Ticket Contract

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This ticket contract applies to all nations except the United Kingdom.
Expand the sections below to review our ticket contract in detail.
This most recent version reflects changes to our Age Policy and relation of our COVID policies.

The Ticket Contract

Version: November 6, 2023 (v.6.3)


PREFACE
THIS TICKET CONTRACT (“CONTRACT”) IS A LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT, WHETHER OR NOT SIGNED BY GUEST OR GUEST'S RESPONSIBLE ADULT. IT IS ISSUED BY THE CARRIER AND IS BINDING UPON THE GUEST ONCE HE/SHE BOOKS THE CRUISE. IT CONSTITUTES A CONTRACT OF CARRIAGE. EACH GUEST EXPLICITLY AGREES TO THE TERMS HEREIN, AND AGREES AND UNDERSTANDS HE/SHE IS BOUND BY THE APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THIS CONTRACT AFTER THE CRUISE TERMINATES. THE GUEST AGREES CARRIER MAY CHANGE, MODIFY, AND UPDATE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS HEREIN, AND NOTICE MAY OR MAY NOT BE GIVEN.

THE GUEST (AND RESPONSIBLE ADULT, IF APPLICABLE) SHOULD PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE EMPHASIZED TEXT IN SECTIONS 5, 6, 10, 15, 16, 17, 19, AND 22, WHICH MAY LIMIT THE RIGHTS OF GUEST AND EXCULPATE FROM LIABILITY THE CARRIER, THE VESSEL, AND ANY OF THEIR AGENTS, EMPLOYEES OR CONTRACTORS.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TICKET CONTRACT

1.1.    Definitions.
1.1.1.    "Guest" means the passenger traveling under this Contract and each such passenger’s heirs and Representatives, including a Responsible Adult signing on behalf of another as described in subsection 1.1.11.  When referencing some international conventions “Passenger” may alternately be used.
1.1.2.    "Carrier" means Virgin Cruises Intermediate Limited, (“Virgin Voyages”), and the Vessel itself (or a substitute Vessel).
1.1.3.    “Carrier Affiliates” includes any other company or entity that is in any way related to Carrier in any manner not included as Carrier Suppliers and officers, directors, agents, and employees of said affiliates.
1.1.4.    “Sailor Services” refers to the Carrier’s customer service call center, available at 1-954-488-2955 or through Carrier’s “Contact Us” web page. 
1.1.5.    “Carrier Suppliers” includes suppliers of goods and services, and includes but is not limited to caterers, concessionaires, physicians, spa personnel and medical personnel, all shore excursion and/or tour operators, independent contractors, as well as designers, installers, and manufacturers of the Vessel or any component parts or tenders thereof, and all of their respective agents, servants and employees.
1.1.6.    “Representatives” includes, but is not limited to, travel agents or brokers, charterers, and any and all agents or persons booking a Cruise on behalf of another person or persons.
1.1.7.    "Vessel" means a ship chartered, operated, or provided by the Carrier on which the Guest is or may be traveling or, as the case may be, against which the Guest may have a claim.
1.1.8.    "Master" means the Captain or his/her delegated or designated subordinate on the Vessel. 
1.1.9.    "Property" means such belongings, effects and possessions, including Baggage, and the like, as the Guest may bring aboard the Vessel or acquire during the Cruise, irrespective of whether the property is placed in the Guest's stateroom or worn by the Guest, or, stored in the Vessel's baggage compartment or holds.  
1.1.10.    "Baggage" includes, but is not limited to, the luggage, bag(s), and/or suitcase(s), in or by which the Guest contains and transports that Property not worn on the person on to and off of the Vessel. 
1.1.11.    “Responsible Adult” means the guardian or other legal representative of a person that is not competent to contract. A Responsible Adult must be at least 21 years old.
1.1.12.    “Cruise” means the duration of the Guest’s time spent on board the Vessel for the trip on board the Vessel as indicated in the documentation provided by the Carrier.  It starts from the time the Guest first steps on board the embarkation platform directly attached to the Vessel enroute to boarding the Vessel on the sailing date and lasts until the time the Guest steps off the embarkation platform directly attached to the Vessel after finally departing the Vessel after Vessel is moored at the port of disembarkation.  An embarkation platform as mentioned in this subsection 1.1.12 ends at the point it is shackled or attached to another platform, brow, ramp, gangway, or the like, that ultimately leads to shore or tender.
1.1.13.    “Wearable” means the device affixable to the Guest’s wrist, which concurrently serves as Guest’s electronic ID, boarding pass, credit device on the Vessel, and cabin key.  
1.1.14.    “Voyage Card” is a plastic credit-card sized card that serves the same function as the Wearable, and is available should the Guest opt to not use the Wearable.
1.1.15.    “Air by Virgin Voyages®” means the combined vacation package officially published and offered by Carrier, which includes the applicable Cruise and associated air transportation, and ground transportation.  Hotel add-on means hotel accommodations arranged by the Carrier.


1.2.   The prefatory paragraphs before “Terms and Conditions of the Ticket Contract” heading are incorporated into this Contract.

1.3. This Contract constitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the Guest and the Carrier, and supersedes any prior oral, implied, written, or other representations or agreements between Guest and the Carrier. It governs the relationship between the Guest and the Carrier, whether the Cruise is purchased by the Guest or on Guest’s behalf by a Representative, and can only be modified by a writing authenticated by the Carrier as evidenced by posting on Carrier’s website or by a writing signed by an authorized representative of the Carrier’s Legal Department.

1.4.   The Guest acknowledges receipt of travel information from Carrier’s website or travel agent and agrees to abide by the terms and conditions of not just this Contract, but also the information contained in Carrier’s Additional Terms and Conditions (www.virginvoyages.com/addl-terms-and-conditions) and Carrier’s Privacy Notice (www.virginvoyages.com/privacy-notice). In the event of conflict between the provisions of this Contract and any of the other terms and conditions contained in the Carrier’s website, the terms of any Carrier advertisement or offer, and the oral representations of any Carrier representative, the provisions of this Contract shall control.

1.5.    This Contract is valid only for the Guest named for the Cruise indicated and is not transferable or assignable without the Carrier's consent, which shall be finally confirmed by email. You may sell, assign or transfer your booking up to 48 hours before the Cruise, in which case the buyer, assignee, or transferee is bound by this Contract. No person other than that named on the booking confirmation paperwork may use the Wearable device, or the Voyage Card if opted for.  Cruise fare and charges prepaid shall be deemed fully earned when paid and shall not be refunded in whole or in part except in compliance with Section 8 herein.

1.6.    This Contract shall be deemed to be an undertaking and acknowledgement by Guest, on behalf of him/herself, and his/her heirs and representatives that s/he and they accept and agree to all the terms and conditions herein.

1.7.    Any persons not competent to contract must be identified to the Carrier at the time of booking and must be accompanied on the Cruise by a Responsible Adult. In the case of a person not competent to contract, this Contract constitutes a binding Contract between the Carrier and the Responsible Adult, who contracts as an individual and on behalf of the person not competent to contract. 

1.8.    Should any provision of this Contract be deemed invalid for any reason, the Guest agrees said provision is deemed to be severed from this Contract and shall be of no effect, but all remaining provisions herein shall remain in full force and effect.

1.9. Should you start your holiday and experience difficulties, contact your travel agent, or if you book through us, Virgin Voyages’ Shoreside Sailor Services, which you can reach by going to our “Contact Us” page.

2.1.    Unless stated otherwise, all Cruise-only prices, flight add-on (when incorporated), hotel add-on (when incorporated), and transfers (when incorporated) quoted on the website are per person in US Dollars, EU Euros, Australian Dollars, or Canadian Dollars, depending on where you are located.  If you are outside these sovereign areas, price will be in US Dollars. Your financial institution or card issuer may also charge you a foreign transaction (or similar) fee when you transact with us.

2.2.    For Cruise-only packages, the Cruise fare includes full board, accommodation, entertainment onboard the Ship, basic wi-fi access (i.e., access to non-streaming social media, email, non-video internet connection), and service charges for hotel services/drinks/food* onboard our Ship.  All holiday elements featured are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please always check your Booking Confirmation e-mail on receipt to ensure it includes all relevant details.

* An additional service charge applies for food delivered to your cabin or delivered to places other than one of our restaurants.

2.3.    Unless otherwise agreed, the price paid for the Cruise portion of your holiday does not include alcoholic beverages, specialized tea and coffee beverages, fresh/cold press juices, energy drinks, spa treatments, and salon services, individual exercise classes, select premium dining & entertainment, premium wi-fi package (i.e., streaming internet), casino and gambling activities, transfers and airfares (unless pre-purchased with air/sea packages), hotel stays pre-/post-Cruise (unless pre-purchased), retail shopping, shore excursions, specialized photography packages, video arcade,  phone calls off the Ship,  laundry services, satellite connection for mobile phones, travel insurance, medical insurance, baggage insurance, medical services, service charges/tips ashore.  Also excluded are credit card surcharges, taxes, and government-impose fees, which we will pass along, and never add to.

2.4.   The lists of inclusions and exclusions are subject to change.

2.5.    Fares do not include certain taxes, fees, port expenses, and charges imposed by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities, including port authorities, security surcharges, or similar incidental surcharges, for which Guests will be charged. If governmental or quasi-governmental action results in any element of such taxes and fees exceeding the estimates used by Carrier for purposes of computing the quoted amount, Carrier reserves the right to pass through the extra amount.

2.6.    The items excluded from the Fare in sections 2.2 and 2.3 are not exhaustive; other fees and services may be excluded as well.

2.7.    The Guest agrees that the Carrier shall not be liable to make any refund to the Guest for tickets that are wholly or partially unused by the Guest except as otherwise expressly stated in this Contract, any law or government regulation to the contrary notwithstanding. Refunds shall be made as specified in Sections 8 and 9 herein.

2.8.    The Guest shall pay in full all charges for goods and services incurred or incurred by the Carrier on his/her behalf, before the end of the Cruise.

2.9.    Carrier reserves the right to collect the Fare in effect for the accommodations selected by the Guest. Carrier shall be entitled to, but not obligated to, upgrade any Guest free of charge to higher priced accommodations, at the sole discretion of Carrier. Carrier shall not be obligated to honor any booking resulting from, nor shall the Carrier be responsible or liable whatsoever in connection with, misprints or errors of any kind, whether in hard-copy advertisements, on the Internet, during the booking process or otherwise, that result in Guest being undercharged for the Cruise. Carrier reserves the right, prior to sailing, to collect the correct fare or cancel the booking and refund any payment made by Guest. Carrier reserves the right to cancel any booking and/or deny boarding to any Guest that maintains an outstanding balance in any amount owed to Carrier or who fails to pay an outstanding balance on the Cruise Fare by the due date.

