Terms & Conditions

How to make your reservation
We have taken care to offer you the simplest possible reservations service for our cruises. Efficient and economical administration is an important part of our deal. Just ask your travel agent to contact us with your requests and we will give immediate answers and booking options on the cruise(s) offered to you.

Deposit and final payment
To confirm the reservation, your agent will be asked to send us a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $500 per person for each cruise, $250 per person for each tour and $200 per person for each airfare (airfare payments subject to fare conditions), which must reach us within 14 days from the date of booking, to secure the reservation.
For example if you purchase an Avalon Waterways cruise together with an Avalon Waterways airfare and Globus/Monograms program then you are required to send us a deposit of $950 per person.

Avalon accepts selected credit cards. Please note merchant fees will apply. For further payment options, please see your Travel Agent. Your payment is not considered made until it is received by Avalon Waterways.
Your booking deposit forms part of your final payment, which must be received by us not less than 90 days prior to commencement of services. If we do not receive the cruise deposit and final payment by the due dates, we reserve the right to cancel the reservation. In the case of billing errors, we reserve the right to reinvoice with correct pricing.
Payment of the deposit means that you have read and accepted these terms and conditions.
Acceptance on the cruise is subject to presentation of the Cruise Member Certificate.
Any late bookings (within 21 days prior to your departure from Australia) will incur a $30 per transaction late booking fee.

Cancellations and cancellation fees
If cancellation is received by Avalon in writing more than 90 days prior to commencement of services, your deposit will be retained. For individual reservations, the following per person cancellation fees apply. (For group reservations, contact your Travel Agent).

• 90-60 days prior to commencement of services: 35% of total price
• 59-30 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price
• 29-1 days prior to commencement of services: 80% of total price
• On departure day and later: 100% of total price

Cancellation fees for Globus/Monogram programs

• 45-22 days prior to commencement of services: 20% of total price
• 21-8 days prior to commencement of services: 30% of total price
• 7-1 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price
• On departure day and later: 100% of total price

Cancellations are very costly and usually do not occur in time for re-sale of the cancelled tour/cruise holiday. Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, reserved prior to, during and after the holiday.

If flight changes, including flight cancellations, are requested, revision fees or airline cancellation fees will apply. If an air-inclusive holiday is cancelled after air tickets have been issued, any refunds will be processed after air tickets are returned to Avalon Waterways.

Avalon  Waterways reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any holiday departure. If cancellation is made prior to departure, the only responsibility of Avalon Waterways will be to refund to the passenger the amount we have received for the reservation. We will try to re-book the same holiday with a different departure date, or a similar holiday. Where Avalon Waterways has confirmed flights, we will try to confirm air seats for the selected new dates, subject to availability. Avalon Waterways cannot assume responsibility for any additional costs or any fees relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of air tickets or other travel arrangements not made through Avalon Waterways.

Air Arrangements

The Globus Family is not responsible if an airline cancels, reschedules, or delays the flight for any reason. If you miss your departure flight, it is your responsibility to work with the airline you are ticketed with to reach your destination. The Globus Family is not responsible for any additional expenses you may incur prior to joining your holiday. The Globus Family is not responsible and will not provide any refund for portions of holidays missed due to cancelled, rescheduled or delayed flights.

Insurance
The above cancellation charges will be applied in all cases. We do urge you to take adequate travel insurance, including cover against cancellation, as recommended by your Travel Agent.

Steve Liebmann Hosted Cruise
Steve Liebmann is scheduled to escort the WCA "Flavours of Burgundy & Provence" on the 19th of April 2009. If for any unforseen circumstance Steve Liebmann is unable to escort this departure Avalon Waterways advises that this cruise will continue as scheduled and full booking conditions and cancellation penalties will apply.

Exclusive Collection
Avalon Waterways retains the right to open up for sale the Exclusive Collection range of cruises to other distributors and markets beyond Australia and New Zealand

Revision fees
A fee of $30 per transaction will be charged for any alteration or revision made to a reservation. Airline penalties may also apply. A change of traveller name, cruise date or itinerary within 90 days of commencement of services will be treated as a cancellation and new reservation; standard cancellation fees apply.

Participation
For the benefit of everyone on your holiday, the Globus Family reserves the right to accept or reject any holiday participant, and to remove any participant whose conduct is deemed incompatible with the interests of the other participants.

Travellers who need special assistance
You must report any disability requiring special attention to Avalon Waterways at the time the reservation is made. Avalon Waterways will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travellers, but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so, nor is it responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other independent suppliers. Most transportation services, including the touring motorcoach, are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a holiday participant for walking, dining, getting on and off motorcoaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion must accompany travellers who need such assistance, and must assume full responsibility for their well-being. Motorised scooters are unsuitable for cruises offered in this brochure.

River cruise ships do not have elevators (except on Scenery, Affinity & Creativity). Cabin doors and restrooms are not wide enough to allow access by standard wheelchairs, and bathrooms and other doorways may be fitted with coamings. For safety reasons, passengers in wheelchairs cannot be carried on ramps in ports where the ship is at anchor.

