Terms & Conditions

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Private Journeys

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

The National Geographic Society will provide educational enrichment for National Geographic Private Journeys as the sponsoring organization and has selected Abercrombie & Kent, Inc. (its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns, collectively A&K), an Illinois corporation based in Downers Grove, Illinois, to organize and administer its National Geographic Private Journeys. A&K, in turn, has selected independent transportation carriers, hotels, ground operators, and other suppliers of the services connected with these tours ("other providers"), and those 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 tour participants are not aboard their conveyances.

The National Geographic Society and A&K 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 A&K for any such loss, damage, injury, or death.

By registering for a National Geographic Private Journey, 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. The National Geographic Society and A&K reserve the right to cancel a trip or any part of it, to make such alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary or desirable, to refuse to accept or to retain any participant on a National Geographic Private Journeys trip at any time, and to pass on to participants any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its control.

Neither the National Geographic Society nor A&K 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 Private Journey departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant.

Basis of Rates: Quoted trip prices include planning, handling, and operational charges; and are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes, and are quoted in U.S. dollars. Prices are valid through December 31, 2009. Dates and prices shown in this catalog are valid while inventory on selected dates remains available. 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 Private Journey 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. All participants must be in good health.

Trip Price Includes: Accommodations; meals (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner); sightseeing, entrance fees, and guide services as indicated in each itinerary; transfers; hotel and port taxes; gratuities for included meals and baggage handling; and pre-trip materials.

Not Included: Air transportation and related fees; activities or services that are noted as not included under the "About Your Journey" section of the itinerary page or that are noted as options during free time; upgrades or extensions added to published itineraries; costs of obtaining passports or visas; excess baggage charges; gratuities except as noted above; travel insurance; personal expenses such as laundry; room service; meals, beverages, or sightseeing not included in the itinerary; seasonal holiday surcharges; and any other items not specifically noted as included.

Passports and Visas: Valid passports are required for travel to the destinations in this brochure; check with us for latest requirements and assistance.

Payments, Cancellations, and Refunds: A deposit of $1,250 per person is required at the time you book. Payments can be made by any major credit card. The balance is due 90 days prior to your departure date. If your reservation is made within 90 days of departure, the entire price of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation. All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of the postmark. For cancellations received 90 days or more prior to departure, a refund less a $500 per-person cancellation fee will be made. Per-person charges for cancellations received less than 90 days prior to departure are as follows... 89-60 days prior to departure: 20 percent of the trip price; 59-30 days prior to departure: 50 percent of the trip price; 29 or fewer days prior to departure: 100 percent of the trip price. Cancellation penalties for extra services booked may differ from above and will be listed on your invoice. Please note: Separate payment and cancellation terms apply to the Patagonia and the Atacama Desert and India Private Journeys. Please call for details. A 100% cancellation charge applies to internal airfare cancelled less than 90 days prior to departure. Leaving a trip early, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of an expedition. In the unlikely event that National Geographic or A&K must cancel your trip prior to departure, you will receive a full refund of monies paid to National Geographic or A&K. 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 presented in this catalog are subject to modification and change by the National Geographic Society or A&K. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may still occur after final itineraries are sent. Meetings with specific individuals named in this catalog are subject to availability on your travel date. Cruise portions of an itinerary are subject to change based on operational and other considerations, including weather and water levels.

Air Transportation: We can assist you with your airfare arrangements at the time of your booking. Any airfares published on this website are subject to change.

Health Requirements: You must be in good physical and mental health. Any physical condition requiring special attention, diet, or treatment must be reported in writing when the reservation is made.

Payment for your trip constitutes your acceptance of the responsibility statement and terms and conditions set out herein and in more specific pre-trip passenger documentation.