Pre-Contract Information

READ BELOW FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION PRIOR TO ENTERING INTO A TICKET CONTRACT WITH THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION.

 Cruise Yacht Op Co, Ltd., dba The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Registered Office and Contact Details
Cruise Yacht Op Co, Ltd., dba The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Next-Gen Cruises Ltd., dba The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Vault 14, Mezzanine Level
Valletta Waterfront
Floriana FRN 1914 Email: info@ritz-carltonyachtcollection.com
Telephone: +356 2778 0076
 

YOUR BOOKING AND SUBSEQUENT SAILING ON THE VESSEL ARE CONTROLLED BY THE TICKET CONTRACT AVAILABLE AT: HTTPS://WWW.RITZCARLTONYACHTCOLLECTION.COM/LEGAL/TICKET-CONTRACT (THE “TICKET CONTRACT”).

1. Please familiarize yourself with the destinations, itinerary and periods of stay for your chosen cruise. The itinerary has been explained to you by your Personal Travel Professional/Partner Assistance Associate, is displayed on the confirmation/invoice, and is available on our website, www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.

2. The category of transport will be a cruising Vessel. Full itinerary descriptions, including ports of call and time at port are detailed on the confirmation/invoice and on our website, www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com.

3.    Bookings:

Bookings can be held for three (3) days prior to a deposit being required. Bookings will be automatically cancelled if the deposit is not timely received. To reserve your voyage, a 25% deposit of the total cruise fare is required if booking more than 180 days in advance of the voyage departure date. Final payment is required 180 days prior to the voyage departure date. Reservations made within 180 days of voyage departure date require full payment within three (3) days of the booking date. Reservations must be made at least seven (7) days prior to voyage departure date and will require full payment at the time of booking. Bookings are subject to cancellation if final payment is not made by the required date. If the voyage of your choice is unavailable, you may request to be placed on the waitlist by making a $1000USD or €1000 EUR or £1000GBP or $1000AUD per person deposit. If the waitlist clears, the deposit will be applied toward your scheduled payment requirements. If the waitlist does not clear, your deposit will be refunded to you within fourteen (14) days. In the event that you need to cancel your booking, you or your Travel Professional are required to contact our Reservations Department. If a cancellation request is received more than 365 days prior to the voyage departure date, and a deposit has already been paid on the booking, you will receive a full refund less an administrative fee of €250EUR or £200GBP or $250USD or $380AUD per person (the “Administrative Fee”). The Administrative Fee is non-refundable but may be applied to a new booking made within twelve (12) months of the cancellation date (the “Rebooking Date”). The Administrative Fee may only be applied to one (1) new booking. The Administrative Fee will be forfeited if not applied to a new booking on or before the Rebooking Date or if the new booking is subsequently cancelled. Payments may be made directly by guests using their American Express, Visa, MasterCard credit card or by wire transfer; travel agency checks are also permitted. Once payment has been applied to the booking, the currency cannot be changed. Third-party credit card charges can only be accepted when accompanied by a third-party credit card authorization form. Reservations may be transferred to the Travel Professional of your choice within thirty (30) days of your original deposit. We highly recommend speaking to your Travel Professional before requesting a reservations transfer. To fulfill the transfer request, please contact our Reservations department with the

contact information of the Travel Professional you wish to transfer your reservation to. Please note, this service is offered on a one-time basis, and reservations that are made within final payment or paid in full cannot be transferred.

4.    Cruise Fare:

For bookings made on or after July 1, 2025, Cruise Fare includes suite accommodations, onboard meals and entertainment, non-alcoholic beverages, a curated selection of beers, wines, and liquors chosen by the Carrier, standard Starlink™ Wi-Fi, onboard gratuities, and all port fees associated with the itinerary. Unless otherwise stated, Cruise Fare does not include air fare, transfers, hotel accommodations, meals in specialty restaurants, baggage handling and storage charges, credit card fees, surcharges*, fees or charges imposed by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities, shore excursions, sightseeing, on board or on shore purchases, or meals ashore, private reserve list purchases, caviar, visa fees, laundry or dry cleaning, applicable corkage fees or any item or service whatsoever of a personal nature, such as boutique purchases, medical charges incurred on board or ashore in connection with medical treatment, medical conditions, or medical disembarkation, spa services, salon services, for all of which separate charges may be imposed.

