CRUISE PLANNERS - GRANDMASTERTRAVEL LLC TERMS & CONDITIONS

Cruise Planners, an acclaimed and award-winning travel agency, prides itself on delivering top-tier service and competitive pricing. Grandmastertravel, LLC, operates as an "independent travel agency" franchisee of Cruise Planners. When you travel with us, you experience luxury at the most affordable rates, all while enjoying unparalleled service in the travel industry. We exclusively provide travel services from the world's most reputable and trustworthy travel companies, ensuring your peace of mind by avoiding vendors with questionable credentials.

These terms and conditions outline what you can expect when purchasing travel-related services from us, along with your responsibilities as a customer. The term "AGENCY" refers to Cruise Planners – Grandmastertravel, LLC. "TRAVELER" refers to the customer or client making a reservation through us or utilizing our services. "TRAVEL COMPANY" pertains to the vendor offering travel services, such as hotels, cruise lines, airlines, tour operators, rental cars, and more.

By booking travel through us, we become the "AGENCY OF RECORD" (AR). The TRAVELER is required to make payments and request changes, modifications, and updates through the AR. The TRAVEL COMPANY will only respond to official requests from the AR on behalf of the client. Contacting the TRAVEL COMPANY directly may lead to a referral back to the AR. Our aim is to save you time and money, so please allow us to fulfill our responsibilities as your AR.

The AGENCY insists that the TRAVELER agrees to these terms and conditions before arranging and planning travel. By submitting a deposit and subsequent payments, you confirm your understanding and acceptance of these "Travel Booking Service Terms & Conditions" with the AGENCY. The AGENCY serves two primary functions: it acts as a TRAVELER'S representative for acquiring travel services and a sales agent for the TRAVEL COMPANY. The TRAVELER(S) authorizes the AGENCY to book on third-party travel booking websites to meet the TRAVELER's trip requests and agrees to be bound by third-party terms and conditions.

ACCREDITATION: Cruise Planners is a member of several esteemed travel associations, including the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), National Association of Cruise Oriented Agencies (NACOA), American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), and National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA). We are also licensed, bonded, and insured, offering peace of mind to our customers.

AGENCY DISCLAIMER: Your trip reservation document is a contract between you, the TRAVELER, and the TRAVEL COMPANY disclosed by the AGENCY. The AGENCY assists in acquiring transportation, hotel accommodation, sightseeing tours, and other services for your benefit, but it is not a party to the contract between you and the TRAVEL COMPANY. The AGENCY is not liable for any loss, accident, injury, delay, defect, omission, or irregularity that may occur due to the actions, negligence, or faults of the TRAVEL COMPANY or those responsible for executing the arrangements. The AGENCY is not responsible for the TRAVEL COMPANY's acts or omissions or their failure to provide services or adhere to their schedules. We retain the right to modify these Terms & Conditions without prior notice. While the AGENCY offers travel itinerary suggestions based on agent expertise and product knowledge, you are responsible for decisions based on these recommendations. For further details, please review our CONSUMER DISCLOSURE NOTICE.

AGENCY FEES: The AGENCY will inform the TRAVELER of any reservation or booking fees in advance before processing a reservation. These fees are based on the nature of the service and can be waived if the TRAVELER makes a reservation with our AGENCY and submits a deposit. In rare instances, a small processing fee may be added per person for air bookings when booked alone and without a vacation package.

OFFERED PRICE RATE: The AGENCY provides the best available price at the time of the quote, including any discounts and offers directly from the TRAVEL COMPANY. Some prices and amenities offered are exclusive to our AGENCY and are not available through any other agency or the TRAVEL COMPANY. For cruise travel, our Value Tracker Advantage system continually checks for fare reductions on your reservation and will automatically adjust the price if a reduction is identified. Please note that this service does not apply to all reservations and is not applicable to group bookings and special sales already offering the best possible price.

COMMUNICATION: Email is our primary method of communication unless otherwise specified. We occasionally send you trip-related information and updates, and your prompt response is essential, especially when changes may require your attention. We recommend monitoring your email regularly to ensure you receive our messages and that they do not end up in your junk folder or are automatically deleted. Relying solely on AGENCY email communication for reminders is not recommended.

DEPOSIT/PAYMENTS & FINAL PAYMENT: To secure your reservation, a deposit must be paid according to the TRAVEL COMPANY'S payment terms and conditions. Failure to make the deposit within the specified time may result in the cancellation of your reservation without notice. All subsequent payments must be processed through the AGENCY, either by authorizing the agent to process future payments or by submitting payments through the MyTrips account. The AGENCY collects deposits and payments from the TRAVELER and forwards the entire amount to the TRAVEL COMPANY. The AGENCY does not charge or retain any funds directly from the TRAVELER for the services provided. Your primary booking agent, authorized by the AGENCY, will send periodic and final payment reminders to your primary email address. Payment arrangements must be made exclusively through your booking agent, and all payments should be made using approved forms of payment. We strongly recommend using a credit card for your purchase to leverage your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act in case you do not receive the services you paid for. Payment deadlines are at the TRAVELER's discretion but must be completed before the final payment date specified by the TRAVEL COMPANY, which can be found in the TRAVEL COMPANY'S confirmation document provided by the AGENCY. Reservations not paid in full by the final payment due date are subject to cancellation, and cancellation penalties may apply. Some TRAVEL COMPANIES may offer an online link for processing payments, while your agent can handle payments as per your request. For your protection and ours, credit card authorization is REQUIRED, and you must submit the authorization as required.