Young travellers
Travellers who are less than 18 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by an adult and share the adult's accommodation. We do not accept children who are less than eight years old. On Avalon Waterways river cruises there is no discount for young travellers though children 8-17 are welcome on board our river cruises.

There is no age restriction on Monograms Independent Vacations. Children 12-17 recieve a 10% discount on the land price; Children 11 and under receive a 50% discount when sharing accommodations with two adults. Land arrangments for infants under two are free of charge, providing parents pay directly to the hotels for food, crib, etc.

Due to heightened security, many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a child will be travelling with adults other than the parents or with only one parent, it is recommended that a notarised letter be written by the parents or non-travelling parent granting authorisation to travel, including the dates of travel. We suggest that you also contact the appropriate consulate and airlines because they may have additional requirements or reccommendations.

Smoking
Smoking is not allowed on transportation that is exclusively provided by Avalon Waterways. On European river cruise ships, smoking is allowed only on the vessels' Sky Deck. On other cruise ships, smoking is restricted to certain areas of the vessel.

Price Guarantee
All holiday prices are based on rates (including foreign exchange rates) known at the time of printing and expected to be in effect at the time of departure, and do not include airfare except where noted. Prices are subject to increase without notice if such rates change prior to departure. The current price will be confirmed at the time of reservation. However, once Avalon has received your deposit for any holiday departing from 1 Jan 2009 - 31 Dec 2009, that land price is guaranteed, and any subsequent land cost increases are at our expense, not including surcharges and any Government tax increases. Air tickets booked via Avalon Waterways Australia are guaranteed when we receive full payment. This does not include any Government/airport tax increases and currency fluctuations.

Cruise/holiday prices are per person, based on two persons sharing a room. Single room supplements are available upon request. Please call for rates. Triples are not available. Departures in 2010 are subject to to price and itinerary modification. Full details will be available in June 2009.

For land tours; holiday prices are per person, based on two persons sharing a room. Single room supplements are listed where applicable.

Visas & Passports
A valid national passport is needed for all holidays and, as the various countries all have their own formalities, it is imperative that you check with your travel agent the visa requirements to enter the countries of the holiday you have chosen. Local consulates will also be in position to give advice.

Avalon Waterways is not responsible for providing you with specific visa and passport information or documentation. Avalon Waterways cannot except liability for any passenger refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure of the passenger to carry correct documentation.
Passengers are responsible for getting their own visa's and must ensure that they can obtain these visa's before entering into a booking commitment with us.

Accommodations
The accommodations listed in this brochure or on the website are intended to be used on all departures; however, if a change becomes necessary for any reason, including additional departures on the dame date, the accommodations substituted will be equivalent in standard to those shown. Every effort is made to reserve only twin-bedded rooms. It may occasionally happen that an accommodation provides some double-bedded rooms instead. These rooms will be allocated to couples. Please note that accommodation check-in times vary worldwide.

Staterooms are subject to change and finalised upon embarkation.

Payment for a single supplement ensures own room, not necessarily a twin bedded room.

Private bath and single rooms
In exceptional cases where private bath or single rooms as reserved by us are not available, refunds will be made by the Tour Director, Cruise Director or Local Host. Claims made in this respect cannot be accepted after the holiday is completed.

Baggage allowance
Porterage for one suitcase is included in the holiday price. Airport porterage at beginning and end of the holiday is not included. Due to limited coach capacity, this single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 76x53x28cm (30"x21"x11") and weight not exceeding 22kg (50lbs) or less if your air carrier has stricter weight/dimension limitations. We recommend you consult your air carrier as size and weight limitations vary from airline to airline and even according to destination, and are becoming more restrictive. Avalon Waterways is not responsible for additional fees imposed by air carriers. Regulations within most airports require that travellers handle their own luggage through customs.

Your carry-on bag should not exceed the dimensions of 30x28x14cm (12"x11"x6").
For safety reasons, wheeled carry-on bags are not suitable as hand luggage on motorcoaches and mini-buses. Carry-on-bags must be small enough to store in overhead bins or under the seat infront of you on motorcoaches and other transportation.

No responsibility is accepted for loss of or damage to baggage or any of the traveller's belongings throughout the duration of the holiday. Baggage insurance is recommended.

Travel documents
Travel documents, including any air tickets, or e-ticket itineraries, are sent by regular ground delivery approximately four weeks prior to departure from Australia, provided full payment has been received.

Not included in the cruise price
Airfares (except intra-tour flights as specified), airport taxes and fees; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, land Tour Director, Tour Driver, local city guides and other ship personnel; gratuities on ferries, trains and cruise ships (unless prepaid on our European cruises); laundry, telephone; mini bar; alcohol, beverages and food not on the regular table d'hote menu (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel or restaurant or at the end of the cruise); optional excursions; porterage at airports; travel insurance; excess baggage fees; all other items of a personal nature. Gratuities for Cruise Director and Crew are included on Avalon Waterways Exclusive Collection Cruises.

Refunds
Please note that any request for refunds is subject to the terms and conditions of the brochure.

