

If the price of the package travel (excluding amendment fees and/or additional services not included in the package travel) increases by more than 8%, you shall have the right, at your discretion, to:

• accept the price increase and pay the requested amount;
• accept an offer to change to another package travel, if EXPLORA JOURNEYS is able to offer such alternative (if the alternative is of at least equivalent quality, no additional payment shall be required; if it is of lower quality, the price difference shall be refunded); or
• withdraw from the contract and receive a full refund of all payments made, excluding any amendment fees and/or additional services not included in the package travel.

If you choose to withdraw from the contract for this reason, you must exercise this right within 14 days of receipt of the notification of the price increase. If no declaration is received within this period, the price increase shall be deemed accepted.

If the price of your package travel is reduced after conclusion of the contract as a result of one of the events listed above but before the start of the package travel, the excess amount shall be refunded to you, less any administrative costs incurred by EXPLORA JOURNEYS. It should be noted that travel services are not always purchased in the local currency and that certain apparent changes may not affect the travel price due to contractual or other hedging arrangements.

No changes to the price of your confirmed travel shall be made within a period of 20 days prior to departure, and no refunds shall be granted during this period.

5. Changes to the Travel Programme

a) Before conclusion of the contract

The travel descriptions are binding for EXPLORA JOURNEYS insofar as they form the basis of the package travel contract. However, EXPLORA JOURNEYS reserves the right to make changes to the travel description for objectively justified reasons prior to conclusion of the contract, of which you will, of course, be informed before booking.

In particular, in the case of cruises, changes to the itinerary may occur at any time, for example due to official orders, specific circumstances relating to local shipping traffic, medical emergencies, or where, in the interest of the safety of the travellers or due to weather conditions, a different route must be taken, although EXPLORA JOURNEYS selects its cruise routes and schedules based on long-term statistical climate data in order to ensure that weather conditions are as favourable as possible.

The decision regarding any necessary change to the travel route and/or schedule shall be made solely by EXPLORA JOURNEYS.

In the event of cancellation of a scheduled flight by the airline or failure of the airline to adhere to the flight schedule, a change of airline, aircraft or departure or return airport may become necessary. For these or comparable reasons, such changes are expressly reserved.

In accordance with EU regulations concerning the information of passengers about the identity of the operating air carrier, EXPLORA JOURNEYS is obliged to inform you at the time of booking of the identity of the operating airline and of all air transport services to be provided as part of the booked travel.

b) After conclusion of the contract

EXPLORA JOURNEYS expressly reserves the right to make deviations from and changes to individual travel services after conclusion of the contract, provided that such changes are not significant within the meaning of § 651f (2) BGB.

If EXPLORA JOURNEYS is only able to perform the booked travel after conclusion of the contract with a significant change to one of the essential characteristics of the travel services (e.g. changes to flight routing, stopovers or connecting flights, changes to travel routes or substantial changes to training programmes, changes to accommodation or to the overall itinerary), or only in deviation from a specific contractual agreement between EXPLORA JOURNEYS and you, EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall be entitled to offer you, prior to departure, a corresponding amendment to the contract or, alternatively, participation in another travel (substitute travel).

Upon receipt of such amended offer, you shall have the right, within seven days, to withdraw from the booked travel without payment of compensation, to request participation in substitute travel, or to accept the amended offer. You will be expressly informed of this deadline in the amendment offer.

If you do not notify EXPLORA JOURNEYS within this period that you wish to withdraw free of charge from the package travel contract or to request participation in substitute travel, the offered amendment shall be deemed accepted.

The modified service shall then replace the originally agreed service. Any warranty claims shall remain unaffected if the modified service is defective.

6. Withdrawal, Rebooking, Transfer of Contract and Name Change by the Traveller

a) Withdrawal

You may withdraw from the travel at any time prior to departure without stating any reasons. In your own interest and in order to avoid misunderstandings, EXPLORA JOURNEYS recommends that you declare the withdrawal in writing. The decisive factor for the time of withdrawal is the receipt of the withdrawal declaration by EXPLORA JOURNEYS.

