Standard Private Tour Co. booking and cancellation policies

[Globe]

Wondering what the standard booking policies are for most private tour companies with specific reference to possible cancellations.

 

We have received some information from a Co. that we would be using for a Middle Eastern cruise in Apr. Our main concern is the possibility of the cruise line having to cancel various ports due to continued unrest in the region.

 

The Payment policy I have been given is for a 30% deposit with final payment due 30 days from arrival date. Their specific cancellation policy states 25% loss if canceling 31 -60 days prior, 50% for 15 - 30 days, 75% for 7 - 14 days and full amount less than 7 days.

 

Would it be reasonable to expect that the Tour Operator be willing to amend this policy should the itinerary be changed after booking, as we are already approaching the 60 day cutoff period and may not know what will definitely happen with our cruise itinerary for a while yet, and especially as this is beyond our control.

[LuAnn]

Wondering what the standard booking policies are for most private tour companies with specific reference to possible cancellations.

 

We have received some information from a Co. that we would be using for a Middle Eastern cruise in Apr. Our main concern is the possibility of the cruise line having to cancel various ports due to continued unrest in the region.

 

The Payment policy I have been given is for a 30% deposit with final payment due 30 days from arrival date. Their specific cancellation policy states 25% loss if canceling 31 -60 days prior, 50% for 15 - 30 days, 75% for 7 - 14 days and full amount less than 7 days.

 

Would it be reasonable to expect that the Tour Operator be willing to amend this policy should the itinerary be changed after booking, as we are already approaching the 60 day cutoff period and may not know what will definitely happen with our cruise itinerary for a while yet, and especially as this is beyond our control.

 

myself and others that I have toured with who booked private excursions have requested a change in policy regarding final payment due to concerns about being unable to reach the port due to weather. In almost every case the company has agreed to waive the final payment until the day of the tour. You can always ask if this might be possible in regards to the instablity of the area and the chance that the port might be omitted because of that....always worth a try!! LuAnn

[comcox]

We've seen very different policies depending on where we've traveled. It's best to search the website of any company under their FAQ section or Information section to be sure. And check your travel insurance policy carefully to see if lost deposits, etc. would be covered in the event you were not able to dock; this is especially true if you bought the cruiseline's policy.

[Marebear]

I have never paid in advance for a private tour but paid in cash at the end of the tour. Once I had to give a credit card number but it was never used as I paid in cash.

[LHT28]

I have only paid a deposit once & they agreed that if the ship did not make it to port I would get a refund

 

Get all terms in writing

 

Lyn

[susiesan]

If you have to pay in advance, use a credit card. If something goes wrong dispute the charges as you never received the service you paid for. Don't pay too far in advance; most credit card disputes have to be taken up within 60-90 days of the charge.

[ClaudiaF]

Don't even pay in advance... if they request that you pay in advance, there is surely a problem..99 % of the time..there are so many companies willing to book without taking your money upfront..

Burned once was once too many

[Globe]

Thank you all for your advice. As suggested, I have contacted the outfit to see if they will amend their terms and awaiting a reply. Am also looking into other tour providers now to see what their booking policies are and will check with our travel insurance agency to see if they will cover any potential loses.

 

Thanks again.

[Globe]

Have checked to see if our travel insurance will cover any loses due to cruise line itinerary changes, etc. and we have been told that they will, so now we feel more comfortable about going ahead and making some bookings. Will still see if the Tour Co. will amend their terms, though.

Thanks again for the help.