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Seabourn Cruise Contract

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO GUESTS: PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING CRUISE CONTRACT TERMS THAT GOVERN ALL DEALINGS BETWEEN YOU AND THE CARRIER (DEFINED BELOW), AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, AND ARE BINDING ON YOU TO THE FULL EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW; PARTICULARLY SECTION 5 GOVERNING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SAILING, SECTION 15 GOVERNING THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL AND OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES, SECTIONS 16 AND 17 LIMITING LIABILITY OF THE CARRIER, THE VESSEL, AND OTHERS FOR YOUR DEATH, ILLNESS, INJURY, OR DAMAGE CLAIMS RELATING TO BAGGAGE OR PERSONAL PROPERTY, AND SECTION 18 LIMITING YOUR RIGHT TO SUE, IDENTIFYING THE FORUM FOR SUIT, REQUIRING ARBITRATION AND WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL FOR CERTAIN CLAIMS, AND WAIVING YOUR RIGHT TO ARREST OR ATTACH CARRIER’S VESSELS. IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING ON AN EXPEDITION CRUISE, PLEASE CAREFULLY REVIEW SECTION 6 FOR CERTAIN RISKS AND REQUIREMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH CRUISES.

THIS CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH CARRIER BOOKS AIR TRANSPORTATION IF YOU ARE PARTICIPATING IN CARRIER’S AIR PACKAGE.  IF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS DO NOT MEET WITH YOUR APPROVAL, YOU HAVE THE OPTION OF ARRANGING AIR TRANSPORTATION INDEPENDENTLY IN WHICH EVENT, THE AIR OR ADD-ON OR CRUISE ONLY CREDIT AMOUNT PAID TO PROVIDER WILL BE REFUNDED.

1. INTRODUCTION; DEFINITIONS; GOVERNING LAW.

Upon booking the Cruise, Land Trip(s) and/or Air Package, each Guest named on the booking confirmation/statement explicitly agrees to the terms of this Cruise Contract. Any Guest booking or purchasing the Cruise, Land Trip(s) and/or Air Package represents that they are authorized by all accompanying Guests to accept and agree to all the terms and conditions set forth herein.

You acknowledge and agree that, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the resolution of any and all disputes between Carrier and any Guest shall be governed exclusively and in every respect by the general maritime law of the United States without regard to its choice of law principles, except (1) in cases involving death arising outside the United States, which shall be governed exclusively by the Death on the High Seas Act, 46 U.S.C. § 30301, et seq. and (2) You, the Carrier, and any third party beneficiaries of this Cruise Contract shall be severally liable and not jointly for any breaches of this Cruise Contract and for any acts or omissions that occur during the “Cruise” (as defined below).  To the extent such maritime law is not applicable, the laws of the State of Washington (U.S.A.) shall govern the contract, as well as any other claims or disputes arising out of that relationship.  You agree this choice of law provision replaces, supersedes and preempts any provision of law of any state or nation to the contrary.

This Cruise Contract constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between You and Holland America Line N.V., the operator of the Seabourn brand vessels, as applicable to Your Cruise, Land Trip or Air Package ("Carrier"), and supersedes any other prior oral, implied, written or other representations or agreements between You and Carrier except that in the event of a direct conflict between a provision of this Cruise Contract and a provision of the Cruise Industry Passenger Bill of Rights (PBOR) in effect at the time of booking, the PBOR controls. This Cruise Contract governs the relationship between You and Carrier, whether the Cruise is purchased by You or on Your behalf and can only be modified by a subsequent writing signed by Carrier. You may not sell, assign or transfer Your booking or this Cruise Contract. Any portion or provision of this Cruise Contract that is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability and, except as noted in Section 18(B)(ii) below, shall be severed from this Contract without affecting in any way the remaining provisions of the Cruise Contract which shall remain in full force and effect.

You and Carrier agree and intend that certain third-party beneficiaries derive rights and exemptions from liability as a result of this Cruise Contract. Specifically, all of Carrier’s rights, exemptions from liability, defenses and immunities under this Cruise Contract (including, but not limited to, those described in Sections 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17 and 18) will also inure to the benefit of the following persons and entities who shall be considered “Carrier” only for purposes of such rights, exemptions from liability, defenses and immunities: Carrier’s employees, agents, Alaska Railroad Corporation, the vessel named on the booking confirmation/statement (or any substituted vessel), the vessel’s tenders, the vessel's owners, operators, managers, charterers, and agents, any affiliated or related companies thereof and their officers, crew members, pilots, agents or employees, and all concessionaires, independent contractors, physicians and medical personnel, retail shop personnel, health and beauty staff, fitness staff, shore excursion providers, tour operators, shipbuilders and manufacturers of all component parts, launches, appurtenances, craft or facilities, whether provided at sea or on shore, belonging to any such vessel or owned or operated by its owners, operators, managers, agents, charterers, contractors or concessionaires.

“You,” “Your,” “Yourself,” and “Guest” mean the person(s) booking or purchasing the Cruise (including, where applicable, the Land Trip and/or Air Package) or named on the booking confirmation/statement and persons in their care, including any minor, and their heirs, relatives, successors in interest, traveling companions and personal representatives.

“Cruise” means the scheduled cruise voyage as published in the booking confirmation/statement issued in connection with this Cruise Contract, as may be amended pursuant to this Cruise Contract, from the port of embarkation to the port of disembarkation, and also includes any air, rail, road or sea transport and any land accommodation components of any land-sea package sold, taken with or included in the price of the Cruise, and any activities, shore excursions, tours, or shoreside facilities related to or offered during the Cruise.

“Expedition Cruise” means Cruises for which the itinerary includes, but is not necessarily limited to, tours of the Antarctic, the Arctic, or the Amazon River in South America and could include other remote destinations and expedition activities as defined by the Carrier.

“Air Package” refers to air transportation or air component within the cruise itinerary booked for You by the Carrier to enable You to travel to and from Your Cruise including any alterations of a published itinerary.

“Land Trip” refers to a pre- or post-Cruise package or transfer You have purchased (excluding any Air Package), or to a shore excursion You purchase during Your Cruise, on which You are traveling on one or more motorcoaches, watercraft., dayboats and/or railcars owned or operated by the Carrier or third-party owned hotel bookings.  

"Cruise Fare" means the amount payable by You to Carrier for the Cruise or Land Trip, scheduled meals and accommodations while on board, air programs and/or other travel components added to Your Cruise Fare, and charged to Your suite’s account and/or credit card. The Cruise Fare does not include travel protection purchased through the booking process or charges for other incidental items, activities, excursions, transportation, or personal services during or in connection with the Cruise; or airline or other carriers' services or baggage fees, for which a separate charge may be imposed. Your Cruise Fare can also include packaged fares where items are not added as a separate purchase.

“Required Cruise Fees and Expenses” means all mandatory and third-party fees and expenses for services on board and in port associated with the Cruise Fare. 

“Government Taxes and Fees” includes government-imposed taxes and fees for the performance of the cruise and related purchases, such as port head taxes, VAT, air, and hotel taxes and similar fees and taxes assessed on the transaction.

“Cruise Charges” means the Cruise Fare and Required Cruise Fees and Expenses, combined.

“Total Cruise Price” means the Cruise Fare, Required Cruise Fees and Expenses, and Government Taxes and Fees, combined.

2. GUEST’S OBLIGATIONS.

  • (A) Before You board the vessel or embark on Your Land Trip(s) and/or Air Package travel, You must
    • (i) Pay Your Total Cruise Price.

    • (ii) Familiarize yourself with the terms of the Cruise Contract.

    • (iii) Bring all necessary travel documents such as passports, visas, proof of citizenship, re-entry permits, minor's permissions, medical certificates showing all necessary vaccinations, and all other documents necessary for ports of call in the countries to which You will travel.

