Correspondence
All correspondence will be sent to the person on the confirmation shown as the Lead Passenger.
When you contact us we will usually be able to confirm your cruise immediately and advise prices, including any applicable supplements for extras, etc. For high season dates, when demand is greater, or if you book within eight weeks of departure, we may have to request your cabin and it may take slightly longer to confirm your holiday, although generally no more than 48 hours.
We will endeavour to send a confirmation invoice within 7 working days of receiving your booking form and deposit. At busy times up to 14 working days should be allowed. Only one invoice and one set of documents are issued per booking. If you are travelling with friends, but would each like to receive separate documents please advise us at the time of booking. Travel documents are generally sent approximately 7 - 14 days prior to departure.
We are unable to accept provisional or conditional bookings.
Website Descriptions
The descriptions of Orion ship and the various itineraries on this website have been compiled from information received from Orion Expeditions and checked to ensure they are correct. However, changes may occur after the date of publication. These are regrettably beyond the control of Coastal Cruises and we therefore reserve the right to change the particulars at any time before the confirmation your booking.
We will inform you of any such change at the time of booking, or, if you have already booked, you will be contacted before your departure if there is time.
Passports & Visas
The information and advice given in this section is valid for British Citizens only. Anyone who is not a British Citizen (and this includes citizens of British Dependent Territories, citizens who hold their citizenship by virtue of a connection with Gibraltar, British Subjects who have right of abode in the United Kingdom and EU and other nationals) should consult the Embassy of the Country of destination, and the Home Office Immigration Department to check whether they require any special documentation for the countries they are visiting or for return to the UK.
All passengers must have a passport valid for at least six months after the date of return to the UK. If you need to obtain or renew your 10 year passport we recommend that you make your application in good time before your departure, since passport offices can become very busy in the summer. It normally takes about 3 - 4 weeks to obtain a passport by post but delays may be experienced during peak times.
VISA: British passport holders do not require a visa for destinations on this website.
Where applicable passengers will be issued with an entry permit/tourist visa upon arrival.
It is essential that the family and first names on the passport match those on your travel documents exactly.
The above information is correct at time of publication, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you comply with the requirements applicable at time of travel. Regulations can change and it is the responsibility of the traveller to check that they have all the appropriate documentation prior to travel.
Further information can be found at http://www.worldtravelguide.net and further UK passport information can be found at www.ukpa.gov.uk. Any non UK nationals should check with the relevant Embassy for passport/visa regulations.
Political and other conditions can also vary over time in different countries and travellers are advised to check with the Foreign Office regarding any travel advice prior to travelling.
Health Matters
At the time of publication of this website, no compulsory vaccinations or other health precautions were required for British Citizens. The Department of Health publishes a leaflet, "Health advice for Travellers", which is available free from your doctor and the post office or by telephoning FREEPHONE 0800 555 777.
Passengers suffering from any known or suspected medical condition, or women more than 28 weeks pregnant, are required to notify us at least 14 days before departure and to produce a medical certificate confirming fitness to travel. Orion Expedition Cruises reserve the right to refuse or cancel the booking if the relevant certificate is not produced and will not be liable for the refusal by any operator to carry any person who has failed to notify us as above. If in doubt about health precautions, please consult your doctor.
In accordance with IAATO requirements, all travellers to Antarctica must complete a confidential medical declaration form, signed by a doctor stating that you are fit to travel. The form will be sent to you 3 months before departure and a copy must be returned to us before the final balance is due. Orion Expedition Cruises and Coastal Cruises can not be held responsible for any circumstances arising out of a failure to disclose a disability or pre-existing medical condition.
Orion has a doctor on board at all times and consultations should be arranged through the Reception Desk. A very limited range of pharmaceuticals is maintained on board so please be sure to pack sufficient quantities of medicines for your journey. Please note the Australian Medicare system does not extend to Orion and consultation fees will be charged to your stateroom account.
It is the responsibility of all passengers to ensure they comply with any inoculation requirements applicable at time of travel. Orion Expedition Cruises reserve the right to refuse boarding to any passenger displaying symptoms of any contagious or infectious illness.
NOTE: If you are taking medication, it is essential that you have sufficient supplies for the duration of your holiday. Any medication should always be carried in your hand luggage.
Changes to the Itinerary and Excursions
All routes and excursions are provisional and subject to change and weather, sea and ice conditions may affect the itinerary. The safety of passengers, crew and vessels is always the prime consideration and any adjustments to the itinerary will be decided locally, if necessary in consultation with the appropriate authorities, by the Tour Manager and/or Captain, whose decision is final. All operators reserve the right to alter the contents of the excursions without prior notice. They may also be subject to minimum/maximum numbers as well as weather and ice conditions.
Minimum Numbers
A minimum number of persons is required to enable a number of the holidays to take place. Should the minimum number not be reached, we will advise you at least 8 weeks prior to your departure, when we reserve the right to cancel the holiday and refund all monies paid to us.
Alternatively, you may choose another holiday with us, but if the alternative arrangement is at an additional cost, the difference will be payable by you.
Tour Arrangements
The voyages and tours featured on this website are based on independent travel. Flights, hotels and transfers can also be booked for you. Please contact our reservations staff.
Wildlife
Our website includes pictures and descriptions of wildlife, which can be seen from the ships, however please be aware that there is no guarantee of sightings.
Special Requests
If you have any special request, which is not mentioned in connection with the arrangements described on this website (e.g. dietary requirements or a need for special assistance), please inform us at the time of booking. We will always do our best to meet such requests but cannot guarantee to do so, and in no circumstances will any such request be accepted by us so as to form part of our contractual agreement.
Special Needs / Disabled Passengers
We regret that Orion Expedition holidays are not considered suitable for less able passengers as landings and sometimes embarkation are by Zodiacs or tenders. A certain level of agility will be required to board but crew will be in attendance to ensure passenger safety.
It is essential that you advise us of all special requirements at the time of booking so that we can make the necessary arrangements and ensure that you have a trouble free holiday.
Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office may have issued information about your holiday destination. We advise you check this information at http://www.fco.gov.uk, or on 0870 606 0290.
