Pre & Post-Journey Hotels & Transfers​

Explora Journeys offers two distinct services for guests wishing to stay at a hotel before or after their journey:

1.     Luxury Hotels & Transfers​: These are carefully selected leading hotels around the world with excellent locations, ambiance, levels of service and attention to detail. We include a dedicated hospitality desk with local hosts (where applicable) to offer tips, make special reservations and provide helpful assistance.

2.     Bespoke Hotel Arrangements​: This option is ideal for guests who prefer greater personalisation offering a real tailor-made product, based on guests’ requirements of location, hotel category and inclusions.

Please make sure you select a service that it is appropriate for you, and make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully. Please check your booking confirmation which will identify the type of service you have selected.

1.     Luxury Hotels & Transfers

Inclusions in Luxury Hotels & Transfers:

·       Hotel accommodation according to number of rooms and nights booked

·       Daily breakfast and porterage at the hotel (where applicable)

·       Local fees or governmental taxes

·       Private transfer for 2 guests including 2 pieces of checked luggage (total luggage) from airport to hotel (pre journey hotel bookings) or from hotel to airport (post journey)

·       Shared transfer:

o   from hotel to pier on embarkation day (pre journey hotel bookings) or

o   from pier to hotel on debarkation day (post journey hotel bookings)

·       Airport porterage (where applicable)

Transfer inclusions include a distance of up to 50 miles / 80 kilometres from / to airport / hotel, each way (where applicable) and only from selected airports. For any transfer arrangements exceeding the included distance, guests will be responsible for the payment of the additional costs. Any additional cost will be communicated to guests at the time of booking and transportation will be provided once the extra cost is agreed and confirmed. Refunds will not be given for unused or partially used services.

Terms & Conditions:

·       Guests are responsible for any incidental charges incurred during their stay in the hotel such as additional nights, room upgrades, early check-in /late check-out, meals, or other charges not included by Explora Journeys

·       Bed configuration is as requested by the guest at the time of booking. If the preference is changed, additional charges may occur

·       Pricing and pre-reservations are per person. The number of guests cannot exceed maximum occupancy as listed for each hotel room type

·       The infant / children policy may vary from hotel to hotel. To benefit from children’s rates, infants or children should be registered as the 3rd guest in the same room. The 1st and 2nd guests are not eligible for infant or children’s rates, regardless of their age at the time of sailing. Please note that Explora Journeys does not allow infants under the age of 6 months to sail

·       Young travellers under the age of eighteen years must be accompanied by an adult in the same room

·       No refunds will be given for unused or partially used services for any missed hotel nights due to factors beyond Explora Journeys’ control or that of the independent local Ground Handler / hotel provider such as airline delays. Hotel cancellation penalties may apply

·       Hotel check-in / check-out times may vary from hotel to hotel and destination. Generally, standard check-in times (from 15:00) apply for Explora Journeys’ hotel partners. Check-out times may vary between 11:00 and 12:00 noon

·       Special arrangements, hotel room locations, or views cannot be guaranteed

·       Due to local standards or limited infrastructure, hotels at certain destinations may not be able to accommodate specific medical and accessibility requests. Guests understand and acknowledge these restrictions. If a guest has any special medical or physical condition and requires an alternative access to appropriate auxiliary aids or services, the guests, their travel advisor, or any person booking on the guest’s behalf, is required to inform Explora Journeys in writing at the time of the booking of any of these requirements, acknowledging that these will be provided based on their availability on the destination

·       Most of Explora Journeys pre and post hotel stays include breakfast or refreshment(s) that follow local food hygiene standards. Guests wishing to request meals and refreshments for special dietary conditions, are required to process the inquiry at least 45 days prior to the date of arrival. Special meals are not guaranteed and may depend on availability and suppliers. It is the responsibility of the guest to ensure that he / she actively avoids any food he / she is allergic to

·       Additional charges might apply for date, name and room changes

·       Included transfers from/ to airport are not confirmed until all pertinent flight details, including dates, times, airline carrier, and flight numbers, or relevant information for alternative modes of transportation, are provided to Explora Journeys. Upon receipt of this information, an updated booking confirmation will be promptly provided.

·       A shared transfer from / to hotel / pier is included by booking pre or post journey accommodation with Explora Journeys and it is based on shared transportation in a large capacity type of vehicle. The departure time of the shared transfer will be communicated to guests during the hotel check-in process for hotel to pier transfers and on board before debarkation for pier to hotel transfers.

·       It is at the hotel’s discretion whether guests earn any points or receive any benefits for their booking.

