Terms and Conditions

ABRIDGED:

Micro-Cruising Pty Ltd operates as a wholesaler sourcing the best cruises worldwide and selling through our network of Agents. We are ATAS accredited  (A11070) and AFTA members.  By accepting this quote you are accepting Micro-Cruisings and the operators Terms and Conditions.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL AGENT AND SHIPPING OPERATOR

We suggest that you familiarise yourself with the Micro-Cruising quote and its operators Payment and Travel Terms, Cancellation policies, Fees, Deposit and Final Payment Requirements, Late Reservation and Name Changes, Travel Documents (valid passports and visa requirements etc.), Inclusions and Exclusions, Changes in Itinerary, Insurances, Liabilities, Prices and Payments, Refunds, Airport Taxes and/or Port Charges, Credit Card Charges and Gratuities.

CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING

At your request your Travel Agent will book your holiday through Micro-Cruising Pty Ltd, upon confirmation from the Operator of your requirements we will send a written confirmation to the Travel Agency and to you directly should you wish.

CANCELLATION

Micro-Cruising Pty Ltd charges a $100 fee to cancel; this could be in addition to the Agent and the Operator. The fees go towards recovering some of the costs of our time, administration and communication with Travel Agents and Shipping Operators.  Should you have to cancel, please notify us in writing as soon as possible as other cancellation fees become greater the nearer to departure date. You should check with your Travel Agent their cancellation fees and those of the Shipping Operator.

PAYMENTS

Deposits are non-refundable.

As Exchange Rates do vary from time to time and are beyond our control, we reserve the right to increase any cost in our quotation or refunds due to changes in currency.  We suggest that you pay in full at the time of the booking to provide certainty.  We reserve the right to re-cost all quotations if your trip is not paid in full at the time of booking. Please contact us before making the final payment for us to issue a new statement showing the prevailing outstanding balance. Any refunds will paid out to our clients using the exchange rate of the day form the original currency received.

PASSPORT DETAILS

Due to the nature of International Travel it is important that you use the names which you have in your passports for all your cruise naming details.  Passports must have at least six months validity after the date of return to Australia.  Passport and visa requirements remain the responsibility of the traveller.

GST

For Australians booking International holidays they are not subject to GST. If you are having an Australian cruise or any component is domestic these may be subject to GST.

ACCURACY OF INFORMATION

Micro-Cruising Pty Ltd has taken all reasonable care in the formation of this website and its content information. However due to the changing nature of the travelling world we live in the responsibility and suitability of the holiday you have chosen rests with you the traveller. We provide all our expertise to minimise the risks associated with extensive travel overseas however we are not liable for inconvenience caused or expense incurred should mishaps occur. We recommend that you discuss with your Travel Agent how to mitigate the risks involved with travel especially in relation to International Cruise Travel, by noting all the preparations and precautions which their staff point you to. Micro-Cruising makes its money from commissions on sales.

LONG FORM:

Micro-Cruising Pty Ltd operates as a wholesaler sourcing the best cruises worldwide and selling through our network of Agents. We are members of AFTA 12664 / ATAS A11070 Nicola Caygill is a CLIA member CLIA 80101816. By accepting this quote you are accepting Micro-Cruisings and the operators Terms and Conditions.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL AGENT AND SHIPPING OPERATOR

Each individual cruise has many variables which can affect the enjoyment and subsequent view of the holiday as being successful and meeting expectations. For it to be so there are terms and conditions from the Agent and the Operator and we suggest that you familiarise yourself with matters such as Payment and Travel Terms, Cancellation policies, Fees, Deposit and Final Payment Requirements, Late Reservation and Name Changes, Travel Documents (valid passports and visa requirements etc.), Inclusions and Exclusions, Changes in Itinerary, Insurances, Liabilities, Prices and Payments, Refunds, Airport Taxes and/or Port Charges, Credit Card Charges, Gratuities (are they included or not, if so approximately what should be budgeted) etc. 

CANCELLATION

Micro-Cruising Pty Ltd reserves the right to charge a $100 fee to cancel; this could be in addition to the Agent and the Operator. The fees go towards recovering some of the costs of our time, administration and communication with Travel Agents and Shipping Operators. Should you have to cancel, please notify us in writing as soon as possible as other cancellation fees become greater the nearer to departure date. You should check with your Travel Agent their cancellation fees and those of the Shipping Operator. When we receive refunds in a currency other than AUD the refund pay out is subject to the currency exchange rate of the day.