If you withdraw from the package travel contract or do not commence the travel, EXPLORA JOURNEYS may demand reasonable compensation for the travel arrangements made and expenses incurred. In calculating such compensation, saved expenses and any alternative use of the travel services shall generally be taken into account. You remain free to prove that no or significantly lower costs have been incurred than those indicated in the following lump sums or cancellation rules.

The amount of compensation is based on the travel price. As a rule, the cancellation fees to be paid by you per registered participant are calculated per person as a percentage of the travel price as follows:

Individually booked additional services (e.g. pre- and post-accommodation, deviating transfers, flight changes) are non-refundable.

EXPLORA JOURNEYS reserves the right to claim higher, specifically calculated compensation instead of the above lump sums if EXPLORA JOURNEYS can prove that substantially higher expenses have been incurred than the applicable lump sum. In such a case, EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall be obliged to quantify and substantiate the compensation claimed.

By way of exception to the above, EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall not be entitled to compensation if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occur at the destination or in its immediate vicinity which significantly impair the performance of the package travel or the transport of passengers to the destination. Unforeseeable extraordinary circumstances that do not affect travel services of EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall not entitle you to withdraw from the package travel contract free of charge.

b) Rebooking

Rebooking shall mean any change to the travel date, travel programme, place of departure, hotel, accommodation or itinerary, or the mode of transport. EXPLORA JOURNEYS will make reasonable efforts to comply with the guest’s requests for changes in relation to flights, transportation or other components of the original travel and to adapt them to the new travel package. In no case shall the company be liable for change requests that cannot be fulfilled.

For bookings made prior to 31 December 2024, you may rebook the travel (“Original Travel”) once to another travel (“New Travel”) free of charge under the following conditions:

• the departure date of the new travel is within 180 days before or after the original departure date;
• the request for substitution of the original travel by the new travel is received no later than 120 days prior to departure (200 days for Ocean Residences at EXPLORA JOURNEYS);
• suites are available on the alternative cruise;
• the original travel package does not contain specific restrictions;
• the new travel package has the same or a longer duration than the original travel package;
• the new travel package is booked in the same or a higher suite category than the original travel package.

If the above conditions are met, the substitution shall be free of additional administrative fees. If the conditions are not met, rebooking shall not be permitted and the original travel package shall be cancelled in accordance with the cancellation provisions set out in Section 6 a).

If the price of the new travel package is higher than that of the original travel package, the difference in price as well as any insurance premium shall be borne exclusively by the guest. If the price of the new travel package is lower, the price difference shall be granted to the guest in the form of a future travel credit, valid for two years from the date of issue.

c) Transfer of Contract pursuant to § 651e BGB

Prior to the start of the travel, i.e. within a reasonable period required for organisational measures to be taken by EXPLORA JOURNEYS, you may request that a third party take your place in the rights and obligations arising from the package travel contract, provided that:

• at least one guest remains the same as at the time of the original booking;
• the third party meets all conditions for participation in the travel; and
• EXPLORA JOURNEYS receives proper written notification no later than 7 days prior to departure.

If a third party enters into the contract, both the third party and you shall be jointly and severally liable to EXPLORA JOURNEYS for the travel price and for any additional costs arising from the substitution, in particular costs for changing transport tickets and fees of service providers. Such additional costs shall only be payable if they have actually been incurred and have been proven by EXPLORA JOURNEYS.

EXPLORA JOURNEYS may object to the substitution if the third party does not meet the specific travel requirements or if legal provisions or official orders prevent participation.

d) Name Change

At the time of booking, EXPLORA JOURNEYS must be provided with your full name, including all first and last names, and the names of all registered travellers must correspond exactly to those stated in the valid passport.

After the option confirmation has been issued by EXPLORA JOURNEYS, name changes are only permitted subject to a processing fee of EUR 50 per person.

Name or date changes are not always permitted by airlines and other transport or service providers. Most airlines and other providers treat such changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly. All additional costs, including cancellation fees and/or price increases imposed by airlines or other third parties, shall be borne exclusively by you and shall be charged as part of the additional costs.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, other changes to the booking (even after the booking confirmation has been issued), such as adding an additional guest to the booking, may be requested up to 14 working days prior to departure. No administrative fees shall be charged for such changes. However, any additional costs resulting from such changes shall be borne exclusively by you.