Service inquiries after the cruise
If after returning from your holiday, you wish to inquire about any services provided, please ensure that all correspondence relating to those services is received by Avalon Waterways, Client Relations, Circuit Travel Pty Limited (address right, or email clientrelations@avalonwaterways.com.au) within 60 days of the cruise completion date. This will enable Avalon Waterways to make a timely investigation.

Holidays and Closures
During local or national holidays or special events, on Sundays and religious occaisons, certain facilities such as museums, churches, sightseeing tours, restaurants, sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited or not available. Alternatives will be offered whenever possible. Avalon Waterways cannot be held responsible for any closures or curtails for any reason.

Christmas Market Tours: Please note that markets generally close prior to Christmas Eve.

Itinerary Changes - Cruises
In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.

Avalon Waterways reserves the right to change the itinerary whenever conditions, in the opinion of the Master of the Ship or local waterways regulations, render it advisable or necessary. Avalon will not be responsible for any loss or expense caused by reason of such changes.

Avalon reserves the right to cancel, advance or postpone any scheduled tour and/or sailing date and may, but is not obligated to, substitute another vessel and shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to tour/cruise participants by reason of any such cancellation, advancement or postponement. In the event of cancellation by Avalon Waterways only, tour/cruise participants' only right of recourse shall be to a refund of monies paid to Avalon Waterways in connection with such tour/cruise. In the event of charters of the vessels, strikes, lockouts, riots or stoppage of labour for whatever cause or for any other reason whatsoever, Avalon may at any time cancel, advance or postpone any scheduled sailing and may, but is not obliged to, substitute another vessel and shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to tour/cruise participants by reason of any such cancellation, advancement or postponement.

Safety
Please be aware that during your participation in cruises operated by Avalon Waterways, certain risks and dangers may arise beyond our control including, but not limited to, the hazards of travelling in undeveloped areas; travel by boat, train, automobile, aircraft or other means of transportation; the forces of nature, political unrest; acts of lawlessness; or terrorism and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities. Avalon Waterways will not have liability regarding provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered. It is understood that Avalon Waterways will use its best efforts to ensure that adequate measures are taken.

Optional Excursions & Activities
The carriers, accommodations and other suppliers (referred to as "the Suppliers")(including but not limited to trains, cruises, ferries, motorcoaches, hotels, and restaurants) providing optional activities and excursions ("the Services") that are available for booking in the area of the holiday itinerary are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by the Company. These services are provided by local operators or other third parties that are entirely independent of the Company, which has no control and has no right of control over the operations of these independent contractors.

Such services do not form any part of the product or services sold to you by the Company of these Terms and Conditions, even where the Company suggests particular operators/other third parties and/or assists you in booking such services. Your contract for such services will be with the supplier and will be subject to its Terms and Conditions, which may contain exclusions or limitations of liability. The Company has no liability for any such service or for any act(s) or omission(s) of the organiser, operator or supplier or for any of its employees or agents or any other person(s) connected with the service.

Any advice or assistance on or with any activity or excursion provided by any local representative does not mean or imply that the activity or excursion is sold, supervised, or controlled by the Company or that any such advice or assistance is given on behalf of the Company. Holiday participants are asked to check with the supplier of any service and the applicable Terms and Conditions before booking.

Photographs or Pictures
Photographs or pictures appearing in this brochure should be used soley as an indication of facilities and attractions. Actual facilities and attractions may vary according to itinerary. Maps shown on the holiday pages are current at the time of printing and may not reflect the actual tour routing should the itinerary change.

Responsibility
Circuit Travel Pty Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "the Company") is responsible to you in making arrangements for the holiday services offered in this brochure, including transportation, sightseeing, and accommodations. All references to Company include its agents and employees.
The carriers, accommodations, and other suppliers providing services are independent contractors and are not agents, employees, or servants of, or joint venturers with, the Company or its affiliates. All certificates and other travel documents for services issued by the Company are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the supplier, and to the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied.

If, after departure, the services included in the holiday cannot be supplied, or there are changes in an itinerary for reasons beyond the control of the Company, the Company will arrange for the provision of comparable services. Any resulting additional expense will be payable by travellers and any resulting saving will be refunded by the Company to holiday participants.

The Company reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a holiday participant, to expel any participant from the holiday, to make changes in the itinerary whenever the Company deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the participants, and to cancel a holiday at any time.

The holiday participant agrees that neither the Company nor its affiliates shall be liable for any damage, loss (including personal injury, death, and property loss) or expense occasioned by any act or omission of any supplier providing services, or any insurer or insurance administrator, or of any other person.

Legal proceedings against the Company may be instituted only in a state or federal court within the State of New South Wales, and any claim involved in such proceedings shall be decided in accordance with the laws of the State of New South Wales. Any legal proceedings against the Company must be commenced within one year following the date of tour completion. Neither the Company nor any affiliate shall in any case be liable for other than compensatory damages, and you hereby waive any right to punitive damages.

No person, other than an authorised representative of the Company, by a document in writing, is authorised to vary, add, or waive any term or condition in this brochure, including any term or condition set forth in the preceding provisions.

The terms and conditions of this brochure do not affect the rights you may have as a "consumer" under the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) or any other statutory rights that by law may not be excluded or limited.