Our Care and Concern Policy:
The Joy of Travel and our supplier partners strive to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers. In an effort to be crystal clear about the requirements of any travel experience we plan for you, it is critical that we understand any physical limitations you may have.
For your travel planning, we want you to know that there are considerations associated with traveling to international destinations. We ask that you review and confirm that you've read and understand the following information:
Participating fully in the offered activities on each itinerary will require good mobility and generally good health. Passengers should be aware that some itineraries include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, and steps and locations that may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. Motorcoaches require several steps up and down into the vehicle, and river cruises have ramps generally at an incline.
The Joy of Travel does not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, glasses or hearing aids) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting, or dressing), nor do our supplier partners. A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any passenger who requires services of a personal nature and will be 100% responsible for all of the passengers’ needs.
There are no medical personnel accompanying the group. Any necessary medical attention will be provided at a local facility at the passenger’s expense. The Joy of Travel is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred due to medical services obtained while traveling, or for the quality of the care or services received. It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance with adequate medical coverage.
Special Needs & Participation Requirements
Any special requirements or disabilities must be disclosed to The Company at the time of reservation, or if such requirements arise after the reservation, as soon as such requirements are or reasonably should be known by the participant. If The Company or the tour operator if applicable have not received disclosure of requirements or disabilities that require reasonable accommodations for accessibility, and/or if your participation poses a threat to the safety or health of self or others, The Company (or the tour operator if applicable) may be unable to accommodate you for part or all of the Tour, Cruise or any services provided in connection with the trip.
Americans with Disability Act
The Americans with Disability Act is only applicable in the United States. Facilities and services for disabled individuals are limited outside its jurisdiction. Outside the United States, countries often do not have similar disability laws or regulations, and The Company is not liable for denial of services by air carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other independent suppliers.
Suitability & Accessibility
Certain activities or venues may be limited or inaccessible to you if your mobility is limited. Many excursions and sightseeing involve extended periods of walking and standing often on uneven pavement or surfaces, and may include staircases, paths, walkways, or locations that are narrow or inaccessible or of limited accessibility by wheelchair.
You are responsible for assessing if the itinerary is suitable for all participants on the reservation. We recommend you contact The Company prior to making a reservation to determine what reasonable assistance might be available.
The Company (or the tour operator if applicable) will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special needs but cannot guarantee that it can accommodate in all cases.
No refunds are provided for missed services or activities due to your inability to fully participate with the group, including keeping pace with the group, if conditions requiring assistance are not known to The Company at the time of reservation or when reasonably known by the participant.
Personal Services
The Company (or the tour operator if applicable) do not provide personal services or individual assistants to trip participants. Our staff and the Service Providers are not required or trained to assist with personal tasks. This includes eating, dressing, toileting, lifting or pushing a wheelchair, walking, getting on or off transportation, or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, we strongly recommend you have a physically able companion accompany you.
Wheelchairs
You must notify The Company at the time of reservation if you are traveling with a wheelchair, or if the need for a wheelchair arises after the reservation, then as soon as that need is known. Outside of the United States, you must be able to walk up/down steps (for motorcoaches) and on ramps without a wheelchair or walker for cruises.
Outside the United States, motorcoach entrances and gangways/ramps may not be wide enough or equipped to accommodate these items.
The Company (on behalf of the tour operator if applicable) may allow collapsible wheelchairs that fit within the restrictions (1030mm/40.55” length x 555mm/21.85” width) when travel with a wheelchair is disclosed to The Company.
You are responsible for storage (e.g. in your room) and maintenance of any permissible wheelchair.
Motorized Scooters
For trips outside the United States, motorized scooters are not permitted and cannot be accommodated on services provided by The Company (or the tour operator if applicable). If you arrive with a motorized scooter, you will be responsible for its alternate transportation arrangements to your end destination at your expense.
For trips within the United States, we will attempt to reasonably accommodate motorized scooters. We require notice at time of reservation to arrange services in accordance with the ADA, or if the need for such services arises after reservation, as soon as the need is known.
