All bookings are subject to these Booking Conditions, and the Passage Conditions contained here, and to the availability of the appropriate accommodation at time of booking.

 

These passage and booking conditions are the latest available and are currently printed in the 2008-2009 Exotics Princess Cruises brochure AUD version (issued June 2007) and are the conditions on which you book and travel on any Princess Cruises product we sell you.

 

Please read them carefully as you will be bound by them. We/our/us means Carnival plc. Carrier means Princess Cruise Lines Ltd, and, as applicable, Carnival plc, the ship’s owners, operators, managers, charterers, and any of their parent, affiliate or subsidiary companies. Carnival plc in selling you cruises and issuing you tickets acts as a sales agent for Carrier except in relation to bookings on Sea Princess where Carnival plc acts as principal. These terms and conditions must be read having regard to the provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (to the extent applicable) which gives rights and remedies to consumers in relation to the supply of goods and services. The terms and conditions in these ‘Passage Conditions’ do not have the effect of excluding, restricting or modifying any applicable rights under the Trade Practices Act.

 

 

Cabin Guarantees: A guarantee is Carrier’s undertaking to provide a specific type of cabin and fare, so passengers can proceed with their cruise plans. A cabin number, however, will be advised at a later date. Carrier reserves the right to change the cabin allocated to you at its discretion.

Confirmation, payment, mandatory booking form and documentation: For the booking to be confirmed, the deposit of AUD400 per person must be received in our office and applied to the booking (advice of payment not accepted) within seven days of making the booking or it will be cancelled. A signed and fully-completed booking form, which is enclosed in this brochure, must also be submitted. This information may also be entered online via ‘Cruise Personaliser’. If this information is entered online through the ’Cruise Personaliser’, no signed booking form is required. To fill out this information online go to princess.com.au, click on the ‘Cruise Personaliser’ section, read and accept terms and conditions relevant to your cruise and click on ‘Cruise Personaliser‘ which leads you to the Princess Cruise Personaliser. The balance of fares must be paid no later than 75 days prior to your sailing date. We cannot accept US dollars for payment. Documentation will be dispatched approximately 60 days prior to sailing. Cruise documents will not be released in the absence of final payment, a fully completed booking form or completed Cruise Personaliser details and an advice of flight details for Carrier’s transfers.

 

Cancellations: Cancellations made more than 44 days before the date of departure will be subject to a loss of deposit of AUD400 per person. Later cancellations, for whatever reason, will be subject to the following charges: 44-31 days 25% of total fare; 30-15 days 50% of total fare; 14-0 days or non-appearance 100% of total fare. (This also applies to airfares, hotel packages and transfers). In addition your travel agent may choose to charge you a cancellation fee. Please note that the transfer of an existing cruise booking to a promotional fare on the same cruise or to a new cruise is regarded as a cancellation of the first cruise booking and is subject to the applicable cancellation fees.

 

Changes to reservations: It is essential that your full passport name is given to us at the time of booking, as any correction/alteration to a passenger name after tickets/ vouchers have been issued is subject to a AUD25 per person charge on each occasion. Any request for a passenger replacement, represents a cancellation of space and is subject to cancellation fees as per the brochure conditions. Any substitutions accepted represent new bookings subject to the rates, discounts and booking conditions in effect at the time of the substitution.

 

Contacting Princess Cruises when booking via a travel agency: If you hold a booking via a travel agency it is Princess Cruises’ policy not to discuss any details of your booking with any party (including yourself) except a representative of that travel agency. If you wish to transfer the ownership of your booking from one travel agency to another travel agency/wholesaler you may be able to do so by making the request in writing to the travel agency which currently holds the booking. Princess Cruises’ may charge a handling fee in the event of such a transfer between agencies. Please note that the travel agency may have the right to refuse the transfer of the booking and may also charge a fee.

Air ticketing: We will issue, as an agent only, documentation for travel on flights and airlines nominated by Princess Cruises, subject to airline schedules and availability. Flight requests are confirmed with the airline 55 days prior to sailing and upon receipt of full payment. We cannot accept any responsibility where airline schedules or seat availability necessitates overnight hotel accommodation. Alterations to flights after tickets/vouchers have been issued can only be made through our Sydney office and will be subject to a minimum amendment fee of AUD100 per person. Please note that only one flight amendment per person can be accepted, subject to our booking class availability.

