DALMATIAN DREAM TERMS & CONDITIONS

COVID-19 CANCELLATION CLAUSE – Book with confidence.
As we are still technically experiencing a world-wide pandemic (as of Nov 1, 2022) we want you to know that your health and safety will always be our first priority. We want you to be able to book with confidence and have peace of mind in knowing that we will look after you.

Should things escalate again and your government advises against travel to Croatia, due to COVID-19, then you can cancel your trip with Hermes Holidays, without penalty, up until the day of departure. You'll be entitled to a full refund of monies paid to us, or you can opt for a travel credit to use on a future Hermes Holidays vacation. We will refund any instalments you have made IN FULL, including your deposit. We did this in 2020, without hesitation, and will honour our word again should we need to. Please note, we are not liable for any charges you may incur, including cancelled or missed flights, extra hotels booked, transfers, additional land tours, excursions, exchange rates or travel insurance.

All guests must be fully vaccinated to travel.

Hermes Holidays also reserves the right to postpone the tour, without notice, should there be an outbreak of COVID-19 in Croatia and it is deemed unsafe to travel. You will be given a full refund of monies paid to Hermes Holidays (please see exclusions above).

Please notify us of any cancellations directly by email.

The above special cancellation clause is only for COVID-19 related reasons.Please read our full cancellation policy below as well as our full terms and conditions of travel.

Hermes Holidays is an Australian company. Prices are quoted in Euros. We have calculated this using the exchange rate on 1 November, 2022 Please note, as exchange rates fluctuate on a day today basis prices may increase (your tour price will not increase once your deposit is paid).
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A deposit of €1000 of the tour/cruise fare per person is required at the time of reservation. Tour/Cruise fare is defined as the cruise, plus port charges less all applied discounts at the time of booking. A second instalment will be due on 1st February 2023. The final payment is due on 1st May 2023. Reservations will be cancelled if the final payment is not received in a timely manner. It is a condition of our confirmation of your booking and acceptance of your cruise, that these monies may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit orin respect of the services to be provided or fees payable under the cruise program, and the payment of a deposit shall be deemed to be a direction to disburse such monies as aforesaid.

Any bookings made after 1st February 2023 must pay €3400 deposit.

Any bookings made after 1st May 2023 must be paid in full at the time of booking.

Hermes Holidays reserves the right to cancel the reservation and apply cancellation charges should payments not be received within the above-specified periods.

REVISION FEE
Should you be unable to attend a fee of AUD$100 per person, per transaction, will be charged for any passenger name change after the booking is confirmed, unless the change increases the value of the booking. It will be the passenger’s sole responsibility to find someone to take their booking. A passenger name change within 100 days of departure will be treated as a cancellation subject to our cancellation policy and a new reservation must be made. Cancellation fees (as shown below) will apply.

CANCELLATION FEES AND CHARGES (for ANY other reason other than a COVID-19 outbreak in Croatia or the area in which you live)
We hope nothing will come between you and your tour/cruise with Hermes Holidays. Should you need to cancel your booking your cancellation must be received by us in writing. It will be effective on the date of receipt. Cancellation charges are per person and based upon the date of cancellation, and are as follows:

These include, but are not limited to gratuities, airfares to and from your destination; airport/departure taxes; excess baggage charges; aircraft seat assignments; Arrival and departure transfers, meals not detailed in the itinerary, cost of passports and visas; taxes; laundry; phone calls; all items of a personal nature; items not included on regular menus or that are not included in the drinks package; expenses for additional sightseeing not specified in the itinerary; and health, accident, baggage, or travel protection plans.

A suitable replacement ship will be put in place at no extra cost to the client. For any vis major cases Katarina Line will provide suitable accommodation on land or sea. Any other compensation is excluded.

In the event that the ship is unable to put out to sea, Katarina Line will offer an alternative ship – of the same or better quality or will provide suitable accommodation on land. Katarina Line has the right to replace the ship with the same or better-quality ship. In the event that the alternative ship is of lower quality than the reserved one, the price will be reduced to reflect the difference in quality. Katarina line's liability, of any kind, is limited to the cruise price. In the event that Katarina line is unable to provide an alternative ship at the start of the cruise, or during the cruise (in case of technical problem), Katarina line may take up to 24 hrs to repair the original ship.

