Travel Agency Service Agreement- Grandmastertravel

Dear Cruise Planner Traveler:

Congratulations! You have selected a truly outstanding family vacation. A reservation was created for you with the travel company disclosed on the provided confirmation and invoice. Below are our terms and conditions between Cruise Planners – Grandmastertravel, LLC and the undersigned client.

Cruise Planners is an American Express Travel Representative, a top-rated and award-winning travel agency offering the highest quality, service, and offer extremely competitive pricing. Grandmastertravel, LLC is an “independent travel agency” franchisee of Cruise Planners. As a representative of American Express Travel, Cruise Planners Travel Advisors provide exclusive AMEX benefits. As well as the opportunity to travel in style at the lowest prices available while still receiving the best service in the travel business. We only offer travel services from the most reputable & trustworthy TRAVEL COMPANIES in the world. We never offer travel services from vendors with questionable credentials.

These terms and conditions show what you are entitled to expect when you purchase travel related services from us, in addition to your responsibility as a customer. The terms "AGENCY” refer to Cruise Planners – Grandmastertravel, LLC. The term "TRAVELER" refers to the customer or client booking a reservation through us or otherwise using our services. The term “TRAVEL COMPANY” refers to the vendor providing the travel services i.e. hotel, cruise line, airline, tour operator, rental car, etc.

When booking travel with us, we become the AGENCY OF RECORD (AR). The TRAVELER is required to submit payments, request changes, modifications, updates through the AR. The TRAVEL COMPANY will only respond from the AR official requests on the client's behalf. If you try to contact the TRAVEL COMPANY directly, you may be referred to contact the AR. Our goal is to save you time and money, please allows to fulfill our responsibilities as your AR.

The AGENCY requires that the TRAVELER agree to the terms and conditions before arranging and planning travel. By submitting a deposit and consequently payments, it is under the understanding that the TRAVELER has read and agreed to the terms of this “Travel Booking Service Terms & Conditions” with the AGENCY. The AGENCY has two primary functions; it acts as a TRAVELER’S representative on 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 fulfill TRAVELER’s trip requests. The TRAVELER ratifies the AGENCY’s actions on HIS/HER's behalf, including acceptance of such third party’s terms and conditions, which limit TRAVELER’s rights, and the TRAVELER agrees to bound by such actions.

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

AGENCY DISCLAIMER: A trip reservation document is a contract between you the TRAVELER and the TRAVEL COMPANY disclosed by the AGENCY. The AGENCY assists the TRAVELER in acquiring transportation, hotel accommodations, sightseeing tours, and other privileges, or services for the TRAVELERS’ benefit. The AGENCY is NOT part of the contract between the TRAVELER and the TRAVEL COMPANY. If the TRAVELER is informed of the identity of the principal (e.g., the cruise line, tour company, hotel, etc.), the AGENCY will NOT be held individually liable for a breach of contract by such disclosed principal. On the express condition that the AGENCY shall NOT be responsible for any loss, accident, injury, delay, defect, omission, or irregularity which may occur or be occasioned, whether because of any act, negligence or default of any TRAVEL COMPANY or person engaged in or responsible for carrying out any of the arrangements, or otherwise in connection therewith. The AGENCY is not responsible for acts or omissions of the TRAVEL COMPANY or their failure to provide services or adhere to their schedules. We reserve the right at any time to modify these Terms & Conditions without prior notice to the other party. The AGENCY will offer suggestions for travel itineraries based on the agent’s expertise and product knowledge to the TRAVELER. However, the TRAVELER is responsible for any decision based on these recommendations.  For more information read our CONSUMER DISCLOSURE NOTICE.

AGENCY FEES: The TRAVELER should be informed of any AGENCY reservation/booking fees upfront before the reservation is processed. A fee is based on the nature of the service. However, all fees can be waived if the potential TRAVELER makes a reservation with our AGENCY and submit a deposit. On specific and rare instances, the AGENCY will add a small processing fee per person for air bookings when booked alone and without a vacation package.