Authority to Remove or Refuse Participants
In the sole discretion of The Company, the tour operator, the Ship’s Operator or Captain, The Company and/or the tour operator if applicable may refuse transport to you or may require you to leave the tour or disembark if it is reasonably believed that you are dangerous to others or to yourself;
have engaged in, are engaged in, or are threatening to engage in behavior that may adversely affect the safety, security, comfort, enjoyment, or well-being of other participants, suppliers (including Service Providers), the tour operator, The Company representatives, or crew members, including, but not limited to, behavior that is disruptive, verbally abusive, physically abusive, obnoxious, harassing, discriminatory, or obscene;
have failed or refused to follow, or are failing or refusing to follow The Company’s or the tour operator’s rules and procedures or the instructions of The Company, the tour operator, its representatives, the Captain, or the crew members.
In the event you are removed, you may be left at any city, port or place the motorcoach stops at or the ship calls without any liability to The Company, the tour operator, or its representatives. The Company (on behalf of the tour operator if applicable) shall not be required to refund any portion of the fare paid by you if you are removed pursuant to this section.
In the event you are removed, The Company or the tour operator will not be responsible for expenses for lodging, medical care, meals, transportation, or any other expenses incurred by you. The Company and the tour operator if applicable shall be entitled to recover from you any costs or expenses incurred by The Company, its representatives, the tour operator, or the crewmembers in your removal or the exercise or enforcement of this clause.
Safety & Medical Care
Certain risks and dangers may arise beyond our control, including but not limited to:
the hazards of traveling in undeveloped areas;
travel by boat, train, automobile, aircraft, or other means of transportation;
forces of nature;
political unrest;
acts of lawlessness or terrorism;
accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or availability of medical facilities.
The Company (or the tour operator if applicable) will have no liability to you regarding the provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered. While The Company (or the tour operator if applicable) will use its best efforts to ensure that adequate measures are taken, by agreeing to participate in a trip and/or optional excursions, you agree that you will indemnify and hold harmless The Company (or the tour operator if applicable) regarding the provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care rendered.
The Company is not responsible for such risks and dangers that may arise beyond its control. Payment of your trip indicates you accept these risks and dangers and agree to hold The Company and the tour operator if applicable harmless for them.
Illness
The Company requires that all guests follow local health and safety protocols when necessitated by local health guidance and/or our supplier partners. While on tour, we encourage all guests to monitor their own well-being and take precautions and preventative measures recommended on trip. Should a guest feel ill for any reason, they will be encouraged to isolate and/or wear a mask. Guests agree to support the well-being of all fellow travelers and our own staff by taking personal accountability for their own health.
The Company, the tour operator, the Ship’s Operator or Captain reserve the right to remove or quarantine you if you show signs of illness, or pose a threat to the safety and health of other participants. Removal or quarantine for any health, safety, or behavior-related assessment is at the sole discretion of The Company, the tour operator, the Ship’s Operator or Captain. Any costs incurred for medical assessments, diagnosis, and/or any other medically-related charges are your responsibility to pay and are due at time of services.
You will be allowed to rejoin the trip with confirmed medical certification from a licensed health practitioner indicating fitness to travel without causing harm or posing a safety or health risk to other guests.
Medical Personnel
No medical personnel travels with your group or is present on board the vessels. The Company and the tour operator if applicable cannot guarantee the availability of medical facilities or for the quality of the care or services. Any medical attention you require while traveling with The Company and/or the tour operator must be sought through a local medical facility, if/when available, for diagnosis. All related charges are at your expense.
Motorcoach Safety
You are responsible for wearing your seatbelt when provided. The Company, the tour operator and Service Providers are not liable for any injury, loss, damages, fines, claims, or death resulting from any accident or incident if you were not wearing your seatbelt at the time of the accident or incident when the motorcoach was equipped with them.
