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What’s included in your river cruise cover?
We understand that you have invested a great deal into your Emerald Cruises holiday, and our river cruise guarantee is designed to give you peace of mind. Enjoy your time on board, safe in the knowledge that you’re covered in the event anything not considered typical or usual to river cruising occurs.
On every Emerald Cruises European river cruise, you’ll be automatically covered from the start of your cruise for any delays or cancellations that occur due to unforeseen circumstances^. There's nothing extra to pay, as the cost is covered in the price of your cruise.
- A complete halt to your itinerary, where your Star-Ship is unable to sail, and we are unable to deliver your onshore excursions except by way of coach rides of greater than 3 hours each way
- Where we have the ability to accommodate you on another Emerald Cruises Star-Ship due to high/low water, but your itinerary is delayed by more than 24 hours
- If there a mechanical breakdown occurs on board that results in your Star-Ship not being able to continue the cruise and there are no alternative ships available
- If, due to industrial action, we are not able to pass through a lock and your cruise cannot continue
- If high water levels prohibit the sailing of your Star-Ship for an afternoon, but we’re able to make it under the bridge that evening and deliver you to your scheduled disembarkation place the following day
- If we swap Star-Ships due to high/low water and the ship swap takes less than 6 hours to complete
- If we embark/disembark your Star-Ship less than 100 kilometres from your scheduled point of embarkation
- If we have to make alternate arrangement for any itinerary activities. For example, if due to prevailing conditions we’re unable to attend Melk Abbey and we select a replacement of similar quality, this will not constitute as a delay.
- Consequential loss of any kind, including loss of enjoyment or any financial loss not specifically covered in the Policy
- Any loss or expense from 3rd party costs booked direct as part of the booking
- Minor or typical delays experienced on your cruise Force Majeure Events.
- Force Majeure events are those that are beyond human control and could not have been reasonably anticipated or prevented. These events may include, but are not limited to: War, invasion, act of foreign enemy, hostilities (whether war has been declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, pandemics, insurrection, military or usurped power
- Any loss or expense with respect to any country or specially designated person, entity, group or company on the Specially Designated List, or which if reimbursed or paid by us would result in us being in breach of trade or economic sanctions or other such similar laws or regulations
- Any nuclear reaction or contamination, ionising rays or radioactivity
- Any Goods and Services Tax (GST) liability or any fine, charge or penalty. You will be liable for failing to fully disclose to us your input tax credit entitlement for the premium
YOUR INCLUDED RIVER CRUISE COVER
This may be enacted in the event of a deviation to compensate you for any changes to your itinerary.
Emerald Cruises is committed to open and transparent communication. Should information about potential issues be available prior to your departure we will notify you and allow you to make an informed decision about your travel plans.
Should the impact happen during your cruise, you will be notified by your cruise director on board that River Cruise Cover has been enacted. Once your cruise is complete, we will review the total number of days that were disrupted and provide you with a letter upon your return home with the amounts that can be claimed and details of the claims process.
What does an itinerary deviation look like, how could it impact my trip, and how might I be compensated?
A deviation can be a quick, minor inconvenience, a prolonged change or an extended disruption depending on the circumstances.
A minor disruption may include:
In the event that your Star-Ship cannot pass through a section of the river (due to water levels or a closed lock or river obstruction, for example), we use coaches to transfer you from your original Emerald Cruises Star-Ship to a new Star-Ship on the other side of the obstruction. These “ship swaps” are performed with the least impact possible, with your cruise director accompanying you onto the new ship with your belongings to ensure the remainder of your cruise is as enjoyable as possible. You will be accommodated in a suite of the same type and value; should this not be possible you will be compensated the difference in the value of the suites.
A prolonged disruption may include:
Using coach transfers to the included sightseeing locations, while continuing to be accommodated on your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. A prolonged disruption may also require us to continuously cruise without stopping for touring. Under the Emerald Cruises River Cruise Cover you will be compensated between €140- €175 per person per day of the disruption should we not be able to fulfil the sightseeing listed in the itinerary.
An extended disruption or major impact to your itinerary:
In the event of an extended disruption, accommodation off-ship will be in local hotels with all meals provided. To the best of our ability, we will ensure the hotels are of similar standard to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Meals will be included, however, alcoholic drinks and amenities such as butler service, are not included. Cruising will be undertaken by coach. As we understand this experience will not be same as being on board the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, under the River Cruise Cover you will be compensated based on the suite category booked, between €175- €485 per person per day for up to seven days. Alternatively, a full refund for the remainder of the cruise may be available should you choose to disembark and end/finish your journey.
^Please note that Emerald Cruises is not liable for COVID-19 and other pandemic-related issues such as quarantines, delays, lockdowns, repatriation expenses, loss of touring, loss of inclusions, border closings, or location entry requirements or restrictions, etc. We strongly recommend guests obtain travel insurance to cover such costs and risks, as well as any others resulting from Force Majeure Events.
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