7. Fitness to Travel and Participation Restrictions

a) The safety of all guests is of paramount importance to the company. Therefore, all guests warrant that they are fit to travel at sea (and, where applicable, fit to fly) and that their conduct or condition will not affect the safety or comfort of the ship or aircraft or of other guests, and that they can be safely transported in accordance with the applicable safety requirements of international, EU or national law.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries

 provide guidance on which vaccinations are required for individual countries. Guests are advised to consult a physician at least eight weeks prior to departure.

b) Any guest suffering from a condition that may affect their fitness to travel in light of the ship’s itinerary must inform EXPLORA JOURNEYS at the time of booking and provide a medical certificate prior to booking. In any case, EXPLORA JOURNEYS and/or the carrier shall have the right, at their sole discretion, to require guests to provide medical certificates as proof of fitness to travel.

c) EXPLORA JOURNEYS and/or the carrier do not have specialised obstetric or neonatal facilities on board. Pregnant women are requested to seek medical advice prior to travel. If pregnant guests intend to travel at a stage of pregnancy before the threshold of 23 weeks (plus 6 days), they must provide a medical certificate from an obstetrician/gynaecologist confirming an intrauterine pregnancy and their fitness to travel, taking into account the specific itinerary, as well as the expected due date confirmed by ultrasound.

EXPLORA JOURNEYS reserves the right to refuse boarding if such documentation is not provided or if EXPLORA JOURNEYS and/or the ship’s doctor consider that there is a significant risk to the guest or the unborn child during the trip.

d) EXPLORA JOURNEYS and the air carrier expressly reserve the right to refuse carriage to guests who have exceeded the pregnancy threshold of 23 weeks (plus 6 days) and who do not provide a medical certificate in accordance with clauses 7 c) and 7 d). No liability shall be accepted for such refusal.

e) In the event that a guest makes a booking without knowing, and without reasonably being able to know, that they are pregnant at the time of booking, EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall offer the guest the possibility to book an alternative travel from the company’s brochure and/or official website that complies with the above conditions and is of equivalent quality and availability, or to cancel the booking and receive a full refund of the price paid, provided that such cancellation is communicated without undue delay after the guest becomes aware of their condition. The refund shall not include insurance premiums, which are non-refundable.

f) If the carrier, the captain or the ship’s doctor considers that a guest is unfit to travel for any reason, poses a danger to themselves or others, may be refused permission to disembark at a port, or may render the carrier liable for maintenance, support or repatriation, the captain shall be entitled to refuse boarding or to disembark the guest at any port or to transfer the guest to another suite.

The ship’s doctor shall be entitled to provide first aid and administer medication, therapies or other medical treatments and/or to admit the guest to the ship’s hospital or a similar facility and/or to keep the guest there if deemed necessary by the doctor and authorised by the captain.

If the guest refuses to cooperate with such treatment, the guest may be disembarked at any port, if necessary with the involvement of local police or other competent authorities, and neither the company nor the carrier shall be liable for any losses, costs or compensation incurred by the guest.

g) If a guest is deemed unfit to travel and is denied boarding, neither EXPLORA JOURNEYS nor the carrier shall assume any liability towards the guest.

h) Infants under the age of 6 months at the start of the travel are not permitted to travel. Infants under the age of 2 years are not permitted to travel on itineraries that include three or more consecutive days at sea.

i) As a general rule, EXPLORA JOURNEYS does not permit minors to occupy a suite without the presence of an adult. “Minors” are defined as all persons under 21 years of age (for itineraries including a port in the USA) or under 18 years of age (for itineraries not including a port in the USA). The minimum age for unaccompanied travellers is 18 or 21 years, depending on whether the itinerary includes a US port.