OFFERED PRICE RATE: The AGENCY provides the best price available at the time of the quote including any discounts and offers directly from the TRAVEL COMPANY. Some prices and amenities offered are exclusive from our AGENCY and are not available by any other agency or the TRAVEL COMPANY.  Cruise Travel only:  Value Tracker Advantage: Value Tracker is a proprietary system for continually checking for any fare reductions on your reservation.  Our system will monitor your reservation price for any changes.  If a reduction is identified, we will adjust the price automatically.  This service is FREE to all our clients booking a cruise reservation with this AGENCY.  Note:  this service does not apply to all reservations.  Do not apply to group bookings and special sales due to the booking already offer the best possible price.

COMMUNICATION: Email is the primary method of communication unless a different method is specified. We occasionally send you information & updates about your trip. If a response is required, it is crucial due to changes may occur requiring your response. We recommend monitoring your email regularly and ensure our messages don’t get lost in the junk folder or automatically deleted. The TRAVELER should not rely solely on AGENCY email communication for reminders.

DEPOSIT/PAYMENTS & FINAL PAYMENT: A deposit must be paid for each reservation following the TRAVEL COMPANY'S payment terms and conditions. Reservations are subject to cancellation without notice if no deposit is paid within the time specified by the TRAVEL COMPANY. All subsequent payments must be processed through the AGENCY, either by authorizing the agent to process future payments or the TRAVELER’S can submit payments through MyTrips account. The AGENCY collects deposits and payments from the TRAVELER and submits the entire payments to the TRAVEL COMPANY. The AGENCY never charges or retains any monies/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 the primary TRAVELER email inboxes. Arrangements for payments must be made through your booking agent only. All payments must be made by approved forms of payment. It is strongly recommended that you use a credit card for your purchase so you can exercise your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act if you do not receive the services you purchased. Payments are at TRAVELERS' discretion, but all payments must be completed before the last payment date specified by the TRAVEL COMPANY. The final payment date 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 in the event, a reservation is canceled, a cancellation penalty will apply. Some TRAVEL COMPANIES may provide an online link to process payments. Otherwise, your agent can process your payments as per your request.  For your protection and ours, a credit card authorization is REQUIRED.  Please ensure to submit the authorization below.

MYTRIPS ACCOUNT: MyTrips account is a SECURE site allowing access to the cruise itinerary, book shore excursions, payments and much more. Access instructions are included in your invoice, or you can visit our website at WWW.GRANDMASTERTRAVEL.COM. Select Sign-in at the top menu and follow the instructions. If you need to reset your account, select “forgot your password?”. Payment or other options are not available for land tours.

AGENCY RESPONSIBILITY: Your travel experience and satisfaction are our primary responsibility. The AGENCY is responsible for your booking and reservation. All payments, changes, updates must be processed through our AGENCY. A travel booking agent manages the reservation and provides periodic reminders, updates, and information about the trip. The AGENCY advocates for the TRAVELER to resolve issues with the TRAVEL COMPANY.

Clients booking with CRUISE PLANNERS – Grandmastertravel LLC will receive VIP personalized travel services at no additional cost.  Services included are:

- One-stop-shop with personalized travel advisor services (flights, hotels, rental car, activities, etc.)

- Research, management, monitoring, modifications of the reservation

- Deposit/payments processing

- Provide recommendations for cost-saving activities

- Travel advocate with travel vendors before and after the trip

- Free price monitoring and price adjustment, as needed

- 7 days a week availability

- Access to a private MyTrips account to view the itinerary, make payments & more

- Free mobile APP for Android and iPhone

- Cruise Planners group benefits, if available

- First access to exclusive Cruise Planners Land Vacations & Cruise offers and deals

- American Express & Cruise Planners Group Amenities and pay with point processing, if available

- Access to exclusive prices for trip add-ons like travel insurance and excursions

TRAVELER'S RESPONSIBILITY: The TRAVELER(S) needs to familiarize themselves with the TRAVEL COMPANY'S terms and conditions and staying up to date with the reservation payment deadlines. Also, the TRAVELER should learn about the destination requirements for passports, visas, vaccinations, and any travel advisory posted by the U.S. Department of State at TRAVEL.STATE.GOV. When we send a payment reminder, a prompt response is required to proceed with the transaction. We try our best to keep track of the trip details for you, but we rely on your attentiveness, and we cannot proceed without your authorization in writing.

