Uniworld River Cruises:
Terms and Conditions

Additional Considerations:

Baggage Fees, Baggage and Personal Belongings: Uniworld allows one (1) suitcase, one (1) carry-on bag, and one (1) personal bag (handbag, computer case, etc.) per person onboard our ships and motorcoaches. Airlines may have additional baggage restrictions and may impose additional fees for checked baggage and/or excess baggage (visit: iflybags.com). 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. Uniworld is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to baggage and/or personal belongings at any time during the cruise, or on included transfers and other transportation. A protection plan covering lost, stolen or damaged baggage is available through the Uniworld Travel Protection Plan.

Flights included as part of the cruise/tour itinerary: Should your itinerary include one or more flights within the region visited as part of your cruise/tour itinerary, such flights will be in economy class. Should passengers’ baggage exceed the airline’s limit, excess baggage fees may be levied and will be the passengers’ responsibility to pay (visit: iflybags.com)

Check-In and Check-Out Times: Please note that standard check-in and check-out times will apply regardless of flight schedules or transfer arrangements.

• Arrivals: On the day of embarkation, your stateroom will be ready after 3:00 PM. Guests who embark prior to 3:00 PM can wait in one of the public areas onboard. For itineraries beginning at a hotel, your room will be ready after the hotel’s standard check-in time. Uniworld is unable to request early check-ins.
• Departures: On the day of disembarkation, you must vacate your stateroom by 8:00 AM. Guests with flights departing later in the day may wait onboard in one of the public areas until 1:00 PM or later, depending on the sailing schedule. For itineraries ending at a hotel, you must vacate your room by the hotel’s standard check-out time. Uniworld is unable to request late check-outs.

Mandatory Passenger Registration: Uniworld Guests are required to register for their cruise at my.Uniworld.com. There you can provide the following necessary information:

• Your personal details, including your email address and phone number.
• Your emergency contact info and travel insurance details, just in case we need it.
• Any dietary, medical or other special requirements you may have.

Documents: Provided full payment has been received on time and registration is completed, travel documents will be available to download in electronic format 21 days prior to travel from my.Uniworld.com. Here, you’ll also find information about your cruise such as the point of embarkation, your accommodations, and answers to a host of FAQs.

Passport/Visa: 

A valid passport is required to travel on all Uniworld 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 Advisor or the U.S. Consulate Service for information regarding necessary visas and other documentation. Non-U.S. citizens must contact the appropriate consular office for entry requirements pertaining to your trip. Any visa(s) or other documentation required for a particular itinerary is the sole responsibility of the guest. Due to government-imposed security/immigration measures, passport information and emergency contact information are required for all passengers prior to release of documentation.

Visas can be acquired for a fee through the consulates or embassies of the countries to be visited, and in some cases they can be purchased on arrival. Obtaining and carrying these documents is your sole responsibility; Uniworld 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.

ETIAS: The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a visa waiver/pre-screening program for ALL travelers who are visiting countries in the Schengen Area, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Romania.

ETIAS is expected to come into effect in 2025. Once in effect, guests will complete a short online application with security, health, and passport questions, pay a processing fee, and obtain an approved ETIAS visa waiver within approximately 72 hours. The waiver will be required for entry and will be valid for short-term stays of up to 90 days. Travelers can then move freely between the Schengen countries as there are no internal hard borders within the zone.

For more information please visit the official website: www.etias.info.

Travel Insurance Recommendation: We strongly encourage you to purchase travel protection when traveling with Uniworld. Should you choose to travel on Uniworld without travel insurance coverage you will need to acknowledge your agreement to take full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while traveling with Uniworld. Your cruise documents will not be released until the insurance acknowledgement section of the Passenger Information Form found on "My Uniworld" has been completed. If you do not currently have travel insurance, please contact Uniworld or your travel advisor as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Visit www.uniworld.com/already-booked/travel-protection for more information about our travel protection options.

Itinerary Changes: You can count on the value of Uniworld’s experience and regional knowledge to make sure you enjoy your cruise/tour even when conditions beyond our control occur. The very nature of a river, its sources, and networks of bridges and locks, means that there will be times when weather or other conditions in a region require Uniworld to make adjustments and/or modifications to an itinerary. Although every effort will be made to keep itineraries, vessels, and hotels as they are shown in the brochure, Uniworld reserves the right to substitute itineraries, hotels or vessels. In such cases, we will do everything we can to make sure the locations visited, the excursions taken and the hotels 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 water levels, wind factors, or other conditions. Guests who choose to cancel or interrupt their cruise or cruise/tour due to an itinerary change will be subject to our standard Cancellation Policy.