An adult travelling with more than two minors and requiring an additional suite may occupy a suite with a connecting door.

j) Only minors aged 12 years or older may occupy a suite adjacent to that of their parents or legal guardians. Both suites must be located within the same muster station. Minors under the age of 12 must occupy a connecting suite with their parents or legal guardians.

Please note that terrace doors of adjacent or connecting suites occupied by minors may be locked. Minors under the age of 12 must be supervised at all times and may not remain alone in their suite.

k) Alcoholic beverages in any form will not be served to minors during the travel. For departures outside US territory, the minimum age is 18 years, and for departures in North America and adjacent regions (Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and Canada), the minimum age is 21 years. The applicable minimum age is determined by the destination at the start of the travel.

8. Guests with Special Needs and Reduced Mobility

a)The priority of EXPLORA JOURNEYS and the carrier is always the comfort and safety of their guests. In order to achieve this, guests are requested to provide as much detail as possible at the time of booking regarding any relevant matters so that EXPLORA JOURNEYS and the carrier can assess whether they can fulfil their obligation to transport the guest in a safe and operationally feasible manner, taking into account all issues relating to the design of the ship or the infrastructure and equipment of ports, including port terminals.

b) Guests are requested to provide full details at the time of booking if they:

• have special needs or reduced mobility;
• require a specially equipped accessible cabin;
• have special seating requirements;
• need to bring medical equipment on board; or
• intend to bring a recognised assistance dog (subject to national regulations).

c) If a guest requires personal care or supervision due to illness, disability or reduced mobility, such care must be organised by the guest at their own expense. The ship is not able to provide personal care, supervision or any form of assistance for physical or psychiatric conditions.

d) If EXPLORA JOURNEYS and/or the carrier consider it strictly necessary for safety or comfort reasons, they may require that a guest with special needs or reduced mobility be accompanied by another person capable of providing the required assistance. This requirement is based solely on the assessment of EXPLORA JOURNEYS and/or the carrier and may vary depending on the ship and itinerary.

Guests who are wheelchair users are requested to bring their own standard-sized foldable wheelchair and may be required to travel with a companion capable of providing assistance. The door width of standard suites may be limited and may restrict accessibility for larger wheelchairs.

e) If, after careful assessment, EXPLORA JOURNEYS and/or the carrier conclude that the guest cannot be transported safely and in compliance with applicable safety requirements, they may refuse to accept the booking or deny boarding.

f) EXPLORA JOURNEYS reserves the right to refuse transport to a guest who has not provided sufficient information regarding disability or need for assistance. If the guest disagrees with such decision, the guest must submit a written complaint with supporting documentation.

g) EXPLORA JOURNEYS reserves the right to refuse transport to any guest who is deemed unfit to travel or whose condition may pose a danger to themselves or others.

h) If a guest becomes aware, after booking but before departure, that they require assistance, they must inform EXPLORA JOURNEYS without delay so that an assessment can be made.

i) Guests with reduced mobility may not be able to go ashore at ports where ships do not berth alongside.

j) In some ports, it is necessary to anchor offshore and use tender boats. Tender operations may not be suitable for persons with reduced mobility or balance issues. Guests must be physically able to embark and disembark from tender boats safely. Wheelchairs and scooters cannot be transported in tenders.

The captain or crew may refuse tender transport if safety concerns exist.

9. Public Health Questionnaire

a) EXPLORA JOURNEYS, the carrier and health authorities may require completion of a public health questionnaire. Guests must provide accurate information regarding symptoms (e.g. H1N1, COVID-19). Transport may be refused if symptoms are suspected or if the guest refuses to complete the questionnaire.

b) If a guest develops a communicable disease during the travel, EXPLORA JOURNEYS and/or the carrier may take public health measures. The ship’s doctor may require isolation in accordance with WHO guidelines.

10. Food and Allergies

a) Guests are advised that certain foods may cause allergic reactions. Guests must inform EXPLORA JOURNEYS at the time of booking and notify the onboard team upon embarkation.

b) Guests are responsible for avoiding allergens. EXPLORA JOURNEYS will take reasonable care but cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination. In cases of multiple allergies, no liability shall be assumed.