2.10.   The Vessel crew is compensated by a combination of salary and incentive programs that are funded in part by the service charges included but not limited to the price of the Cruise Fare, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffee/tea, fresh juices, and spa/sauna services. A certain segment of the service charges is further partitioned to reward exemplary service and is distributed to employees according to Carrier's evaluation of job performance.

At our discretion, we may offer a guaranteed booking. This means you may book a cabin of a guaranteed minimum category type at a reduced rate, i.e., our “Lock It In” rate.  This is separate from our “Oversell Guarantee,” in which we guarantee you the cabin/suite you book unless we oversell, in which case you may be upgraded at no additional cost.
The benefits to you of a Lock It In Guaranteed Booking are that after your booking has been confirmed:

  • We may (at our discretion) upgrade your cabin to one of a superior Category or superior MetaCategory to that originally booked at no extra charge to you.
  • You are ‘guaranteed’ the minimum Category of cabin we agreed to offer at the time of booking. 
  • The cabin we allocate will be suitable for the number of Guests occupying it.  

We categorize cabins in “MetaCategories,” then “Categories” of cabins.  Those MetaCategories and Categories are listed in increasing precedence (that is, the lowest precedence is first), along with their two figure “designator” immediately below:

MetaCategory: “Insider Cabins”: Insider Guaranteed Cabin (“IZ”) / The Insider (“I4”) / Social Insider (“IN”) / Solo Insider (“I1”)

MetaCategory: “Sea View Cabins”: Sea View Guaranteed Cabin (“VZ”) / Solo Sea View (“V1”) / The Sea View (“VW”)

MetaCategory: “Sea Terrace Cabins”: Sea Terrace Guaranteed Cabin (“TZ”) / Ltd View Sea Terrace (“TL”) / The Sea Terrace (“TR”) / Central Sea Terrace (“TC”) / XL Sea Terrace (“TX”)

MetaCategory: “RockStar Quarters”: Rockstar Guaranteed Suite ("RZ") / Sweet Aft – Pretty Big Terrace ("SS") / Sweet Aft – Even Bigger Terrace ("SAP") / Sweet Aft – Biggest Terrace ("SAE") / Seriously Suite ("SAB") / Cheeky Corner Suite – Pretty Big Terrace ("SCP") / Cheeky Corner Suite – Even Bigger Terrace ("SCE") / Cheeky Corner Suite – Biggest Terrace ("SCB") / Brilliant Suite (SB")

MetaCategory: “MegaRockStar Quarters”: Mega Rockstar Guaranteed Suite (“MZ”) / Gorgeous Suite (“SG”) / Posh Suite (SP”) / Fab Suite (SF”) / Massive Suite (“SM”)

In exchange for the reduced price and chance for upgrade, there are restrictions imposed:  

  • Once your cabin has been allocated to you as a Lock It In Guaranteed Booking, we are unable to accept any changes requested by you.  
  • Your ability to change Cruises is affected: you are restricted from changing your sail date, and you will not get a future voyage credit if you do.
  • You may not know your cabin until your sail date.  This is because we may assign your cabin up to (and including) the day you actually sail. 

By way of example, if you book a “Sea Terrace (“TZ”)” cabin as a Lock It In Guaranteed Booking, you (1) will pay a lower price than you would otherwise, and (2) you may be upgraded to a “XL Sea Terrace (“TX”)” or even one of the “Rockstar Quarters.”  However, (3) you are locked-in to that Cruise date and (4) you may not know your cabin until you check in on your sail date.

If you have a specific requirement regarding your cabin, or cabin location, or are travelling with family or friends you want to be near, then we suggest you do not book as a Lock It In Guaranteed Booking. At times, we may extend other promotional guaranteed booking offers.  Cabin layouts and benefits vary by category.  If you book two or more Cruises to be taken back to back and either one or all the Cruises are booked as a Lock It In Guaranteed Booking there is the possibility that you will be allocated different cabins/suites on each Cruise, therefore requiring a move between cabins/suites on the changeover day between your back to back Cruises. 

4.1.    Guests shall present themselves for boarding no earlier than the arrival time slot set forth in Guest’s “Ready to Sail” mobile application and no later than necessary to be able to be on board the Vessel, which is three hours before scheduled departure at the port of embarkation to complete any pre-boarding procedures and security inspections. At ports of call, Guests shall be on board the Vessel at least one hour before scheduled departure, or as promulgated during the Cruise.

4.2.    A passport is required for a Guest to board the Vessel. In addition, upon embarkation, the Guest shall have in his or her possession, and assumes all responsibility for obtaining, all visas and/or any other travel and health documents required by any governmental authority, and if s/he fails to do so the Carrier shall have no further obligation to transport or to furnish transportation to the Guest. Proper travel documentation and eligibility to travel is required at the embarkation and throughout the Cruise. The Guest is advised to consult his or her travel agent or appropriate governmental authorities concerning required documentation for travel. The Guest shall indemnify the Carrier for all penalties, fines, taxes, charges, losses and expenses imposed upon or incurred by the Carrier due to the Guest's failure to have proper documentation or otherwise comply with applicable laws or regulations of any kind. 

4.3.    Any such Guest, or any Guest who fails to board the Vessel at the port of embarkation or a port of call shall be ineligible to board the Vessel thereafter without Carrier’s consent, and shall not attempt to do so at the same or another port without such consent. Such Guest shall not be entitled to a refund or compensation of any kind. Under no circumstances shall the Carrier be liable for any costs, damages or expenses whatsoever incurred by any Guest as a result of such failure, cancellation, or denial of boarding. 

4.4.    The Guest shall comply with orders or direction in drills or emergency situations.

4.5.    The Guest shall remain in the Guest areas of the Vessel at all times, except when orders or direction to the contrary are issued in an emergency or drill, or in cases of invitation to visit non-Guest areas (such as the Bridge or the bar on Deck 4). The Guest acknowledges that the Carrier is not an insurer of his or her safety during the course of the Cruise, and the Guest agrees that the Carrier shall not be liable in any circumstances for any incident or injury arising from events occurring outside of the Guest areas of the Vessel, unless the Guest is present outside the Guest areas of the Vessel pursuant to an order issued in an emergency or drill.

4.6    We have no luggage allowance—but storage in our cabins is limited.  Every piece of baggage must be distinctly labeled with the Guest's name, Ship's name, cabin number, and sailing date. Note that airlines impose their own baggage allowance, with which you must also comply.  We strongly recommend that you check with your airline directly for confirmation of your baggage allowance as allowances vary from airline to airline and excess luggage fees may apply.  All luggage allowances are subject to variation by the airline concerned and you may be charged additional costs by the airline for excess luggage.

4.7.    Responsible Adult. A person signing as the Responsible Adult for a Guest shall be liable to the Carrier, and shall reimburse the Carrier, for all loss, damage, fees, and/or cost sustained by the Carrier caused directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by reason of any act or omission of the Guest over whom the Responsible Adult is responsible. The Responsible Adult shall also pay to Carrier the prevailing costs and fees imposed by Carrier relating to the Responsible Adult’s failure to adequately supervise, control or care for the Guest over whom the Responsible Adult is responsible. Further, the Responsible Adult shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Carrier from and against any liability (including reasonable legal fees) Carrier may incur to any person or entity (private or governmental) for any death, injury, damage, fine or penalty arising directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by reason of any act or omission of the Guest over whom the Responsible Adult is responsible.

4.8. Guest agrees to abide by Carrier’s COVID-19 policies and procedures set forth in Section 7 below and on Carrier’s website at (https://www.virginvoyages.com/voyage-well) and follow the lawful instructions of the Vessel’s officers and crew at all times.  The Guest accepts that failure to do so constitutes a materials breach of this Contract which may subject Guest, as well as any accompanying Guest(s), to involuntary disembarkation without liability whatsoever to the Carrier for any refund or any other related loss or expense to the Guest, and any accompanying Guest(s).

5.1.    The Carrier shall in no event be liable to the Guest in respect of any occurrence ashore, prior to embarking or after disembarking the Vessel, except for negligence of the Carrier or its employees acting within the course and scope of employment during transportation by water to or from the Vessel which is carried out by means of a conveyance provided by the Carrier.  This exclusion of liability includes incidents occurring during shore excursions, or tendering operations not owned, operated, or controlled by the Carrier.

5.2.    All arrangements made for or by Guests for (a) transportation or travel by air, water, or on the ground (including Air by Virgin Voyages®), (b) shore excursions and activities, (c) tours, (d) hotels, (e) restaurants, or (f) other similar activities or services, are made solely for Guests’ convenience and are at Guests’ risk.  Even though the arrangements may be sold or made on board the Vessel or through the Carrier’s website, the Carrier does not act on behalf of, supervise or control the parties or persons who own, furnish, or operate such conveyances, services or facilities.  

5.3.    THE PARTIES OR PERSONS WHO OWN, FURNISH, OR OPERATE SUCH CONVEYANCES, SERVICES, OR FACILITIES, OR SHORE EXCURSIONS STATED ABOVE IN SECTION 5.2 OF THIS CONTRACT, ARE NOT ACTING AS AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CARRIER, AND ARE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS WHO WORK DIRECTLY FOR THE GUEST.  THE CARRIER DOES NOT OWN OR CONTROL ANY OF THESE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, NOR SHALL THE CARRIER BE RESPONSIBLE IN ANY WAY FOR THE CONDUCT, PRODUCTS, FACILITIES OR SERVICES PROVIDED BY SUCH INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. THEREFORE, THE GUEST AGREES THAT THE CARRIER ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR, NOR GUARANTEES THE PERFORMANCE OF, ANY SUCH PERSON, PARTY, CONTRACTOR, SERVICE, OR FACILITY, AND THAT THE CARRIER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE, VICARIOUSLY OR OTHERWISE, FOR LOSSES OR INJURIES ARISING FROM THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF SUCH PERSON, PARTY, CONTRACTOR, SERVICE, OR FACILITY. EVEN THOUGH CARRIER MAY COLLECT A FEE FROM MAKING ARRANGEMENTS AND OFFERS FOR SHORE EXCURSIONS, TOURS, HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, ATTRACTIONS, AND OTHER SIMILAR ACTIVITIES OR SERVICES TAKING PLACE OFF THE VESSEL FOR A PROFIT, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO SUPERVISE OR CONTROL SUCH INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS OR THEIR EMPLOYEES, NOR MAINTAIN THEIR CONVEYANCES OR FACILITIES, AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATION, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THEIR SUITABILITY OR SAFETY. IN NO EVENT SHALL CARRIER BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, DELAY, DISAPPOINTMENT, DAMAGE, INJURY, DEATH, OR OTHER HARM WHATSOEVER TO GUEST WHICH OCCURS ON OR OFF THE VESSEL OR THE TRANSPORT AS A RESULT OF ANY ACTS, OMISSIONS OR NEGLIGENCE OF ANY INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. SEE SECTION 6 AND SUBSECTION 18.1 FOR OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION RELATING TO SHIPBOARD OUTSIDE/INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS.  