 

Health: Passengers’ wellbeing is our foremost concern and any recent/current physical or mental condition that may require medical attention or special treatment (including travelling with a wheelchair), or may render the passenger unfit for travel or constitutes a risk or danger to himself/herself or anyone else on board the ship, must be advised to us at time of booking and confirmed in writing with your deposit. A booking may be refused or cancelled after deposit if these details have not been advised. Please note that staterooms are equipped with 110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (a.c.) with standard US plug fittings (with some exceptions). If you are travelling with any medical apparatus, please advise us in writing at time of booking so we can ensure the apparatus will operate on board. We advise passengers using a wheelchair to travel with someone who is able to assist them both ashore and at sea. Some ports of call require tenders to go ashore and may preclude passengers using a wheelchair from leaving the vessel; this decision must be made by the ship’s Captain and is binding.

 

Refusal of passage and premature disembarkation: Passage may be refused to any passenger and any passenger’s cruise may be terminated at any time, at the risk and expense of the passenger, where the passenger’s physical or mental condition or behaviour renders him or her, in the opinion of the ship’s physician, unfit for travel or a risk or danger to himself or herself or to anyone else on board the ship, or where the required disclosure statement was not submitted as per required. In addition, the ship’s Captain may refuse transportation or may terminate any passenger’s voyage who, in the sole discretion of the ship’s Captain, is believed to be dangerous to himself or others or causes disturbances to passengers or crew. Such passengers may be left at any port or place the ship calls without any liability to us. Neither we nor Carrier shall be required to refund any portion of the fare paid by any passenger who must leave the cruise  prematurely for any of the reasons set forth above or who voluntarily disembarks, or leaves the ship for any other reason. Additionally, neither we nor Carrier will be responsible for lodging, medical expenses, meals, return transportation or other expenses incurred by the passenger.

 

Vaccinations and Health Advisories: We recommend seasonal influenza vaccination for all passengers. Furthermore, you are strongly advised to seek advice from either your doctor or an approved public health travel advisory service, to identify any specific vaccination or health precautions required for each port of call, e.g. World Health Organisation (www.who.int/ith) or The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (www.dfat.gov.au/trade) or New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (www.mfat.govt.nz). Some countries strictly enforce certain health requirements. Passengers who do not possess the proper health documentation required by local authorities may be prevented from boarding the ship (without refund) or may be prevented from going ashore. Some local authorities may impose a monetary fine or deny the ship entry into the port. Mobility and Passengers Requiring Assistance: Most of the ships have a number of amenities available for passengers with physical disabilities. Such amenities include wheelchair accessible cabins, assistance with embarkation and disembarkation, wheelchairs for use during the cruise, special diets, special equipment, assisted-listening kits including TDD, voice synthesizers on the elevators, Braille buttons and distress alarms. In most cases, the key to providing the best possible assistance and accommodation for a passenger is notification of the disability as soon as the booking is made. For more information regarding facilities available for people with disabilities, please ask your travel agent to contact us.

 

Medical services: The on board medical centre is staffed by full time, registered doctors and nurses. In addition to daily centre opening hours, medical staff are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide medical care for both passengers and crew in the event of an emergency. Medical staff have the resources of a well-equipped shipboard medical centre (including X-ray machines, computerised EKG and medications approved by the UK Committee on Safety and Medicines) at their disposal. Charges for medical services will be added to your shipboard account and you will be provided with an itemised account to submit to your insurance company. We strongly recommend that you arrange appropriate international travel insurance at the time of booking. Please note that Carrier is not a healthcare provider and is not liable for any act or omission of doctors, nurses or other providers of service or those under their orders with respect to the treatment, advice, care or services of any kind given by such persons to any passenger. These medical providers exercise their own medical judgement and expertise.

 

Dining: Seating arrangements in the dining room are made by request on a first-come, first-served basis. To request your preference for Anytime DiningTM, Traditional first or second seating, special diets, or seating with a specific party, it is best to have your travel agent make the arrangements at the time of booking. Please note that Anytime DiningTM is not available on Tahitian Princess, Pacific Princess or Royal Princess. Ultimate Balcony DiningTM is subject to availability and available to passengers occupying a balcony stateroom.

