CruiseWorld Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions govern the relationship between you (the "Passenger") and CruiseWorld Middle East & CruiseWorld Travel LLC ("Agency," "We," "Us," or "Our") for booking and purchasing cruise travel services.

By booking a cruise holiday through our agency, you agree to be bound by these terms.

1. General Information
   • Services Provided

     The Agency acts as an intermediary between you and the cruise lines or other travel vendors assisting in booking cruise reservations, pre- and post-cruise services, shore excursions, and other travel-related services. We do not own or operate the cruise ships, transportation, or shore excursions; these services are provided by third-party vendors.

   • Eligibility

     You must be at least 18 years of age to make a reservation with us. If you are booking on behalf of others, you are responsible for ensuring that all passengers meet the cruise line's age and eligibility requirements.

   • Our responsibilities vary depending on whether we arrange the cruise holiday package ourselves or act as an agent for another travel supplier. In these Booking Conditions, the term "cruise holiday packages" refers to services for which we are the organiser. If we provide a package holiday on behalf of another supplier as their agent, your contract is directly with that supplier, and our duties to you are limited to those set out in Section 16.2.

2. Booking Process

   All booking requests must be submitted to CruiseWorld in writing (via Website form, Email, WhatsApp, or official social media communication). Upon receipt, we will provide a quotation based on the current availability and the current rates. Final travel documents, including cruise tickets, hotel vouchers, and flight e-tickets (where applicable), will be released once full payment has been received. Clients are responsible for reviewing all booking confirmations and documents promptly and notifying us of any discrepancies.

   • Booking Confirmation

     A booking is considered confirmed only once CruiseWorld has received either the required deposit or full payment, in accordance with the applicable cruise line's policies. Upon confirmation, a booking receipt will be issued outlining the details of your reservation.

   • Deposits and Final Payments

     A deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the amount and final payment schedule varying by cruise line. The final payment due date will be specified at the time of confirmation, typically ranging between 30 to 90 days prior to departure. Failure to provide full payment by the due date may result in cancellation of the booking, and any deposit paid will be non-refundable. Full payment required immediately if booked close to departure or within 30 days.

   • Currency

     All transactions are in US Dollars, payments can be made in any currency equivalent to the dollar amount specified in the booking details. We are not responsible for fluctuations in currency rates, bank fees, or exchange rates.

3. What's Included & Not Included
   • Cruise Only: Unless otherwise stated, a standard cruise booking includes your ocean transportation according to the itinerary, accommodation for the duration of the voyage, all main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks), basic beverages such as water, juices, tea, and coffee at designated venues, onboard entertainment and activities, access to the ship's facilities and amenities, and applicable port taxes and fees. Certain luxury cruise lines and selected suite categories may also include additional benefits and all-inclusive amenities.
   • Cruise & Stay Packages: Include all elements of a Cruise-Only booking plus the pre- or post-booked hotel stay as part of the package, airport transfers, cruise port transfers, tours based on the number of tours in the package, hotel breakfast (depends), and land and tour transportation. Full package inclusions will be clearly communicated at the time of booking.
   • Complete Holiday Packages: Include all services specifically booked or requested by the client as part of the package, which may comprise flights, train, transfers, hotel accommodations, cruise fare, applicable taxes, and any pre-arranged tours or excursions. Any additional services requested by the client that are not included in the package are payable separately. Full package inclusions will be clearly communicated at the time of booking.
   • Not Included: Flights, pre- or post-cruise hotels, airport or port transfers, Wi-Fi packages, shore excursions, specialty dining, alcoholic and premium beverages, gratuities, spa treatments, travel insurance, visa fees, and any other optional services or purchases made onboard are not included in the cruise unless otherwise stated.
4. Availability & Price Changes

   All cruise cabins, flights, hotels, and tours are subject to live availability and dynamic pricing. CruiseWorld cannot guarantee or hold any cabin, fare, or service without a deposit. In some cases, a temporary courtesy hold may be offered for up to 3 days, subject to supplier policies; however, this is not guaranteed. Until payment is received, rates may change or services may sell out, for which we are not responsible. Quoted prices are valid only on the date of issue and remain subject to change at any time without prior notice. Prices may fluctuate due to promotions, taxes, port charges, supplier fare adjustments, currency exchange, or other unforeseen factors.

   We reserve the right to amend the price of unsold cruise or holiday arrangements at any time and correct errors in the prices of confirmed arrangements.