5.4.    Guests are subject to such terms, if any, appearing in the tickets, vouchers or notices of excursion operators, conveyance operators, and other such party or parties. 

5.5.    Notwithstanding that the Carrier, at the Guest's option, arranges air transportation, hotel accommodations, ground transfers, shore excursions and other services with independent suppliers of such services, the Guest understands and agrees that the Carrier earns a fee on the sale of such optional services. Nothing in these agreements or contracts with Carrier Suppliers are intended to confer any third party benefits to the Guests.

6.1.    MEDICAL PERSONNEL & SERVICES.  THE GUEST RECOGNIZES AND ACCEPTS THAT THE CARRIER IS NOT IN THE BUSINESS OF PROVIDING MEDICAL SERVICES AND/OR OPERATING MEDICAL FACILITIES. ANY MEDICAL PERSONNEL AT ANY TERMINAL OR ON BOARD THE VESSEL ARE PROVIDED AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS SOLELY FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE GUEST AND THEY ARE NOT SERVANTS, AGENTS, OR REPRESENTATIVES OF CARRIER EVEN THOUGH THE CARRIER MAY CHARGE A FEE FOR SUCH SERVICES. THE CARRIER DOES NOT OWN OR CONTROL THE MEDICAL SERVICES AND DOES NOT SUPERVISE ANY CARE OR TREATMENT PROVIDED BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS ABOARD THE VESSEL. CARRIER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, MENTAL SUFFERING OR PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY CAUSED BY REASON OF ANY TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS, ADVICE, EXAMINATION, PRESCRIPTION OR OTHER SERVICE PROVIDED BY SUCH MEDICAL PERSONNEL, OR, BY THE FAILURE OF SUCH MEDICAL PERSONNEL TO PROVIDE ANY TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS, ADVICE, EXAMINATION, PRESCRIPTION OR OTHER SERVICE.  

6.2.    Other Independent Contractors. The Vessel carries on board other service providers who operate as independent contractors. Certain of their services and products are not included in the Fare, and the Carrier is not responsible for their performance or products. These contractors may include, but not be limited to, hairdressers, manicurists, masseuses or masseurs, photographers, entertainers, fitness instructors, shopkeepers, tattoo artists, body piercers, telecommunications services providers, and others providing services. These independent contractors are in addition to the medical personnel previously detailed.  Independent contractors may have additional terms and conditions related to their services that bind Guests using those services.

6.3.    Payment for Optional Services. Such parties or persons described in this Section 6 shall be entitled to make a proper charge for any service performed for or on behalf of the Guest and the cost of such service shall be the sole responsibility of the Guest. 

6.4.    The limitations referred to in Sections 15, 16, and 17 shall apply to all independent contractors and their employers as provided therein.

6.5.    THE CARRIER DOES NOT OWN OR CONTROL TERMINAL OR SHIPBOARD INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS.  FURTHER, THE CARRIER MAKES NO REPRESENTATION AS TO THEIR PERFORMANCE, DOES NOT SUPERVISE THEIR ACTIVITIES, AND DOES NOT MAINTAIN THEIR CONVEYANCES.  SUCH CONTRACTORS ARE NOT THE CARRIER’S AGENTS, AND AS SUCH THE CARRIER EXPRESSLY REJECTS THE PREMISE THAT THE CONTRACTORS ACT FOR THE CARRIER, AS WELL AS THE PREMISE THE CONTRACTORS ACT FOR THE CARRIER’S BENEFIT, AS OPPOSED TO THE GUEST’S BENEFIT.  THE CARRIER WORKS WITH SUCH INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS TO GENERATE REVENUE THROUGH COLLECTION OF FEES, ARRANGING FOR TICKETING, AND/OR OTHER ARRANGEMENTS.  FURTHER, THE CARRIER WILL ACT AS A CONDUIT TO PROVIDE ACTIVITY OPTIONS TO ITS GUESTS WITH SUCH INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS.  THE CARRIER MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THEIR SAFETY OR SUITABILITY.  ANY GUEST USING THEIR SERVICES IS DEEMED TO AGREE AND CONSENT THAT ANY LIABILITY FOR DEATH, ILLNESS, PERSONAL INJURY, AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE SHALL BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AS PROVIDER OF SUCH SERVICE OR ACTIVITY.  GUEST FURTHER AGREES TO RELEASE AND HOLD THE CARRIER AND CARRIER’S SUPPLIERS HARMLESS FOR ANY SUCH INJURIES, DAMAGES, OR CLAIMS RESULTING FROM THE USE OF ANY SUCH SERVICES OR ACTIVITIES.  SEE ALSO SECTION 18.1.

6.6.    Guest acknowledges that although on occasion, Carrier’s employees and/or the independent contractors may make appearances and participate in activities or services and may use signage, including at independent contractor’s facilities, or clothing which identifies the Carrier or use other related trade names or logos of the Carrier or Carrier’s Affiliates, the status of the providers of such services are and remain unchanged as independent contractors.  Nothing in this Contract shall be construed as creating a relationship between the provider of such services and the Carrier, or Carrier’s Affiliates, as that of partners, employer and employee, franchisor and franchisee, master and servant, principal and agent, or joint venturers.

7.1.   Recommended Consultation with Personal Physician. Guests are encouraged to discuss the advisability of travel with their personal physicians and to review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) website for updated information. See https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-3/coronavirus-cruise-ship.  The CDC has identified elderly persons and persons with certain chronic medical conditions as being at increased risk of life-threatening complications from being infected with COVID-19. Guest ACKNOWLEDGES, UNDERSTANDS AND ACCEPTS THAT WHILE ABOARD THE VESSEL, IN TERMINALS AND BOARDING AREAS, OR DURING ACTIVITIES ASHORE AND/ OR WHILE TRAVELING TO OR FROM THE VESSEL, THE GUEST OR OTHER GUESTS MAY BE EXPOSED TO COMMUNICABLE ILLNESSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO COVID-19, INFLUENZA, COLDS AND NOROVIRUS. GUEST FURTHER UNDERSTANDS AND ACCEPTS THAT THE RISK OF EXPOSURES TO THESE COMMUNICABLE ILLNESSES AND OTHERS IS INHERENT IN MOST ACTIVITIES WHERE PEOPLE INTERACT OR SHARE COMMON FACILITIES, IS BEYOND CARRIER’S CONTROL, AND CANNOT BE ELIMINATED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. GUEST KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY ACCEPTS THESE RISKS AS PART OF THIS TICKET 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.

7.2.    Agreement to Abide by Current COVID-19 Policies and Procedures. Carrier’s COVID-19 Policies and Procedures are subject to guidance and directives of established health authorities in the U.S. and other destinations where the Vessel visits, including the CDC and other international, national and local health agencies when the Vessel is within those agencies’ jurisdiction. Guest acknowledges that these directives may change from time to time and that Carrier’s COVID-19 Policies and Procedures may therefore change. Guest expressly agrees to comply not only with the COVID-19 Policies and Procedures as they are described herein, but also as they are set forth on Carrier’s website at all times including pre-embarkation, while onboard, during port calls and shore excursions, and/or final disembarkation. In case of any conflict between the COVID-19 Policies and Procedures described herein or on Carrier’s website, the website governs. Guest’s agreement to abide by Carrier’s COVID-19 Policies and Procedures constitutes an integral part of this Ticket Contract.

7.3.    Mandatory Compliance with COVID-19 Policies and Procedures. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein or in Carrier’s Refund Policy, any noncompliance by Guest or members of Guest’s travelling party with Carrier’s COVID-19 Policies and Procedures or this Ticket Contract shall be grounds for refusal to board, refusal to re-board after going ashore, quarantine onboard the Vessel, disembarkation, reporting to governmental or health authorities, or other steps deemed necessary in Carrier’s sole discretion under the circumstances to protect the health and well-being of others. Under these circumstances, Guest shall not be entitled to a refund or compensation of any kind. Guest will be responsible for all related costs and fines, including without limitation travel expenses and for proper travel documentation for any port, or for departure from or arrival to Guest’s country of residence. Under no circumstances shall Carrier be liable for any damages or expenses whatsoever incurred by any Guest as a result of such denial of boarding, refusal to re-board, quarantine, disembarkation, or other steps taken by Carrier.

8.1.    Guest is not entitled to any refund, payment, compensation or credit except as otherwise provided in this Section 8.  

8.2.    Guest may cancel through Carrier’s Sailor Services, through a travel agent, or through the Carrier’s website.  In such case cancellation shall be deemed effective at 11:59 p.m. local east coast United States time on the date Guest communicates such cancellation.

8.3.    Cruises cancelled prior to the sailing date will be subject to the Carrier’s flexible booking policy as provided in the table below. The impact of the cancellation is determined according to the table below and varies depending on how far in advance of the sailing date the Carrier receives notice of cancellation. The table applies to Holiday Sailings as well. Per person taxes and fees will be refunded to the credit card on file.

DAYS PRIOR TO SAILING DATE

CANCELLATION IMPACT AND OPTIONS

 

121 days or more

No cancellation impact.

Deposit will be refunded only if cancellation is within 7 days of deposit. Otherwise, entire deposit amount is non-refundable.





 

120 days or less

No refund.

Options available in case of cancellation 46 days or more from the sailing date:

  • Receive a Future Voyage Certificate in the amount paid that can be applied to a new Cruise up to 1 year after the original Cruise date.
  • Change Cruise date to a new Cruise date; new Cruise must be within 1 year of the cancelled Cruise date.