      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 their travel advisor or the appropriate government authority to determine the necessary documents. You will be refused boarding or disembarked without recourse or 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 Carrier which result from improper documentation or noncompliance with applicable regulations, which amount may be charged to Your suite’s account and/or credit card.

      PASSPORT REQUIREMENT WHEN MINORS TRAVEL WITH ONE ADULT ON VOYAGES GOVERNED BY U.S. WESTERN HEMISPHERE TRAVEL INITIATIVE ("WHTI") (includes travel within BERMUDA, CANADA, CARIBBEAN, MEXICO, UNITED STATES)

      When minors are traveling with only one adult 21 years of age or older, Carrier requires that all guests must be in possession of a valid passport. Carrier has implemented this requirement so that Your party remains together should an emergency arise that requires one or more in Your party to be disembarked in a non-U.S. port. Carrier cannot guarantee that all members of Your party will be allowed to disembark with only a WHTI-compliant document or birth certificate.

    • (iv) Arrive at least two hours before the scheduled or amended sailing time and have with You all required documentation. Attach a completed Carrier luggage tag to each piece of baggage.

    • (v) Be sure that You and any person in Your care are fit to take the Cruise. (See Sections 6, 7 and 10, below).
    •  
    • (vi) Comply with all pre-embarkation, onboard and shore excursion rules and policies including, but not limited to, all environmental and public health policies and procedures, and Guest shall familiarize themselves with the nature and character of the ship, onboard waste/recycling receptacle stations, and Guest agrees to comply with all such policies and procedures, as well as environmental laws and regulations.
    •  
  • (B) Upon boarding the vessel, You must register a valid credit card or other acceptable payment method at the Seabourn Square to cover any charges to Your suite’s account.

  • (C) Prior to disembarking the vessel, You must pay in full all amounts charged to Your suite’s account.

Carrier shall not be liable for refund, payment, compensation or credit of any kind, nor damages resulting from Your failure to comply with any of the requirements set forth above.

3. NOTICE CONCERNING SAFETY AND SECURITY.

Carrier visits many ports in numerous countries around the world. At any given moment there are likely to be "trouble spots" in the world in terms of war, terrorism, crime, Acts of God, civil commotions, labor trouble, and/or other potential sources of harm. Local conditions and infrastructure may also create hazards to Guests while off the vessel. Accordingly, it may be necessary to change, cancel or terminate the scheduled cruise or any activities related to the cruise and/or Land Trip(s), including without limitation shore excursions and port visits. Although Carrier endeavors to provide reasonable protection for Your comfort and safety on board its vessels, motorcoaches, dayboats and/or railcars owned or operated by us, Carrier cannot guarantee freedom from all risks associated with war, terrorism, crime or other potential sources of harm. Carrier reminds all Guests that they must ultimately assume responsibility for their actions while ashore. The United States Department of State and other similar government agencies regularly issue advisories and warnings to travelers giving details of local conditions in specified cities and countries according to such agency's perception of risks to travelers. Carrier strongly recommends that Guests and their travel advisors obtain and consider such information when making travel decisions.  Although unlikely, the vessel may be confronted by actual or threatened war, warlike operations or hostilities. Carrier has the absolute right and sole discretion to respond to safety concerns of any kind including, but not limited to, sailing with or without lights, deviating from customary practices or rules and regulations concerning navigation, cargo or other matters in time of peace, or sailing armed or unarmed and with or without convoy.

There are risks inherent to being aboard the vessel and other means of transportation. These include, by way of example, having to evacuate the vessel or other means of transportation in case of emergency, having to move about on the vessel or other vessels during rough seas and lack of access to full medical services. For people who are ill or who have a mental or physical disability or impairment, these risks are more significant. For example: access to all parts of the vessel, other means of transportation or to facilities on shore may be difficult or impossible for some guests. In addition, medical evacuations during the Cruise whether at sea, by tender, or by deviating from the scheduled itinerary, may create an increased risk of harm and may not be feasible for a variety of reasons. We reserve the right to determine, in our sole discretion exercised in good faith, whether and when a medical evacuation of any guest from the vessel will occur.

4. RIGHT TO REFUSE BOOKING AND PASSAGE, CANCEL RESERVATION; CONFINE YOU TO SUITE OR DISEMBARK YOU.

Carrier reserves the right to refuse booking of passage on a Cruise and/or Land Trip to any person or to cancel Your existing Cruise and/or Land Trip reservation for any lawful reason and regardless of a guest’s Seabourn Club loyalty level or existing benefits. Any person(s) refused booking or passage in advance of the scheduled sailing or pre-cruise Land Trip by Carrier will be given a refund of their Total Cruise Price.  Carrier may without liability for refund, payment, compensation or credit, except as provided herein, disembark or refuse to embark You, confine You in a suite, quarantine You, restrain You, change Your accommodations or disembark You at any time if, in the sole opinion of Carrier, the Captain or any physician, You or any minor or other person in Your care during the Cruise and/or Land Trip(s), are unfit for any reason for the Cruise and/or Land Trip(s), or Your presence might be detrimental to Your health, comfort or safety or that of any other person, or in the judgment of the Captain is advisable for any reason. Carrier reserves the right to request a letter from Your physician attesting to Your fitness to travel, but by requesting such letter does not waive its right to disembark or refuse to embark You as set forth in this Section. Except as otherwise provided, if You are required to remain on board the vessel or elsewhere, due to injury, illness, or disability, or due to action of any government or authority, or for any other reason not the fault of Carrier, You must pay or reimburse Carrier for all resulting costs and expenses including for food, transportation, accommodation, medical and/or repatriation services for You and/or those accompanying You. If You become unfit to travel for any reason during the Cruise and/or Land Trip(s) and/or You disembark early, or if You are refused passage, or Your reservation is cancelled if You book a cruise after Carrier has advised You that You are no longer allowed to sail, Carrier shall not be liable for any refund, payment, compensation, or credit of any kind.

5. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS; DRINKING; TOBACCO; GAMING; ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.

The minimum Guest age to sail is 6 months at the time of embarkation in order to sail. A Guest must be at least 6 years of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail on voyages to Antarctica or on Expedition Cruises. The Captain and Expedition Leader shall make the final determination regarding whether or not Guests 6 years of age or more may participate in any excursion taking into account weather, sea conditions, and the difficulty of disembarking at each location visited. On all other cruises where there are more than 2 consecutive sea days, the minimum Guest age is 12 months at the time of embarkation in order to sail. No Guest under 21 years of age is permitted to book a cruise, and any Guest under 21 years of age must travel in a suite with a Guest 21 years or older who shall assume responsibility for their care during the cruise. For family groups booking multiple suites, the minimum age for at least one person in each suite is 16 years of age, provided they are traveling with a parent or legal guardian. We are unable to accept group reservations for student or youth groups that do not conform to our minimum age requirements. Each Guest agrees and warrants that he/she will supervise any Guest in his/her care at all times to ensure all policies, along with all other rules of the Carrier and vessel, are strictly adhered to by all Guests under their supervision.

No Guest under the age of 21 may purchase, possess or consume alcohol on board during the Cruise. No Guest under the age of 18 shall be permitted to engage in any gaming activities on board any vessel or to purchase cigarettes or tobacco products. On some sailings the minimum age for alcohol is under 21 and each Guest agrees to abide by whatever alcohol age restriction is in place on the vessel during the Guest’s cruise. Indoor areas on board the vessels are non-smoking and smoking is only permitted in designated sections. Outdoor smoking areas are clearly posted throughout the vessel. Smoking is prohibited in Guest suites and on verandas. Violations to the onboard smoking policy will result in a $250 cleaning fee for each occurrence, which will be charged to Your suite’s account. Repeated violations may result in You being disembarked prior to the end of the Cruise without any refund and at Your cost. The use of electronic cigarettes, personal vaporizers, or electronic nicotine delivery systems is allowed within the confines of the Guest's suite (veranda not included) and within designated smoking areas only.