Booking policy:

Requirements:

·       Valid booking number (deposited booking)

Payment Policy*:

·       Deposit: 25% upon reservation or a reduced deposit if that is available at the time of the booking

·       Final Payment:

o   Ocean Terrace Suites / Ocean Grand Terrace Suites / Ocean Penthouses: 90 days prior to departure

o   Ocean Residences: 150 days prior to departure

·       Payment Confirmation: confirmation to be sent after payment is received.

*Explora Journeys reserves the right to modify the contract price at any times to allow variations including but not limited to Transportation costs, Fuel supplements, Taxes and Government fees.

Cancellation Policy:

·       Up to 90 days prior to departure: no cancellation penalty, unless advised differently at the time of booking

·       Less than 90 days prior to departure: 100% cancellation non-refundable penalty fee will apply to the pre-journey reservation

·       Failure to receive payment by the deadline results in all pre and / or post hotel accommodations being cancelled. Guests will be notified that their hotel arrangements have been automatically cancelled.

·       Cancellation fees may apply as referred on pre and post hotel accommodation cancellation policy

Benefits for Ocean Residences guests

·       A roundtrip transfer from / to the airport and pier is included with the Ocean Residences benefits for a distance of up to 50 miles / 80km each way from / to airport / pier and from selected airports. For any transfer arrangements exceeding the included distance, guests will be responsible for the payment of the additional costs. Any additional cost will be communicated to guests at the time of booking and transportation will be provided once the extra cost is agreed and confirmed.

Refunds will not be given for unused or partially used services or if due to deviations to the itinerary (late embarkation / early debarkation) chosen by the guests, it is not possible to accommodate the transfer from / to airport / pier included with the benefits.

Benefits for Owner’s Residence guests

·       One complimentary pre or post journey hotel night for Owner’s Residence guests (where applicable, conditions apply) is available in one of the preferred Explora Journeys hotels, where applicable and depending on availability. It is recommended that the booking of the complimentary pre-or post-journey hotel night is done at the same time that the reservation is completed. Guests can book additional nights through Explora Journeys (additional charges apply)

·       A round trip ground transfer home to airport is included for a distance of up to 50 miles / 80 kilometres from / to home / airport, each way (where applicable)

·       A round trip transfer from / to the airport and hotel is included for a distance of up to 50 miles / 80 kilometres each way from / to airport / hotel and from selected airports

·       A round trip transfer from/to hotel and pier is included for a distance of up to 50 miles / 80 kilometres each way from / to hotel / pier

·       Transfers included are limited to a distance of up to 50 miles / 80 kilometres from / to home / airport, each way (where applicable). For any transfer arrangements exceeding the included distance, guests will be responsible for the payment of the additional costs. Any additional cost will be communicated to guests at the time of booking and transportation will be confirmed once the extra cost is agreed and paid. Refunds will not be given for unused or partially used services

Refunds will not be given for unused or partially used services or, if due to deviations to itinerary (late embarkation/ early debarkation) chosen by the guests, it is not possible to accommodate the complimentary pre or post journey hotel night or inclusive transfers.

2.     Bespoke Hotel Arrangements

Inclusions in Bespoke Hotel Arrangements**:

·       Hotel accommodation according to number of rooms and nights booked

·       Daily breakfast if booked by guest

**Local fees or governmental taxes may not be included and should be paid locally by the guest.

Exclusions:

·       Transfers from airport to hotel (pre journey hotel bookings) or from hotel to airport (post journey)

·       Shared transfer between hotel and pier or vice versa on embarkation / disembarkation days

·       Any other ground transfers and transportation or luggage handling

·       Porterage at the hotel

Terms & Conditions:

·       Guests are responsible for any incidental charges incurred during their stay in the hotel such as additional nights, room upgrades, early check-in /late check-out, meals, or other charges not included by Explora Journeys

·       Bed configuration is as requested by the guest at the time of booking. If the preference is changed, additional charges may occur

·       Pricing and pre-reservations are per room. The number of guests cannot exceed maximum occupancy as listed for each hotel room type

·       The infant / children policy may vary from hotel to hotel. To benefit from children’s rates, infants or children should be registered as the 3rd guest in the same room. The 1st and 2nd guests are not eligible for infant or children’s rates, regardless of their age at the time of sailing.  Please note that Explora Journeys does not allow infants under the age of 6 months to sail

·       Young travellers under the age of eighteen years must be accompanied by an adult in the same room

·       No refunds will be given for unused or partially used services for any missed hotel nights due to factors beyond Explora Journeys’ control or that of the independent local Ground Handler / hotel provider such as airline delays. Hotel cancellation penalties may apply