45 days or less from the sailing date Guest may change the name on, or transfer, the reservation up to 48 hours of the departure of the Cruise.

Submit an insurance claim if travel protection (i.e., travel insurance) was purchased.

Individual cancellation policies apply at the Guest level for any individual cancellation within a cabin.  

8.4    Guest Changes.  

8.4.1    A Guest may reschedule his or her Cruise 46 days or more from the originally-scheduled Cruise sailing date.  The new sailing date must be within a year of the originally-scheduled Cruise sailing date.  Per Guest taxes and fees will be collected or refunded to original credit card(s) on file if the taxes and fees on the new sailing date differ from the original.

8.4.2    Cabin category may be changed 46 days or more from the Cruise sailing date, though cabin upgrades may be made 45 days or less from the Cruise sailing date subject to availability.  For an up-category Cabin change, applicable fare increase is due at time of change.  For down-category Cabin change, fare decrease will be provided in the form of on board credit or Future Voyage Certificate.   No change fees will be charged for Cruise date or cabin changes.

8.4.3    If 3 or 4 Guests are booked in a triple- or quadruple-occupancy cabin and 1 or 2 Guests cancel, Carrier retains the right to move remaining Guests to a smaller cabin (triple- or double-occupancy) in the same category.

8.4.4    Guest-initiated changes may incur a change fee not to exceed three hundred USD ($300) or its converted equivalent.

8.5    Bookings must be cancelled within 7 days of initial deposit and beyond 120 days of sailing date for full refund.  Future Voyage Certificates, and/or credits will be applied on a per-Guest basis.  Future Voyage Certificates are non-transferrable, and will be issued to relevant Guest(s) based on Cruise fare paid.  

8.6.  Carrier reserves the right occasionally offer more flexible terms for Guest cancellations, which will be announced on our webpage at https://www.virginvoyages.com/promotional-terms-and-conditions

9.1.   Guest acknowledges travel by ocean-going vessel occasionally presents risks and circumstances beyond the control of the Carrier. The Carrier is not responsible for these risks and Carrier may for any reason at any time and without prior notice, at the Carrier's sole discretion, cancel, advance, postpone or deviate from any scheduled sailing, port of call, destination, lodging or activity. The Guest assumes these risks and acknowledges and agrees that Carrier shall not be liable for any claim whatsoever by Guest, including but not limited to any losses, compensation or refund, by reason of any such cancellation, advancement, postponement, substitution or deviation.  The Guest further releases the Carrier from any loss, damage, or injury arising from, or as a result of, or in the Carrier’s or Master’s judgment necessitated by or by the threat of, force majeure circumstances, including war, acts of terrorists, labor strikes, riots or civil unrest, industrial action, fire, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather, health risks, epidemics or illnesses or outbreaks or public health emergency (included but nor limited to COVID-19) or other impactful prevalence of disease, acts of God, inability to procure fuel, acts of state (which include government orders and restraints), quarantines, failure of contractor or subcontractor to perform, theft, latent defects, accident to or from machinery or mechanical difficulties (which we could not have anticipated or avoided despite our normal comprehensive mechanical checks) (except as provided in Subsection 9.4), desertion or revolt of the crew, seizure of Vessel by legal process, and/or any other acts as determined by Carrier to be beyond the Carrier’s reasonable control. 

9.2.    Under the circumstances set forth in Section 9.1, the Cruise may be altered, shortened, lengthened, cancelled in whole or in part, without liability to the Carrier for a refund.  Vessel may be substituted for any other vessel or means of transportation regardless of owner, or a pro rata refund of fare with no further liability for damages or losses or any kind. 

9.3.    Guest agrees Carrier has the sole discretion to direct the movement of the Vessel, to include the right:  

9.3.1.    To proceed without pilot or tow;

9.3.2.    To assist other vessels or mariners;

9.3.3.    To save life and property; 

9.3.4.    To put in at any unscheduled port for any reason and at any time before, during, or after Vessel sailing;

9.3.5.    To omit, advance, or delay landing at any scheduled or advertised port; 

9.3.6.    To return to port of embarkation or any other port previously visited if the Carrier deems it prudent to do so; 

9.3.7.    To deviate from the itinerary at sole discretion of Carrier, due to lack of pilots or tugs, or loading and discharging of fuel, laborers stowaways, Guests, or crew, or for any other reasons.   

9.4.    In the event that the Cruise is canceled or terminated early due to mechanical failure:

9.4.1.    The Guest shall have a right to a full refund of the Cruise Fare if the Cruise is canceled in full, or a pro-rated partial refund if the Cruise is terminated early;

9.4.2.    Carrier may cover or reimburse the Guest for additional costs (e.g. airline change fees) as deemed appropriate by the Carrier;

9.4.3.    If the Guest has travelled to the Vessel, the Guest shall have a right to transportation, by means selected by the Carrier, to the Vessel’s scheduled port of disembarkation or the Guest’s origination point; and

9.4.4.    The Guest shall have a right to lodging (selected by the Carrier) if disembarkation and an overnight stay in an unscheduled port are required due to the Cruise being cancelled or terminated early because of such mechanical failures.

10.1.    The Guest warrants that s/he is fit to travel by sea and that his or her conduct or condition will not impair the safety of the Vessel or health of the other Guests. Guests may be required to provide health information or to be medically tested as a condition to boarding the Vessel or continuing the voyage at any point.

10.2. THE CARRIER SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY AND SHALL OWE NO FULL OR PARTIAL REFUND IN THE EVENT THE GUEST IS REFUSED PASSAGE, DISEMBARKED, CONFINED TO THE INFIRMARY OR THEIR CABIN, OR TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER BERTH OR CABIN PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION. GUEST WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MEDICAL, HOTEL, FOOD, TRAVEL, AND ALL OTHER EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE EVENT THE CARRIER, IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION, DENIES BOARDING OR DISEMBARKS THE GUEST.

10.3.    Any Guest with a condition that may affect his or her fitness to travel is strongly encouraged to check with the Guest's personal physician regarding their ability to travel and to obtain a written physician’s certificate of Guest’s fitness for an international sea cruise. Any Guest may be required to submit a negative contagious disease (e.g., COVID-19) test result before departure and to undergo testing at a terminal and during voyage in the sole discretion of the Carrier. 

10.4.   IF IT APPEARS TO THE CARRIER, THE MASTER OR THE VESSEL DOCTOR, IN THEIR SOLE INDIVIDUAL OR COLLECTIVE DISCRETION, THAT A GUEST IS FOR ANY REASON UNFIT TO TRAVEL, LIKELY TO ENDANGER HEALTH OR SAFETY OF THE OTHER GUESTS, THE CREW OR THE VESSEL, LIKELY TO BE REFUSED PERMISSION TO LAND AT ANY PORT, OR LIKELY TO RENDER THE CARRIER LIABLE FOR GUEST MAINTENANCE, SUPPORT, OR REPATRIATION, THEN THE CARRIER OR THE MASTER SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO TAKE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING COURSES AND THE CARRIER SHALL HAVE NO FURTHER LIABILITY TO GUEST: (.1) REFUSE TO EMBARK THE GUEST AT ANY PORT; (.2) DISEMBARK THE GUEST AT ANY PORT; (.3) TRANSFER THE GUEST TO ANOTHER BERTH OR CABIN; (.4) IF THE VESSEL DOCTOR CONSIDERS IT ADVISABLE, TO PLACE AND CONFINE THE GUEST IN THE VESSEL’S INFIRMARY, TO THE GUEST’S CABIN OR ANY OTHER CABIN, OR TO TRANSFER THE GUEST TO A HEALTH FACILITY AT ANY PORT, ALL AT THE GUEST’S EXPENSE AND WITHOUT ENTITLEMENT TO ANY REFUND.

10.5.    Guest acknowledges that there may be circumstances beyond Carrier’s control which may prevent or delay a medical evacuation or disembarkation, and that there is no emergency trauma medical capability on board the Vessel.

10.6.    Guests with special needs are advised that certain international safety requirements, shipbuilding requirements, and/or applicable regulations may cause difficulty for mobility-impaired persons or persons with severely impaired sight and/or hearing.  See Section 11.

10.7.  Guest is placed on notice that thermographs may be positioned at terminals and throughout the Vessel to monitor the temperature of Guests and employees.  Guest consents to Carrier taking the Guest’s temperature by thermograph and otherwise upon request before boarding and as the Guest passes through the Vessel. positioned at terminals and throughout the Vessel to monitor the temperature of Guests and employees.  Guest consents to Carrier taking the Guest’s temperature by thermograph and otherwise upon request before boarding and as the Guest passes through the Vessel. 

11.1.    The Vessel has a limited number of cabins equipped for persons with reduced mobility. Not all areas or equipment on the Vessel are suitable for access to disabled Guests or Guests with reduced mobility. Guests are advised that standard cabins are not designed to be barrier free and accessible by mobility devices. We reserve the right to reassign Guests to a standard cabin where there is no genuine medical need for an accessible cabin.

11.2.    Due to the risks inherent in travel by sea, if Guest has any special medical, physical or other requirements, Guest, Guest’s travel agent, or any person booking on Guest’s behalf is requested to inform the Carrier at the time of booking of any special need or other condition for which Guest or any person in Guest’s care may require medical attention or accommodation during the Cruise, or for which the use of a wheelchair or service animal is contemplated or necessary.  Guests requiring the use of service animals must notify Carrier not less than 21 days prior to the Cruise; see subsection 24.1.  If any such special need or condition arises after Guest has booked the Cruise, Guest is requested to report it to Carrier as soon as Guest becomes aware of it. Guest acknowledges and understands 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 mobility, communication or other impairments or special needs. Guests acknowledge and agree the Carrier may disembark or refuse to embark Guest or anyone under Guest’s care as set forth in Section 10 Health & Fitness to Travel.  In limited situations where Guest would be unable to satisfy certain specified safety and other criteria, even when provided with appropriate auxiliary aids and services, Carrier reserves the right to refuse permission to participate in all or part of the Cruise.  

11.3.    The Carrier reserves the right to refuse passage to anyone who has failed to notify it of their specific needs with regard to accommodation; seating or services required from the Carrier or terminal operator; their need to bring medical equipment; their need to bring a recognized service animal on board the Vessel; or of any other known disabilities that require special assistance, special services, or privileges; or who in the Carrier’s and/or Master’s opinion is unfit or unable to travel; or anyone whose condition may constitute a danger to themselves or others on board on the grounds of safety. 