All checked and carry-on luggage will be scanned and any prohibited items will be removed, confiscated, and discarded. If Your luggage is locked, the lock may be removed by security or, alternatively, the luggage will be held by security until You can be present for an inspection and any items in question further identified and/or surrendered. Carrier shall not be responsible for any loss, cost, disappointment or damage of any kind as a result of any luggage lock removal or other prohibited items removed and discarded.

Guests who will enter the 24th week of pregnancy by the last day of the Cruise agree not to book the Cruise or to board the vessel. Guests with questions about traveling on a vessel while pregnant should refer to the “Health And Medical” portion of the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Carrier’s website for more information about limitations to, and requirements for, cruising while pregnant.  

You further agree to abide by all age, gender or other eligibility requirements applicable to any other activities, services or facilities available during the Cruise, including but not limited to those associated with use of any spa facilities, and to ensure that You supervise the use of any such facilities by any minor in Your care. There may be age restrictions applicable to activities on the vessel and ashore, which are established for the safety and well-being of all participants. Carrier and all independent contractors, as the case may be, reserve the right to revise eligibility requirements for activities during the Cruise or ashore for safety or other lawful reasons from time to time, and with which each Guest agrees to comply.

6. EXPEDITION CRUISES: RISKS, REQUIREMENTS AND GUEST REPRESENTATIONS.

Expedition Cruises involve additional risks and dangers such as, but not limited to, possible exposure to forces of nature (such as extreme weather or climate, or the behavior or danger of animals and insects) or illnesses prevalent in certain regions.  On Expedition Cruises, You may travel to remote regions where medical evacuation or other assistance may be difficult or impossible or where there is a greater likelihood of equipment failure.  You acknowledge that Expedition Cruises may require You to exert Yourself physically or psychologically.  You acknowledge and assume the risks of traveling on an Expedition Cruise and the possibility of injury to Yourself or Your property, and the resulting consequences. You acknowledge that Expedition Cruises may not be able to offer the same services and accommodations as non-Expedition Cruises and that You may be subject to greater restrictions on what You may bring with You.

You also acknowledge that, for certain Expedition Cruises, there may be circumstances where excursions ashore may be without a formal tour operator’s either organizing or overseeing the excursions and therefore may involve an increased level of self-guided activities and decision making by You as to where to go, how to behave, and risks to take.  You acknowledge that on these excursions there may be limited assistance, if any, during Your time onshore, and even if some assistance (such as transportation) may be provided by the owners or possessors of the land upon which these excursions occur, there is a heightened risk of personal injury, getting lost, or other events than on excursions organized under a formal tour operator.  If You participate in such an excursion, You understand, acknowledge and accept such risks.

You represent that You have no physical or psychological condition which would entail an unreasonable risk to the health or safety of others participating in the Expedition Cruise or to the conduct of the Expedition Cruise and You acknowledge that, if we become aware of any such condition, we reserve the right to deny boarding or to exercise any right set forth in this Cruise Contract.  You may be required to provide us a letter from a physician indicating your fitness to travel on an Expedition Cruise (which may include specific required vaccinations).  You acknowledge that, by providing us with any medical information relevant to an Expedition Cruise, we are not providing You with medical advice regarding the advisability or safety of participating in an Expedition Cruise or any activities related to an Expedition Cruise and that we are not a medical provider.  Depending on itinerary and applicable law, You may also be required to purchase and provide proof of travel insurance for certain locations visited during Expedition Cruises.

7. PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES; UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE OF RISKS.

YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO DISCUSS THE ADVISABILITY OF TRAVEL WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN AND TO REVIEW THE WEBSITE FOR THE U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (“CDC”) FOR UPDATED INFORMATION. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTAND, AND ACCEPT THAT WHILE ABOARD THE VESSEL, IN TERMINALS AND BOARDING AREAS, OR DURING ACTIVITIES ASHORE AND/OR WHILE TRAVELING TO OR FROM THE VESSEL, YOU OR OTHER GUESTS MAY BE EXPOSED TO COMMUNICABLE ILLNESSES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COVID-19, INFLUENZA, COLDS AND/OR NOROVIRUS.  YOU FURTHER UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THAT THE RISK OF EXPOSURES TO THESE COMMUNICABLE ILLNESSES AND OTHERS ARE INHERENT IN MOST ACTIVITIES WHERE PEOPLE INTERACT OR SHARE COMMON FACILITIES, ARE BEYOND THE CARRIER’S CONTROL, AND CANNOT BE ELIMINATED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.  YOU KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY ACCEPT THESE RISKS AS PART OF THIS PASSAGE CONTRACT, INCLUDING THE RISK OF SERIOUS ILLNESS OR DEATH ARISING FROM SUCH EXPOSURES, AND/OR ALL RELATED DAMAGES, LOSS, COSTS AND EXPENSES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER.

8. CANCELLATION BY YOU, REFUND, RECOMMENDATION FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE/PROTECTION AND YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR.

You are required to pay a cancellation fee (including 3rd and 4th berths) if You cancel Your Cruise. Cancellation fees are based on the Cruise Charges paid, excluding transfers, surcharges, shore & land excursions and most pre-purchased gift(s) and/or special service(s). You are not entitled to any refund, payment, compensation or credit except as otherwise provided in this Section. Any refunds will be made directly to the method of payment You used at the time of booking or Your travel advisor and You must receive Your refund directly from these sources. You may cancel by telephone or electronic device via a Carrier-approved Computer Reservation System, provided Carrier immediately receives written confirmation of cancellation. In such case cancellation shall be deemed effective as of the close of business Pacific Standard Time on the date You communicated such cancellation.

Since a cancellation likely means a diminished opportunity to sell space on other cruises, the cancellation fees in the schedules below apply regardless of whether Your space is resold. You hereby agree that losses sustained by us in the event of Your cancellation would be very difficult or impossible to quantify, and that the fees set forth in our cancellation policy represent a fair and reasonable assessment of the Carrier’s potential loss as liquidated damages.  The amount of cancellation fee varies based on length of sailing for the Cruise and timing of cancellation for cruise, as illustrated in the schedules below.

Cruises 25 Days Or Less:

Days Prior to Departure                       Cancellation Fee   
120-91 days                                             15% of Cruise Charges    
90-46 days                                             50% of Cruise Charges    
45-31 days                                              75% of Cruise Charges    
30 days or less, or non-appearance      100% of Cruise Charges  

Cruises Of 26 Days Or More:

Days Prior to Departure                       Cancellation Fee   
150-121 days                                           15% of Cruise Charges    
120-91 days                                            50% of Cruise Charges    
90-76 days                                             75% of Cruise Charges    
75 days or less, or non-appearance      100% of Cruise Charges

Cruise Charges do not include Government Taxes and Fees, which are not subject to any cancellation fee.

In the event of a conflict between this Cruise Contract and the Carrier’s Standard Policy for Cancellations, Refunds & Final Payment, and as described on the Carrier’s website, the description of such policies on the website controls.

CANCELLATION POLICY EXCEPTION(S):

A. If You have purchased a specially priced promotion where the deposit is 100% non-refundable from the point of payment, You are not entitled to any refund, payment, compensation or credit whatsoever of Your deposit under any circumstance if You cancel Your booking.

B. If You have purchased a specially priced promotion that is 100% non-refundable from the point of payment, You are not entitled to any refund, payment, compensation or credit whatsoever of Your Cruise Charges if You cancel Your booking.