Advanced, Cancelled, or Delayed Sailing: Uniworld reserves the right to cancel, advance, postpone or modify scheduled departure, return or itinerary dates, as well as locations, events and schedules, and may, but is not obligated to, substitute, vary, alter, reschedule, cancel and/or relocate any accommodations, vessels, modes of transportation and other aspects of the vacation. Uniworld is authorized to take these actions due to causes or circumstances of any kind or nature beyond Uniworld’s control, or causes or circumstances within Uniworld’s control that Uniworld deems to make such actions appropriate. Uniworld will not be liable for cancellation, delay, rescheduling or other adjustment or impact to a departure or itinerary, or other aspects of the vacation brought about due to force majeure or other circumstances beyond its control that prevent or interfere with any aspect of the cruise/tour, also including governmental and administrative actions. The company’s only liability will be to provide Passengers the amount it has received for the Contract in the form of a Future Travel Credit or at Uniworld’s discretion a refund of monies paid to Uniworld in connection with such cruise/tour. Uniworld is not responsible for other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or changes and is not liable for any cancellation or change costs or penalties incurred on other travel arrangements, including air tickets.

Stateroom Changes: If due to unexpected technical or other unforeseen circumstances, it becomes necessary to change a guest’s stateroom onboard, any change to stateroom category will result in eligibility for a refund equal to the fare difference between the category booked and the category of relocation.

Extensions/Land Tours: Uniworld reserves the right to reschedule and/or cancel land extensions or land tours if the minimum number of participants (20 people) is not met or for safety reasons. If you, as the Passenger, choose to cancel your pre- or post-cruise extension one hundred and nineteen (119) days or less before departure, then please refer to the Cancellation Policy section for the applicable cancellation policy and penalties that will be applied.

Security: Security is a major concern to all of us and the global situation is constantly 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.

Health and Mobility: The Company strives to provide a safe, enjoyable, and memorable travel experience for all passengers, and has therefore put the following policies in place:

• All guests must ensure they are medically and physically fit for travel.
• Passengers are required to advise the Company at 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 the Company.
• The Company may impose health and safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the cruise-tour, and for the wellbeing of our Passengers and crew. The Company may also exclude an individual from participating in a tour or activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety. To stop the spread of contagious illnesses, the Company or local authorities may require the isolation or quarantine of Passengers. These measures will not result in the eligibility for a refund of unused features or services.
• The Company welcomes Passengers with special needs or disabilities, however please note that the Company does not provide personal medical or mobility devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or prescription eye glasses) 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.
• The Company does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. The Company is not 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 some tours include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, stairs, and locations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. During the tour, the Company may make arrangements with carriers, hotels, and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which the Company has no control. Accommodations on international tours may differ from those in your home country. The Company cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers traveling on international tours.
• The Company may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with Company’s Terms and Conditions.

Young Travelers:

Europe, Asia, India, and Egypt: Guests must be 4 years of age or older. Guests who are less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and booked in a cabin with someone who is 21 years of age or older.

Peru: Guests must be 7 years of age or older. Guests under 21 must be booked in a cabin with someone who is 25 years of age or older, or traveling with a parent or guardian who is booked in a connecting suite. Some excursions may not be suitable for young children.

Please note: Our Generations program departures include programs and services designed for families traveling with children. Adults accompanying children are responsible for their safety and behavior onboard and onshore.

Smoking Policy: 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 vapor e-cigarettes.

Diets: Please advise the Uniworld reservation agent of specific dietary considerations and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Please also indicate your needs when you complete the Passenger Information Form at uniworld.com.

Shipboard Credit: If your Uniworld booking includes shipboard credit, the credit will be converted from the currency of your booking to the currency used onboard the ship using the Average Daily Exchange Rate for that year. The Average Daily Exchange Rate is calculated monthly and is the average rate of exchange between the US dollar and the currency onboard starting January 1 of the year you are traveling through the first day of the month of your travel. Your credit will be automatically applied to your onboard account. Please speak to our Front Desk for information about the services available to purchase with your Shipboard Credit. Shipboard Credit is not available for purchase, and unused portions thereof are not refundable.

Pets: Pets are not permitted on Uniworld trips.

Legal Notes:

ATTORNEY FEE PROVISION

This Agreement is deemed to be entered into in Los Angeles, California. The exclusive venue for any action concerning the interpretation, enforcement, or breach of any term, obligation, or duty as contained or related to these Terms and Conditions or any grievance relating to the cruise and/or tour shall be solely in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, Van Nuys District.

This Agreement shall be construed according to the internal laws of California without regard to conflicts of law principles. All guest claims must be submitted in writing and received by Uniworld no later than 60 days after completion of the Uniworld vacation. Guest claims not submitted and received within this time shall be deemed to be waived and barred. In any legal action, arbitration, or other proceeding to enforce, interpret, or construe the terms of this Agreement, or concerning any grievance relating to the cruise and/or tour, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover actual reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses.