11.4.    Guests are under no obligation to identify themselves solely because they have a disability when they seek no special assistance, special services, or privileges.  Guests may consider self-identifying their disability where notice to the Vessel crew would prevent misunderstanding of a Guest’s particular disability. Where necessary in order to comply with applicable safety requirements, Carrier may require a disabled person or person with reduced mobility to be accompanied by another person who is fit and able to assist them in day to day activities. This requirement may vary from vessel to vessel and itinerary to itinerary. Guests who may fall into this category may include those who require assistance with personal care including feeding, dressing, and toileting. All personal care or supervision must be arranged by Guest at his or her expense. Carrier is unable to provide respite care, one-to-one personal care, or supervision.

11.5.    Where any mobility or other equipment is lost or damaged by the fault or neglect of the Carrier then it is the Carrier’s absolute decision as to whether to repair or replace such equipment. All medical equipment must be capable of being carried safely and must be declared before the Cruise by email or phone to Sailor Services available at our “Contact Us” page or by calling 1-954-488-2955, or otherwise by notice as provided in paragraph 24.  The Carrier may decline to carry such equipment where it is not safe to do so or where it has not been notified in time to enable a risk assessment to be carried out.

11.7.    Guests requiring the use of a mobility device must provide their own.  Any wheelchairs available on the Vessel are for emergency use only.  For the convenience and comfort of Guests requiring wheelchairs, they are strongly encouraged to bring a collapsible wheelchair. 

12.1.    For safety reasons the Carrier cannot carry Guests who are 24 weeks or more pregnant before the end of the Cruise. The Guest agrees not to present herself for boarding under any circumstance if she will have entered the 24th week of pregnancy as of her embarkation date or will enter her 24th week of pregnancy during the Cruise. 

12.2.    The Vessel’s medical personnel are not qualified to deliver babies on board or to offer pre- or post-natal treatment.  No responsibility is accepted by the Carrier in respect of the ability to provide such services or equipment. 

12.3.    The Carrier reserves the right to request a medical certificate at any stage of pregnancy and to refuse passage if the Carrier and/or the Master are not satisfied that the Guest will be safe during the passage.

12.4.    Pregnant Guests are referred to Subsection 6.1 herein headed “Medical Personnel and Services” for information regarding the medical facilities on board.

13.1.    Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception: at the beginning of the Cruise during embarkation day Guests 21 years of age and older may bring in their carry-on baggage two 750 ml bottles of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per cabin. This applies regardless of cabin occupancy. A $20 corkage fee (a charge exacted at a restaurant for every bottle of wine served that was not bought on the premises) per 750 ml bottle will be charged should Guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in a restaurant or bar. Guests are also prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages on board that are packaged in bottles. A small quantity of nonalcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought on board on embarkation day, only if carried on in Guests’ hand baggage (not in checked baggage). A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans / cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person. 

13.2.    Any liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic beverage, and non-alcoholic beverages, outside of the exceptions referenced in subsection 13.1, are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.  Such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided. 

13.3.    Alcoholic beverages purchased in the Vessel’s gift shops or at a port of call will be retained by Carrier until the end of the Cruise, however, in no instance shall an Under-21 Adult be permitted to possess alcohol in the territorial sea or internal waters of the United States.  See subsection 13.5.

13.4.    Carrier reserves the right to refuse to serve alcohol to any Guest. 

13.5.    Carrier permits Guests, between the ages of 18 through 20, to purchase, possess, and personally consume alcoholic beverages, but only when the Vessel is seaward of the territorial sea of any of the United States, which is generally 3 nautical miles from the United States’ coast.  
  
13.6.    Any Guest 21 or older who attempts to or purchases alcohol for any Under-21 Adult when in the internal waters or the territorial sea of any of the United States will be deemed in violation of this policy. Guest agrees that Carrier has the right to disembark any Guest who violates this policy, including the Under-21 Adult, as well as adults traveling with an Under-21 Adult who violates this policy.

14.1.    Guests must be 18 years and older to board Carrier’s Vessels for a Cruise. 

15.1    EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBSECTION 15.4, ANY AND ALL DISPUTES WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS GUEST’S CRUISE OR ANY SHORE ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE CRUISE (i.e., “SHORE THINGS”), AS WELL AS THE INTERPRETATION, APPLICABILITY AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS CONTRACT SHALL BE GOVERNED EXCLUSIVELY BY THE GENERAL FEDERAL MARITIME LAW OF THE UNITED STATES, WITHOUT REGARD TO CHOICE OF LAW RULES, WHICH REPLACES, SUPERSEDES AND PREEMPTS ANY PROVISION OF LAW OF ANY OTHER STATE OR NATION. HOWEVER, THE TERMS OF THIS CONTRACT DO NOT DISPLACE NON-EXCLUDABLE CONSUMER LAWS APPLICABLE IN JURISDICTIONS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES.  ON CRUISES WHICH EMBARK, DISEMBARK OR CALL AT ANY UNITED STATES PORT, THE GENERAL MARITIME LAW OF THE UNITED STATES SHALL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY FLORIDA STATE LAW ON THE SUBJECT OF DRAMSHOP (ALCOHOL) LIABILITY (FLORIDA STATUTES 786.125).
15.2    CLAIMS, DISPUTES, AND MATTERS AGAINST CARRIER. 
15.2.1    IT IS AGREED BY AND BETWEEN THE GUEST AND CARRIER THAT ALL CLAIMS, DISPUTES AND MATTERS WHATSOEVER ARISING FROM PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS OR DEATH OF A PASSENGER SHALL BE LITIGATED, IF AT ALL, IN AND BEFORE THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA, MIAMI DIVISION. IF THE FEDERAL COURTS OF THE UNITED STATES LACK SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION OVER A CLAIM, DISPUTE OR MATTER RISING UNDER, ARISING OUT OF, OR RELATING TO THIS CONTRACT, SUCH CONTROVERSY SHALL BE LITIGATED, IF AT ALL, BEFORE A COURT LOCATED IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, U.S.A. TO THE EXCLUSION OF THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER COUNTY, STATE, OR COUNTRY. GUEST AGREES TO WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL.
15.2.2   ANY AND ALL OTHER DISPUTES, CLAIMS, OR CONTROVERSIES WHATSOEVER THAT ARISE OUT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GUEST AND CARRIER, EXCEPT FOR PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS OR DEATH OF A PASSENGER, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, STATUTORY, CONSTITUTIONAL OR OTHER LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ALLEGED VIOLATION 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 CONTRACT OR GUEST’S CRUISE, NO MATTER HOW DESCRIBED, PLEADED OR STYLED, 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”) SOLELY IN MIAMI, FLORIDA, U.S.A. TO THE EXCLUSION OF ANY OTHER FORUM. THE ARBITRATION SHALL BE ADMINISTERED BY NATIONAL ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION (“NAM”) UNDER ITS COMPREHENSIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION RULES AND PROCEDURES AND NAM’S FEE SCHEDULE IN EFFECT AT THE TIME OF THE PROCEDURE, EACH OF WHICH ARE DEEMED TO BE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. ANY QUESTION ABOUT THE ARBITRATION ADMINISTRATORS MENTIONED ABOVE MAY BE DIRECTED TO THEM AS FOLLOWS: NATIONAL ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION, INC., 990 STEWART AVE, 1ST FL., GARDEN CITY, NY 11530, PHONE: (800) 358-2550 EXT. 128. NEITHER PARTY WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL NOR 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. THE ARBITRATOR’S DECISION WILL BE FINAL AND BINDING. OTHER RIGHTS THAT PASSENGER 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. PASSENGER AND CARRIER FURTHER AGREE TO PERMIT THE TAKING OF A DEPOSITION UNDER OATH OF THE PASSENGER ASSERTING THE CLAIM, OR FOR WHOSE BENEFIT THE CLAIM IS ASSERTED, IN ANY SUCH ARBITRATION. THE ARBITRATOR 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 CONTRACT INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY CLAIM THAT ALL OR ANY PART OF THIS CONTRACT IS VOID OR VOIDABLE. IN THE EVENT THIS PROVISION IS DEEMED UNENFORCEABLE BY AN ARBITRATOR OR COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION FOR ANY REASON, THEN AND ONLY THEN THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION 15.2.1 ABOVE GOVERNING VENUE AND JURISDICTION SHALL EXCLUSIVELY APPLY TO ANY LAWSUIT INVOLVING CLAIMS DESCRIBED IN THIS SUBSECTION 15.2.2.
15.3.   IN THE EVENT OF AN IN REM PROCEEDING AGAINST THE VESSEL, GUEST HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AGREES THAT THE POSTING OF A LETTER OF UNDERTAKING FROM ANY OF CARRIER’S INSURERS SHALL CONSTITUTE AN ADEQUATE AND APPROPRIATE FORM OF SECURITY FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF THE VESSEL IN LIEU OF ARREST.
15.4.    GUEST AGREES THAT SUITS AGAINST INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS LOCATED AND ORGANIZED OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH THE CONTRACTOR IS LOCATED OR ORGANIZED. ALL CLAIMS, DISPUTES AND MATTERS WHATSOEVER AGAINST SUCH CONTRACTOR ARISING UNDER, ARISING OUT OF, OR RELATING TO THIS CONTRACT, GUEST’S CRUISE, TRAVEL TO OR FROM GUEST’S CRUISE, SHALL BE LITIGATED, IF AT ALL, IN AND BEFORE A COURT WITH JURISDICTION IN THE COUNTRY IN WHICH THE CONTRACTOR IS LOCATED OR ORGANIZED OR IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN THE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR’S WAIVER FORM. IN THE CASE OF CONFLICT, THE LATTER SHALL PREVAIL.