Shore Excursion Cancellation Policy: For complete details on the terms and conditions governing Shore Excursions, please review the Shore Excursions section of the Seabourn website.

Guest understands and accepts that Carrier may prohibit Guest from going ashore in any port of call and/or limit Guest to going ashore to only specific activities sponsored by or shore excursions sold by Carrier in its sole discretion for public health-related reasons. 

Name changes require the prior approval of Carrier and may not always be possible.  Name changes and departure date changes are considered reservation cancellations and are subject to cancellation fees.

Travel Insurance/Protection: Carrier strongly recommends that You obtain Your own insurance and/or travel protection against loss or damage to baggage and personal effects, trip cancellation and emergency evacuations, accidental death or injury, and illness and medical expenses sustained or incurred in connection with Your Cruise and/or Land Trip(s).

If You have purchased SeabournShield or Your own insurance and/or travel protection, You must notify Carrier or the Insurer of any cancellation as soon as possible and in accordance with all applicable requirements. Refunds or credits available under the SeabournShield program are subject to the terms of said program and must be claimed through the process described in the program documents. If You purchased Your air tickets through Carrier, all airline tickets are the property of Carrier and must be returned to and are refundable only to Carrier.

Travel Advisor: Your travel advisor is Your agent and acts for You in making the arrangements for Your Cruise, Land Trip(s), and any related travel, lodging, shore excursions, and tours. Carrier is not responsible for any representation or conduct of Your travel advisor, including but not limited to, any failure to remit Your deposit or other monies to Carrier, for which You shall at all times remain liable to Carrier, or any failure to remit a refund from Carrier to You. You acknowledge that Your travel advisor acts solely as Your agent, and not as agent for Carrier, and is deemed as Your agent. Further, receipt by Your travel advisor of this Cruise Contract or any other communications, notices or information from Carrier shall constitute receipt of such materials by You. You agree Carrier is not responsible for the financial condition or integrity of any such travel advisor. In the event that Your travel advisor fails to remit to Carrier any monies paid by You to the advisor, You remain liable for the monies due Carrier, regardless of whether Carrier demands payment. No refund, payment, compensation or credit of any kind will be provided by Carrier, should You or Your travel advisor have to cancel or cut short Your Cruise, unless You have purchased SeabournShield, meet the eligibility criteria, and make a claim through the process described in Your program documents.

9. RIGHT TO DEVIATE FROM SCHEDULED ROUTE, CHANGE PORT OF EMBARKATION/ DISEMBARKATION, SUBSTITUTE TRANSPORTATION, CANCEL CRUISE AND ACTIVITIES, REASSIGN SUITE ALLOCATION, AND CHANGE OR OMIT PORTS OF CALL; SUBSTITUTION.

Except as otherwise provided, Carrier may, for any reason, without prior notice, cancel the cruise and/or Land Trip(s); deviate from the scheduled ports of call, route and timetable; call or omit to call at any port or place or cancel or modify any activity on or off the ship; comply with all governmental laws and orders given by governmental authorities; render assistance to preserve life and property; reassign Your suite allocation before or during the cruise; or change the date or time of sailing or arrival, change the port of embarkation or disembarkation, shorten the Cruise and/or Land Trip(s), or substitute ships, aircraft or other transportation or lodging. Accordingly, You should not make any important arrangements or meetings based on the scheduled Cruise and/or Land Trip(s) which may change without liability to Carrier.  Furthermore, the Captain of the ship as well as the operator of any other means of transportation may, in his/her sole discretion, take any action deemed necessary for the safety, security, comfort, or well-being of any person or to prevent damage to or loss of the ship.

Specific suite assignments are not guaranteed. Carrier reserves the right to move Guest(s) to a comparable suite for any reason including, but not limited to, instances during which a suite is booked with fewer than the maximum number of Guests that the suite can accommodate; or when a partial Guest cancellation occurs, and the remaining number of Guests do not match the maximum number of Guests the suite can accommodate.

In the case of mechanical failures that cause the scheduled cruise to be cancelled, You are entitled to a full refund of the Total Cruise Price; or for mechanical failures that cause a cruise to be terminated early, a partial refund of the Total Cruise Price, travel expense to transport You to the scheduled port of disembarkation or Your home city at Carrier's discretion, and overnight lodging if an unscheduled stopover is required.

You shall have no claim against Carrier, and Carrier shall not be liable for damages or a refund of the Cruise Charges, any portion thereof, or other payment, compensation or credit of any kind; nor for hotel or meal charges, travel expenses or other loss, delay, inconvenience, disappointment or expense whatsoever, which shall be the Guest's responsibility, whenever the cancellation or change was otherwise beyond Carrier's exclusive control. Carrier's non liability extends without limitation to any of those causes described in Section 17(B) (including, but not limited to, orders by governmental agencies restricting travel due to declared epidemics, pandemics, public health emergencies or outbreak of communicable disease, quarantines, national or regional emergencies) and/or inclement weather; health, medical or environmental considerations; labor, political or social disturbances or unrest; or operational, commercial or safety reasons; or was based on a good faith belief by the Carrier or the vessel's Captain that the Cruise or any portion thereof might endanger the vessel or expose any person or property to loss, injury, damage or delay. Except as provided above for mechanical failures, whenever the performance of the Cruise is hindered or prevented by any cause or circumstance whatsoever, the Cruise may be terminated and You may be landed with no further liability of the Carrier for refund, payment, compensation or credit of any kind except where a refund is required by law as a result of a declaration of a public health emergency or government order cancelling the cruise in question or delaying travel for more than 24 hours.

If, and only when, the cancellation or change was for reasons other than described in the preceding paragraph, and was within the exclusive control of Carrier, You agree the liability of the Carrier, if any, shall nonetheless be limited as follows:

  • (A) If Carrier cancels the Cruise before it has started, it shall refund the Total Cruise Price (less any air or accommodation charges incurred).

  • (B) If the sailing is delayed and You are not accommodated on board the vessel, Carrier may arrange accommodations and food at no additional expense to You.

  • (C) If the scheduled port of embarkation or disembarkation for a Cruise is changed, Carrier shall arrange transportation to it from the originally scheduled port.
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  • (D) If the Cruise is terminated or ends early Carrier, at its option, may issue a cruise credit, make a proportionate refund of Your Total Cruise Price, transfer You to another vessel or transport You to the scheduled final port.
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  • (E) If You pay the Carrier an amount above the Cruise Fare for a shore excursion, Land Trip, or other activity that is cancelled, You will be limited to a refund, if any, of the amount paid for the cancelled activity.

Under no circumstances shall the Carrier be or become liable for consequential or other damages of any kind sustained by any Guest except as expressly provided herein.

10. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM CARRIER OF SPECIAL NEEDS.

Due to the risks inherent in travel by sea, as described in Section 3 of this Cruise Contract, if You have any special medical, physical or other requirements, You, Your travel advisor, or any person booking on Your behalf is requested to inform Carrier in writing at the time of booking of any special need or other condition for which You or any other person in Your care may require medical attention or accommodation during the Cruise and/or Land Trip(s) or for which the use of a wheelchair or service animal is contemplated or necessary. If any such special need or condition arises after You have booked the Cruise and/or Land Trip(s), You are requested to report it in writing to Carrier as soon as You become aware of it. Guests acknowledge and understand that certain international, foreign or local safety requirements, standards, and/or applicable regulations involving design, construction or operation of the vessel, docks, gangways, anchorages or other facilities on or off the vessel may restrict access to facilities or activities for persons with disabilities. Guests requiring the use of a wheelchair must provide their own as Carrier's wheelchairs carried on board the vessel are for emergency medical use only. You acknowledge and agree that Carrier may disembark or refuse to embark You or anyone under Your care as set forth in Section 4 above. In limited situations where You would be unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services, we reserve the right to refuse permission to participate in all or part of the Cruise.