Hermes Holidays strongly recommends that all passengers purchase COMPREHENSIVE Travel insurance. Please ensure you have purchased the appropriate amount of travel insurance for any losses, cancellations, medical requirements or injuries or other events that could unfold. We strongly recommend your insurance covers you in case of a COVID-19 outbreak during your trip which could require you to return to your home country or into hotel quarantine at your own expense. Please also ensure you are covered for white water rafting or zip lining if you plan on joining this activity.

Katarina Lines states any complaints regarding service during the cruise have to be given directly to the ship on the spot and through KATARINA LINE. Complaints have to be certified by the ship, written in the ships complaints book and sent to KATARINA LINE within 15 days from the client’s departure. Complaints made after this time will not be taken into consideration. If you have a complaint with Hermes Holidays please speak immediately with the Hermes Holidays representative who will do everything within their control to remedy the situation.

• The Captain reserves the right to change the route in case of bad weather conditions.
• Guests have to follow ship rules (to be found in written form on the ship and under point 7 of this booking agreement), especially with regards to not bringing drinks on board and in case of bad behaviour, Katarina Line/captain reserves the right in asking clients to disembark.
• Air-conditioning subject to power supply at local ports which is sometimes restricted. If by chance restrictions apply in the ports, the air-conditioning will be run by onboard generators until midnight when they must be turned off to allow for guests to sleep.
  
• Wi-Fi is restricted to mobile network coverage. Download limits apply.
  
• Katarina line will not be responsible for any accidents that may occur onboard and insist that clients are aware and need extra observation and caution whilst being onboard or walking between ship(s) and the mainland. Due to specific mooring conditions and requirements in some Croatian ports, Katarina Line ships are moored side by side, making it necessary for the clients to cross from one ship to another with gaps in between ships in order to get to the shore. In such cases, clients need to take special care when crossing and do this at their own risk. Crew assistance will be given to those needing and requesting it.
  

• Passengers onboard are obliged to abide by the ship rules, as the captain is responsible for the safety of all passengers and the crew. Captain has the right to change the itinerary in case of bad weather, or similar inappropriate conditions in ports to ensure the safety on board.
• Passports are to be handed to the captain for registration on the first day of the cruise.
  
• Jumping or diving from the boat during navigation is strictly forbidden. For safety reasons climbing on the masts is also forbidden.
  
• During rough weather movement should be done with care and as little as possible. The floors can often be wet and slippery. Passengers should take extra care crossing between the boats when they are docked together in port. Do not hesitate to ask a crew member for assistance when crossing. Movement between the ships are at the individual’s responsibility.
  
• Safety belts are placed under the seats in the dining area or below the beds in the cabins.
  
• As the ships are explicitly acoustic all passengers are asked to behave accordingly. Special attention must be given to night peace onboard, which officially is at midnight. In National Parks, even earlier night peace is required and guests will be notified of this.
• Clients are responsible for looking after their personal belongings whilst travelling. Katarina line cannot be held responsible for any personal belongings left behind or damaged on any trip irrespective of the circumstances.
• Smoking in the restaurant area and in the cabins is not allowed and when smoking on the designated deck area passengers must not throw cigarette butts in the sea.
  
• Bed linen must not be taken out of the cabins.
  
• Passengers are not permitted to bring drinks and food on the boat. This includes all drinks and food products purchased on shore in ports of call. The only exceptions are: personal care products, liquid medicine, food products specifically for infants and food products for special diets. Typical regional products purchased during visits to the ports will be stored onboard to be returned to passengers at the end of the cruise.
  
• Please take special attention not to throw anything into toilets except toilette paper.
  
• Guests are obliged to respect meal times on board, which are placed on the board in the salon, as well as departure times to next port.
• Any damage must be compensated to the captain by the passenger. Lost cabin keys will be charged 150 kuna/key. 
  It is strictly forbidden to throw rubbish into the sea. 
• Water is a problem on every boat, therefore please be very rational with it. The same applies to the electricity which runs on the generator.
  
• Guests must close the portholes in cabins under deck during navigation, to avoid their cabins getting wet by the seawater entering the cabin through the porthole.
  
• The captain and the crew will be available for any questions or queries and will do their best to make your stay onboard a most pleasurable one. If captain and his crew are not providing satisfactory service, please contact your Hermes Holidays representative or Katarina line office for further help, as the aim is to have only satisfied clients during your stay onboard.
  