5. Payment Terms
   • A non-refundable deposit (as specified by the cruise line) is required at the time of booking.
   • Final payment is due as per the cruise line's payment schedule, typically 60–90 days prior to departure.
   • Late or incomplete payments may result in cancellation and loss of deposit.
6. Cruise Cancellation & Refund Policy
   • Cancellation by Passenger

     If you wish to make any changes to your cruise booking after they have been confirmed, including if you wish to cancel all or part of them, you must inform us as soon as possible in writing. Cancellation policies vary by cruise line and each supplier and will be communicated at the time of booking. All cancellations of bookings made through CruiseWorld are subject to the following terms:

     • More than 120 days before departure — Cancellation charge or loss of deposit
     • 120 to 100 days before departure — 75% of the holiday cost
     • 90–35 days before departure — 50% of the holiday cost
     • 35 days or less before departure — 100% of the holiday cost

     Important Notes:

     • Cancellation charges and policies imposed by the cruise line, airline, hotel, or tour operator take precedence over CruiseWorld's cancellation terms and will govern the applicable refunds.
     • Travel insurance is highly recommended. If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim the charges above.
     • Any non-refundable components (flights, hotels, tours, excursions) will be charged in accordance with the supplier's policies.
   • Cancellation by Cruise Line

     If the cruise line cancels or significantly alters your cruise, you may be entitled to a full refund or a credit toward future travel, depending on the cruise line's policy. In such cases, the Agency will assist you with the claims process, but is not responsible for any refunds or costs not covered by the cruise line.

   • Refunds

     Will be processed according to the cruise line's refund policies. Refunds for bookings paid by credit card will be processed to the original payment method. Please note that some services (such as shore excursions, prepaid gratuities, or travel insurance) may not be refundable once purchased. No refunds will be provided for any unused portion of a trip once travel has commenced. This includes, but is not limited to, missed flights, early hotel or cruise departures, unused tours, or no-shows for transfers.

7. Amendments to Bookings

   Any changes clients wish to amend in an existing booking (names, dates, cabin category, etc.) may incur additional charges. All change requests must be made in writing and are subject to the cruise lines' approval.

8. Payment Methods & Fees

   Payments can be made by bank transfer, credit card, or other accepted methods. Certain payment methods (Credit Cards) may incur processing or transaction fees, which will be communicated at the time of booking.

   In addition to cruises, CruiseWorld also offers complete holiday experiences that may include hotels, flights, transfers, tours, and other land-based services. These arrangements are provided as a combined package to complement your cruise, but they are supplied by independent third-party providers and are separate from the cruise line's own inclusions or responsibilities. The following terms apply specifically to these holiday and land arrangements.

9. Flights
   • Flight bookings are subject to airline fare rules, schedules, and availability.
   • Full flight payment is required at the time of booking.
   • Airline tickets are generally non-refundable and non-transferable once issued, unless otherwise stated by the airline's fare rules.
   • Some flights may not include checked baggage; it is the client's responsibility to book and pay for any additional baggage. Baggage allowances will be communicated at the time of booking.
   • Any changes, cancellations, or no-shows are subject to the airline's policies and applicable fees.
   • CruiseWorld is not responsible for flight delays, schedule changes, missed connections, or cancellations made by the airline. Additional costs arising from such disruptions will be the sole responsibility of the traveler.
   • Unless otherwise stated, your flight may not include transfer arrangements.
10. Hotels
    • Hotel bookings are subject to availability at the time of reservation.
    • Check-in/check-out times are set by the hotel and may vary by property.
    • Any special requests (e.g., bedding, view, early check-in, late check-out) are not guaranteed unless confirmed in writing by the hotel.
    • A refundable deposit for the hotel or accommodation will be charged to the guest directly against any damage.
    • Cancellation and refund policies are determined by each hotel's terms and will be communicated at the time of booking, and may generally be non-refundable depending on the type of room booked.
    • Please note that some hotels make additional daily local charges for hotel facilities, e.g. resort fees, tourism fees, or city taxes. These charges are not pre-payable and are not included in your holiday price but are advised at hotel check-in and payable directly to the hotel.
11. Tours & Excursions
    • Tours, excursions, and transfers booked through CruiseWorld or third-party suppliers and their cancellations will be in accordance with the supplier's cancellation policy unless otherwise specified.
    • Tour itineraries are subject to change due to weather, operational issues, or minimum participation requirements.
    • We are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damages incurred during tours or excursions operated by third-party providers.
12. Holiday Package Pricing
    • Prices for holiday packages (including flights, hotels, transfers, and tours) are subject to change until full payment is received.
    • Currency fluctuations, tax changes, and supplier price adjustments may affect the total cost.
13. Passenger Responsibilities
    • Travel Documents & Visas