Persons with disabilities traveling on Carrier’s vessel should refer to the “Accessible Cruising” portion of the Frequently Asked Questions page on the Carrier’s website for more information about policies, procedures, aides, and services for guests with disabilities.

Guest warrants that Guest and Guest’s traveling companions are physically and emotionally fit to travel at the time of embarkation, and further warrants that such Guests have no medical or emotional condition that would endanger any Guest or crew member or result in a deviation of the voyage. The Carrier recommends that any Guest who is not self-sufficient travel with a companion who shall take responsibility for any assistance needed during the voyage.

11. NO ANIMALS.

No pets or other animals are allowed on the vessel at any time except for certain necessary service animals of a Guest with a disability, which require written notification to the Carrier at the time of booking Your Cruise and/or Land Trip(s) and Carrier's written approval. You agree to accept responsibility, reimburse and/or indemnify Carrier for any loss, damage or expense whatsoever related to the presence of any service animal brought on the Cruise and/or Land Trip(s). You further agree to determine and meet any documentary or other requirements related to the animal.

12. UNAUTHORIZED STOPOVER OR DISEMBARKATION.

Unauthorized stopover or disembarkation or failure to make any sailing of the vessel at any port shall be at Your sole risk and expense, You may be denied subsequent boarding, and You will not be entitled to any refund, payment, compensation or credit of any kind. If You plan to disembark the vessel and/or to off load packages, boxes, or baggage before Your authorized port of call, You must advise the Seabourn Square no later than the day before arrival in that port to arrange an inspection of You and/or Your belongings by local customs authorities. Should You fail to comply with this requirement and You and/or Your belongings are not presented for inspection, You may be assessed monetary penalties by local authorities. Furthermore, You agree to assume and/or reimburse Carrier for any expenses or fines that may be incurred as a result of such noncompliance. You acknowledge that for round trip cruises commencing in a country that stop in other ports of that country, You may visit but may not permanently disembark in any port in that country other than the port of embarkation. If You do disembark in a different port in that country, a fine or penalty may be imposed by that country’s government. In consideration of the fare paid, You hereby agree to pay any such fine or penalty imposed because of Your failure to complete the entire Cruise.

13. RESPONSIBILITY TO COMPLY WITH LAW AND REGULATIONS, RULES OF VESSEL; NO SOLICITATION.

You shall be responsible for complying with the requirements of all immigration, port, health, customs, and police authorities, and all other laws and regulations of each country or state from or to which You will travel, as well as this Cruise Contract. You must at all times obey all the policies, rules, regulations and orders of the vessel, Carrier, and the Captain. You shall not solicit other Guests for commercial purposes or advertise goods or services without Carrier's prior written permission. You may be disembarked without liability for refund, payment, compensation, or credit of any kind if You or any Guest for whom You are responsible violate any of these requirements, and You agree to assume and/or reimburse Carrier for any expenses or fines that may be incurred as a result of such noncompliance.

14. COMPLIANCE WITH CARRIER’S ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Carrier is committed to protecting the environment and You must adhere to the Carrier’s environmental policy as follows: Any dumping or pollution of any kind, including discharge or loss of any item, including personal items, into the ocean and/or waterways is strictly prohibited. You will be strictly liable for any illegal dumping or pollution. Any willful or negligent act of discharging, or releasing or not preventing any unauthorized item overboard, without the express permission of the vessel’s onboard staff may result in a US $500 charge, per violation, posted to Your onboard account. Additionally, You will be charged the reimbursement cost of any unauthorized discharged property belonging to the Carrier, and such charge will be posted to Your onboard account. You shall also be responsible for any fines or penalties imposed on the Carrier by any government, governmental agency or official, port or port official, or for expenses or losses caused or incurred for Your violation of the Carrier’s environmental policy. Violation of this policy may result in You being reported to the authorities and Your disembarkation from the vessel. If You are disembarked for violating the Carrier’s environmental policy, You will be responsible for all financial charges and expenses to return home, and no refund of Your unused Total Cruise Price will be provided. Additionally, Your privileges to sail with the Carrier in the future may be revoked at the discretion of the Carrier.

15. HEALTH, MEDICAL CARE AND OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES.

Due to the nature of travel by sea and the ports visited, the availability of medical care may be limited or delayed and emergency medical evacuation will not be possible from every location to which the vessel sails. All health, medical or other personal services in connection with Your Cruise are provided solely for the convenience and benefit of Guests who may be charged for such services. You accept and use medicine, medical treatment and other personal services available on the vessel or elsewhere at Your sole risk and expense without liability or responsibility of Carrier whatsoever, and agree to indemnify the Carrier for all medical or evacuation costs or expenses incurred on Your behalf. Physicians, nurses or other medical or service personnel work directly for Guest and shall not be considered to be acting under the control or supervision of Carrier, since Carrier is not a medical provider. Carrier does not undertake to supervise the medical expertise of any such medical personnel and will not be liable for the consequences of any examination, advice, diagnosis, medication, treatment, prognosis or other professional services which a physician or nurse may or may not furnish You.  Similarly, and without limitation, all spa personnel, instructors, guest lecturers, entertainers and other service personnel shall be considered independent contractors who work directly for the Guest.  Carrier strongly recommends that all Guests travel with a sufficient supply of their prescription medications to last fourteen (14) days beyond the scheduled conclusion of the Cruise.

16. BAGGAGE AND PERSONAL EFFECTS, LIABILITY LIMITATIONS, INSPECTION.

You may take a reasonable amount of luggage on board containing only Your personal effects, which shall include suitcases, trunks, valises, satchels, bags, hangers containing clothing, toiletries and other personal effects necessary for the Cruise and/or Land Trip(s). If You travel by air or other transportation the terms and conditions of the airline or other transportation provider apply to Your carriage on those conveyances. You may not take on board firearms, controlled or prohibited substances, inflammable or hazardous items, any other items prohibited by applicable law, or any other item Carrier deems in its sole discretion to be detrimental to the safety, security, comfort or well-being of any person. A complete list of prohibited items may be found on the Seabourn website. This list is subject to change without notice; You should contact Carrier for questions regarding the potential prohibition of any other item.  You agree Carrier has, at all times with or without notice, the right to enter and search Your suite, personal safe or storage spaces, or to search You, Your baggage and/or personal effects at any location.

You agree that Carrier's liability for loss or damage to baggage is limited to U.S. $250 per bag per Guest up to a maximum of two (2) bags per Guest for sailings 14 days or less and up to a maximum of three (3) bags per Guest for sailings 15 days or longer.  An excess limit of up to a total of U.S. $3,000 per Guest is available with the purchase of SeabournShield upon presentation of a claim by You to the plan administrator. In no event shall Carrier be liable for normal wear or tear of Your property or baggage. Carrier does not undertake to carry as baggage any tools of trade, household goods, fragile or valuable items, precious metals, jewelry, documents, negotiable instruments or other valuables, including but not limited to those specified in section 30521 of Title 46 of the United States Code. You warrant that no such items will be presented to Carrier within any receptacle or container as baggage, and release Carrier from all liability whatsoever for loss of or damage to such items when presented to the Carrier in breach of this warranty. Such items must be shipped to Your destination by other means. Guests are strongly urged to keep valuables, irreplaceable items and medicines in their possession at all times and not to pack such items in baggage or suitcases handled by others.