·       Hotel check-in / check-out times may vary from hotel to hotel and destination. Generally, standard check-in times (from 15:00) apply for Explora Journeys’ hotel partners. Check-out times may vary between 11:00 and 12:00 noon

·       Special arrangements, hotel room locations, or views cannot be guaranteed

·       Due to local standards or limited infrastructure, hotels at certain destinations may not be able to accommodate specific medical and accessibility requests. Guests understand and acknowledge these restrictions. If a guest has any special medical or physical condition and requires an alternative access to appropriate auxiliary aids or services, the guests, their travel advisor, or any person booking on the guest’s behalf, is required to inform Explora Journeys in writing at the time of the booking of any of these requirements, acknowledging that these will be provided based on their availability on the destination

·       Guests wishing to request meals and refreshments for special dietary conditions, are required to process the inquiry at least 45 days prior to the date of arrival. Special meals are not guaranteed and may depend on availability and suppliers. It is the responsibility of the guest to ensure that he / she actively avoids any food he / she is allergic to

·       No date, name and room change are allowed.

·       It is at the hotel’s discretion whether guests earn any points or receive any benefits for their booking.

Booking policy:

·       Requirements:

o   Your Explora Journeys booking number (deposited booking)

Payment Policy:

·       Deposit: 25% upon reservation or a reduced deposit if that is available at the time of booking

·       Final Payment:

o   Ocean Terrace Suites / Ocean Grand Terrace Suites / Ocean Penthouses: 90 days prior to departure

o   Ocean Residences: 150 days prior to departure

·       Payment Confirmation: confirmation to be sent after payment is received.

Cancellation Policy:

·       Up to 90 days prior to departure: no cancellation penalty, unless advised differently at the time of booking

·       Less than 90 days prior to departure: 100% cancellation non-refundable penalty fee will apply to the pre-journey reservation

·       Failure to receive payment by the deadline results in all pre and / or post hotel accommodations being cancelled. Guests will be notified that their hotel arrangements have been automatically cancelled. Cancellation fees may apply as referred on pre and post hotel accommodation cancellation policy.

Benefits for Owner’s Residence guests

·       One complimentary pre or post journey hotel night for Owner’s Residence guests (where applicable, conditions apply). It is recommended that the booking of the complementary pre-or-post journey hotel night is done at the same time that the reservation is completed. Guests can book additional nights through Explora Journeys (additional charges apply). Roundtrip ground transfer home to airport is included for a distance of up to 50 miles/80km from/to home/ airport, each way (where applicable).  

·       Refunds will not be given for unused or partially used services or, if due to deviations to itinerary (late embarkation/ early debarkation) chosen by the guests, it is not possible to accommodate the complimentary pre or post journey hotel night or inclusive transfers.

3.     Land transportation

Inclusions in land transportation:

·       Transportation either between the airport, hotel or port

·       Meet and greet services

·       Airport Porterage (where applicable)

Terms & Conditions:

·       All Explora Journeys guests can view the land transportation available online

·       Pricing and pre-reservations are per vehicle, except for shared transfer, which is per person. Number of guests cannot exceed maximum occupancy as listed for each vehicle

·       Approximate luggage capacity per type of transportation is described on the transfer characteristics. Explora Journeys is not  responsible for any extra arrangements needed due to luggage excess

·       No Infant / children rates apply for booking transportation

·       No refunds will be given for unused or partially used services due to factors beyond Explora Journey’s control or that of the independent local Ground Handler / transportation provider such as airline delays. In case of flight delays or cancellations, guests are expected to inform Explora Journeys of any of these circumstances. The company will take all reasonable care to re-schedule the transportation arrangements, but it will be based upon availability

·       Pre-booking is required. Transportation services can be requested prior to sailing or on board the vessel; however, requests must be made at least 96 hours prior to arrival in the embarkation or disembarkation port. Services are confirmed based on availability

·       Transfers from / to the airport:

o   Flight arrangements, including departure/arrival airport, flight dates and times, airline carrier and flight number must be communicated at least 45 days before departure. Failure to submit this information within the specified timeframe may result in an inability to accommodate the transfer

o   Transfers are not provided if the scheduled flight arrival or departure time falls within less than four hours after the ship's arrival time in port for debarkation transfers, or the ship's departure time from the port for embarkation transfers

·       City transfers:

o   The following details should be provided no later than 90 days prior to departure: departure and/or arrival train station, dates and times, and train number. Failure to submit this information within the specified timeframe may result in an inability to accommodate the transfer. If the transfer is from/to a hotel, hotel name and address must be provided

·       Shared transfers:

o   The shared transfer vehicle utilized may vary based on the transportation available at the destination, requiring the use of a large vehicle                              

o   Shared transfers operate subject to a minimum guest requirement. Should this requirement not be met, the shared transfer may be subject to cancellation                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

o   Shared transfers from airport to port are available only during the hours of 09:00 am to 12:00 pm

·       Venice Water transfers:

o   Not all water taxis in Venice are accessible for wheelchairs or scooters, and there is a step to navigate when boarding. Accessible water taxis can be arranged upon request (based on availability). For assistance, please contact our Guest Care Team at the following email address: guestcare@explorajourneys.com.