      It is your responsibility to ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including passports, visas, and any required health documentation (e.g., vaccinations) for all destinations to be visited on the cruise. You should confirm these with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates; the Agency may provide general guidance on visas where applicable, but you must ensure compliance with the requirements of the cruise line, destinations, and your country of residence. CruiseWorld does not provide visas with any cruise or holiday packages we offer on our website and will not assume any responsibility for failure to provide valid travel documents before embarking on the cruise.

    • Health and Safety

      Certain cruise lines have health and safety requirements, including pre-boarding health screenings or vaccination requirements. You are responsible for ensuring you meet these requirements. The Agency is not liable for any issues arising from non-compliance.

    • Behavior

      You agree to behave in a responsible and respectful manner while on the cruise and during any pre- or post-cruise activities. The cruise line has the right to refuse boarding or disembark a passenger for inappropriate behavior.

14. Travel Insurance

    We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events. Please review your insurance policy in detail before travel.

15. Changes by Suppliers & Itineraries

    CruiseWorld is not responsible for schedule changes, cancellations, or alterations made by airlines, hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, or other suppliers. Cruise lines may alter itineraries, sailing schedules, or ships due to operational needs, weather, or unforeseen events. Clients will be informed of any changes as soon as possible, and any remedies or compensation are subject to the respective supplier's policies.

16. Liability and Limitation of Liability
    • Agency's Role and Mediation

      CruiseWorld acts solely as an agent for the cruise line and third-party service providers. We are not responsible for the operation, performance, or quality of services provided by cruise lines or other suppliers. We assume no liability for delays, itinerary changes, cancellations, overbookings, or other disruptions caused by any supplier. Any disputes will be mediated through CruiseWorld between the guest and the supplier; while we will assist in facilitating resolution, CruiseWorld is not liable for the supplier's final decisions or actions.

    • Our Responsibility as Organiser

      As the organizer of your packaged holiday, we accept responsibility under these Booking Conditions for any lack of conformity in the travel services included in your holiday that is due to our fault. Where there is a lack of conformity, we will remedy it or, if that is not possible or would involve disproportionate costs (taking into account the nature and value of the services affected), we will provide you with appropriate compensation. Any compensation payable will be proportionate to the impact of the lack of conformity and will not exceed the total cost of your holiday booked with us.

    • Cruise Line and Third-Party Supplier Responsibility

      Cruise lines are responsible for all cruise-related services, including ship operations, itineraries, onboard services, and shore excursions. Third-party suppliers such as airlines, hotels, transfer providers, and tour operators are solely responsible for the services they deliver. You agree that CruiseWorld shall not be liable for any acts, errors, delays, or omissions by these suppliers, or from services provided directly by cruise lines or other suppliers.

    • Limitation of Liability

      In no event shall CruiseWorld be liable for any indirect, consequential, or special damages arising from your cruise or related travel services, including, without limitation, loss of enjoyment, personal injury, illness, death, medical expenses, or loss or damage to property.

17. Special Requests

    Special requests such as bedding preferences, meal requirements, adjoining rooms, or other amenities must be made at the time of booking. While we will pass these requests to the supplier, CruiseWorld cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled.

18. Complaints

    If you encounter any issues or problems during your holiday, you must inform CruiseWorld without delay so that we can assist in resolving them. Complaints can be submitted via email, phone, or other written communication. CruiseWorld will make every reasonable effort to resolve issues promptly and amicably. All complaints should be submitted within 30 days of completing your travel services. Failure to notify us in a timely manner may result in us being unable to consider any claim for compensation.

19. Acceptance of Terms

    By paying a deposit or making full payment for your cruise travel, you enter into a binding contract with CruiseWorld. In the event of cancellation, you will be subject to the cancellation fees outlined in Clause 6. By confirming your booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions, as well as the individual booking and travel policies of the cruise line or other suppliers.

20. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

    These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and construed under the laws of United Arab Emirates or United States. Any disputes arising shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in that region.