Carrier shall not be liable for any loss or theft of or damage to or disposition of cash, securities, negotiable instruments, jewelry, gold, silver or similar valuables or precious stones, works of art, electronics, computers (whether handheld, laptop or other), DVD/Blu-ray players or digital or flash drive computer equipment, disks, memory cards or other electronic storage, handheld or similar devices, cellular telephones, cameras, video or audio tapes, CDs, binoculars, recreational equipment, dental hardware, cosmetics, electric hair appliances, liquids, luggage locks, eyewear (including eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses), hearing aids, medications, medical equipment, wheelchairs, scooters, liquor or other alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, tobacco products or business or other documents under any circumstances, whether carried within Your luggage or otherwise. You may use the safe in Your suite. However, You agree use of the suite’s safe will not increase Carrier's liability as provided in this Cruise Contract.

You agree that baggage or property, including all lost and found items retained by Carrier or delivered by You to Carrier, which remains unclaimed in writing for more than 90 days after Your disembarkation shall be deemed abandoned and the sole property of Carrier and You relinquish any claim thereto. You further agree to pay all fees and expenses incurred by Carrier to deliver any such items that are claimed by You. Carrier assumes no responsibility whatsoever for otherwise delivering any such items or delivering items that are prohibited by law.

17. LIMITATIONS ON CARRIER'S LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION.

(A) General: Nothing contained in this Cruise Contract shall limit or deprive Carrier of the benefit of the applicable statutes or laws of the United States of America or any other country; or any international convention providing for release from, or limitation of, liability.

(B) Acts Beyond Carrier's Control, Force Majeure: Except as provided in Section 9 with regard to refunds and certain other expenses for cruises that are cancelled or terminated due to mechanical failures, Carrier is not liable for death, injury, illness, damage, delay or other loss to person or property of any kind caused by an act of God; epidemic; pandemic; disease outbreak; public health crisis; natural disasters; inability to procure fuel and/or provisions; port and/or airport closures; acts of civil or military authority; acts, regulations, or laws of any government; government order or regulation; war; civil commotions; labor trouble; terrorism, crime or other potential sources of harm; governmental interference; perils of the sea; fire; seizure or arrest of the vessel; the need to render medical or other assistance, or any other cause beyond Carrier's exclusive control, or any other act or omission not shown to be caused by Carrier's negligence.

(C) Claims for Emotional Distress: Carrier shall not be liable to the Guest for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering or psychological injury of any kind, under any circumstances, except for such damages proven in a court of competent jurisdiction arising from and attributable to Guest's physical injury or as the result of Guest having been at actual risk of immediate physical injury proximately caused by Carrier's negligence ("Emotional Harm").

(D) Assumption of Risk: You agree that by using the vessel's pools, sauna, athletic or recreational equipment and facilities or taking part in organized group or individual activities (including Your participation in Ventures by Seabourn™ or the other excursions associated with Expedition Cruises), whether on or off the vessel or as part of a shore excursion, You assume the risk of injury, death, illness or other loss. You agree that Carrier in no event is liable to You with respect to any occurrence taking place off the vessel, launches, tenders or other craft owned or operated by Carrier or for any event caused by the criminal conduct of any third party.

(E) Cruises To/From or Within the EU or EEA: On international cruises which neither embark, disembark nor call at any U.S. port and where You commence the cruise by embarking or disembarking in a port of a European Union Member State or the European Economic Area (EEA), Carrier shall be entitled to any and all liability limitations and immunities for loss of or damage to luggage, death and/or personal injury as provided under EU Regulation 392/2009 on the liability of carriers to passengers in the event of accidents. Unless the loss or damage was caused by a shipping incident, which is defined as a shipwreck, capsizing, collision or stranding of the vessel, explosion or fire in the vessel, or defect in the vessel (as defined by the Regulation), Carrier's liability is limited to no more than 400,000 Special Drawing Rights ("SDR") per passenger, (approximately US $524,104 as of October 2023, which fluctuates depending on the daily exchange rate as published by the International Monetary Fund if the passenger proves that the incident was a result of Carrier's fault or neglect. If the loss or damage was caused by a shipping incident, Carrier's liability is limited to no more than 250,000 SDRs per passenger (approximately U.S. $327,775 as of October 2023, which fluctuates depending on the daily exchange rate as published by the International Monetary Fund). Compensation for loss caused by a shipping incident can increase to a maximum of 400,000 SDRs per passenger unless Carrier proves that the shipping incident occurred without Carrier's fault or neglect. Shipping incidents do not include acts of war, hostilities, civil war, insurrection, natural disasters, or intentional acts or omissions of third parties. In cases where the loss or damage was caused in connection with war or terrorism, Carrier's liability for any personal injury or death (whether occurring during a shipping incident or a non-shipping incident) is limited to the lower of 250,000 SDRs per passenger or 340 million SDRs per vessel per incident. Punitive damages are not recoverable for cruises covered by EU Regulation 392/2009. For a copy of EU Regulation 392/2009, please visit the website for the Official Journal of the European Union. In addition, Guests embarking a cruise in a European Union Member State port are afforded rights under EU Regulation 1177/2010.  For a copy of EU Regulation 1177/2010, please visit the website for the Official Journal of the European Union.

(F) Additional Limitations from Liability: In addition to all the restrictions and exemptions from liability provided in this Cruise Contract, Carrier shall have the benefit of all the statutes of the United States of America providing for limitation and exoneration from liability and the procedures provided thereby, including but not limited to Title 46 of the United States Code sections 30501 through 30527, and 30529, which are United States statutes limiting the liability of Carrier. Nothing in this Contract is intended to nor shall it operate to limit or deprive Carrier or any such statutory limitation of or exoneration from liability under any applicable laws.

(G) Excursions, Shoreside Services and Other Transportation: All travel facilities, tours, activities, products or services, other than aboard Carrier’s vessels and tenders or motorcoaches, dayboats and/or railcars owned or operated by us, provided in connection with, before, after or during Your Cruise, Land Trip(s) and/or Air Package, including but not limited to pre- and post -cruise activities, shore excursions, hotel accommodations, meals, or transportation of any kind by any vessel, aircraft, or other conveyance, including, but not limited to, air travel to and from the vessel (including travel on the airline(s) used in the Air Package), are provided, owned and/or operated by independent contractors whose employees, facilities, conveyances, products and services are not subject to Carrier's supervision or control. In providing or selling reservations or tickets in connection with any such activities, services or transportation or by accompanying You during such activities, Carrier does so as a convenience to Guests and shall be entitled to impose a charge and earn a profit from the sale of such excursions, services or transportation, but does not undertake to supervise or control such independent contractors or their employees, conveyances or facilities. Carrier accepts no liability for any loss, delay, damage, injury, death, misrepresentation arising from any excursion, service or transportation or any loss, delay or disappointment for any cancellations of any excursion, service or transportation including but not limited to air flight cancellation(s), errors in seat reservation, upgrade, overbooking or ticketing. Carrier makes no warranty, either express or implied, regarding the suitability, safety, insurance or other aspects of any such contractors, transportation, tours, services, products or facilities. Any liability for such services will be governed by this Cruise Contract and the contracts and/or tariffs between You and such service companies. You agree that Carrier's liability, if any, for Non-Performance of any independent contractor providing such facilities or services shall not exceed the amounts received for such facility or services by Carrier on Your behalf. Any company or person providing services or facilities of any kind in connection with a shore excursion or other activity offered for purchase by Carrier shall have the benefit of every defense to which Carrier is entitled under this Cruise Contract.

Carrier neither supervises nor controls other independent tour providers or carriers (“third party operators”) that may arrange, provide, and/or operate travel or transportation services for Guests traveling to or from its vessels, or while off its vessels, whether by land, rail, sea, or air; and regardless of whether arranged in connection with Carrier’s cruise or separately. Any such third-party carrier remains solely liable for whatever loss, injury, damage, or death may arise from or be caused by or during any travel, tour, sightseeing, or transportation services provided by that third party.

