CURRENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions of the Orion Expedition Cruises Passage Terms and Conditions, a copy of which is available upon request. Our receipt of your deposit is recognized as your acceptance of Orion's terms and conditions.

PLACING A RESERVATION

Orion Expedition Cruises will make an offer of accommodation, the offer being valid for 7 days. The payment of the required deposit will confirm acceptance of the offer, the offer automatically expiring should a deposit not be received.

DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT

To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received by Orion Expedition Cruises no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

GUEST FORM

A completed and signed Guest Form must be submitted with your deposit. For immigration purposes, on International Expeditions, a copy of your current passport must be received prior to the release of cruise documents.

TICKETING

Travel Documents will include passage ticket, baggage labels, itinerary, life onboard information, details of included and optional shoreside experiences, embarkation & disembarkation instructions. Documents will be forwarded approximately 30-45 days prior to sailing. Failure to send Guest Form will delay documentation. For late payments and reservations placed within 7 days of sailing, documentation may be collected at the pier.

CANCELLATION FEES

The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which notice is received by Orion Expedition Cruises will determine the applicable penalties.

Day on Which Notice is received Penalty

121 days and over - Antarctic cruises $1000 pp - All other cruises No penalty

120 - 91 days prior to sailing Loss of deposit

90 days or less 100% of fare

No show 100% of fare

CANCELLATION PROTECTION PLAN

Recognising the best laid plans sometimes change due to last minute business pressures or unexpected family needs, Orion offers a Cancellation Protection Plan allowing guests to cancel their cruise up to 48 hours before sailing. Guests participating in this plan reduce the applicable cancellation penalty (as outlined above) from 100% to 20%. The remaining value of the cancellation penalty (80%) is held by Orion Expedition Cruises as a credit towards a future sailing. Cancellation credits are valid for one year from the departure date of the cancelled sailing. Credits may be transferred to a third party upon receipt of written advice.

The Cancellation Protection Plan is available for a once-only non-refundable fee of A$150 per person. To confirm participation the $150 fee must be lodged with the 25% deposit. The plan cannot be initiated if less than the full 25% deposit plus $150 is received. The plan becomes effective on the date the deposit including $150 fee is received. The plan may not be purchased separately or at a later time. Cancellation Protection Plan is not available to groups or guests booking through tour operators or wholesalers.

FARES / PRICES

Prices are subject to currency fluctuations, fuel price and tax increases and so can only be guaranteed once full payment has been received by Orion Expedition Cruises.

CRUISE FARE – WHAT'S INCLUDED

Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programmes, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

CRUISE FARE – WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

MONEY MATTERS

All onboard prices are quoted in Australian dollars and, for your convenience, you may charge onboard expenses to your shipboard account. You can choose to settle your onboard account with a credit or charge card. Orion accepts American Express, Diners Club International, MasterCard and Visa. You may also use Travellers Cheques or cash. Please note there are no cash withdrawal facilities onboard and regretfully Orion is unable to accept personal cheques.

GRATUITIES

Gratuities are not expected, however if you wish to recognise exceptional service from an individual staff member, you are welcome to do so entirely at your discretion.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Passports are required for all expeditions including one or more international ports. Photo ID, such as a driver's licence, is required for all domestic expeditions. Our Reservations & Customer Service centre can provide specific advice for your selected departure.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to Orion Expedition Cruises when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship's Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for Orion Expedition Cruises to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in off-ship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require. The Captain will always have the final say on whether it is safe for a guest to participate in off-ship activities.

INSURANCE

Orion Expedition Cruises strongly recommends that all guests purchase comprehensive international travel and medical insurance to cover lost or damaged baggage, personal property, medical evacuation. Australian Medicare system does not apply onboard Orion.

LIFE ONBOARD ORION

DINING

All meals onboard Orion may be taken in a leisurely single sitting, free of fixed table assignments. Dining hours for the Constellation Restaurant and the Delphinus Outdoor Café will be provided with your tickets. 24 hour room service is also available.

DRESS

During the day dress onboard is casual and relaxed. When venturing ashore Orion suggests you select practical clothing suitable to the part of the world you are visiting. Evening dress code onboard Orion is “smart casual”, gentlemen being asked to wear a collared shirt. Jackets, ties and formal wear are not required.

HAIRDRESSING

Our hairdressing salon is located on Deck 4. All staterooms and suites are equipped with a hairdryer.

HEALTH FACILITIES

The Vega Health Spa includes a gymnasium, sauna and massage facilities.

LAUNDRY / PRESSING FACILITIES

Laundry and pressing services are available at an additional charge. Orion is not equipped with self service facilities.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

There is a doctor onboard. Consultation fees will be charged to your stateroom account.

SECURITY / VISITOR POLICY

As part of Orion's security policy, visitors are not allowed onboard at any time.

SHORESIDE EXPEDITIONS

Orion includes a number of complimentary shore experiences utilising our Zodiacs. In addition Orion offers an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences Orion recommends you pre-register to avoid disappointment.

Details will be provided with your ticket.

SPORTS FACILITIES

Orion is equipped with a fleet of ten 2-man kayaks for the use of guests in addition to a 4-man fishing boat. Snorkelling equipment (mask, fins & snorkel) is available to all guests free of charge when conditions permit.

VALUABLES

Be sure to personally carry all valuables onboard and be sure not to pack them in the checked luggage. All staterooms and suites are equipped with a mini safe.

VOLTAGE

The voltage on board is 110 and 220 volt (plugs are round sockets with two round pins). Adaptor plugs are available.