PAYMENT

As Exchange Rates do vary from time to time and are beyond our control, we reserve the right to increase any cost in our quotation without prior notice. In order to take any unnecessary risk out of exchange rates fluctuations we suggest that you pay in full at the time of the booking to provide certainty. However we will accept a deposit at time of booking along with final payment within approximately 60 days of departure received by the Shipping Operator. We suggest that you allow 10 days for this final payment to be passed through to the Shipping Operator. We will re-cost all quotations if your trip is not paid in full at the time of booking. Please contact us before making the final payment for us to issue a new statement showing the prevailing outstanding balance.

PASSPORT DETAILS

It is important you use the names as per your passports and passports must have six month validity after the date of return.  If this is not the case, you must let us know.  It is important that you ensure that you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility (except to the extent caused by fault on our part). Passport and Visa requirement remain the responsibility of the traveller. If you are travelling to the United States please see https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov for important information regarding compulsory pre-registration for their visa waiver program (“ESTA”). Australian passport holders will not be able to enter the United States without a valid ESTA (or visa). Please note, you may not meet the eligibility requirements of ESTA and may be required to obtain a visa.

GST

International holidays are not subject to GST. Australian Cruises may be subject to GST.

The following general terms and conditions apply, however regional circumstances and regulations, contractual obligations to suppliers, and matters relating to location, product type and supply logistics may cause these to be varied slightly for specific products, or specific destinations. These amendments and alterations are shown in the Terms and Conditions sections of each web site, and should be read in conjunction with the Terms And Conditions shown below.

Travel arrangements and prices detailed on our web sites are provided and coordinated by  Micro-Cruising ABN 79163309000.

Micro-Cruising Pty Ltd has taken due care and responsibility to verify and check all information on our web sites as at the time of compilation, however, as this information is supplied by the relevant cruise operators in our brochures, it accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracy or misdescription contained in the publications.

Sales of services as contained in our publications are made by Micro-Cruising Pty Ltd only as agent for the person, business or company providing the services. The standards of accommodation and other services chosen are based on various factors, which are generally accepted as indicative of a certain class.

Micro-Cruising Pty Ltd does not accept responsibility for any change in prices or variation of services as shown, and all services and prices are subject to change without notice.

Micro-Cruising Pty Ltd does not accept any liability of whatever nature for the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of those service providers in connections with your convention pursuant to a contract between them and yourselves and over whom we have no direct control. We do not accept liability in contract or in tort (actionable wrong) for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expenses or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by force majeure or other events which are beyond our control, or which are not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part including, but not limited to war, civil disturbance, fire, floods, unusually severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government or of any other authorities, accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment or industrial action.

It is essential that you check with us, or your travel agent, for any changes or variations to the information shown on our web sites. This will allow us to advise you, or your agent, of any such changes that we are aware of either before you book your holiday, or prior to your departure.

Terms and Conditions of Booking

Prices: All prices are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice. The price is only guaranteed once paid for in full by you. Please note that prices quoted are subject to change. Price changes may occur by reason of matters outside our control which increase the cost of the product or service. Such factors include adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please contact your consultant for up-to-date prices.

If prices, rates or inclusions vary from your quotation or from an advertised price, we will advise you of any change prior to your booking request and any transaction being processed.  Once your booking has been confirmed and payment received, any new specials released cannot be applied to existing bookings. Prior to full and final payment being received, we reserve the right to vary prices and rates in the event of changes in exchange rates or price rises made by suppliers. If the cost of any service increases due to exchange rate fluctuations, price increases, tax changes or any other reason, you are required to pay the increase when notified by us or you may cancel the booking. We are not liable in any way if any increase occurs due to exchange rate fluctuations, taxes or supplier notifications. Rates quoted are appropriate to the particular product at the time of quoting and these rates may change prior to the travel date. All prices are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.

Bookings – Deposits & Final Payments: Please refer to your quotation as to deposit and balance payment terms.

We will email you a final payment reminder. Travel vouchers and booking confirmations cannot be issued until final payment is received. If you fail to pay by the due date we reserve the right to automatically charge the credit card provided to complete the final payment. Any booking not paid in full by the due date is subject to automatic cancellation without further notification. We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You will be required to pay a deposit or deposits when booking. Your consultant will advise you of how much that will be. All deposits are non-refundable for changes of mind or cancellations by you (subject to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law).

CARD FEES: Card fees may apply for credit card bookings.

PayPal: There are no fees associated with this form of payment.