(H) Indemnification: In addition to the requirements of Section 14, above, pertaining to Carrier’s environmental policy, You agree to reimburse and indemnify Carrier for any damages, liabilities, losses, penalties, fines, charges or expenses of any nature whatsoever incurred by You or imposed upon Carrier as a result of any act, omission or violation of law or this Cruise Contract by You or any minor or other Guest in Your care. 

18. NOTICE OF CLAIMS AND ACTIONS; TIME LIMITATION; ARBITRATION; FORUM; WAIVER OF CLASS ACTION; WAIVER OF RIGHT TO IN REM PROCEDURES OF ARREST AND ATTACHMENT.

The following provisions are for the benefit of the Carrier and certain third-party beneficiaries as set forth above in Section 1:

  • (A) Notice of Claims and Time Limits for Legal Action:

    • (i) Claims for Injury, Illness or Death: In cases involving claims for Emotional Harm, bodily injury, illness to or death of any Guest, no lawsuit may be brought against Carrier unless (1) written notice giving full particulars of the claim is delivered to Carrier within 6 months from the date of the Emotional Harm, bodily injury, illness or death, (2) a lawsuit on such a claim is filed within 1 year from the date of the injury, illness or death, and (3) valid service of the lawsuit is made within 90 days of filing the complaint.

    • (ii) All Other Claims: No claim of any kind, including without limitation alleged violations of civil rights, discrimination, consumer or privacy laws, or other statutory, constitutional or legal rights, or for any losses, damages or expenses relating to or in any way arising out of or connected with this Cruise Contract or Guest's cruise, Land Trips and/or Air Package, other than for emotional or bodily injury, illness or death of any Guest, shall be brought against Carrier unless (1) written notice giving full particulars of the claim is delivered to the Carrier within 15 days of the actual or scheduled termination date of the Cruise or post-cruise Land Trip, whichever occurs first as specified in connection with this Contract, (2) legal action on such claim is commenced within 1 year from such scheduled termination date, and (3) valid notice or service of any such action is effected upon Carrier within 90 days after commencement of the action.

  • (B) Forum and Jurisdiction for Legal Action:

    • (i) Claims for Injury, Illness or Death: All claims or disputes involving Emotional Harm, bodily injury, illness to or death of any Guest whatsoever including without limitation those arising out of or relating to this Cruise Contract or Your Cruise, Land Trip(s), or Air Package shall be litigated in and before the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington at Seattle, or as to those lawsuits over which the Federal Courts of the United States lack subject matter jurisdiction, before a court located in King County, State of Washington,  U.S.A., to the exclusion of the courts of any other country, state, city, municipality, county or locale. You consent to jurisdiction and waive any objection that may be available to any such action being brought in such courts.

    • (ii) All Other Claims; Agreement to Arbitrate: All claims other than for Emotional Harm, bodily injury, illness to or death of a Guest, whether based on contract, tort, statutory, constitutional or other legal rights, including without limitation alleged violations of civil rights, discrimination, consumer or privacy laws, or for any losses, damages or expenses, relating to or in any way arising out of or connected with this Cruise Contract or Guest's cruise, Land Trip(s), and/or Air Package, with the sole exception of claims brought and litigated in small claims court, shall be referred to and resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York 1958), 21 U.S.T. 2517, 330 U.N.T.S. 3, 1970 U.S.T. LEXIS 115, 9 U.S.C. §§ 202-208 (“the Convention”) and the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., (“FAA”) located in King County, State of Washington, U.S.A. to the exclusion of any other forum. You agree the arbitrator shall resolve any dispute as the validity or applicability of this arbitration clause. You consent to jurisdiction and waive any objection that may be available to any such arbitration proceeding in King County, Washington. The arbitration shall be administered by National Arbitration and Mediation (“NAM”) under its Comprehensive Dispute Resolution Rules and Procedures and the fee schedule in effect at the time of initiating the proceeding with NAM, which are deemed to be incorporated herein by reference. NAM can be contacted at (800) 358-2550, attention Claims Department, 990 Stewart Street, First Floor, Garden City, NY 11530, to respond to any questions regarding the arbitration process or to obtain a current copy of the Comprehensive Dispute Resolution Rules and Procedures and/or fee schedule.  The arbitrator must follow this Contract and can award the same damages and relief as a court.

      NEITHER PARTY WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL OR TO ENGAGE IN PRE-ARBITRATION DISCOVERY EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THE APPLICABLE ARBITRATION RULES AND HEREIN, OR OTHERWISE TO LITIGATE THE CLAIM IN ANY COURT (OTHER THAN SMALL CLAIMS COURT). THE ARBITRATOR'S DECISION WILL BE FINAL AND BINDING. OTHER RIGHTS THAT YOU OR CARRIER WOULD HAVE IN COURT ALSO MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ARBITRATION.

      An award rendered by an arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction under the Convention or FAA.

      Carrier and Guest agree that each shall have the right to take one (1) deposition of a witness or a party and only one deposition of an expert designated by another party. Such depositions shall be limited to three (3) hours each. The parties further agree that each party shall be permitted to propound to another party a single document production request no more than ten (10) specific categories of documents that are material as evidence in the case. In addition, each party may propound only one set of interrogatories to another party containing no more than twenty-five (25) interrogatories, including all subparts. Upon request by a party, the arbitrator(s) shall have the power to order such discovery, by way of document production, interrogatory, deposition or otherwise, as the arbitrator(s) considers necessary for a full and fair exploration of the issues in dispute. All claims filed in small claims court, and any claim as to which this arbitration provision is deemed unenforceable or which cannot be arbitrated for reasons beyond Your control, shall be litigated in and before the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington at Seattle, or as to those lawsuits over which the Federal Courts of the United States lack subject matter jurisdiction, before a court located in King County, State of Washington, U.S.A., to the exclusion of the courts of any other country, state, city, municipality, county or locale. You consent to jurisdiction and waive any objection that may be available to any such action or proceeding being brought in such courts.

      The Arbitrator(s) and not any federal, state or local court or agency, shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability or formation of this agreement to Arbitrate including, but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this agreement to Arbitrate is void or voidable.

  • (C) WAIVER OF CLASS ACTION: THIS CRUISE CONTRACT PROVIDES FOR THE EXCLUSIVE RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES THROUGH INDIVIDUAL LEGAL ACTION ON YOUR OWN BEHALF INSTEAD OF THROUGH ANY CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. EVEN IF THE APPLICABLE LAW PROVIDES OTHERWISE, YOU AGREE THAT ANY ARBITRATION OR LAWSUIT AGAINST CARRIER WHATSOEVER SHALL BE LITIGATED BY YOU INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT AS A MEMBER OF ANY CLASS OR AS PART OF A CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION, AND YOU EXPRESSLY AGREE TO WAIVE ANY LAW ENTITLING YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION. IF YOUR CLAIM IS SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION UNDER SECTION 18(B)(ii) ABOVE, THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO ARBITRATE CLAIMS ON A CLASS ACTION BASIS. YOU AGREE THAT THIS CLASS ACTION WAIVER SHALL NOT BE SEVERABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FROM THE ARBITRATION CLAUSE SET FORTH IN SECTION 18(B)(ii) ABOVE, AND IF FOR ANY REASON THIS CLASS ACTION WAIVER IS UNENFORCEABLE AS TO ANY PARTICULAR CLAIM, THEN AND ONLY THEN SUCH CLAIM SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION.
  • *This provision does not apply to Australian guests or affect applicable rights under Australian consumer laws.
  •  
  • (D) WAIVER OF RIGHT TO IN REM PROCEEDINGS: IN THE EVENT OF A MARITIME TORT, YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO PROCEED IN REM TO ARREST THE VESSEL OR ITS APPURTENANCES FOR PURPOSES OF SECURITY OR PROCEED QUASI IN REM TO ATTACH ANY OF CARRIER’S VESSELS TO ESTABLISH JURISDICTION. HOWEVER, YOU HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT YOU MAY HAVE TO AN IN REM OR QUASI IN REM PROCEEDING TO ARREST OR ATTACH ANY OF CARRIER’S VESSELS FOR THE PURPOSES OF OBTAINING SECURITY OR JURISDICTION AND WILL RELY SOLELY ON THE CREDIT OF THE CARRIER IN BRINGING ANY CLAIM AGAINST CARRIER, IF AT ALL.