MYTRIPS ACCOUNT: The MyTrips account is a secure platform allowing you to access your cruise itinerary, book shore excursions, make payments, and more. Access instructions are included in your invoice or available on our website at WWW.GRANDMASTERTRAVEL.COM. By signing in, you can view your itinerary and make payments, but please note that payment options are not available for land tours.

AGENCY RESPONSIBILITY: Our primary responsibility is to ensure your travel experience is seamless and satisfactory. The AGENCY manages your booking and reservation, including all payments, changes, and updates, which must be processed through our AGENCY. Your travel booking agent takes care of the reservation and provides periodic reminders, updates, and trip information. In case of issues with the TRAVEL COMPANY, the AGENCY advocates on your behalf to resolve them. Clients booking with CRUISE PLANNERS – Grandmastertravel receive VIP personalized travel services at no additional cost, including one-stop travel advisory services for flights, hotels, rental cars, activities, and more. We conduct research, manage reservations, monitor and make modifications, process deposits and payments, offer cost-saving recommendations, and act as a travel advocate with vendors. Our free price monitoring and adjustment service automatically adjusts your reservation price if fare reductions occur. We are available seven days a week, and you can access a private MyTrips account to view your itinerary, make payments, and more. Additionally, you benefit from exclusive access to Cruise Planners' group offers and deals, group amenities, and payment with point processing when available. You can also access exclusive prices for trip add-ons like travel insurance and excursions.

TRAVELER'S RESPONSIBILITY: TRAVELER(S) must familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions of the TRAVEL COMPANY and stay updated on reservation payment deadlines. Additionally, you should be aware of destination requirements, including passports, visas, vaccinations, and travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State at TRAVEL.STATE.GOV. When we send payment reminders, prompt responses are essential to proceed with transactions. While we strive to keep track of your trip details, we rely on your attentiveness and cannot proceed without your written authorization.

TRAVEL SAFETY: We encourage travel to various destinations worldwide, but we also acknowledge that travel can present potential dangerous situations. We advise all travelers to exercise extreme caution and vigilance regardless of their travel destination. We provide information on current global conditions based on news articles and advisories. However, safety is not absolute, even within the United States, as there are many areas that may seem safe but could pose risks. We recommend checking State Department advisories and enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and be in case of emergencies.

TRAVEL COMPANY'S RESPONSIBILITY: TRAVEL COMPANIES are obligated to adhere to the terms of the contract with the TRAVELER. For cruise travel, cruise lines are responsible for passenger safety and follow the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

CHANGES & UPDATES: Please note that all changes to reservations are subject to availability and the terms and conditions of the purchased product. Submit requests for updates and changes to your booking agent in writing, preferably by email, and allow 24 to 48 hours for the request to be executed. Keep in mind that name changes may be treated as cancellations by most TRAVEL COMPANIES, and standard conditions and charges may apply.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: The AGENCY will offer travel insurance with each reservation, as required by seller of travel laws. This optional travel insurance is designed to protect your investment against trip cancellations or interruptions, as well as medical expenses and other covered situations. Without adequate travel insurance, the TRAVELER understands and agrees that certain portions of the trip may not be refundable, and cancellation penalties from the AGENCY and TRAVEL COMPANY may apply, potentially resulting in the loss of funds equal to the full cost of the travel booking and related expenses. Travel insurance may protect your financial investment in specific situations, but it is not a comprehensive solution. It is essential to read the policy brochure to understand the coverage before making a purchase. If you choose not to buy travel insurance, we ask you to acknowledge this choice by checking the travel insurance waiver statement. It's important to note that the decision to purchase or decline travel insurance is entirely the TRAVELER's responsibility. The purchase of travel insurance is made through a third-party provider, and the AGENCY will refer the TRAVELER to the insurance company representative for any questions or to initiate a claim process. All travel insurance policies have coverage limits, and the travel insurance premium is non-refundable. After purchasing, the client has only ten days to request a premium purchase cancellation and a refund.

DISABLED OR SPECIAL NEEDS TRAVELER: Any disabilities or special needs requiring special attention should be reported at the time of booking. It's important to note that the Americans with Disabilities Act applies only within the United States, and facilities for disabled individuals may be limited outside U.S. borders.

PREGNANCY: Pregnant women can enjoy a cruise until their 23rd week of pregnancy.  Many cruise lines have a very strict policy about this rule and you maybe denied boarding.  After 23 weeks, cruise ships dont have the medical equipment and staff available to treat these types of emergency situations. We recommend consulting and obtaining a physician approval as soon you know about the pregnancy regardless if it is within the 23 weeks.