*While fares are set based on cost projections in effect at the time of publication, Carrier does not routinely adjust fares once a booking is confirmed. However, in the event of extraordinary and unforeseen increases in external costs beyond Carrier’s control, including, but not limited to, government-imposed taxes or levies, security costs, or significant fuel price increases, Carrier reserves the right to implement a surcharge to address such increases. Any such surcharge will be disclosed to guests as soon as practicable and no later than the time final payment is due. Guests may cancel without penalty in the event a surcharge materially increases the total fare and they do not wish to proceed. No surcharge will be applied after the Guest has made final payment, and Carrier will not refuse transport based on a failure to pay a surcharge introduced after that point.

**Except for Wine and Champagne, Guests are prohibited from bringing alcohol on board our Vessels. If you purchase any alcohol at one of our ports-of-call or in our onboard shops, we will safely store your purchase(s) and either on the final night of the voyage or the morning of debarkation, it will be available for pick up in a designated area. Guests may bring bottles of wine and champagne on board.

5.    Single, Third, and Fourth Guests:

Solo Guests and additional berth guests are subject to variable pricing that may vary without notice at Carrier’s discretion, as well as being subject to capacity controls that also vary without notice. 

6.    Confirmations/Invoices:

Confirmations/invoices, our website, e-brochures, and all communications delivered, and services provided on board the Vessel will be made in the English language only.

7.    Changes by Guests:

Changes to a booking after the deposit and/or full payment has been received, and prior to the issuance of travel documents, may also result in an assessment of administrative fees and service charges which are beyond the control of CARRIER. Administrative fees and service charges may vary based on the type of change made to Guest’s cruise and/or tour package, itinerary, hotel, land, or air arrangements. Guest will be responsible for any additional costs which are incurred as a result of requested changes. Any changes to a reservation that result in imposition of airline or other cancellation fees are the responsibility of Guest. No refund, payment, compensation, or credit of any kind will be made for lost tickets, unused or partially used portions of the cruise, air, or land programs, including Shore Experiences, except as specifically outlined in this Contract or other applicable terms and conditions. Any requests to add additional guest(s) to a reservation must be made no less than thirty (30) days prior to final payment and is subject to the new cruise fare and will result in an Administrative Fee of €250EUR or £200GBP or $250USD or $380AUD per person.

8.    Cancellation by Guests:

Guest is not entitled to any refund, payment, compensation of any kind or credit for cancellation except as provided in this section or as otherwise provided by law. Cancellation penalties will apply when the entire Cruise booking is cancelled and applies to all travel products and /or services purchased, including Cruise, airfare, and land arrangements. Cancellation charges are imposed regardless of resale of the Cruise, hotel, or air components.

Guest hereby agrees that losses sustained by Carrier in the event of a cancellation would be very difficult or impossible to quantify, and that the fees set forth below represent a fair and reasonable assessment as liquidated damages. Cancellations may be made by telephone or in writing. Requests by Guest to change to their Sailing Date will be treated as a cancellation. For cancellations, any amounts paid by Guest less applicable cancellation fees will be refunded as set forth herein. No refunds will be made in the event of cancellation or curtailment by Guest after the Sailing Date. All refunds will be made to the individual or entity who made the payments being refunded. Carrier Entities are not responsible to Guest for the receipt of monies refunded by Carrier directly to travel professionals. All Tickets and any airline tickets issued by Carrier must be returned by Guest before refunds will be processed. Carrier Entities will not be responsible in the event that travel professionals charge an agency cancellation fee. Carrier reserves the right to restrict changes to a booking once a deposit has been received. All requested changes are at Carrier’s sole discretion and subject to availability.

CRUISE CANCELLATIONS:
Cruise cancellation requests received within 365 days of the Sailing Date will be subject to the following cancellation fees:

If a cancellation request is received more than 365 days prior to the Sailing Date, and a deposit has already been paid on the booking, Guest will receive a full refund of the Cruise Fare less an administrative fee of €250 EUR or £200 GBP or $250 USD or $380 AUD (or equivalents at time of purchase) per person (the “Administrative Fee”). The Administrative Fee is non-refundable but may be applied towards a new booking made within twelve (12) months of the cancellation date. The Administrative Fee may only be applied to one (1) new booking. The Administrative Fee will be forfeited if not applied to a new booking within twelve (12) months of the cancellation date or if the new booking is subsequently cancelled. All refunds will be made to the individual or entity who made the payments being refunded. Refunds will be made in the same form of payment in which payment was originally received. Guest requested downgrades of suite categories will be treated as a cancellation subject to the cancellation fees as set forth above and at Carrier’s discretion and based on availability. 