TRAVEL COMPANY’S RESPONSIBILITY: TRAVEL COMPANIES are required to abide by the terms of the contract with the TRAVELER. In the case of cruise travel, cruise lines are responsible for the safety of passengers and adhere to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).  

CHANGES & UPDATES: Please note that all reservation changes are subject to availability and the terms and conditions of the product purchased. Submit any request for updates and changes of the original reservation to your booking agent in writing, preferably by email. Allow 24 to 48 hours to execute this request, please bear in mind that most TRAVEL COMPANIES treat a name change as a cancellation, to which standard conditions and charges may apply.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: The AGENCY will offer travel insurance to the TRAVELER every time a reservation is created as required by the seller of travel laws. The optional travel insurance is offered to protect the TRAVELER(S) investment, for medical and covered situations. Without appropriate travel insurance, the TRAVELER understands and agrees that if a trip cancellation or interruption occurs for any reason, portions of the trip/tour may not be refunded, and the AGENCY and TRAVEL COMPANY's cancellation penalties will apply resulting in the loss of monies up to the full cost of travel booking and related costs. Travel insurance may protect your financial investment in certain situations, but it is not a complete solution. Read the brochure to learn about coverage before purchasing. If you are not purchasing travel insurance; we ask you to check the travel insurance waiver statement declining this option. 
Disclaimer: The decision to purchase or not travel insurance is on the TRAVELER. The purchase of travel insurance is made through a third-party provider and the AGENCY will refer the TRAVELER to contact the Insurance company representative disclosed for any questions or to initiate a claim process. All travel insurance policies have a coverage limit. The travel insurance premium is non-refundable. After purchase, the client has only 10 days to request a premium purchase cancelation and a refund.

DISABLED OR SPECIAL NEEDS TRAVELER: You must report any disability or special needs requiring special attention at the time of booking. The Americans with Disabilities Act is only applicable within the United States, and facilities for disabled individuals are limited outside US borders.

CANCELLATION: For your protection, please read the cancellation policy described in the TRAVEL COMPANY'S confirmation document provided by your booking agent. It is important to be aware of potential penalties if it is not followed properly. In the event of a cancellation, the TRAVEL COMPANY may assess penalty charges based on the TRAVEL COMPANIE’S cancellation schedule. The TRAVEL COMPANY may forfeit any payments received to cover for these penalties. Visit the disclosed TRAVEL COMPANY'S website to learn more about the cancellation policy. The AGENCY or the booking agent of record is NOT liable for these penalty charges. In the event, the TRAVELER(S) has decided to cancel the reservation, it is a condition of this booking that the TRAVELER(S) specifically communicate in writing to the booking agent, a refund individual cancellation request of the booked reservation. This written request must be submitted before the cancellation penalty schedule takes effect to avoid penalty charges. Be aware that some TRAVEL COMPANIES deposits are non-refundable. These deposits will be retained by the TRAVEL COMPANY in case of cancellation even before the final payment date cancellation penalty schedule begins.

Ten business days is the average period for refunds. However, on some rare occasions, a longer refund payment may occur. The AGENCY may assist on getting status of payment; however, payments are up to the TRAVEL COMPANY and out of this AGENCY control.

Cancellations deny the AGENCY of compensation and the AGENCY may add a cancellation fee for services provided. To the extent permitted by law, any reservations canceled will be subject to a minimum: (i) $25 per person fee for single individual travel reservations and $100 per person fee for groups (ii) any additional fees or penalties required by third-party suppliers; and (iii) any non-refundable portion payable to third-party suppliers such as airlines whether paid in advance by the traveler or if payment in full is due before departure (collectively “Cancellation Fees”). If the TRAVELER purchased short-term trip protection insurance with or without cancel anytime, the TRAVELER must submit an insurance claim for the cancellation fees to the insurance company as described in the policy. In the event of a cancellation, the AGENCY may process the cancellation fee stated above either through the credit card on file, by money order or cashier’s check payable to Cruise Planners – Grandmastertravel LLC before cancellation. For any questions about these fees, please ask your booking agent.

