Terms & Conditions
CONTRACT APPLICABILITY
These terms and conditions apply to all bookings and travel arrangements made with Mekong River Cruises. By entering into a booking agreement, you agree to be bound by these terms, which govern the contractual relationship between you and Mekong River Cruises.
Only the terms currently displayed on our website are valid and up-to-date at the time of cruising. However, any modifications will not affect the key provisions of the booking agreement, such as payment terms or the termination of services. Changes will be communicated to the customer in advance.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE
These Terms and Conditions of Carriage govern the transportation of passengers, their luggage, and personal belongings by Mekong River Cruises. By boarding the vessel, passengers acknowledge and agree to abide by these terms, which outline the rights, responsibilities, and liabilities of both the passengers and the company.
- The Cruise Director, the ship’s crew, and captain are responsible for ensuring the safety, comfort, and smooth operation of the cruise. Passengers are required to always follow their decisions and instructions for the well-being of all on board.
- Passengers must conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner, ensuring that their behavior does not disrupt the enjoyment of others, cause discomfort, or endanger the safety of fellow passengers, crew, or property. If a passenger’s behavior is deemed inappropriate, harmful, or in violation of any law, Mekong River Cruises reserves the right to deny boarding or require the passenger to disembark without notice or compensation. Any associated costs or damages caused by such behavior will be the sole responsibility of the passenger.
- Any loss or damage caused by a passenger must be fully compensated to the company or the relevant supplier before departure or disembarkation. Mekong River Cruises holds all members of a party jointly and individually liable for such damages. The company accepts no responsibility for the behavior of other passengers or third parties outside its control.
- Every effort will be made to adhere as closely as possible to the published itinerary. However, due to unpredictable river conditions and other local factors, schedules and itineraries may be subject to changes or delays with short notice. An alternative itinerary will be provided to passengers following consultation between the ship’s captain and the company’s management
- While our crew makes every effort to assist with landings, access to the ship at certain river stations may be challenging, involving steep and occasionally slippery riverbanks. Elderly passengers are advised to consult their doctor to ensure they are fit for travel.
- Passengers are required to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation, including the repatriation of remains. The company accepts no responsibility for such liabilities. Any medical expenses incurred onboard, including doctor’s consultations, medications, or other medical services provided by the company, must be settled by the passenger before departure.
- If a passenger requires medical attention during the trip, medical services will be arranged at local facilities. The passenger is solely responsible for all costs and expenses related to medical services, treatment, and medications. Mekong River Cruises accepts no liability for the costs incurred or the quality of care received.
- Mekong River Cruises does not discriminate against persons on the basis of disability. Passengers with mobility impairments must travel with a companion who can provide the necessary assistance both on shore and aboard the vessel. This companion is fully responsible for supporting the passenger and ensuring they have access to any required aid or facilities. If such a condition arises after the cruise is booked, the passenger must notify Mekong River Cruises in writing immediately. Mekong River Cruises vessels are not designed to be handicapped accessible. Please note that for safety reasons wheelchairs are not permitted onboard.
- The company reserves the right to reassign a passenger’s cabin without prior notice. If a passenger is downgraded to a lower-priced cabin, the difference in cost will be refunded to the passenger or their agent.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
- All bookings must be made directly with Mekong River Cruises or through our authorized travel partners.
- Reservations are confirmed once the required deposit is received. Reservations without a deposit may be cancelled.
- Travel partners must honour the official Rack rates and refrain from offering discounted prices below this rate.
- Mekong River Cruises reserves the right to adjust the agreed travel price if costs for fuel, currency exchange, or other relevant factors change significantly, as these are based on average estimates. If the price increase exceeds 10%, a surcharge may be applied to reflect the actual impact of these changes on the per-person travel price, even after the initial rate confirmation. Customers wishing to exercise their right to cancel the contract without incurring cancellation fees in such cases must promptly notify Mekong River Cruises upon receiving notice of the changes.
- Mekong River Cruises reserves the right to cancel a cruise up to four weeks before embarkation if the minimum passenger requirement is not met. In this case, all payments will be fully refunded.
- Mekong River Cruises reserves the right to withdraw from the travel contract in the event of unforeseen circumstances amounting to force majeure that would significantly hinder, endanger, or impair the trip. In such cases, travellers also have the right to cancel the contract.
- For group bookings, a complete rooming list is required at least two weeks before arrival to ensure smooth arrangements.
PAYMENT TERMS
- A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. The full payment must be completed 30 days before the cruise departure. If payment is not received by this date, the booking may be cancelled.
- Mekong River Cruises reserves the right to apply a 5% monthly interest on overdue payments.
- Please note that Mekong River Cruises is not responsible for bank surcharges on international transactions. The sender is responsible for their bank fees, and Mekong River Cruises will cover any charges from its own bank.
- Our bank details will be provided upon reservation confirmation. For international payments, we accept telegraphic transfers. Credit card payments are also accepted, with an additional 3% bank fee applied to the invoiced amount.
CANCELLATIONS, REBOOKINGS & CHANGES
Any changes, cancellations and re-bookings must be submitted in writing to Mekong River Cruises at: info@cruisemekong.com
- Cancellation more than 120 days before the start of the cruise: 30% of the total rate
- Cancellation between 120 and 61 days before the start of the cruise: 50% of the total rate
- Cancellation between 60 and 30 days before the start of the cruise: 70% of the total rate
- Cancellation less than 30 days before the start of the cruise: 90% of the total rate
Re-booking fee: $150 USD per person
Up until the start of the trip, customers have the option to request that a third party assumes their rights and responsibilities under the contract.
Note: Above cancellation terms do not apply for charter bookings. Please refer to your charter contract.
CHILD POLICY
- Mekong River Cruises allows children from 8 years and above on board (please contact us for special permission for children below 8 years of age).
- A cabin cannot be occupied solely by children under 12 years of age. One adult must always stay with a child in the same cabin.
- Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age.
- An adult must always be present in the cabin.
- Children on board must be supervised at all times by a parent or legal guardian.
- Adults are fully responsible for their children and must supervise them at all times.
- Please note our cruises are not suitable for young or small children as the ships have railings but no netting. The structure of our trips is generally not suitable for small children. On board, no special entertainment programs, supervision or toys are offered.
- Mekong River Cruises, the vessel’s operators and staff are not liable for incidents arising from unsupervised or unsanctioned activities. Parents are fully liable for their children and have to supervise and police their children at all times.
- Third person on extra bed is not possible
CHILD DISCOUNT
- A child from 8 to 18 years-old pays 50% of the cruise rate per person if staying in a cabin with one adult (using existing bed).
- Should an additional cabin be required for the second parent, it will be charged as a half double cabin (without single supplement).
PASSENGER INFORMATION
In order to process your booking, you will need to provide to us personal information. We will need to provide your personal information to service providers, as well as customs and immigration authorities. By making a booking you give us your consent to use and disclose personal information.
PICTURES AND IMAGES
Maps and program depictions provided in online or printed materials are for illustrative purposes only. Images used in these materials depict typical scenes and descriptive details relevant to each cruise or package tour. However, it is not guaranteed that the exact scenes or experiences portrayed will be encountered during your specific cruise or tour. Additionally, some images may have been digitally enhanced for presentation purposes.
GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICATION
All rights and obligations related to your booking and journey with Mekong River Cruises, as well as any contracts, agreements, or confirmations associated with them, are governed by the local laws of the country where the vessel is registered. Any disputes, claims, or matters arising from or connected to your booking or agreement will be resolved exclusively by the courts of the vessel’s flag state