Changes to a booking after the deposit and/or full payment has been received, and prior to the issuance of travel documents, may also result in an assessment of administrative fees and service charges which are beyond the control of Carrier. Administrative fees and service charges may vary based on the type of change made to Guest’s cruise and/or tour package, itinerary, hotel, land, or air arrangements. Guest will be responsible for any additional costs which are incurred as a result of requested changes. Any changes to a reservation that result in imposition of airline or other cancellation fees are the responsibility of Guest. No refund, payment, compensation, or credit of any kind will be made for lost tickets, unused or partially used portions of the cruise, air, or land programs, including Shore Experiences, except as specifically outlined in this Contract or other applicable terms and conditions.

For the most current Special Offers, please go to: https://www.ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/specialoffers.

AIR CANCELLATIONS:

Once issued, air tickets are subject to all applicable airline charges and fees for changes. Any change made within sixty (60) days of the Sailing Date will be subject to a non-refundable, non-transferable air administrative fee of €150 EUR or £100 GBP or $150USD or €230 AUD per person (the “Air Administrative Fee”).

PRE- & POST-HOTEL PROGRAMS CANCELLATIONS:

For hotel bookings made via Marriott STARS, please see Marriott’s terms and conditions. Pre- & Post-Hotel Programs cancellation requests received within 120 days of the Sailing Date will be subject to the following cancellation fees:

If a hotel cancellation request is received more than 120 days prior to the Sailing Date and a deposit has already been paid on the booking Guest will receive a full refund.

PRE- & POST-TRANSFERS CANCELLATIONS:

Pre- & Post-Transfers cancellation requests received within fifteen (15) days of the Sailing Date will be subject to the following cancellation fees:

If a transfer cancellation request is received more than fourteen (14) days prior to the Sailing Date and a deposit has already been paid on the booking Guest will receive a full refund.

SHORE EXCURSIONS/EXPERIENCES CANCELLATIONS:

Depending on the category of the Excursion, a different Cancellation Fee will apply:

FOR SELECT GROUP EXCURSIONS:

Unless otherwise noted within the cancellation terms provided at the time of booking within Guest’s on-line portal, My Yacht Account, cancellation requests must be received at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled tour departure to avoid cancellation fees.

FOR PRE-DESIGNED PRIVATE EXCURSIONS:

This excursion requires full payment upon booking. Cancellation requests will result in a 100% cancellation fee.

FOR CUSTOM PRIVATE EXCURSIONS:

All Custom Private Excursions are payable upon booking and shall be subject to a 100% cancellation fee regardless of suite category and/or opportunity of cancelation.

Be aware that all guests wishing to create custom excursions through Carrier’s Custom Private Excursions are subject to a non-refundable, non-transferable administrative fee of USD/EUR/GBP/AUD $/£/€/$200 per person (the “Custom Excursion Administrative Fee”) for each custom excursion created. The Custom Excursion Administrative Fee will be credited toward the price of the excursion(s) booked through the Custom Private Excursion. Certain Suite Categories will not be subject to this fee (See schedule below for reference):

SPECIALLY TICKED EVENTS

The name of these events may change at any time with or without notice. The booking of any of Carrier’s Specially Ticketed Events requires full payment at the time of reservation. Guests may cancel their booking for the Specially Ticketed Events up to sixty (60) days prior to the Sailing and receive a full refund. Cancellation requests after this time frame will result in a 100% cancellation fee. Bookings made after embarkation while on board the Sailing for Specially Ticketed Events occurring during the Sailing are non-refundable.

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA SERVICES CANCELLATIONS:

Unless otherwise noted within the cancellation terms provided at the time of booking a specific spa service, Spa service cancellation requests must be received at least twenty-four (24) hours to the scheduled service. A 100% cancellation fee will be applied if canceled within twenty-four (24) hours of the scheduled appointment.

9.     Name Changes:

Any substitution of booked guests requires the Carrier’s prior written approval and may not always be possible. A substitution of a booked guest is considered the cancellation of one guest and the addition of a new guest to the booking. All substitution requests are subject to mandatory sanctions and security screening in accordance with applicable international laws and regulations, including but not limited to those enforced by the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the United Kingdom Sanctions Regime, the European Union Restrictive Measures, and other relevant jurisdictions.

Carrier reserves the right to deny any substitution request if the new guest is determined to be ineligible under any applicable sanctions or regulatory screening requirements. Carrier is under no obligation to disclose the reasons for denial where prohibited by law.

If permitted, guests may request the substitution of one (1) guest only between one hundred eighty (180) and forty-five (45) days prior to the sailing date. An administrative fee of $250USD or €250EUR or £200GBP or $380AUD per person will apply. Substitutions requested fewer than forty-five (45) days prior to the sailing date will be treated as a full suite cancellation. In such cases, applicable cancellation fees will apply to the original guest, and the new guest will be subject to the prevailing Cruise Fare at the time of substitution.