Direct Deposit: There are no fees associated with this form of payment. Direct Deposits must be made 48 hours prior to the due date to ensure funds are received in time.

Payment Processing Terms & Conditions: By providing your credit card details and accepting our Terms & Conditions, you authorise Micro-Cruising to arrange for funds to be debited from your nominated credit card.

Your bank or credit card provider may apply currency conversion fees. Credit Cards are required to secure bookings if you are travelling within 14 days.

If a credit has been approved it is valid for 6 months from the date the cancellation was made.

Amendment Fees: Any amendments made to confirmed bookings will incur a fee of A$50. The fees are charged per amendment. This is in addition to any fees that may be levied by the supplier or airline.

Late Booking Fees: A late booking fee of A$50.00 can be charged if booking is made within 72 hours prior to departure. This depends on the amount of administration work involved, and if applicable, you will be notified at time of reservation request from you or your agent.

Change of Itinerary After Holiday Has Commenced: Any alteration or cancellation of services after your holiday has commenced can incur penalties. There is no refund for unused services.

Refunds: All refund requests must be in writing, and made direct to us or through the Agent from whom the travel arrangements were purchased. Claims must be made within 10 days of completion of travel arrangements. Refunds will not be made for bookings cancelled due to inclement weather or illness. These must be claimed through your travel Insurance. A $50 processing fee applies to all approved refunds. No refunds will be made for services once travel arrangements have commenced. No guarantee is provided or warranted that any refund will be available.

Supplier Change and Cancellation Fees: Cancelled bookings may also incur supplier fees, which can be up to 100% of the cost of the booking, regardless of whether travel has commenced.  Supplier fees may also apply where a booking is changed and when tickets or documents are re-issued. Where we incur any liability for a supplier cancellation fee for any booking which you change or cancel, you agree to indemnify us for the amount of that fee.  Where you seek a refund for a cancelled booking for which payment has been made to the supplier, we will not provide a refund to you until we receive the funds from that supplier. Please refer to your quotation for your bookings’ Cancellation Policy. Cancellations must be in writing and should be addressed to the consultant handling the booking.

Reporting of Incidents: Any abnormal incidents including injuries, service problems, cancellation of a service or dissatisfaction must be reported to Travel Online during the event to allow us an opportunity to rectify the situation or provide assistance.

General

Service guarantees: Our booking and advisory services come with a guarantee that:

they will be provided with due care and skill;

they will be reasonably fit for the specified purpose;

they can reasonably be expected to achieve the desired result; and

they will be provided within a reasonable time.

If we fail to meet any of these guarantees, you have rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

Validity of Rates: Prices are valid for the dates indicated.

Currency: All rates are quoted in Australian Dollars, or as otherwise indicated.

Children’s Rates: Child costs are based on sharing a room with adults and using existing bedding. Cost for additional bedding and rollaways are available on request.

Payment Options: Travel Online offers a secure server for your credit card payments. Alternatively you can make a direct deposit. 

Travel Insurance:  We strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance to cover your travel arrangements. Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability insurance. Evidence of such insurances should be produced to your travel consultant on request. Insurance cover offered by credit card companies or reciprocal medical cover agreements are often not comprehensive. Travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for all overseas travel.

Travel Advice: We recommend that you contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or visit their website at www.smartraveller.gov.au for general travel advice, as well as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to the destination you wish to visit. You can also register your travel plans with DFAT, so that you may be more easily contacted in an emergency.

Health: You must ensure that you are aware of any health requirements and recommended precautions relevant to your travel and ensure that you carry all necessary vaccination documentation. In some cases, failure to present required vaccination documentation (e.g. proof of Yellow Fever vaccination) may deny you entry into a country. We recommend that you consult with your local doctor, travel medical service or specialist vaccination clinic before commencing your travel.  General health advice for the destination you wish to visit is also available from DFAT (see smarttraveller.gov.au).

Accommodation:  We reserve the right to offer alternative accommodation of a similar standard in the case the accommodation operator overbooks their property or for any reason beyond our control. All rates are subject to change without notice. Not all properties provide instant availability and in these cases we check availability once we receive the booking request.

Hotel Check In / Check Out Times: These vary according to operator.  Please note that most properties will require a credit card authorisation on check-in and may need to see photo identification. In the instance that you don’t have a credit card usually a cash bond will be required.

Single Supplement Costs: If not shown in your selected accommodation cost, this is available on application.

Group and Incentive Travel: As group and conference rates are specially contracted rates specific for that particular group, they have different terms and conditions to standard holidays. If you are booking a group or incentive, please ensure that these conditions are explained to you.