11. Medical Equipment

a) It is important that guests contact the manufacturer or supplier to ensure that any medical equipment they intend to bring on board is safe to use. It is the responsibility of the guest to arrange delivery of all medical equipment to the port prior to departure and to notify EXPLORA JOURNEYS prior to booking if they need to bring medical equipment on board, so that EXPLORA JOURNEYS and the carrier can ensure that such equipment can be transported safely.

b) It is the responsibility of the guest to ensure that all medical equipment is in good working condition and that sufficient equipment and supplies are available for the entire duration of the trip. The guest shall be responsible for all costs associated with the replacement or repair of their personal equipment. The ship does not carry spare equipment, and access to shore-based supplies and equipment may be limited and costly. Guests must be able to operate all equipment themselves.

12. Responsibility of the Guest

a)You are obliged to comply with the instructions and orders of the captain and the officers on board. You acknowledge that the captain and officers have the right and authority to inspect any person on board, any suite, any luggage and any property for security or other lawful reasons.

b)You expressly agree to submit to such inspections.

c) You must have obtained all necessary medical vaccinations prior to travel and must be in possession of all tickets, valid passports, visas, health insurance cards and other documents required for the planned ports of call and disembarkation.

d) No guest may bring any animals on board, subject to the provisions of clause 8 above.

e) EXPLORA JOURNEYS and/or the carrier shall not be liable to any guest for any breach or non-compliance with the provisions of this clause by a guest. Each guest shall indemnify the carrier and the company for any loss or damage suffered by them or by any of their suppliers as a result of such breach or non-compliance.

f) The conduct of the guest must not impair the safety, peace and enjoyment of the travel of other guests and must not violate the conditions of carriage.

g) Guests are strictly prohibited from bringing firearms, ammunition, explosives or flammable, toxic or dangerous substances, goods or objects on board the ship which may pose a risk to the safety of guests and the ship.

h) The guest shall be liable for all damages caused to EXPLORA JOURNEYS and/or the carrier and/or any service provider forming part of the travel due to failure to comply with contractual obligations. In particular, the guest shall be liable for any damage caused to the ship or its furnishings and equipment, for injury or loss suffered by other guests or third parties, and for all penalties, fines and costs attributable to the guest which may be imposed on the company, the carrier or service providers.

i) Guests are not permitted to sell and/or purchase any kind of commercial services on board the ship, including but not limited to travel experiences, unless such services are officially offered by EXPLORA JOURNEYS or its authorised independent contractors.

j) Guests must not bring illegal drugs or other controlled substances on board the ship, including medical marijuana. Such substances will be confiscated, and EXPLORA JOURNEYS reserves the right to report violations to the competent authorities at its discretion. Any attempt to bring illegal drugs or controlled substances on board may result in denial of boarding or reboarding.

13. Smoking Policy on Board

a) EXPLORA JOURNEYS respects the needs and wishes of all guests and has carefully considered the interests of both smokers and non-smokers. In accordance with international standards, smoking is permitted in designated areas of the ship equipped with special ventilation systems. Smoking is also permitted in designated areas of at least one bar on each ship and on one side of the main outdoor pool decks, clearly marked and equipped with ashtrays.

b) Smoking is strictly prohibited in all areas where food is served, including restaurants, medical centres, childcare areas, corridors, elevator lobbies, assembly areas for safety drills, disembarkation or excursions, public restrooms, and bars located near food service areas.

c) EXPLORA JOURNEYS and the carrier prohibit smoking in suites due to fire hazards. Smoking on suite terraces is also not permitted. EXPLORA JOURNEYS and the carrier reserve the right to charge a fee if guests are found smoking in non-designated areas. Repeated violations may result in disembarkation.

d) Throwing cigarette butts overboard is prohibited.

14. Withdrawal and Termination by EXPLORA JOURNEYS

a) EXPLORA JOURNEYS reserves the right to cancel any travel at any time by written notice to the guest, without liability for additional compensation, if:

• the cancellation is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of EXPLORA JOURNEYS, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken; or
• the number of participants is less than 50% of the ship’s capacity.