10. TRAVEL SANCTIONS AND REGULATIONS

All guests including every individual named on the reservations agree to comply fully with all applicable sanctions laws and regulations enforced by the United States Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the European Union restrictive measures, and other relevant sanctions and trade control authorities worldwide, including but not limited to those issued by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other jurisdictions.

Guests acknowledge and agree that Carrier conducts mandatory screening of all guests against international sanctions lists and watchlists to ensure compliance with these legal requirements. Any guest found to be in violation of these sanctions or subject to restrictions under applicable laws will be denied boarding and passage on Carrier's vessels. In such cases, the affected guest and all other guests on the same reservation will not be entitled to any refund, compensation, or damages for denied boarding or cancellation.

Carrier expressly reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or refuse any booking or boarding at any time, including after the booking has been confirmed or paid in full, if changes in laws, regulations, sanctions programs, or other relevant circumstances arise that would cause Carrier or its affiliates to be in violation of any applicable legal or regulatory requirements.

It is the sole responsibility of the guest to ensure compliance with all applicable travel, customs, immigration, and sanctions laws for all countries included in the cruise itinerary. Carrier and its affiliates disclaim all liability for any consequences arising from a guest's failure to comply with such laws or from the carrier's enforcement of applicable sanctions policies.

11. REQUIRED GUEST INFORMATION AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION – COMPLIANCE NOTICE AND BOARDING REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including those enforced by the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the European Union restrictive measures (EU Sanctions), and similar sanctions regimes implemented by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other jurisdictions, all guests are required to provide mandatory personal information and valid passport details prior to the acceptance of any booking. This information is essential to ensure regulatory compliance, to facilitate the processing of travel documents, and to enable screening against government-issued sanctions and watchlists.

Guests must ensure that the names provided match exactly the names as they appear in their passports. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may result in the inability to confirm a booking or issue final travel documents. Additional instructions for submitting this information will be provided by the Carrier, directing guests to access My Yacht Account or an alternative method to complete any required pre-embarkation documentation.

Bookings cannot be confirmed or processed without complete and accurate passport information. Carrier reserves the right to cancel, deny, or modify any booking if a guest is identified on any restricted or sanctioned party list. Carrier may also report relevant information to government authorities as required by law, and deny boarding or disembark any guest found to be in violation of international sanctions or travel restrictions, without refund or compensation.

Guests are solely responsible for ensuring their eligibility to travel and for complying with all applicable legal, immigration, and health requirements. Carrier and its affiliates disclaim all liability for costs, delays, penalties, or denied boarding arising from a guest’s failure to comply with these requirements or from matches to sanctioned party lists.

At embarkation, guests must have completed all necessary medical inoculations and must be in possession of all required travel documentation, including the Global Ticket Contract and a physical, undamaged passport.

All guests, regardless of itinerary, must:
· Provide valid passport information at the time of booking
· Present a physical passport that is undamaged and valid for at least six (6) months beyond the date of trip completion
· Ensure the passport contains at least four blank pages to accommodate immigration stamps

No exceptions will be made. The first and last names on the booking must exactly match the passport. Guests who fail to present a valid physical passport at embarkation will be denied boarding without refund or compensation.

It is the sole responsibility of guests to determine and obtain any necessary visas, health certificates, or other travel documents required for their specific itinerary and to present these documents upon embarkation. Failure to provide proper documentation will result in denied boarding without refund or compensation. Carrier shall not be held liable for any consequences arising from incomplete, expired, or incorrect travel documents, or from guests’ failure to comply with applicable laws and entry requirements, regardless of whether Carrier or its representatives provided guidance.

Guests must also ensure their legal eligibility to travel. Various governments, including the United States, restrict travel for individuals on government watchlists or deemed legally ineligible to travel. Carrier reserves the right to cancel bookings or deny boarding under these circumstances, with no entitlement to refund or compensation.

In some cases, passports may be retained by Carrier staff at embarkation and held securely for the duration of the voyage in order to comply with port authority requirements. Passports will be returned to guests when needed for going ashore.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Based on your nationality and itinerary, a visa may be required for entry into one or more countries on your cruise, including but not limited to the United States, South America, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, China, India, countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the European Union.