·       Any modifications to flight arrangements must be communicated to Explora Journeys, at least 14 days prior to journey to accommodate the changes. After any change, new transfer arrangements will be confirmed upon availability. Failure to provide the information in advance, may result in an inability to accommodate the transfer

·       Size and model / type of private vehicle is destination dependent and is based upon availability. Luxury transportation is not available in all ports. The company takes all reasonable care to select the best type of transportation available on each destination

·       Explora Journeys exercises reasonable skill and care in the selection of reputable local ground transportation companies and hosts, however, language skills provided by local drivers and host may vary in each destination

·       Wheelchair accessible transportation has very limited availability and must be pre-booked a minimum of one month prior to the sailing date. Availability is subject to change. For assistance, please contact our Guest Care Team at the following email address: guestcare@explorajourneys.com

·       Wheelchairs and walkers need to be foldable to be placed in the transportation compartment and guests must be able to step in and out of the transportation (5 to 6 steps in case of minibuses) without assistance

·       For embarkation transfers, independent air guests should allow sufficient time between flight arrival and ships departure. Check-in formalities at the pier should be completed at least one hour prior to the ship’s departure. Airport formalities, luggage collection and transfer time should be taken into consideration. Likewise, for debarkation transfers, ship’s clearance, local custom requirements, transfer time and airport formalities should be taken into consideration and sufficient time between the ship’s arrival in port and departure flight should be allowed.

Booking Policy:

·       Requirements:

o   Valid booking number (deposited booking)

Payment policy*:

·       Deposit: No deposit required until 90 days prior to departure

·       Payment in Full – All suites: any land transportation booked within 90 days to 3 days before departure require an immediate payment in full

·       Payment Confirmation: confirmation to be sent after payment is received

*Explora Journeys reserves the right to modify the contract price at all times to allow variations including but not limited to: Transportation costs, Fuel supplements, Taxes and Government fees.

Cancellation Policy:

·       Up to 5 days prior to service date: no cancellation penalty, unless specific cancellation penalties are noted

·       Less than 5 days prior to service date: 100% cancellation non-refundable penalty fee will apply to the pre-journey reservation

·       Failure to receive payment by the deadline results in all land transportation being cancelled. Guests will be notified that their land transportation arrangements have been automatically cancelled. Cancellation fees may apply as referred on land transportation cancellation policy

Benefits for Ocean Residences guests

·       A roundtrip transfer from / to the airport and pier is included with the Ocean Residences benefits for a distance of up to 50 miles / 80 kilometres each way from / to airport / pier and from selected airports. For any transfer arrangements exceeding the included distance, guests will be responsible for the payment of the additional costs. Any additional cost will be communicated to guests at the time of booking and transportation will be provided once the extra cost is agreed and confirmed.

Refunds will not be given for unused or partially used services or if, due to deviations to the itinerary (late embarkation / early debarkation) chosen by the guests, it is not possible to accommodate the transfer from / to airport / pier included with the benefits.

Benefits for Owner’s Residence guests

·       A round trip ground transfer home to airport is included for a distance of up to 50 miles / 80 kilometres from / to home / airport, each way (where applicable)

·       A round trip transfer from / to the airport and hotel is included for a distance of up to 50 miles / 80 kilometres each way from / to airport / hotel and from selected airports

·       A round trip transfer from/to hotel and pier is included for a distance of up to 50 miles / 80 kilometres each way from / to hotel / pier

·       Transfers included are limited to a distance of up to 50 miles / 80 kilometres from / to home / airport, each way (where applicable). For any transfer arrangements exceeding the included distance, guests will be responsible for the payment of the additional costs. Any additional cost will be communicated to guests at the time of booking and transportation will be confirmed once the extra cost is agreed and paid. Refunds will not be given for unused or partially used services.

Refunds will not be given for unused or partially used services or if, due to deviations to itinerary (late embarkation/ early debarkation) chosen by the guests, it is not possible to accommodate the complimentary pre or post journey hotel night or inclusive transfers.

Last updated: 3 September 2024