In such cases, EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall offer the guest the choice between:

• accepting a substitute travel of equal or higher quality;
• booking another available travel at the applicable price (price differences apply); or
• cancellation with a full refund.

b) The guest must communicate their decision in writing or via their travel agency.

c) Without prejudice to the above, EXPLORA JOURNEYS reserves the right to cancel bookings made by or on behalf of former guests who, during a previous travel:

• behaved in a manner that endangered their own safety or that of others;
• damaged or endangered property of EXPLORA JOURNEYS;
• failed to settle outstanding debts; or
• violated the Guest Conduct Policy, the captain’s instructions or the conditions of carriage.

d) EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall be entitled to terminate the contract without notice if the guest persistently disrupts the travel despite warning or behaves in such a manner that immediate termination is justified.

e) EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall also be entitled to terminate the contract without notice if the guest brings or attempts to bring weapons, ammunition, explosives or flammable materials on board. Immediate termination is also justified in cases of drug possession or consumption. Such substances will be confiscated and may be reported to authorities.

Termination is also justified if the booking was made using false personal data, false address information or false identification documents, if the guest is listed on a sexual offender register or appears on EU or OFAC sanctions lists, or if the guest commits criminal offences during the travel.

The guest shall be informed of the termination in writing.

f) In the event of justified termination, EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall retain the right to the travel price, taking into account the value of saved expenses and any benefits derived from alternative use of the unused services.

15. Warranty

a) Notification of defects / Remedy

Any guest who has a complaint during the travel must notify the staff on board as soon as possible. If you culpably fail to notify a defect, you shall no longer be entitled to assert your rights to price reduction and compensation.

You must grant EXPLORA JOURNEYS a reasonable period of time to remedy the defect, unless immediate remedy is impossible or is refused by EXPLORA JOURNEYS. EXPLORA JOURNEYS may provide remedy by supplying a substitute service of equal or higher value.

You may also address your request for remedy directly to EXPLORA JOURNEYS:

EXPLORA S.A.

Telephone: 00800 08250863

E-mail: contact@explorajourneys.com

Tour guides, travel agencies and service providers are not authorised and are not empowered by EXPLORA JOURNEYS to confirm defects or acknowledge claims.

b) Reduction of the travel price, § 651m BGB

You may demand a reduction of the travel price corresponding to the defective performance (price reduction) if, despite your request for remedy, travel services or substitute services are not provided in accordance with the contract.

c) Termination of the package travel contract, § 651l BGB

If EXPLORA JOURNEYS does not provide remedy within a reasonable period or declares that remedy is not possible, and if the travel is significantly impaired as a result of the defective performance, you may terminate the package travel contract. If the contract is terminated, you retain the right to return transport if the contract included such transport. EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall bear the additional costs of return transport.

d) Compensation, § 651n BGB

If EXPLORA JOURNEYS culpably breaches obligations arising from the package travel contract, it shall be liable to compensate you for the resulting damage. If the travel is frustrated or significantly impaired, you may, after unsuccessful request for remedy, also claim reasonable monetary compensation for wasted holiday time.

16. Limitation Period

Your claims arising from defective performance of the travel shall become time-barred after two years. The limitation period begins on the day on which the travel was contractually scheduled to end (§ 651j BGB).

Claims arising from tort shall become time-barred after three years.

17. Liability of EXPLORA JOURNEYS

EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall be liable within the scope of the duty of care of a prudent merchant for:

• the careful preparation of the travel,
• the careful selection and monitoring of service providers,
• the accuracy of the service description, although not for information contained in brochures or materials not issued by EXPLORA JOURNEYS, and
• the proper provision of the contractually agreed travel services.

18. Limitation of Liability of EXPLORA JOURNEYS

a) Contractual liability

The contractual liability of EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall be limited to three times the travel price for damages that are not personal injury, provided that the damage was not caused intentionally or by gross negligence. This limitation shall also apply where EXPLORA JOURNEYS is liable solely due to the fault of a service provider.

b) Statutory liability

Any claim for damages against EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall be limited or excluded to the extent that, under statutory provisions applicable to services to be provided by a service provider, that provider’s liability is likewise limited or excluded.