16.1.   IN THE EVENT THE GUEST IS ABLE TO STATE A CAUSE OF ACTION UNDER THE LAW GOVERNING ANY CLAIM WHICH MAY BE ASSERTED AGAINST THE CARRIER FOR NEGLIGENCE OR INTENTIONAL TORT OR BOTH, THE CARRIER AND THE VESSEL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, MENTAL SUFFERING OR PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY OF THE GUEST, OF ANY KIND UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, UNLESS SUCH EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, MENTAL SUFFERING OR PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY WAS—

16.1.1.    THE RESULT OF PHYSICAL INJURY TO THE GUEST CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT OF A CREWMEMBER OR THE MANAGER, AGENT, MASTER, OWNER, OR OPERATOR OF THE VESSEL;

16.1.2.    THE RESULT OF THE GUEST HAVING BEEN AT ACTUAL RISK OF PHYSICAL INJURY, AND SUCH RISK WAS CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT OF A CREWMEMBER OR THE MANAGER, AGENT, MASTER, OWNER, OR OPERATOR OF THE VESSEL; OR

16.1.3.    INTENTIONALLY INFLICTED BY A CREWMEMBER OR THE MANAGER, AGENT, MASTER, OWNER, OR OPERATOR OF THE VESSEL.

16.1.4.    WITHOUT LIMITING THIS SECTION 16, IN NO EVENT WILL CARRIER BE LIABLE TO PASSENGER FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES.

16.2.    ON CRUISES WHICH DO NOT EMBARK, DISEMBARK OR CALL AT ANY UNITED STATES PORT AND DO NOT EMBARK OR DISEMBARK AT ANY EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATE PORT, THE CARRIER SHALL BE ENTITLED TO THE BENEFIT OF ANY AND ALL RESTRICTIONS, EXEMPTIONS, IMMUNITIES, AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY SET FORTH IN THE “ATHENS CONVENTION RELATING TO THE CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS AND THEIR LUGGAGE BY SEA OF 1974”, AS WELL AS THE “PROTOCOL TO THE ATHENS CONVENTION RELATING TO THE CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS AND THEIR LUGGAGE BY SEA OF 1976”, (“ATHENS CONVENTION”) WHICH LIMITS CARRIER’S LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY OF A GUEST TO NO MORE THAN 46,666 SPECIAL DRAWING RIGHTS (“SDR”) AND LIMITS THE CARRIER’S LIABILITY FOR A GUEST’S BAGGAGE OR OTHER PROPERTY TO 833 SDR PER GUEST. AS OF NOVEMBER 2017 THE VALUE OF 46,666 SDR WAS APPROXIMATELY U.S.D. $65,570 AND THE VALUE OF 833 SDR WAS APPROXIMATELY U.S.D. $1,170. THE VALUE OF THE SDR FLUCTUATES DEPENDING ON DAILY EXCHANGE RATE WHICH CAN BE FOUND IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL AND ON THE INTERNET AT HTTP://WWW.IMF.ORG/EXTERNAL/NP/FIN/DATA/RMS_SDRV.ASPX.

ON CRUISES THAT ARE BOOKED BY A GUEST IN A EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATE OR WHICH EMBARK OR DISEMBARK IN A PORT LOCATED IN A EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATE, THE CARRIER SHALL BE ENTITLED TO THE BENEFIT OF ANY AND ALL RESTRICTIONS, EXEMPTIONS, IMMUNITIES, AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY SET FORTH IN EUROPEAN UNION REGULATION 392/2009 ON THE LIABILITY OF CARRIERS TO PASSENGERS IN THE EVENT OF ACCIDENTS (“EU REGULATION 392/2009”). EU REGULATION 392/2009 LIMITS CARRIER’S LIABILITY AS FOLLOWS: (A) FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY OF A GUEST CAUSED BY A “SHIPPING INCIDENT,” A GUEST HAS A RIGHT TO COMPENSATION FROM CARRIER OF UP TO 250,000 SDR (AS OF NOVEMBER 2017 APPROXIMATELY U.S.D. $351,275) IN ANY EVENT, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND CARRIER’S CONTROL (I.E., ACT OF WAR, NATURAL DISASTER, ACT OF A THIRD PARTY); HOWEVER, COMPENSATION PAID BY THE CARRIER CAN GO UP TO 400,000 SDR (AS OF NOVEMBER 2017 APPROXIMATELY U.S.D. $562,040) UNLESS CARRIER PROVES THAT THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WITHOUT ITS FAULT OR NEGLECT; (B) FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY OF A GUEST CAUSED BY A NON “SHIPPING INCIDENT,” A GUEST HAS A RIGHT TO COMPENSATION FROM CARRIER OF UP TO 400,000 SDR (AS OF NOVEMBER 2017 APPROXIMATELY U.S.D. $562,040), IF THE GUEST PROVES THAT THE INCIDENT WAS THE RESULT OF CARRIER’S FAULT OR NEGLECT; (C) FOR A GUEST’S LUGGAGE (THE REGULATION USES THIS TERM AS OPPOSED TO BAGGAGE) OR OTHER PROPERTY, A GUEST HAS A RIGHT TO COMPENSATION FROM CARRIER OF UP TO 2,250 SDR (AS OF NOVEMBER 2017 APPROXIMATELY U.S.D. $3,161) PER GUEST; AND, (D) THE CARRIER’S INSURANCE PROVIDER WILL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE FOR SUMS IN EXCESS OF 250,000 SDR (AS OF NOVEMBER 2017 APPROXIMATELY U.S.D. $351,275) IN RESPECT OF DEATH AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY; THERE ARE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE CARRIER’S INSURANCE PROVIDER IS NOT REQUIRED TO MAKE A PAYMENT. THE VALUE OF THE SDR FLUCTUATES DEPENDING ON DAILY EXCHANGE RATE WHICH CAN BE FOUND IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL AND ON THE INTERNET AT HTTP://WWW.IMF.ORG/EXTERNAL/NP/FIN/DATA/RMS_SDRV.ASPX. THE TERM “SHIPPING INCIDENT” IS DEFINED IN EU REGULATION 392/2009 AS FOLLOWS: “SHIPPING INCIDENT” FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS REGULATION INCLUDE: SHIPWRECK, CAPSIZING, COLLISION OR STRANDING OF THE VESSEL, EXPLOSION OR FIRE IN THE VESSEL OR DEFECT IN THE VESSEL. 

AS TO ALL OTHER CRUISES NOT DESCRIBED ABOVE IN THIS SUBSECTION 16.2, ALL THE RESTRICTIONS, EXEMPTIONS FROM, AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY PROVIDED IN, OR AUTHORIZED BY THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES SHALL APPLY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, TITLE 46 OF THE UNITED STATES CODE §§ 30501 THROUGH 30509, AND 30511.
16.3.    THE GUEST AGREES THAT ALL PROTECTIONS, BENEFITS, DEFENSES, AND EXCLUSIONS FROM AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY IN FAVOR OF CARRIER SET FORTH IN THIS CONTRACT SHALL ALSO EXTEND FULLY TO AND BE FOR THE BENEFIT OF CARRIER’S AFFILIATES AND CARRIER’S SUPPLIERS, AND CARRIER’S INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED FOR IN SUBSECTION 15.4.
16.4.    CARRIER SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO GUEST'S PROPERTY, UNLESS GUEST PROVES SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGE WAS PROXIMATELY CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE OF THE CARRIER OR ITS EMPLOYEES ACTING IN THE COURSE AND SCOPE OF EMPLOYMENT. CARRIER'S LIABILITY FOR LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY OF ANY GUEST IS LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT OF $300 PER GUEST PER CRUISE, UNLESS GUEST BEFORE EMBARKATION DECLARES THE TRUE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY IN WRITING AND PAYS CARRIER 5% OF THE TRUE VALUE DECLARED IN EXCESS OF $300. LIABILITY WILL IN THIS EVENT BE LIMITED TO THE TRUE VALUE DECLARED, BUT IN NO EVENT AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL CARRIER'S LIABILITY FOR THE TRUE DECLARED VALUE EXCEED $5,000.

16.5.    THE CARRIER SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR THE LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO CASH, NEGOTIABLE SECURITIES OR OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, GOLD, SILVERWARE, JEWELRY, ORNAMENTS, WORKS OF ART, PHOTOGRAPHIC/VIDEO/AUDIO EQUIPMENT OR SUPPLIES, LAPTOP COMPUTERS, CELLULAR PHONES OR OTHER VALUABLES UNLESS THE SAME HAVE BEEN DEPOSITED WITH THE MASTER AGAINST RECEIPT FOR THE AGREED PURPOSE OF SAFEKEEPING. IN THE EVENT OF SUCH DEPOSIT, THE CARRIER'S LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE THEREOF SHALL BE CONTROLLED BY THE PROVISIONS OF CLAUSE 14.4, EXCEPT THAT UNDER THE ATHENS CONVENTION CARRIER’S LIABILITY WILL NOT EXCEED 1,200 SDR (AS OF NOVEMBER 2017 APPROXIMATELY U.S.D. $1,686), AND UNDER EU REGULATION 392/2009 CARRIER’S LIABILITY WILL NOT EXCEED 3,375 SDR (AS OF NOVEMBER 2017 APPROXIMATELY U.S.D. $4,742). THE VALUE OF THE SDR FLUCTUATES DEPENDING ON DAILY EXCHANGE RATE WHICH CAN BE FOUND IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL AND ON THE INTERNET AT HTTP://WWW.IMF.ORG/EXTERNAL/NP/FIN/DATA/RMS_SDRV.ASPX.


16.6.    The Guest waives the right to arrest the Vessel or any other vessel operated or chartered by the Carrier, or to attach any other asset owned, chartered or operated by the Carrier. If the Vessel is arrested or attached, then the Vessel and the Carrier shall have the right to any limitation and all defenses available herein and the Guest causing such arrest shall be liable to the Carrier for all lost revenue and other losses or claims that arise from, relate to, or are incident to such arrest. 

16.7.    The Carrier shall not be liable for any injuries or damages which occur while participating in any athletic or recreational activities aboard the Vessel or onshore at any port of call, including, but not limited to, for example, snorkeling, rappelling, jet-skiing, all-terrain vehicle touring, or diving excursions, or Guest usage of the boxing ring, gymnasium, jogging track, basketball court, pools, health club and sauna facilities. By utilizing said facilities, the Guest agrees to assume all risks arising therefrom and does hereby fully release and discharge the Carrier from any and all claims, demands, damages, causes of action, present or future, whether the same be known, anticipated or unanticipated, resulting from or arising out of the Guest's use or intended use of said facilities and/or activities. 

16.8.    The Guest acknowledges that the Carrier is not an insurer of his or her safety during the course of the Cruise, and the Guest agrees that the Carrier shall not be liable in any circumstances for any incident or injury (.1) arising from events occurring outside of the Guest areas of the Vessel unless pursuant to orders during an emergency or drill; (.2) outside the Vessel itself, including but not limited to those events occurring ashore (including shore excursions), on tenders not owned or operated by the Carrier, on or resulting from equipment not a part of the Vessel, to include embarkation platforms, ramps, ladders, and the like not owned or operated by the Carrier, or upon docks and/or piers; (.3) involving persons employed on board the Vessel acting outside the course and scope of employment.