• Service charge is not included in the price and therefore please tip at your own discretion.
  
• Bathing suits will be welcome and expected on board in all areas except during meal times in the salon.
  

The cruise company Katarina Lines allows one (1) suitcase, one (1) carry-on bag, and one (1) personal bag (handbag, computer case, etc.) per person onboard their ships and motor coaches. These restrictions will be inforced as we will also be travelling by coach with limited storage.  Airlines may have additional baggage restrictions and may impose additional fees for checked baggage and/or excess baggage. Additional taxes and surcharges may be collected by foreign government and non-government entities. Keep an eye on your baggage—it is your responsibility throughout the trip. Neither Katarina Lines nor Hermes Holidays are responsible for loss, theft, damage to baggage and/or personal belongings.

A valid passport is required to travel on all Hermes Holidays programs. Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months after the scheduled return date of the trip. You should check with your travel agent or applicable Consulate Service for information regarding any necessary visas and other documentation.

Any visa(s) or other documentation required for a particular itinerary is the sole responsibility of the guest. Hermes Holidays will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any passenger, or for any delays, damages and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper travel documentation.

Due to government-imposed security/immigration measures, passport information and emergency contact information are required for all passengers prior to the release of documentation.

Hermes Holidays has teamed with Katarina Lines so you can count on the value of their experience and regional knowledge to make sure you enjoy your tour and cruise even when conditions beyond our control occur. The very nature of the ocean means that there will be times when weather or other conditions in a region require us to make adjustments and/or modifications to an itinerary. Although every effort will be made to keep itineraries, vessels, as they are shown in the brochure, we reserve the right to substitute itineraries and vessels. In such cases, we will do everything we can to make sure the locations visited, the excursions taken or vessels offered are similar to the ones originally planned. Any changes to itineraries will not result in eligibility for a refund. Itineraries are subject to change without notice and may need to be altered specifically because of sea conditions, wind factors, or other conditions. Guests who choose to cancel or interrupt their cruise due to an itinerary change will be subject to our standard Cancellation Policy.

At Hermes Holidays one of our points-of-difference are our many highlight included excursions and dinners. If for any reason these are unable to be provided (ie. Weather, strike etc.) then no refund shall be given (or value attached). We shall, however, endeavour as much as possible, in these very extreme circumstances, to provide an experience or highlight of similar value where possible.

The carriers, accommodations, and other suppliers (referred to as “the Suppliers” (including but not limited to trains, airlines, cruises, ferries, motor coaches, hotels, and restaurants) providing included sightseeing and excursions (“the Services”) in the area of the holiday itinerary that are available for the booking are not run, supervised or controlled in any way by Hermes Holidays. These services are provided by local operators or other third parties that are entirely independent of Hermes Holidays which has no control over the operations of these independent contractors. Hermes Holidays has no liability for any such activity or excursion or for any act(s) or omission(s) of the organiser or operator or for any of its agents or employees or any other person(s) connected with the activity or excursion.

Security is a major concern to all of us and the situation globally is consistently changing. Events around the world, coupled with the “Travel Advisories” put out by various governments, may at times necessitate changes to the accommodations and itinerary or even trip cancellation. Risks are involved in travel to any country that may experience security difficulties. You must accept these risks and assume responsibility for your own travel decisions.

Hermes Holidays strives to provide a safe, enjoyable, and memorable travel experience for all passengers.  We welcome passengers with special needs or disabilities. However, please note the following:

• Passengers are required to advise Hermes Holidays at the time of booking of any physical, medical, or other special needs that require accommodation. After the time of booking, should a Passenger develop a physical or medical condition that requires accommodation the Passenger is required to advise us immediately.
• All guests must ensure they are medically and physically fit for travel. Hermes Holidays may impose safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the tour. We may also exclude an individual from participating in a tour or an activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety.
• Hermes Holidays and Katarina Lines do not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eyeglasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any passenger who requires services of a personal nature.
• Hermes Holidays and Katarina Lines do not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. Neither company is responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on tour, or for the quality of the care or services received.
• Passengers should be aware that some tours include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, steps and locations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. During the tour, we may make arrangements with carriers, hotels and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which we have no control.
  
• Accommodations on international tours may differ from those in your home country. The Company cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers travelling on international tours.
  

