Terms and Conditions

§ 1. IMPORTANT CONDITIONS / SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

§ 1.1 Norrøna Adventure (NA) organises special trips and facilitates individual trips. NA complies with the Package Travel Act of 2018 and the General Terms and Conditions for
Package Travel drawn up by the Norwegian Travel Trade Association (Virke) in cooperation with the Norwegian Consumer Ombudsman. Where these conditions deviate from the General Terms for the Package Tours, these terms take precedence, as the General Terms are an industry standard that may be waived in certain cases. NA has furnished the required guarantee in relation to the Norwegian Travel Guarantee Fund. All sailing experiences with Norrøna Varg S/Y comply with international, European, and national safety regulations, as well as the safety standards of the vessel’s flag state.

§ 1.2 Norrøna Varg S/Y experiences and activities are adventure-based, focusing on nature and often subject to sudden environmental changes that impact itineraries, including weather conditions or other natural factors that make specific requirements both of us as the tour operator and of our participants.

Safety is always prioritised, and activity plans may change to ensure passenger and crew well-being. All this requires flexibility in our trip production system. The ambition is always to maintain the original itinerary content and quality, but unforeseen circumstances mean that from time to time we have to change the descriptions of our itineraries, tour content and times as shown in our information material at short notice. The flexible nature of NA’s itineraries is integral to our services.

Our tour guides have experience of the destinations, and their instructions must be obeyed. Our trips often take place in areas prone to unfavourable weather conditions and may be based on logistical arrangements that are vulnerable to harsh weather, technical problems or accidents. This could result in customers missing the planned return journey, for example. The company and our tour guides will always focus on the safety of participants on our trips.

§ 1.3 If the need to make changes arises after a trip has been booked, either before or after departure, we will do our best to find content/activities/destinations/transport that matches the original plan as closely as possible, and within the same price range. Even though we reserve the right to make certain changes as part of the contract, we will of course respect the customers' rights pursuant to the Package Tours Act if the changes to the trip are of such a nature that they are nevertheless deemed to constitute a lack of conformity in the performance of the package travel contract. Because of the special nature of our trip production, we need to have special conditions in place concerning payment times, fees and cancellation in return for payment compared to the ordinary rules set out in the general terms and conditions for package tours, as outlined here.

§ 1.4 Please note that our trips involve a certain level for risk of hazardous situations and accidents. As a customer, you must accept that you participate at your own risk. Sailing with Norrøna Varg S/Y involves exposure to natural conditions and risks that may not be present in typical vacation packages.

Passengers accept that participation is at their own risk and release NA from liability in the event of accidents or injuries that occur while following crew instructions. For example, there is potentially a risk of the following (the list is not exhaustive): frostbite, avalanches/rockslides, falling into crevasses, dehydration, broken bones, etc. The limitation of liability does, however, not apply to personal injury or damage caused intentionally or negligently by NA. Passengers’ suitability to be on board will be evaluated with safety as the primary concern, especially in emergency scenarios. Factors include passengers' health, physical condition, and behaviour to ensure no risk to personal or others' safety. Passengers with special needs should verify the suitability of the vessel for accommodations. Specific information regarding this will be included in the product description, and guests may contact NA for clarification on special requirements.

NA reserves the right to request a medical certificate confirming passengers’ fitness for travel. This may be required to confirm that a passenger’s safety is adequately maintained under the applicable legislation.

We may also ask passengers to complete a health questionnaire, if deemed necessary, before embarking on the voyage.

NA recommends that pregnant passengers consult their physician before sailing at any stage of pregnancy. Passengers in their 23rd week of pregnancy or earlier, at the voyage’s end, must present a doctor’s certificate confirming fitness to travel. For safety reasons, passengers in their 24th week or beyond will not be permitted on board.

§ 1.5 The below clauses, together with the information provided in the detailed programme, constitutes the terms and conditions (T&Cs) of our contract. These T&Cs and the booking confirmation/travel documents constitute the contract between the tour operator and the customer.

 

§ 2. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

§ 2.1 Cancellation protection must be taken out at the time of booking. If such protection has not been taken out, our ordinary cancellation policy applies.

§ 2.2. Any cancellations must be made in writing as soon as the customer becomes aware that he/she cannot go on the trip. It is your responsibility to contact your insurance company.

§ 2.3 A passport is required when travelling to Norway from a country outside the Schengen area. We recommend that you always bring your passport. If a visa is required for your travel to Norway, you are responsible to be granted a visa for Norway.

