Terms & Conditions

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Papua New Guinea

RESPONSIBILITY

The National Geographic Society will provide educational enrichment for National Geographic Expeditions as outlined in this catalog as a sponsoring organization and has licensed qualified professional tour operators to organize and administer National Geographic Expeditions. The designated tour operator(s), in turn, acts only as an agent for any transportation carrier, hotel, ground operator, or other suppliers of services connected with these tours ("other providers"), and the other providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time participants are not aboard their conveyances.

The National Geographic Society and its designated tour operator and tour administrator shall not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such other provider; and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against the National Geographic Society and/or its designated tour operator and tour administrator for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. By registering for a National Geographic Expedition, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants. The National Geographic Society and its designated tour operator reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a National Geographic Expedition. The National Geographic Society and the tour operator reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants. Neither the National Geographic Society, its designated tour operator, nor its tour administrator shall be liable for any air carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the participant's National Geographic Expedition departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Basis of Rates: All prices are based on two persons sharing a room or cabin. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars. The rates are based on current tariffs and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed prices, if it is necessary to levy a surcharge, we reserve the right to do so, and notification will be given at the time of final invoicing.

Eligibility: Participation in a National Geographic Expedition is a benefit of membership in the National Geographic Society. Membership dues for 2009 are $34. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire journey. For family expeditions, children must be the minimum age indicated in the trip itinerary.

Included in Expedition Cost: Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner); educational materials; pre-departure information; entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary; all gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page; ground transportation during the expedition; transfers to and from group flights where applicable; services of National Geographic experts, lecturers, guides, expedition manager, and any other staff; and taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges. Please note: The "B, L, D" notations apply to the period during the expedition only and do not include any meals on flights to/from the trip. Internal airfare is included on some international expeditions as indicated in the itinerary.

Not Included: Air transportation and related fees (except as indicated in the itinerary); activities noted as optional in the itinerary; gratuities for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page; passport and visa expenses; baggage/accident/cancellation insurance; personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages; and any other items not specifically noted as included.

Single/Shared Accommodations: A limited number of single rooms/cabins are available at an extra cost on a first-come, first-served basis. We will assist persons requesting a roommate. Participants will be notified if a suitable roommate is not available, in which case the single rate will be charged.

Payments, Cancellations, and Refunds: To reserve space on this National Geographic Expedition, complete the Reservation Form and return it with your deposit of $1,000 per person. The deposit is payable by check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express). The second payment of $5,000 per person and final payment are payable by check or wire transfer only, made out to a secure escrow account. Make checks payable to "National Geographic Expeditions." The second payment is due October 5, 2009. Final payment is due April 6, 2010. Mail to National Geographic Expeditions, 1000 Second Avenue, Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98104. Or call 800-224-1894 or fax to 206-447-7717. If the expedition is fully booked when your reservation is received, your payment will be returned within 7 days, or with your authorization, the tour operator, Starquest Expeditions, can retain the deposit and place your name on a waiting list in the event other passengers cancel their reservations. Even if you authorize Starquest Expeditions to put your name on a waiting list and retain your deposit, Starquest Expeditions will notify you within 7 days that the expedition is fully booked. If we have confirmed your reservation and then you want to cancel, your right to receive a refund is limited, as set forth in the following schedule.

Refunds will be made within 14 days of receipt of your notice of cancellation. This policy also applies to pre- and post-trip extensions. Any airline tickets issued are subject to the carrier's refund policy. Leaving an expedition in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of an expedition. We reserve the right to cancel any trip because of inadequate enrollment that makes the trip economically infeasible to operate or because of good-faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the participants. If an expedition is cancelled prior to departure, the tour operator will provide you with a full refund of monies paid to the tour operator. If we cancel the trip in progress, you will receive a prorated refund based on the number of days not completed on the expedition. We will not be responsible for any refund for nonrefundable airline tickets or for any airline tickets purchased by the passenger directly from an airline or travel agent. Trip cancellation insurance is available at an additional cost and is strongly recommended.

Itinerary Changes: The itineraries and staff presented in this catalog are subject to modification and change by the National Geographic Society or its designated tour operator. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may still occur after final itineraries are sent.

Health Requirements and What to Expect: Travel to Papua New Guinea requires flexibility and a sense of adventure. All participants are expected to be in active good health, to enjoy traveling as part of a group, and to be ready to experience cultural differences with grace. Service is not always up to Western standards, and disruptions to the country's infrastructure can necessitate changes to our itinerary. Road conditions are extremely rough in some areas. The accommodations featured in this expedition are the best in the country, offering en suite baths and incredible access to natural and cultural wonders; however, they offer basic amenities and not all of them have air conditioning. This is an active program, which requires you to make a realistic assessment of your health. Prior to traveling, we recommend that you visit your personal physician for a check up so that you may discuss your ability to participate in this type of journey. Walking and climbing stairs are required in many hotels and airports, and to board the aircraft, and are part of many excursions. There are optional, easy to moderate hikes during the day and night. Getting around may involve walking though mud and uneven footing. Please note: To go to certain destinations or participate in certain activities, such as visiting a high-altitude area (7,500 feet above sea level and higher), you will need to obtain your physician's approval. A form will be sent to you for your physician to sign. An alternate destination or activity can be arranged if your physician recommends it. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment should be reported in writing when the reservation is made. If you require a slower pace, extra assistance, or the use of a cane or walking stick, arrangements will be made for private touring at each destination, if necessary, at the discretion of our tour staff. Any extra cost for such arrangements will be the responsibility of the traveler. If you would like to forego some of the scheduled sightseeing to rejuvenate and relax, please feel free to do so at any time. Malaria and other diseases are present in some of the areas featured in this itinerary. For the latest recommendations on specific health precautions for the areas you will visit, consult your physician and the Centers for Disease Control.

Photography: National Geographic and its designated tour operators reserve the right to take photographs or videos during the operation of any expedition or part thereof and to use the resulting photography for promotional purposes. By making a reservation with National Geographic Expeditions, participants agree to allow their images to be used in such photography; participants who prefer that their image not be used are asked to identify themselves to their expedition manager at the commencement of their trip.

By registering for a National Geographic Expedition, the participant agrees to the Responsibility statement and the Terms and Conditions herein.