All maps, photographs, illustrations and computer based graphics are included for general purposes only and are not always indicative of the subject matter. Hotel room photographs (graphics) may not be specific to the actual room occupied. Maps are not to scale.

Quotations: All quotations are subject to availability of services quoted and are not guaranteed until the booking is confirmed and deposit received. Quotes are valid for 48 hours from issue date.

Site Copyright

The copyright on all original/custom artwork, maps, navigation elements, presentation methods and design elements included in our web sites is held exclusively by Micro-Cruising.  

Photographic images are reproduced with the permission of the product and/or service providers represented on the web site, or as shown where necessary to satisfy the copyright obligations associated with their electronic reproduction.

Where joint copyright is held over proprietary text or images, Travel Online reserves the right to pursue all copyright infringements on behalf of the primary copyright holder. Where the copyright for a photographic image is held exclusively by a third party under licence, Micro-Cruising reserves the right to vigorously protect the copyright of those images on behalf of the third party.

All HTML files used in Micro-Cruisings web sites are declared to be proprietary software product developed for use by Micro-Cruising only, and as such are subject to international intellectual property conventions.

All custom graphics used are declared to be works of art created for use by Micro-Cruising only, and as such are subject to international intellectual property conventions. Image files, HTML documents, and text files are not to be relocated to another server, or duplicated for commercial purposes without the express written permission of Micro-Cruising.

Micro-Cruising Pty Ltd, trading under its subsidiary business names, is a member of various Australian Regional Tourism Authorities, and as such exercises the right to reproduce images made available by these various organisations to their members for the purpose of generic and/or specific tourism promotion.

Please contact us if you have any further queries about our security, privacy or data handling procedures.

Our complaint process

Where possible, we will attempt to resolve your complaint at the first point of contact. If we are unable to resolve your complaint at the first point of contact, we will undertake an investigation of your complaint and provide you with our findings. If you are satisfied with our proposed decision or actions, we will close your complaint and record the findings for our continuous improvement program. However, if you are not satisfied with our proposed decision or actions, we will record this, and provide you with information on how to escalate your complaint, to the Australian federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), for external review under their customers. As an ATAS participant we have agreed to be bound by the Code. If you would like to know more about the Code you can visit the ATAS website www.atas.com.au

AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS)

ATAS is an industry accreditation scheme that sets the benchmark of quality for the travel industry. ATAS is also responsible for monitoring our compliance with the ATAS Code of Conduct (the code) and assisting in the resolution of complaints. The Code sets the standards of good practice that ATAS participants must follow when dealing with their customers. As an ATAS participant we have agreed to be bound by the Code. If you would like to know more about the Code you can visit the ATAS website www.atas.com.au AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS) Should you wish to speak to ATAS about your complaint you can contact them in the following ways:

• By completing a feedback form on their website www.atas.com.au

• By telephoning them on 92879900

• By writing to them at level 3, 309 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000

• By emailing them at compliance@afta.com.au

By entering your personal and payment details on our website, you are making us an offer to purchase the product on your behalf. We immediately contact the operator who may require a 12 hour period to confirm availability.

The payment confirmation is acknowledgement of receipt of offer and is not contractual acceptance of the Principal’s ability to provide this product.  Should the product be available then you have entered into a legally binding agreement to purchase this product subject to the operator’s terms and conditions.

Once we have received confirmation we will advise that your order has been booked. The contract is formed when the operator issues its confirmation invoice and their booking reference number. Please note that once your booking has been confirmed to us, you can only cancel the booking in accordance with the relevant Principal’s terms and conditions which may involve cancellation charges. Equally you may also be subject to our cancellation charges to cover our administration costs.

You should also note that each service you book with us is a separate booking. If you make bookings for both Cruise and Accommodation and we are unable to confirm one of the bookings, the other booking might still stand, and therefore the operators booking conditions will apply. If larger groups want to be sure of sufficient availability they should contact our call centre. If two parts of the same group book online on two separate bookings and availability expires between the two bookings we regret therefore that we are unable to cancel the first booking without applying cancellation charges as levied by the operator.

You should receive a booking summary within 48 hours of your booking request being made. In most cases bookings will be confirmed by email only. We cannot be held responsible where an email does not arrive with you. Unless you have received an email notifying you that your order has been cancelled you must not assume this to be the case. If you wish to check on the status of your order after a 48 hour period has passed, please call our Customer Service Team.  Micro-Cruising retains commissions from sales.