CANCELLATION: We strongly advise you to read the cancellation policy outlined in the TRAVEL COMPANY'S confirmation document provided by your booking agent for your protection. It's crucial to be aware of potential penalties if not followed correctly. In the event of a cancellation, the TRAVEL COMPANY may assess penalty charges according to their cancellation schedule. These penalties may lead to the forfeiture of payments received to cover these penalties. The AGENCY or the booking agent is not liable for these penalty charges. In the case of a reservation cancellation, it is a condition of this booking that the TRAVELER(S) communicate their cancellation request in writing to the booking agent before the cancellation penalty schedule takes effect to avoid penalties. Please be aware that some TRAVEL COMPANIES may have non-refundable deposits. In such cases, the deposits will be retained by the TRAVEL COMPANY in the event of a cancellation, even before the final payment date and the start of the cancellation penalty schedule.

On average, it takes ten business days to process refunds, although there may be rare instances where a longer period is required. The AGENCY may assist in tracking the status of payments, but payments are ultimately determined by the TRAVEL COMPANY and are beyond our control. Cancellations result in the AGENCY losing compensation, and as a result, a cancellation fee may be added for services provided. To the extent permitted by law, any cancellations will be subject to a minimum fee: $100 per person for individual travel reservations and $150 per person for groups, in addition to any fees or penalties mandated by third-party suppliers. The AGENCY may process the cancellation fee mentioned above through the credit card on file, by money order, or by cashier's check payable to Cruise Planners – Grandmastertravel LLC before the cancellation. For any questions regarding these fees, please consult your booking agent.

AIR RESERVATIONS: The AGENCY can arrange air reservations when they are part of a larger travel package. This service is typically provided at no extra charge, although a processing fee may be added in some cases. To ensure clarity, please communicate your air travel preferences with the agent before accepting the reservation. Review the reservation before finalizing it, as airlines may limit seat selection for economy class travel, and certain carriers may charge fees for specific seat assignments. After the reservation is ticketed, errors can result in significant costs. The AGENCY is not responsible for changes or issues that occur after the air reservation is accepted and ticketed. If you wish to make changes to the reservation, you may be responsible for penalties imposed by the airline for any changes or corrections, such as name and birthdate updates.

PASSPORTS, VISAS, AND IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS: It is highly recommended that all travelers, regardless of their mode of travel, possess a valid passport when traveling outside the United States. TRAVELER(S) are responsible for meeting passport, visa, and other immigration requirements specific to their itineraries, and they should verify these requirements with the relevant embassies or consulates. The AGENCY accepts no responsibility if you are unable to travel due to your failure to comply with these requirements.

GLOBAL ENTRY and REAL ID: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers the Global Entry program for expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States. Additionally, the REAL ID Act enforces minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards for official purposes, including access to federal facilities, boarding commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants. It is essential for travelers to understand and meet these requirements, as they are government regulations.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION: We recommend that travelers review the required travel documents necessary for domestic and international travel. A valid passport or visa is required to enter another country and re-enter the United States, and the failure to present proper travel documents may result in denied boarding or entry. No travel refunds will be provided to individuals who fail to bring the required travel documents, as these requirements are established by government regulations and policies.

PRIVACY POLICY: By using our services, you consent to the processing and sharing of personal information provided to us for the purpose of completing reservations and processing payments on behalf of the TRAVELER(S). This information is shared solely with the TRAVEL COMPANY in accordance with our privacy policy. The shared information may include legal travel names, birthdates, addresses, contact information, emergency contact information, and other necessary details. For more information, please visit our privacy policy page.

SMS Disclosure:  By registering for SMS notifications, you agree to receive booking confirmations, payment reminders, and travel updates via text message. Message frequency varies, but you may receive up to 4 messages per month. Message and data rates may apply. To stop receiving messages, text STOP. For help, text HELP.

California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA): California residents can request access and control over the collection of their personal information under CCPA. Requests can be submitted to Cruise Planners by calling 800-683-0206 ext. 8 or sending an email to privacy@cruiseplanners.com.

REGISTRATION & EDOCS: We recommend submitting the personal and immigration information required to ensure a smooth trip. A welcome package from the TRAVEL COMPANY may be sent by mail in preparation for the trip. We also recommend visiting the online pre-cruise guest registration 90 days before sailing but no later than three days before departure to expedite the check-in process. You must complete the registration by providing personal and immigration information. Luggage tags will be issued by the cruise line and are available for printing or mailing if you are driving to the pier. If your cabin number is not assigned, you can leave that area blank, and the pier staff will find your cabin number on the ship's manifest.

MOBILE APP: Download the free CRUISE PLANNERS MOBILE APP from the Android GOOGLE PLAY or IPHONE APP store. The app allows you to search, book, make payments, access your account, and view reservation information.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us before submitting an authorization for your deposit or full payment. By continuing with our services, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions outlined in this document.

Is there anything specific you would like to know or discuss about these terms and conditions?