Where EXPLORA JOURNEYS is the contractual air carrier, liability shall be governed by the provisions of the German Air Traffic Act in conjunction with the Warsaw Convention, the Hague Protocol, the Guadalajara Convention and the Montreal Convention. These conventions generally limit liability for death or personal injury as well as for loss of or damage to baggage.

c) Third-party services

EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall not be liable for service disruptions in connection with services that are merely arranged as third-party services (e.g. sporting events, festivals, external training courses or excursions) and which are expressly identified as such in the travel description.

d) Subject to the above, EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall be responsible for death, injury or illness caused by negligent acts or omissions of EXPLORA JOURNEYS or its service providers. Liability is limited in accordance with applicable conventions.

EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall not be responsible for services that are improperly performed or not performed if such failure is attributable to:

• the guest;
• an unforeseeable or unavoidable act or omission of a third party not involved in the provision of the services;
• unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances; or
• events which could not have been foreseen or prevented despite due care.

e) All transport services are subject to the conditions of carriage of the respective carrier, which may limit or exclude liability.

f) Air transport is subject to international conventions such as the Warsaw Convention and the Montreal Convention, which are incorporated into these terms. These conventions establish liability limits for death, personal injury, baggage loss and delays.

g) Where EXPLORA JOURNEYS is liable for transport services, it shall be entitled to all defences, limitations and immunities available to the carrier under applicable laws and conventions.

h) Sea transport is subject to EU Regulation 392/2009 and, where applicable, the Athens Convention.

i) Compensation limits for death, injury and baggage loss are determined in accordance with the above conventions and shall not be exceeded.

j) Liability for death or personal injury shall not exceed the limits specified in the Athens Convention or EU Regulation 392/2009.

k) Liability for loss or damage to baggage shall be limited to the amounts specified in the Athens Convention or EU Regulation 392/2009.

l) Applicable deductibles shall apply per guest.

m) Special Drawing Rights (SDR) exchange rates may fluctuate and can be obtained from financial institutions or online.

n) Baggage shall be deemed delivered unless damage is reported within the specified time limits.

o) Where the Athens Convention or EU Regulation does not apply, the provisions of the Athens Convention 1974 shall apply accordingly.

p) EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall not be liable for loss of valuables unless deposited in the ship’s safe and declared accordingly.

q) Employees and agents shall benefit from all liability limitations.

r) No liability shall arise where damage is not caused by negligence.

s) EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall not be liable for indirect or consequential damages, including loss of profit or use.

t) No liability shall arise for damages caused by force majeure events such as war, terrorism, strikes, epidemics, natural disasters or adverse weather conditions.

u) Where liability exists outside the scope of conventions, it shall not exceed EUR 500,000 and shall not cover money or valuables.

v) Liability shall not exceed that of the carrier and shall be reduced in proportion to contributory negligence of the guest.

19. Liability of Employees and Destination Agents

Employees and agents shall not assume liability beyond these terms.

Destination experiences (excursions) are provided by independent contractors. EXPLORA JOURNEYS acts only as an intermediary and is not liable for their performance.

20. Passport, Visa, Entry and Health Requirements

Guests are responsible for compliance with all passport, visa, customs and health requirements. All guests must carry a valid passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond the end of the travel.

21. Duty to Cooperate

Guests are obliged to cooperate in resolving disruptions and to minimise damages where possible.

22. Data Protection

Personal data shall be processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

23. Jurisdiction and Governing Law

The place of jurisdiction for actions brought against EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall be Munich.

The contractual relationship between the guest and EXPLORA JOURNEYS shall be governed exclusively by German law.

24. Severability Clause

Should individual provisions of the package travel contract be or become invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected.

Tour Operator of the Package Travel Offered

EXPLORA S.A.

Avenue Eugène-Pittard 16

1206 Geneva

Switzerland

Telephone: 00800 08250863

E-mail: contact@explorajourneys.com

Managing Director: Anna Nash

Tax No.: CHE-315.766.578

Last updated: 31/03/2026