AIR RESERVATIONS: The AGENCY can arrange air reservations for travel if it is in conjunction with other travel arrangements. The service is complimentary unless a processing fee is added. Communicate your air preferences to the agent to ensure no misunderstanding. As a rule, review the reservation before accepting it. The AGENCY can only request seats, such as aisle and across, aisle and next, etc. Some carriers no longer allow specific seats to be requested for economy class travel. Airlines offer specific seating locations for a fee, but it must be purchased directly with the airline. Air bookings are not reimbursable unless waived by the airline. After the reservation is ticketed, any mistakes can be very costly. Our AGENCY is not responsible after the air reservation was accepted and ticketed. If the TRAVELER would like to make any changes to the reservation, the TRAVELER is responsible for any penalties. Airlines may charge penalties for any changes or even corrections like names and birthdates.

PASSPORTS, VISA, AND IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS: The AGENCY highly recommends traveling with a valid passport regardless of the mode of travel. It is the TRAVELER’S responsibility to fulfill the passport, visa, and other immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary. The TRAVELER should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. The AGENCY does not accept any responsibility in the case of you being unable to travel due to not complying with any such requirements.
Global Entry: It is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program allowing expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Visit this site to learn more: GLOBAL ENTRY.

Real ID: Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission's recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards. These purposes are: Accessing Federal facilities, Boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft & entering nuclear power plants. This is a new requirement for anyone traveling domestically using an approved state-issued ID. Visit this site to learn more and ensure your documents comply: REAL ID

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION:  Cruise Planners strongly recommends that all travelers familiarize themselves with the required travel documents necessary to travel throughout the United States and abroad.  Anyone who plans to travel outside the United States will require a valid passport or visa to enter another country, as well as re-entry to the United States.

It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to identify and obtain all required travel documents and have them available when necessary. Travelers who do not have the proper documentation may be prevented from boarding their flight or ship and from entering a country. No travel refunds will be given to individuals who fail to bring proper travel documents. These requirements are by government regulations and policies.

COMPLETE THE FORM and allow me to advise you on what documentation you need for your upcoming travel

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) 

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda by land, sea or air must present a valid passport or other approved document that establishes the bearer's identity and citizenship to enter or reenter the United States.

PRIVACY POLICY: The TRAVELER consent to our processing and sharing of personal information of all the members of your party provided to us. This information will be shared ONLY with the TRAVEL COMPANY under the terms of and for the purposes outlined in our privacy policy. Specific information may include legal travel names, birthdates, addresses and contact information, emergency contact information, etc., are required to complete any reservations and to process payments on behalf of the TRAVELER(S).  For more information visit our PRIVACY POLICY PAGE.

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

REGISTRATION & EDOCS: The AGENCY recommends submit personal and immigration information that is required to ensure a smooth trip. A welcoming package may be sent by the TRAVEL COMPANY by mail in preparation for the trip.

The AGENCY recommends visiting the online pre-cruise guest registration to ensure smooth and efficient check-in at the pier 90 days before sailing but not later than 3 days before departure.  Personal and immigration information is required to complete the process.  Visit this link:  ALREADY-BOOKED (select the cruise line on your reservation, then click on CHECK-IN).  All guests must be checked in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes before the published sailing time or will be refused the ability to sail. 

Luggage Tags:  Luggage tags will be issued by the cruise line and available for printing or send by mail.  If you are driving to the pier, place the tags on your luggage before leaving home. If you have not been assigned a cabin, leave that area blank and the employees at the pier will find your cabin number on the ship’s manifest.  

MOBILE APP:  Download your FREE CRUISE PLANNERS MOBILE APP.  The APP is available at the Android GOOGLE PLAY or IPHONE APP store.  You can search, book, make payments and access your account and reservation information.

Questions call our office at 800-454-3044, email us at reese.killpack@cruiseplanners.com.

By continuing with our services, it constitutes an acknowledgment that the TRAVELER has read and agreed to the terms and conditions presented herein.  This confirmation contains the Terms & Conditions between the parties and supersedes all prior confirmations or understandings between the parties on all subjects in any way related to the transaction or occurrence described in this confirmation.   No oral understandings, statements, promises or inducements contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this confirmation exist.  This confirmation is not subject to any modification, waiver, or addition that is made orally.  This confirmation is subject to modification, waiver, or addition only through a new confirmation that will be created and emailed to the TRAVELER of record based upon agreed change(s).  

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REQUIRED

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