19. PERSONAL DATA; PRIVACY NOTICE; FACIAL RECOGNITION; RECORDING; DISPLAY OF LIKENESS; PUBLIC WIRELESS SERVICES.

The personal data You provide to Carrier, or which Carrier collects or receives about You, will be processed in accordance with the Carrier’s privacy policies Carrier’s privacy policies. The personal data Carrier collects from or about You may include Your name, street or email address, date of birth, passport, financial account, and/or telephone numbers, likeness, photograph, audio recordings or video images captured on board the vessel, or other information which would identify You personally. Onboard purchases of goods and services and participation in onboard activities including casino, spa, and shore excursions, may generate additional personal data during Your voyage. You may also provide Carrier, or Carrier may collect, certain sensitive data such as Your health, medical condition, dietary or religious restrictions, gender or sexual orientation. You agree Carrier may (a) keep Your personal and sensitive data ("PSD"); (b) use it in its business worldwide in accordance with its privacy policies; (c) share it with Carrier's affiliated/related companies, and (d) subject it to processing worldwide provided Carrier's safeguards are used. You agree any PSD You provide to Carrier in the European Economic Area ("EEA") may be used, processed and transferred within and outside the EEA and specifically to the U.S.

You agree Carrier may disclose Your PSD to unaffiliated third parties: (a) after You request or authorize it; (b) to help complete a transaction for You; (c) to comply with law, applicable regulations, governmental and quasi-governmental requests, court orders or subpoenas; (d) to enforce this Passage Contract or other agreements, or to protect the rights, property or safety of Carrier or others; (e) as part of a purchase, transfer or sale of services or assets (f) when provided to our agents, outside vendors or service providers to perform functions on our behalf; (g) to Your relatives, travel companions and/or other third parties if expressly authorized by You; (h) with select marketing and strategic business partners for marketing or other commercial purposes, in accordance with Your preferences and applicable laws; or (i) as otherwise described in Carrier's privacy policies, as amended from time to time. 

You grant Carrier and its licensees the right to use Your photograph/voice/indicia taken during Your Cruise, in any fashion and for any purpose in all media now known or hereafter devised without any limitations whatsoever. Professional photographers photograph Guests, process, display and sell such photos to You and other Guests.

Carrier may utilize closed circuit television, body cameras and other surveillance means on board the vessel that record Your image, voice and/or conduct at any time in the interests of safety and security.

Carrier may use facial recognition software and/or technology that uses unique characteristics of Your face from Your security photo or live images to facilitate camera-enabled rapid embarkation and debarkation at entry and exit of the vessel at ports of call. Carrier may also use facial recognition software and/or technology on all photographs of You taken by our professional photographers, by You, and by other guests when You and/or other guests upload them into our system to allow You to quickly and easily find Your photographs with the swipe of Your cruise card (or by using Your Ocean Medallion) or by providing Your suite and folio number. By consenting to these terms and conditions, You acknowledge and consent to the use of facial recognition software and technology. Your unique facial identifiers supporting facial recognition will be deleted from our system after the end of Your cruise, though photographs that have been identified and linked to You will be retained for up to two (2) years to enable You to access and purchase photos and memorabilia after the end of the voyage. Carrier retains ownership of copyright in all photographs taken by our professional photographers, and Carrier reserves the right not to print or permit printing of any photographs that Carrier, in its sole discretion, considers to be offensive, objectionable or otherwise inappropriate.

You expressly agree not to use any photograph, video recordings and other visual or audio portrayals of You and/or any other Guest in combination with crew members or the vessel, or depicting the vessel, its design or equipment or any part thereof whatsoever for any commercial purpose or in any media broadcast or for any other non-private use, without the express written consent of Carrier.

Carrier may, but is not required to, make wireless Internet or telephone access ("Wireless Services") available as a convenience; Carrier accepts no responsibility for interruptions in its service. You agree to use Wireless Services at Your own risk; Carrier shall not be liable in any manner for resulting claims (including without limitation lack of privacy), losses or damages. Using Wireless Services is public; information sent or received is not guaranteed to be private. Your PSD may be available to third parties through, or in connection with Your use of, the Wireless Services, and Carrier is not liable for any lack of privacy while using Wireless Services. By using Wireless Services, You agree Carrier may, and You explicitly consent to, monitor, record, intercept and disclose any transmissions, including the contents of any such transmission, and may provide to others all information relating to, and content of, all Wireless Services (e.g., billing, account, or use records), in its sole discretion or as required by law.

20. AIR PACKAGE

A. Arrangements by Carrier: If You are participating in our Air Package, we will arrange for air transportation based on the airports and flight selections You or Your travel advisor have indicated. Flight schedules and/or availability may require overnight hotel accommodations either to join and/or to return from Your Cruise. Please refer to Carrier’s website or the applicable brochure regarding our policies on booking hotels and responsibility for the costs of hotels and associated services.

B. Schedule Changes/Air Delays: We reserve the right to change or alter air flights as required by airline schedule changes. If tickets have already been issued, we will adjust Your itinerary or air carrier, accordingly. In that event, we may ask You to return Your tickets to Your travel advisor. Should You choose to alter Your airline schedule in any way once Your tickets have been issued, airline charges which result will be Your responsibility. If our assistance is requested in changing airline arrangements within 60 days of departure, an additional administrative charge will be levied in addition to any charges imposed by airlines. If You are traveling on a Seabourn vessel and Your flights are delayed, please ask the airline to immediately advise Seabourn’s Air/Sea Department, or call us at 1-866-530-2195 or 1-206-626-9185.

C. Refunds/Seat Assignments/Special Services/Fares/Lost Tickets/Baggage Charges: The maximum refund to You for unused flight coupons will not exceed the air add-on or cruise only credit amount paid to us. We cannot make or confirm seat assignments, special meals or other special services. Your travel advisor may assist with these arrangements. Please note that because of changing airline tariffs, Your actual air ticket may reflect fares higher or lower than the air add-on paid or cruise only credit amounts received. If so, the difference is neither chargeable nor refundable to You. If, however, airline fuel or other surcharges or additional governmental taxes or levies are imposed, we reserve the right to pass these through to You. Please keep Your airline tickets in a safe place. Should they be lost, You will be responsible for their replacement. Each airline has its own baggage allowance policy. You are responsible for any excess baggage charges imposed by airlines.

D. Liability and Relationship With Airlines: We will use our best efforts to arrange for Your air transportation. If, however, due to any cause beyond our control, we are unable to arrange for air transportation (including, for example, because of capacity controls placed upon us by airlines due to the types of fares under which we book) or the air transportation we arrange is unavailable or otherwise fails to materialize, our sole liability will be limited to refunding the air add-on paid or cruise only credit. Our relationship with airlines is that of an independent travel advisor. 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. Accordingly, You will not have any right to claim or recover against us as a consequence of any act or omission of any airline. The liabilities and obligations of an airline to You, and Your rights against an airline, are subject to any and all terms and conditions of the airline's ticket and tariffs and any and all governmental laws and regulations bearing upon or otherwise relating to such rights, liabilities and obligations.

Updated July 2024 Version 1.0