You are responsible for following the safety instructions provided to you. You are responsible for regulations for safety when accompanying minors. The Company (or the tour operator if applicable) does not provide child safety devices.
Seat Rotation
For touring with Globus and Cosmos, The Company (or the tour operator if applicable) follows a mandatory, daily seat rotation on motorcoaches for all participants following recommendations by state, federal and country government agencies. Seat rotation may not be available in all instances and Tour Directors will provide more information on tour.
Double Docking
Docking positions at each port are assigned by local authorities. River cruise companies have no control over where they can dock. This can sometimes result in double-docking when more than one ship is assigned to the same dock and the ships are rafted together, temporarily obstructing the view. When double-docked you might be required to pass through another vessel to embark or disembark. In those cases, you will have to follow the instructions given by the Master or the crew of the vessel you will pass through. The Company (or the tour operator if applicable) will not be responsible for any inconvenience or injury sustained as a consequence of embarking or disembarking not under the direct control of The Company (or the tour operator if applicable) for reasons of such assignment.
River, Canal, Lock & Dock Maintenance
River and other local authorities often need to carry out repair or maintenance work on the river or canal banks, stretches of river or canal, bridges, locks or docks, or other areas that may impede river cruise travel. This is frequently undertaken with little or no advance notice to river cruise operators, and can cause The Company (or the tour operator if applicable) to make changes to the published itinerary or to operate part of the itinerary by substitute vessel, motorcoach or hotel accommodation with little to no advance notice. These events are beyond our control, and The Company (and/or the tour operator if applicable) will not be responsible for any loss, expense, or inconvenience caused by reasons of such changes.
Liability
The trip participant agrees that, to the maximum extent allowed by applicable law, neither The Company nor its affiliates shall be liable for any damage, loss (including personal injury, death, and property loss), or expense occasioned by any act or omission of any supplier (including any Service Provider) providing services, any insurer or insurance administrator under the Travel Protection plan, or any other person.
Recreational Service Exclusions
To the maximum extent allowed by applicable law, The Company expressly excludes all liability for: (a) death; (b) a physical or mental injury of an individual (including the aggravation, acceleration or recurrence of such an injury of the individual); (c) the contraction, aggravation or acceleration of a disease of an individual; or (d) the coming into existence, the aggravation, acceleration or recurrence of any other condition, circumstance, occurrence, activity, form of behavior, course of conduct or state of affairs in relation to an individual that (i) is or may be harmful or disadvantageous to the individual or community, or (ii) may result in harm or disadvantage to the individual or community.
Where liability cannot be excluded, The Company limits its liability to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Service Providers
Air carriers, accommodations, and other suppliers (including but not limited to suppliers of trains, cruises, ferries, motorcoaches, hotels, excursions, and restaurants) providing services (Service Providers) are independent third-party contractors and are not agents, employees, servants, or joint venturers of The Company or its affiliates.
From time-to-time, and for the purpose of identifying those Service Providers as the provider of a component or part of a cruise, package or tour, some or all of those entities may utilize the name “Globus, Cosmos, or Avalon Waterways” on promotional media, signage, or attire. Although you may see The Company name on vehicles, signs, apparel, or elsewhere during your cruise, tour, or excursion, its use by Service Providers is solely for the purpose of identification and does not represent or signify in any way ownership, management, supervision, direction, or control, or the right to direct or control by The Company of services that are provided by the Service Providers, or of the employees, servants, or agents of the Service Providers.
All certificates and other Trip Documents for services issued by The Company are subject to the Terms & Conditions specified by any of our Service Providers, which are available upon request, and to the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied.
Service Responsibilities
After departure, if the Services included in the trip cannot be supplied or there are changes in an itinerary for reasons beyond the control of The Company (or the tour operator if applicable), depending on the circumstances, The Company (or the tour operator if applicable) will take reasonable action to arrange for the provision of comparable services. Any resulting additional expense will be the responsibility of trip participants and any resulting savings will be refunded by The Company (on behalf of the tour operator if applicable) to trip participants.