It is the guest’s responsibility to verify and obtain all required visas and authorizations before departure. Guests should consult the embassy or consulate of each country on their itinerary for the most accurate and current visa requirements, including:

· Application forms
· Required documentation
· Processing times
· Associated fees

Helpful official resources include:

· U.S. Visas & Travel Docs: https://travel.state.gov
· Brazil Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information: http://www.portalconsular.itamaraty.gov.br
· Argentina – National Directorate of Migration: https://www.migraciones.gov.ar
· Chile – Department of Immigration and Migration: https://servicios.extranjeria.gob.cl
· Mexico – National Institute of Migration (INM): https://www.gob.mx/inm
· Canada Immigration & Citizenship: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html
· UK Visas & Immigration: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa · Schengen Visa Info (EU): https://www.schengenvisainfo.com
· Turkey – E-Visa Portal: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
· Australia Visa & Entry: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · New Zealand Immigration: https://www.immigration.govt.nz
· Cambodia – e-Visa System: https://www.evisa.gov.kh
· Vietnam – Immigration Portal: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
· Thailand – Immigration Bureau: https://www.immigration.go.th
· Indonesia – Directorate General of Immigration: https://www.imigrasi.go.id
· Malaysia – Immigration Department: https://www.imi.gov.my
· Singapore – Immigration & Checkpoints Authority: https://www.ica.gov.sg
· Philippines – Bureau of Immigration: https://immigration.gov.ph
· South Korea – K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): https://www.k-eta.go.kr
· Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Requirements: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
· India Visa Information: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in
· China Visa Application Service Center: https://www.visaforchina.org · South Africa Department of Home Affairs – Visas and Permits: http://www.dha.gov.za
· Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation: https://www.consulat.ma/en
· Egypt – Visa Portal: https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg
· Kenya – eCitizen Visa Portal: https://evisa.go.ke
· Tanzania – Immigration Services Department: https://visa.immigration.go.tz
· Seychelles – Travel Authorization: https://seychelles.govtas.com
· United Arab Emirates Immigration & Visas: https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en

U.S. Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) (Effective now)

Non-U.S. citizens from eligible Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must:

· Hold a valid, biometric passport
· Obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to travel

ESTA applications can be submitted online via the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection site: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

An ESTA must be completed and approved for each individual traveler, including minors. Guests must print and carry proof of their approved ESTA at check-in. It is recommended that applications be submitted well in advance of travel.

More details are available at: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta

UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) (Effective now)

The United Kingdom has introduced its own Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, separate from the EU’s ETIAS program. The ETA is being rolled out in phases and will eventually be required for non-UK nationals who do not need a visa to visit the UK for short stays, including tourism, business, transit, or study.

Key details:

· The UK ETA is not a visa; it is a pre-travel digital authorization.
· Travelers must apply before boarding any transport to the UK.
· An ETA is required per person, including for children.
· The application requires a valid biometric passport and personal details.
· Approved ETAs are digitally linked to the traveler’s passport.
· The ETA will be valid for multiple visits over two years, or until the passport expires.

Travelers should apply online through the official UK government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

As this program is rolling out in stages, travelers are strongly advised to check their eligibility and requirements well in advance of travel.

Failure to obtain a required UK ETA will result in denied boarding for flights, ships, or trains bound for the UK. Carrier is not responsible for any denied entry, delays, or additional costs resulting from the guest’s failure to secure proper travel authorization.

ETIAS – European Travel Authorization (Effective 2026)

Beginning in 2026, the European Union will implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This system requires travelers from visa-exempt countries (including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and others) to apply for a mandatory travel authorization before visiting most EU countries.

Key details:

· ETIAS is not a visa, but a pre-travel authorization · Guests must apply online at https://etias.com
· Application requires a valid passport, personal information, and a nominal fee
· It is recommended that applications be submitted at least 96 hours prior to departure
· Approved ETIAS authorizations are valid for three (3) years, or until the passport expires

Guests without an approved ETIAS will be denied boarding, entry at the port of embarkation, or access to the EU. Guests awaiting approval will not be permitted to travel. Carrier is not responsible for any costs, delays, or missed travel due to failure to obtain ETIAS or other required authorizations. ETIAS approvals are considered official

12. “The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection” is the trading name of both Cruise Yacht OpCo Ltd. and Next-Gen Cruises Ltd., both Malta domiciled private limited liability companies.

13. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection emergency contact number is +44 20 4571 6467.

14. If The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection becomes insolvent, any payment made by you will be refunded. If The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection becomes insolvent after the start of the cruise and if transport is included in the package, repatriation of the travelers is secured. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has taken out insolvency protection through Malta’s Insolvency Fund Managing Board.

15. Insolvency:

If the travel services are not performed due to the insolvency of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, you may contact:

Malta’s Insolvency Fund Managing:
Board Building SCM01
Smart City, Malta
Ricasoli SCM1001
Malta Email: info.insolvencyfund@visitmalta.com

OR

Federated Association of Travel & Tourism Agents
Suite 1
The Exchange Republic Street
Valletta VLT 05
Malta Email: admin@fatta.org