 

Children: Children under six months are not permitted to travel on the Australia and New Zealand cruise. Children under 12 months are not permitted to travel on cruises to Asia/Orient, South Pacific, South America, Hawaii and Tahiti (not including Australasia). Carrier reserves the right to restrict the number of those between the ages of six months and 17 years aboard the ship. Any passenger under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 21 years. Please note that notarised written consent for passengers under the age of 18 years is no longer required by Princess Cruises. However, several countries require special documentation for children travelling without both parents; these requirements are subject to change without notice. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess the proper documents for all countries that you will visit. Please verify requirements with the immigration offices prior to your cruise. Children under the age of 3 years are not permitted in the Youth Centre without the supervision of a parent or guardian. Youth Centre staff cannot administer medication, change nappies, bottle feed or provide meal service. Private babysitting is not available on any Carrier’s ship. Children’s facilities will operate every day, and while in port, complimentary programming (including supervised lunch) is also available. Group babysitting is offered from 10am-1pm every day*, at a charge of USD5 per hour, per child (subject to change). Group babysitting/supervised activities are available for children ages 3 to 12 years only. On board Pacific Princess and Tahitian Princess there is no dedicated Youth Centre.

Counsellors are only travelling when a minimum of 20 children are booked on any one cruise itinerary. Passengers under the age of 18 years are not permitted in the disco/nightclub at any time, and passengers under the age of 21 years will not be permitted in the casino.

*Except on Pacific Princess and Tahitian Princess.

 

Pregnancy: Carrier cannot accept passengers who will have entered the 24th week or later of pregnancy by the end of the cruise. Illicit Substances: Carrier reserves the right to search your person and/or luggage for any illicit substances. Carrier reserves the right to deny boarding or to disembark any persons in possession of illicit substances.

 

Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages purchased ashore (duty-free or otherwise) and brought on board in turnaround ports will be collected at the gangway for safekeeping and will be delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the cruise. You may bring one bottle per person of wine or champagne on board to celebrate a special occasion. Wines and/or champagne brought on board and consumed in the dining rooms or alternative restaurants will be subject to a USD15 per bottle corkage fee. Alcohol may be purchased for in-stateroom consumption via your room service menu. This will be sold at a non duty-free rate, comparable to retail prices. Duty-free alcohol is available for purchase in our gift shops on board and will be delivered to your stateroom on the last day of your cruise. Passengers must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or drink alcohol (or gamble) on board Carrier’s ships at all times.

 

Smoking: Smoking is allowed in passenger staterooms and most public rooms, but the show lounges, dining rooms and all food service areas on board all Carrier’s ships are nonsmoking.

 

Travel Insurance: At time of deposit, it is essential that you take out comprehensive international travel insurance to cover any pre-existing medical conditions and charges arising should you have to cancel your holiday plans. Neither we nor Carrier may not be liable for lost or damaged baggage and personal property. To arrange a travel insurance policy, please contact Princess Cruises on 13 24 88 or your travel agent. Ensure you carry a copy of the policy with you on your cruise holiday.

 

Passports: Passports are required on all cruises and should have at least 6 months validity after your return date to your country of residence.

 

Visas: It is the sole responsibility of the passenger to obtain visas required for their travel arrangements. We are unable to offer visa advice for any ports. Your travel agent will be able to check with the appropriate consulates. There are, however, selected ports of call where officials issue a visa on arrival if required. Please ask your travel agent to check with us if any of these ports are visited on your cruise. Visa and country information are available on the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website (www.dfat.gov.au) or New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (www.mfat.govt.nz). Be sure to check that the information you obtain from this website is up to date. Passengers who do not possess the proper documentation required for their travel arrangements will be prevented from boarding the ship without refund.

 

Fare basis: Brochure fares and other prices shown on the website are quoted in Australian dollars or New Zealand dollars (as specified) and are per person based on double occupancy. Your ‘total fare’ includes the cruise fare, discounts, charges, government taxes (including the Passenger Movement Charge, where applicable), airline/airport taxes and fees, hotels and supplementary airfares, which are correct at time of publication, but are subject to change without notice. All other information in this brochure, including itinerary details and ground arrangements are subject to change without notice. No refunds are available when changes do occur. Your travel agent or Princess Cruises can provide up-to-date advice.

 

Your Fare Includes: Cruise fares include accommodation from the initial point of embarkation to the final point of disembarkation, as specified in the itinerary and all main meals and entertainment while on board.

 

Your Fare does not Include: Cruise fares do not include airfares (unless specifically mentioned); transfers (except as noted in the itinerary); shore excursions; sightseeing or meals ashore (except as noted in the itinerary); gratuities to ship personnel, waiters, escorts and drivers (except as noted in the itinerary);  beverages (not part of the regular menu); laundry and dry cleaning services; service charges at bars and alternative restaurants on board; valet services; or any other item of a personal nature such as, but not limited to, spa services, snacks, photographs and medical services.