17.1.    NO SUIT SHALL BE MAINTAINABLE AGAINST CARRIER OR THE VESSEL FOR DELAY, DETENTION, PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, MENTAL SUFFERING, PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY, OR DEATH OF THE GUEST, UNLESS WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE CLAIM WITH FULL PARTICULARS BE DELIVERED TO THE CARRIER AT ITS OFFICE AT THE ADDRESS IN SECTION 26 WITHIN SIX (6) MONTHS FROM THE DAY THAT THE EVENT THAT CAUSED SUCH DELAY, DETENTION, PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, MENTAL SUFFERING, PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY OR DEATH OF THE GUEST OCCURRED; AND IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY SUIT FOR ANY CAUSE AGAINST THE CARRIER OR THE VESSEL WITH RESPECT TO DELAY, DETENTION, PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, MENTAL SUFFERING, PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY OR DEATH BE MAINTAINABLE, UNLESS SUIT SHALL BE COMMENCED (FILED) WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR FROM THE DAY THAT THE EVENT THAT CAUSED THE DELAY, DETENTION, PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, MENTAL SUFFERING, PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY OR DEATH OF THE GUEST OCCURRED, AND PROCESS SERVED WITHIN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) DAYS AFTER FILING, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION OF LAW OF ANY STATE, TERRITORY, POSSESSION OR COUNTRY TO THE CONTRARY.
17.2.    NO SUIT SHALL BE MAINTAINABLE AGAINST THE CARRIER OR THE VESSEL UPON ANY  CLAIM RELATING TO LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO ANY PROPERTY UNLESS WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE CLAIM, WITH FULL PARTICULARS, SHALL BE DELIVERED TO THE CARRIER AT ITS OFFICE AT THE ADDRESS SET FORTH HEREIN WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER TERMINATION OF THE CRUISE TO WHICH THIS CONTRACT RELATES; AND IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY SUIT FOR ANY CAUSE AGAINST THE CARRIER OR THE VESSEL WITH RESPECT TO LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY BE MAINTAINABLE UNLESS SUIT SHALL BE COMMENCED (FILED) WITHIN SIX (6) MONTHS AFTER THE TERMINATION OF THE CRUISE AND PROCESS SERVED WITHIN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) DAYS AFTER FILING, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY PROVISION OF LAW OF ANY STATE, TERRITORY, POSSESSION OR COUNTRY TO THE CONTRARY.

18.1.    Guest acknowledges and agrees that in the event the Carrier is found liable to pay damages to Guest based on the negligence or other wrongful conduct of any person or entity other than the Carrier, for example, any independent contractors, or is found liable to any other person or entity based on Guest’s conduct, whether by way of joint and several liability or otherwise, the Guest will indemnify and hold Carrier harmless for any and all such conduct and/or losses, including but not limited to all damages, fees, or costs, or any kind, incurred by the Carrier. This agreement to indemnify and hold the Carrier harmless shall specifically include, without limitation, all health and medical services provided on or off the Vessel, as well as all shore excursions, transportation or other facilities or activities provided or furnished by any person or entity other than Carrier.

18.2.    See also Subsections 4.2, 4.7, 22.3, and 24.3, which contain additional indemnification notices.

EVEN IF THE APPLICABLE LAW PROVIDES OTHERWISE, GUEST AGREES THAT ANY LAWSUIT AGAINST CARRIER WHATSOEVER SHALL BE LITIGATED BY GUEST INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT AS A MEMBER OF ANY CLASS OR AS PART OF A CLASS ACTION, AND GUEST EXPRESSLY AGREES TO WAIVE ANY RIGHT, ENTITLEMENT AND/OR LAW  ALLOWING GUEST TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION.  EVEN IF THE APPLICABLE LAW PROVIDES OTHERWISE, GUESTS AGREES THAT ANY ARBITRATION OR LAWSUIT AGAINST CARRIER, VESSEL OR TRANSPORT WHATSOEVER SHALL BE LITIGATED BY GUESTS INDIVIDUALLY AND NOT AS A MEMBER OF ANY CLASS OR AS PART OF A CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION, AND GUESTS EXPRESSLY AGREES TO WAIVE ANY LAW ENTITLING GUESTS TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION. IF YOUR CLAIM IS SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION, THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO ARBITRATE CLAIMS ON A CLASS ACTION BASIS. YOU AGREE THAT THIS SECTION SHALL NOT BE SEVERABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FROM THE ARBITRATION CLAUSE SET FORTH IN THIS CONTRACT, 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.

20.1.    For security reasons, the Guest agrees that the Carrier or its agents may search the Guest, Guest’s cabin, Guest’s Baggage, and Guest’s Property with or without notice to Guest. The Carrier shall have the right to confiscate any articles carried or contained in any Baggage which the Carrier, in its sole discretion, considers dangerous or pose risk or inconvenience to the security of the Vessel or persons on board. 

20.2.    The Carrier and the Master each reserves the right, without liability whatsoever, to refuse passage, disembark at any port, quarantine, alter or cancel any activities of, deny service of alcohol to, restrain or confine to a cabin or any other area, any Guest whose physical or mental condition, or behavior, or the physical or mental condition or behavior of any person in the care of Guest, is considered in the sole opinion of the Master and/or the doctor on board to constitute a risk to the Guest’s own health, safety, welfare, comfort, enjoyment or well-being, or that of any other Guest, crew member or person, or fails to abide by Carrier’s COVID-19 Policies and Procedures (as described in Section 7 above or on Carrier’s website at www.virginvoyages.com) or is in violation of any provision of this Agreement, or to the safety of the Vessel.  Unruly, abusive or aggressive behavior toward other Guests or crew will not be tolerated and may be grounds for disembarkation as well.

20.3.    Carrier may refuse to transport or may disembark at any port any Guest with a criminal background or any Guest who may be suffering from contagious or infectious disease, ill health, immigration or other governmental authorities.

20.4.    If any Guest is detained on board or elsewhere at any stage or at destination because of quarantine, port regulations, prevailing applicable law, illness or other cause, all expenses incurred in connection with such detention shall be for Guest's account. 

20.5.    Carrier has a “zero tolerance” policy toward any illegal activity or behavior by Guests aboard. Guest agrees to comply with this policy and further acknowledges that it is Carrier’s policy to report incidents of illegal activity or behavior to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

20.6.    Guest is placed on notice that cameras are positioned throughout the Vessel, and operate to monitor the Vessel for safety and security purposes. Thermographs may be added should a public health threat arise.  Facial recognition software may be used in the Vessel’s camera system. See Section 22 for more information.

20.7.    See also Section 24 for additional information implicating Safety and Security.

In the course of booking and providing each Guest’s Cruise, the Carrier collects and retains certain personal information including personal health information (PHI) such as temperature check readings and contagious disease test results. The Carrier’s policy with respect to collection, retention, and use of personal data and applicable legal terms and conditions are set forth in full at the Carrier’s website; go to https://www.virginvoyages.com/privacy-notice, or click on the Privacy Notice tab at the bottom of the Virgin Voyages website.  In summary we retain this information for legal and regulatory purposes; this includes providing information to governmental authorities if required. The Carrier reserves the right to notify public health and port authorities and any other Guests and employees with a need to know, in the sole discretion of the Carrier, if a Guest develops symptoms or tests positive for a contagious disease.

22.1.    The Carrier operates CCTV cameras on board the Vessel and Guest hereby consents to Guest’s image and voice being recorded by Carrier’s CCTV system and body cameras, and such data being retained by Carrier.

22.2.   For the safety and security of Guests, we use closed circuit television (“CCTV”) or other surveillance means onboard the ship.  We also deploy body cameras on our Security Team members, which will record interactions with Guests and crew.  CCTV and body camera footage may be retained and provided to police or other law enforcement, crime prevention, or regulatory agencies (in any jurisdiction) to detect or prevent crimes, assist in investigations, and apprehend and prosecute offenders. Additionally, there are photographers and camera crew on board the Ship taking photographs and making videos for Guests to purchase at the end of the Cruise. They are happy to take reasonable steps to avoid filming you where you indicate that this is your preference but you may be included unless you tell us otherwise. We are unable to guarantee that you will not be included in video footage and photographs on an incidental basis.     

22.3.   GUEST AGREES AND WARRANTS THAT GUEST IS EMPOWERED TO GRANT, THE LICENSE AND USE OF PRIVACY/PUBLICITY RIGHTS FOR ALL GUEST(S) FOR WHOM TICKETS ARE BEING PURCHASED, AND GUEST HEREBY GRANTS TO CARRIER, AND ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY THAT CARRIER MAY AUTHORIZE, THE RIGHT TO PHOTOGRAPH, FILM AND/OR RECORD GUEST(S). FURTHERMORE, BY BOARDING CARRIER’S VESSEL AND IN CONSIDERATION OF THE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY CARRIER, GUEST(S) HEREBY IRREVOCABLY GRANTS AND LICENSES TO CARRIER AND CARRIER'S PARENT, RELATED AND AFFILIATED COMPANIES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SUCCESSORS, AFFILIATES, LICENSEES AND ASSIGNS, FOREVER AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, THE RIGHT TO USE GUEST(S)’ RIGHTS OF PUBLICITY/PRIVACY, INCLUDING NAME, IMAGE AND PERSONA, FOR ANY PURPOSE AND WITHOUT A RIGHT OF INSPECTION, WHICH INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO GOVERNMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS, LITIGATION, ADVERTISING, COMMERCIAL AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS IN ANY MEDIUM. GUEST AGREES TO PROVIDE ALL GUEST(S) FOR WHOM GUEST IS PURCHASING TICKETS WITH WRITTEN NOTICE OF THE FOREGOING GRANT AND LICENSE, AND TO THE EXTENT GUEST IS FOUND TO BE NOT EMPOWERED TO GRANT THE FOREGOING LICENSE, GUEST AGREES TO INDEMNIFY CARRIER AND HOLD CARRIER HARMLESS FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS FOR INJURIES, LOSSES, COSTS, DAMAGES AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES RELATED TO PUBLICITY/PRIVACY CLAIMS BY GUEST(S).