You must be 18+ years of age at the time the tour/cruise begins.

Hermes Holidays organises vacations primarily for the LGBTI+ community but welcomes anyone, regardless of your sexuality or gender identity.  We do, however, insist that everyone is treated with respect and will not tolerate any form of homophobia, transphobia, racism or hate speech.  We reserve the right to remove anyone, at their own expense, who does not conform to this rule.

Hermes Holidays may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with the Company’s terms and conditions. The Company is not responsible for any costs incurred in the event a passenger is removed from a tour. Passengers agree not to hold the Hermes Holidays or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms and conditions.

All guests must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling and be willing to take a PCR test should it be requested.

For the comfort of all our guests, smoking is only permitted on the sun decks of our ships. Smoking is not permitted on motorcoaches. This policy applies to all forms of smoking materials, including vapour e-cigarettes.

The possession and use of recreational drugs and illegal substances whilst on tour or onboard any Katarina Lines ship is strictly prohibited and will result in the immediate removal of the guest(s) at their own expense.

Hermes Holidays has contracted Katarina Lines Cruises to deliver the cruise component of the holiday. Katarina Lines Cruises and Hermes Holidays are referred to as “the operators” and are empowered to undertake the following duties:

• The operators shall be responsible to the passenger for supplying the services described in this brochure, except where such services cannot be supplied or the itinerary used is changed due to delays or other causes of whatever kind or nature beyond the control of the comparable services and itineraries and there shall be no refund in this connection.
• This brochure represents the entire agreement between the passenger and the above-mentioned operators.
  
• In the absence of their own negligence, neither the operators nor their agents or cooperating organisations shall be responsible for any cancellations or for acts of any other service providers concerned, diversions or substitutions of equipment of any act, variations, postponements, omission or default whatsoever by air carriers, land carriers, hoteliers or hotels, transportation companies or any other persons providing any of the services and accommodations to passengers including any results thereof such as changes in services accommodations or facilitations necessitated by same. Nor shall they be liable for any loss or damage to baggage or property or for injury illness or death or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising from loss negligence or delay from the act, error, omission default or negligence of any person not their direct employee or under their exclusive control including any act error omission default or negligence of any country government or governmental authority, officer or employee. All baggage and personal effects are at all times and in all circumstances at the risk of the passenger, Baggage insurance is recommended. The carriers, hotels, and other suppliers who provide services on tour are independent contractors, they are not agents employees or servants of the Operators or their associated companies. The Operators are not responsible for any criminal conduct by third parties.
  
• Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the Operators, nor their agents, or cooperating organisations or service providers concerned, will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of such accident or injury.
• Transportation companies, airlines etc are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not onboard planes, transportation or conveyances. The passenger contracts in use by the airlines or transportation companies when used shall constitute the sole contract between the airline, transportation and passenger or purchaser of this tour and the Operators assume no responsibility in this connection. Enrolment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth on this page which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the company.
• Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this e-brochure at the time of going to press: Hermes Holidays nor Katarina Lines cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances in relation to brochures, internet websites or any other printed collateral used to promote Katarina Lines cruises. We reserve the right to make corrections as required.
  
• All bookings made with any provider of any transport, facilities, meals, other goods or of any services are subject to terms and conditions imposed by them. If you decide that you do not want to visit a country or part of a country you intended to visit because of any law, condition or requirement of any government or governmental authority, official, servant or agent, you are responsible for any costs, expenses, charges, fees, losses or damage incurred as a consequence an any cancellation or amendment fees. Neither Hermes Holidays or Katarina Lines accept any responsibility or liability for your acts, omissions, defaults, conduct, state of health, condition or circumstances.
  

Agreement: The payment of a deposit shall be deemed your consent to the terms and conditions as presented herein. It is specifically agreed that this agreement is entered into in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and in the event, any legal or equitable action is initiated concerning the interpretation, enforcement, or breach of any term, obligation, or duty as contained or related to these Terms and Conditions, the exclusive venue for such action shall be solely in the Courts of the State of New South Wales, Australia.  This agreement shall be construed in accordance with the law of the State of New South Wales, without regard to conflicts of law principles. Should your booking arrangements be made by your Travel Agent then the person affecting the booking shall be deemed to have accepted the booking conditions described herein.