 

Third/Fourth person Fares: When two full fare passengers book a cabin with available accommodation, a third or fourth person (adult or child) may share in selected grades of accommodation, as shown on the deck plans. Third and fourth person fares are available on application. Children’s discounts are not applicable.

 

Exchange rates: We reserve the right to increase fare prices to take into account exchange rate fluctuations.

 

Currency on board: All prices and charges on board Carrier’s ships are in US dollars. Carrier accepts all major credit cards, cash and traveller’s cheques. Use of non-US dollar credit cards: Unless you elect otherwise, when settling your on board account with a non-US dollar denominated credit card (Visa and MasterCard only) your US dollar on board account charges will be converted into the currency of your credit card and a 3% currency conversion service charge will be applied. This service charge will be applied on the last day of sailing and the currency amount advised on your account. However, if you wish not to have this currency conversion performed, you must mark the appropriate section on the Cash Free Signature Card upon embarkation of the ship. Please note that this option can only be selected on embarkation and not on board the ship. If you select this option, the original US dollar on board account amount will be charged to your credit card in US dollars (thereby leaving the currency conversion to be handled by your credit card provider).

 

Discretionary Hotel and Dining Charge: During your cruise, you will meet many members of our staff in a variety of locations as they provide you with excellent service. Additionally, many more crew behind the scenes support those who serve you directly. For your convenience a discretionary Hotel and Dining charge of USD11 for suites and mini-suites and USD10 for other cabins per passenger per day (including children) will be automatically added to your shipboard account on a daily basis. The Hotel and Dining charge will be shared amongst those staff who help provide and support your cruise experience, including the wait staff, stateroom stewards and accommodations staff, buffet stewards, galley staff, laundry staff and others. Please note this is a discretionary charge and should you wish to remove or make any adjustments, you may do so by contacting the Passenger Services Desk on board. Casino dealers and Lotus Spa personnel do not share in the Hotel and Dining charge as not all passengers utilise these services.

 

Bar and Wine Charge: A 15% charge is automatically added to your bar charges and dining room wine account. This is shared amongst the beverage staff and their support staff, including cleaners and utility staff.

 

Privacy Policy: We respect your privacy. All personal information you provide to us will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy. If you would like to request access to personal information we have collected about you, lodge a complaint concerning the manner in which we may have handled your personal information or simply obtain a copy of our privacy policy, please contact our Customer Relations department on (+612) 8424 8989 and ask to speak to our Privacy Officer, or by writing to:

Locked Bag 1014, St. Leonards NSW 1590 or email privacy@pocruises.com.au

 

Important Information: While all the information is correct at the time of publication, some details could possibly change. Ask your travel agent to check at time of booking or call us.

 

 

1. No agreement exists between you and Carrier until we have received your deposit monies.

 

2. Carrier reserves the right, if Carrier thinks it necessary, to deviate from the ship’s advertised route, to delay or cancel part of, or the whole cruise, to substitute or change the ship or ports of call, to remove the ship from service, to charter out the ship, or to tow or assist any vessel or perform any similar act, in Carrier’s absolute discretion or that of the Captain. In such an event neither we nor Carrier shall be required to refund any portion of the fare, make any other compensation or be liable for any other consequential damage, loss, expense, loss of time or inconvenience. Accordingly, you should not make any important arrangements or meetings based on the proposed itinerary of the cruise, which may change without liability to Carrier.

 

3. Cancellations made more than 44 days before the date of departure will be subject to loss of deposit of AUD400 per person. Later cancellations, for whatever reason, will be subject to the following charges: 44-31 days 25% of total fare; 30-15 days 50% of total fare; 14-0 days or non-appearance 100% of total fare. (This also applies to airfares, hotel packages and transfers). In addition your travel agent may choose to charge you a cancellation fee. Please note that the transfer of an existing cruise booking to a promotional fare on the same cruise or to a new cruise is regarded as a cancellation of the first cruise booking and is subject to the applicable cancellation fees.

 

4. Neither we nor Carrier shall be required to refund any portion of your fare nor pay any expenses whatsoever including any transportation, medical or living expenses if you leave the cruise early and any such expense which is reasonably incurred by Carrier or us on your behalf shall be payable by you to Carrier or us on demand.