Responsibility and Waiver: The responsibility of Uniworld River Cruises, Inc. is strictly limited. Uniworld promotes and sells tour programs consisting of certain travel services on cruise ships (“Vessels”) or other modes of transport (“Transport”). Uniworld does not own or operate any of the Vessels/Transport. The owners, operators and charterers (“Suppliers”) of the Vessels/Transport are independent of Uniworld. Uniworld makes no representations or warranties concerning the Suppliers or the Vessels/Transport. Uniworld assumes no liability for any acts or omissions of any Supplier including, without limitation, those involving cancellation of tours/cruises, schedule changes, rerouting, delays, damage to or loss of baggage, property damage, equipment failures, accidents, death or injuries to persons regardless of cause, whether or not services are tendered or transportation provided are arranged through Uniworld. Accordingly, you will not have any right to claim or recover against Uniworld as a consequence of any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Suppliers or the condition or operation of any Vessels/Transport. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the liabilities and obligations of the Suppliers to you and your rights against the Suppliers, are subject to any and all Terms and Conditions of the Suppliers’ contract of carriage and any and all governmental/jurisdictional laws and regulations bearing upon or otherwise relating to such rights, liabilities, and obligations, including, without limitation, choice of law, jurisdiction of disputes, limitations of liability, and limitations on the time to file claims. By utilizing the travel services of the Suppliers, you agree that you will look to such Suppliers for any accident, death, injury, property damage, or personal loss to you or to those traveling with you, and that neither Uniworld nor any representative of Uniworld shall have any liability whatsoever.

Additional risks and dangers may arise including, but not limited to, hazards of traveling in undeveloped areas, hazards of travel by boat, train, automobile, aircraft, and other means of conveyance, animal interactions, forces of nature, political unrest, other unrest, hazardous local customs and practices, differing levels of sanitation, differing standards of safety, risks associated with water, food, plants, insects, and differing animal regulation, accident or illness in areas lacking means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities, and acts of national and local governments and unrest and acts of others against governments. These risks are not an exhaustive list but are examples of many kinds of risks. You are voluntarily participating in these activities with the knowledge that there are significant dangers involved, and you hereby agree to accept any and all risks. As lawful consideration for the agreement with Uniworld to participate in such trips and activities you agree you will not make a claim against Uniworld, its related companies or its personnel or sue for bodily injury, emotional trauma, death, property loss or damage, or other loss, cost, or expense, however caused, as a result of or related to your contracting for, traveling to or from, or in any and every other way participating in the trip. You release Uniworld, its related companies, and its personnel from any and all claims, known or unknown, arising from contracting for, traveling to or from, and in any and every way participating in a trip. This release of liability and assumption of risk agreement is entered into on behalf of you and all members of your family and party, also including minors accompanying you. This agreement also binds your heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.

California Seller of Travel Law: Uniworld River Cruises, Inc. is a registered seller of travel in the State of California, CST #2075415-20, and is a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute an approval by the State of California. A complete explanation of your rights under the California Seller of Travel Law can be found at oag.ca.gov/travel.

Omissions: Uniworld is not responsible for omissions, printing and/or presentation errors in brochures, on Internet sites, or in any other media where such information may be presented; Uniworld reserves the right to make corrections as required.

Agreement: The payment of a deposit and/or the issuance of tickets or vouchers shall be deemed your consent to the Terms and Conditions as presented herein. It is specifically agreed that this agreement is entered into in Los Angeles County, California, 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 Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County, Van Nuys District. This agreement shall be construed in accordance with California law without regard to conflicts of law principles.

Time of Publishing: The Terms and Conditions listed are those in effect at the time of printing and remain in effect until replaced. These Terms and Conditions replace all previous versions.

YOUR CRUISE TICKET CONTRACT: Transportation aboard the ship is provided solely by the Suppliers (ship owners and charterers) pursuant to the Terms and Conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract that you will receive prior to embarkation. A copy of the Passenger Ticket Contract will be provided with your final documentation or earlier, upon request, or can be viewed on our website at uniworld.com . Please note the Passenger Ticket Contract includes a clause specifying the courts of Basel, Switzerland as the exclusive forum for resolving disputes. The Passenger Ticket Contract is governed by the laws of Switzerland and is subject to limitations of liability and time limits for making claims under the Athens Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage by Sea, 1974 (“Athens Convention”) and the International Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976 (“1976 Convention”). Where the terms of this Contract conflict with any applicable mandatory provision of law or international convention, including, where applicable, the Strasbourg Convention on the Limitation of Liability in Inland Navigation, 2012 (the “CLNI Convention”), the provisions of that law or convention prevail. Copies of applicable Conventions are available on request.

The USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program: Uniworld River Cruises, Inc., shares the coverage available under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program with other affiliates of The Travel Corporation which, as an Active Member of the USTOA, is required to post $1 Million with USTOA to be used to reimburse, in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, the advance payments of Uniworld River Cruises, Inc., customers in the unlikely event of Uniworld River Cruises, Inc., bankruptcy, insolvency or cessation of business. Further, you should understand that the $1 Million posted by The Travel Corporation may be sufficient to provide only a partial recovery of the advance payments received by Uniworld River Cruises, Inc. More details of the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program and a list of affiliates may be obtained by writing to USTOA at 275 Madison Avenue, Suite 2014, New York, New York 10016, or by email to information@ustoa.com or by visiting their website at USTOA.com.