The Guest acknowledges and confirms that any travel agent utilized by Guest in connection with the issuance of this Contract is, for all purposes, the Guest’s agent, and Carrier shall not be liable for any representation made by said travel agent. Guest shall remain liable at all times to Carrier for the price of passage. The Guest acknowledges that Carrier is not responsible for the financial condition or integrity of any travel agent. Receipt of this ticket contract, any other documentation or notification pertaining to the cruise by Guest’s travel agent shall constitute receipt by Guest.

24.1.    Pets, Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals.  Except in the sole discretion of the Carrier, no pets or other animals are allowed on board the Vessel except service animals. A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.  The Carrier requests the Guest notify the Carrier not less than 21 days prior to the Cruise of the Guest's intention to bring a service animal, and agrees to accept full responsibility for any expense, damage, losses, or injuries associated with or caused by such service animal. Many ports of call have strict entry requirements for animals, and Guest must ensure that the service animal complies with all requirements of each destination. Carrier is not responsible for Guest’s inability to visit a port of call due to his or her failure to comply with any such entry requirements. Emotional support animals, by their definition, are not service animals and, therefore, are not permitted on board.

24.2.    Prohibited Items. Guest may not possess firearms, explosives, flammable materials, other hazardous goods, drones, weapons, or pointed scissors. Such shall be surrendered to the Master at embarkation. Guests who bring on board dangerous items, marijuana in any form, or any illegal drugs or unprescribed controlled substances are also subject to immediate disembarkation or denial of boarding. Carrier reserves the right to (i) refuse to permit any Passenger to take on board the Vessel or on any mode of Transport any item Carrier deems inappropriate, and (ii) may confiscate, destroy or surrender to authorities said item. Guest shall have no claim for loss, damage or inconvenience thereby incurred.  Passenger shall be responsible to notify Carrier in advance of the Cruise if there is any question as to the permissibility of taking any item or substance onboard the Vessel.  Passengers who violate the laws of any jurisdiction are subject to being reported to law enforcement or customs authorities, arrest and prosecution. Guest shall have no claim for refund, loss, damage, inconvenience, or compensation whatsoever under any of these circumstances.
24.2.1. Marijuana.  Marijuana possession and/or use, including medical marijuana, and possession or use of any illegal drugs, is strictly prohibited in many jurisdictions visited and on the Vessel at all times, as well as in terminals, during shore excursions or any other part of the Cruise, regardless of any local, state, or other laws which might permit use or possession of marijuana. 

24.3.    The Guest warrants that s/he will not carry onto the Vessel any goods or articles for purposes of trade or commerce, nor contraband, nor goods or articles which otherwise may violate the customs laws of the country from which the Vessel embarks or of any other port State visited by the Vessel during the course of the Cruise.  The Guest agrees to indemnify the Carrier for any fines, duties, taxes, or other penalties that may be incurred as a result of any item brought on board by the Guest. No Guest will be liable to pay, nor entitled to receive, any general average contribution in respect of any property taken with them on the Vessel.

24.4.    No solicitation of goods or services of any kinds is allowed, except as expressly provided as part of a Full Ship Accommodation Agreement. 

24.5.    Non-smoking Policy.  Any and all forms of smoking, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, and personal vaporizers, are strictly prohibited in staterooms, including balconies, and all other areas on board except specifically designated areas.  Any violation of this policy shall, in the sole discretion of Carrier, constitute a material breach of this Contract. In such event, Guest forfeits all rights hereunder, including the right to remain on board. Carrier reserves the right to disembark the Guest at any port, as determined by Carrier. Carrier shall not be liable for any refund or other compensation or damages whatsoever to any Guest disembarked pursuant to this provision, or who disembarks because another Guest is so disembarked. Guest and Carrier further agree that any violation of the non-smoking policy would also cause Carrier to incur damages, including but not limited to, loss of Guest goodwill, revenue, cleaning, maintenance and/or other costs. Guest and Carrier expressly acknowledge the difficulty of ascertaining the amount of such damages, and therefore agree that a reasonable estimate of the damages for any violation of the non-smoking policy is $500 USD. Guest authorizes a charge in this amount as liquidated damages, as well as repatriation expenses (including airfare) against Guest’s on board charge account, without further notice, for any violation of the nonsmoking policy.

24.6.    Any Guest carried beyond his or her port of disembarkation for any reason without fault of the Carrier shall pay for any additional maintenance or extra transportation. In any and all cases described in this clause, the Guest shall not be entitled to any refund of fare, credit or compensation whatsoever.  

24.7.    Wireless Access & Services.  Carrier may make wireless access to the Internet and/or access to wireless telephone services ("Wireless Services") available to Guests on board either directly or through a third-party service provider.  Guests agree that use of wireless services is at their own risk and that Carrier shall not be liable to Guests in any manner for claims, losses or damages resulting therefrom.  Guest’s use of wireless services on board is public; privacy of any information sent or received is not guaranteed.  Personal data may be available to third-party service providers and Carrier is not liable under any circumstances for any lack of privacy or data security while using wireless services.  All Guests agree that Carrier and any third party providing the wireless services has the right, but not the obligation to monitor, record, intercept and disclose any transmissions over or using wireless services aboard the Vessel, and to provide billing, account, or use records, and related information relating to all wireless services as it deems appropriate in its sole discretion (for example, in response to lawful process, orders, subpoenas, or warrants, or to protect Carrier's rights, Guests or property).  More information about the type of wireless services available on the Vessel can be found at: https://www.virginvoyages.com/.

24.8.   Onboard Credit (“Sailor Loot”). From time to time we may offer promotions that include onboard credit (which we call “Sailor Loot” in our marketing parlance). Sailor Loot is a specified amount in US Dollars which is applied to your onboard account for onboard purchases. Some Sailor Loot may not be combinable with other offers, please check the offer with your travel agent or Carriers’ Sailor Services team. Some Sailor Loot you receive in an offer (as opposed to purchasing it) may not be transferable to a future cruise if you change your booking, please check the offer with your travel agent or Carrier’s Sailor Services team. Any Sailor Loot you buy, or which is gifted to you, is transferable between cruises but is not redeemable for cash at any time. Any other unused Sailor Loot will expire at midnight on the last night of your cruise, is not redeemable for cash, and is not transferable between cruises, including consecutive cruises. Only Sailor Loot that was not purchased (for example, Sailor Loot received through an offer) may be used in the Casino.

24.9.    Damage Caused to Vessel. Each Guest shall be liable to and reimburse Virgin Voyages for all damage to the Vessel and its furnishings, equipment and property caused by any willful or negligent act or omission by a Guest. A Responsible Adult, i.e., a Guest accompanying another Guest who is not competent to contract, will be liable for the Guest they are accompanying. Guest agrees that Carrier may charge the Guest’s credit card on file for such damages. 

The following additional terms and conditions apply to Guests who purchased Air by Virgin Voyages®.  By acceptance of Air by Virgin Voyages ® and services provided thereby guest agrees to all additional terms and conditions set forth herein.

25.1.   Responsibility. Guest acknowledges that Carrier does not own, control, maintain or supervise any airlines, air carriers, motorcoaches, taxis, ground carriers, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, sightseeing tours, or other transportation, facilities products, activities or services provided pursuant to Air by Virgin Voyages ®, nor their providers or employees. Guest acknowledges and agrees that each such provider is an independent contractor who is not and shall not be deemed an agent of Carrier and that Carrier makes no warranty or other representation regarding the suitability or safety of such providers or their conveyances, activities, facilities, products or services. As stated in Section 5 of the Ticket Contract above, Carrier’s COVID-19 Policies and Procedures will impose certain restrictions with regard to shore excursions relating to participation, location, time, eligible venues and persons with whom the Guest may come into contact, as well as restrictions on the number of Guests.

In arranging for the transportation of Guests, excursions, hotels, accommodations, food, lodging or any other activities, facilities, products or services provided in connection with Air by Virgin Voyages ®, Virgin Voyages does so only as a convenience to the Guest and Guest hereby acknowledges and agrees that Carrier shall not be liable or responsible for any loss, damage, injury, death or any other claim whatsoever arising out of any acts or omissions of any such provider or during any activities described in connection with Air by Virgin Voyages®, including but not limited to delay or inconvenience caused by late air, car or motorcoach arrivals, nor for any loss or damage to baggage or other property of the Guest.

All personal property and personal effects shall be at “owner's risk” at all times and Carrier shall not be responsible for any such property or personal effects. Guests are cautioned against the risk of leaving personal articles in their hotel rooms or on conveyances. Carrier does not assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any items or personal effects lost or damaged during any activity to which this Air by Virgin Voyages® applies.

In addition to the rights, defenses, immunities and limitations set forth in its Ticket Contract, and when not inconsistent with such Contract, Carrier shall receive the benefit of all disclaimers and limitations of liability applicable to or issued by airlines, air carriers, motorcoaches, taxis, ground carriers, hotels, restaurants, tour operators or any other parties providing services pursuant to this Air by Virgin Voyages®.

25.2.    Price.  Prices for Air by Virgin Voyages® do not include food, beverages or other incidental items, fees and taxes not specified herein or in documents provided to Guest.  Prices quoted are in U.S. Dollars and are those in effect at the time of printing. Prices are subject to change without notice.

25.3.   Carrier Cancellations. In the event of strikes, lockouts, civil disturbances, weather or any other reason beyond its control, or in the interests of the safety and/or comfort of Guest or others, Carrier may, at its sole discretion, cancel any services provided in the Air by Virgin Voyages® and may, but is not obligated to, offer substitute hotels or services and shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to Guest by reason of such cancellation or substitution.

25.4.   Guest Cancellations/Changes. Guest is not entitled to any refund, payment, compensation or credit except as otherwise provided in Section 8 of this Ticket Contract. Cancellation fees for air, land and other charges will apply even if the reservation is not canceled in full. Gateway changes for air and name changes for cruise, air, land and other add-ons are considered cancellations of those items.

Claims, notices, declarations and other required notifications to Carrier required herein are to be sent to: 

Virgin Cruises Intermediate Limited
1000 S. Pine Island Road, #600
Plantation, FL 33324
Attn: Legal Department 

Pre-Cruise notifications, pre-Cruise questions related to a Guest’s upcoming Cruise, Guest changes to an upcoming Cruise, or requests for special services for an upcoming Cruise may be directed to Sailor Services through our “Contact Us” page, or phone 1-954-488-2955.

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