 

5. We have the right to charge the fare applicable at the date of departure. Any difference must be paid before you board the ship or commence the cruise.

 

6. Only one amendment to your air ticket (if applicable) is permitted provided the same class is available and will incur a minimum amendment fee of AUD100 per person.

 

7. It may be necessary for Carrier or people working for Carrier or port/government agencies to search you and/or your luggage and goods. By entering into this agreement you agree to allow such searches.

 

8. (i) The Captain, at all times, has the right to confine, have sedated or to put ashore any passenger whose mental or physical health, in the Captain’s opinion, warrant that passenger being put ashore or whose conduct seriously inconveniences or jeopardises the enjoyment, health or safety of any passenger or other persons. Carrier shall not be liable for such actions or for any loss incurred (including repatriation expenses) and refunds are not payable. Any expense incurred by Carrier or us under this clause shall be payable by you to Carrier or us on demand.

(ii) By entering into this agreement you consent to Carrier receiving any medical information and documentation resulting from you consulting the on board Medical Department and to Carrier disclosing these internally as well as to external advisors and insurers.

(iii) At the time of paying your deposit, it is strongly recommended that you obtain valid comprehensive international travel insurance covering you for the duration of the cruise. By entering into this agreement you agree to provide proof of this insurance to Carrier if requested. You should carry a copy of the policy with you on your cruise holiday.

 

9. Subject always to Carrier’s right to limit liability under applicable law or convention:

(i) Carrier shall not be liable for the death, injury or sickness of any passenger however arising and whether or not arising in the course of performance of the cruise, unless caused by Carrier’s proven negligence in which case our liability is limited to AUD200,000.

(ii) Where the Trade Practices Act 1974 applies and it is not possible to exclude, restrict or modify any conditions, warranties or other rights implied into this contract, Carrier’s liability for any breach of condition, warranty or other right is limited to supplying the relevant cruise again or the cash equivalent.

(iii) Carrier shall not be liable for the loss of or damage to any luggage or goods, including valuables, however arising, unless caused by Carrier’s proven negligence, in which case Carrier’s liability is limited to AUD1,500.

(iv) Any compensation payable by Carrier up to the limits referred to in (i), (ii) and (iii) above will be reduced in proportion to any contributory negligence by you.

 

10. Luggage shall be deemed to have been delivered undamaged to you unless written notice of any loss or damage is given to us within 7 days from the date you leave the ship.

 

11. Except where it operates as a carrier directly providing such services to you, Carrier acts only as an agent for airlines, bus companies, car hire companies, hotels, shore tour operators and boat or dive operators. Accordingly, Carrier shall not be liable in connection with any of these principals’ services. Nor shall Carrier be responsible for information supplied concerning any of those principals’ services. Carrier’s responsibility does not extend beyond the ship. Whenever you leave the ship, any arrangements made by or for you and any activities undertaken by you are at your own risk.

 

12. If you chose to sue Carrier or Princess Cruise Lines Ltd then such claim must be litigated by you before a court located in the County of Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. to the exclusion of the courts of any other country, state, city or county. You hereby waive any venue or other objection that may be available to any such action or proceeding being brought in any court located in Los Angeles, California. Subject to clause 10, any claim must be notified in writing to us within 28 days of you leaving the ship or the date you first had knowledge or should have had knowledge of the material facts giving rise to your claim, whichever first occurs. Any action, claim, suit or proceeding must be commenced within one year of you leaving the ship or of the date when you first had knowledge or should have had knowledge of the material facts giving rise to your claim, whichever first occurs. If either of these conditions is not complied with, any action, claim, suit or proceeding and all rights whatsoever and howsoever shall be absolutely barred and extinguished.

 

13. You agree that in entering into this contract, Carrier shall have the benefit of all rights and exemptions contained in these Passage Conditions. You undertake not to make any claim against any person or entity other than Carrier. And if such claim should nevertheless be made, you agree to indemnify Carrier, and the person or entity against whom such claim is made against the consequences thereof.

 

14. In the event of any inconsistency between these Passage Conditions and the Booking Conditions, and any other terms whether printed or contained in an electronic format, or displayed on any internet website, these Passage Conditions and Booking Conditions shall exclusively apply.

Carnival plc trading as Agent

ABN 23 107 998 443. Licence No. 2TA 5580

203 Pacific Highway, St. Leonards NSW 2065

Locked Bag 1014, St. Leonards NSW 1590