§ 2.4 You are obliged to take out satisfactory medical and accident insurance that must also cover repatriation if necessary. An insurance certificate for such an insurance policy must be presented.

§ 2.5 It is your responsibility to check that the travel documents you receive agree with your booking.

§ 2.6 It is your responsibility to meet at the agreed time and place at the day of departure, given by NA.

§ 2.7 Some of our trips are physically, mentally and technically challenging. Therefore, you are obliged to be physically and mentally fit and technically well-prepared on departure. Contact NA for information about physical and mental fitness and technical skills requirements for your trip. We reserve the right to refuse participants who do not meet the necessary physical fitness standard, technical or mental requirements.

§ 2.8 You are responsible for keeping NA informed of any change of address and/or contact details, so that information and travel documents reach you in time.

§ 2.9 You are obliged to stay informed about departures and comply with any related
instructions from NA.

§ 2.10 You must comply with the captain and tour guides' instructions, directions and orders at all times during the trip to ensure safety of yourself and others.

§ 2.11 You are obliged to comply with the rules and regulations stipulated by the authorities, tour operator or the tour operator's representatives, including any rules of conduct stipulated by individual hotels, carriers etc.

§ 2.12 You must not act in such a manner that you are a nuisance to your fellow travellers. If you grossly neglect your responsibilities and obligations, you may be denied participation in or excluded from the rest of the trip without being entitled to a refund from NA. If you are excluded after starting the trip, you may have to cover the costs of your return journey. You can be held liable in damages if you, intentionally or negligently, inflict a loss on the tour operator, for example by not complying with the rules and regulations mentioned above. If for any reason, including health or safety concerns, the captain, lead guide, or an authorised medical representative believes a passenger may pose a risk to him/herself or other travellers, or be deemed unfit to travel, NA reserves the right to:

1. Refuse boarding or disembark the passenger at any port.
2. Transfer the passenger to a different berth or cabin.
3. Place restrictions on the passenger’s movement or transfer the passenger to a medical facility at their own expense.

NA assumes no liability for expenses incurred by the passenger due to denied boarding or disembarkation due to fitness concerns.

Norrøna Varg S/Y’s captain and authorised representatives may provide first aid or other necessary assistance at their discretion.

§ 2.13 NA accepts no liability for loss or inconvenience caused by neglect on the part of the traveller.

§ 2.14 The lower age limit on our scheduled departures is 16 years. If you have questions regarding this please contact our office staff. If you are younger than 18 years old you need to travel with either one or both of your parents. If the person under the age of 18 needs to interrupt the trip the same applies to their parents. Other terms may apply for our tailor made trips.

 

§ 3. BOOKING / PAYMENT / CHANGES / FEES

§ 3.1 NA trips must be booked in writing or electronically, and the booking is binding. The provisions on cancellation in the Norwegian Cancellation Act (Act relating to the duty of disclosure regarding and right to cancel distance contracts and off-premises sales) does not apply when booking services.

Failure to pay the amount on time is deemed to constitute a material breach of contract and entitles NA to cancel the booking, but our deposit claim does not lapse in the event of such cancellation, and, if necessary, we will take steps to collect the money.

§ 3.2

Group tours

When booking one of our group tours you will pay a non refundable deposit. The size of the deposit is normally set at 10.000 NOK, but might be more on longer trips and smaller on short trips.

Balance is due 90 days before departure.

Exclusive booking of the entire boat

When booking the entire boat for exclusive use we ask for a 30% non-refundable deposit at the time of booking.

Balance is due 90 days before departure.

The initial payment for both group tours and custom-designed trips is legally binding, and no right of withdrawal applies.

We accept the following credit cards: Mastercard and Visa.

§ 3.3 A minimum fee of NOK 1,000 per change will be charged for changes to bookings, provided that the booking can be changed.

§ 4 NA'S RESPONSIBILITIES

§ 4.1 The Package Tours Act applies to the purchase of package tours. As a travel organiser, NA has furnished the required guarantee in relation to the Norwegian Travel
Guarantee Fund (RGF). This ensures that if Norrøna Adventure is unable to operate the planned tour due to bankruptcy, you will receive a full refund for your purchase.

§ 4.2 NA undertakes to carry out an agreed programme with itinerary and content as described in the trip description distributed. However, this obligation is subject to changes and circumstances outside of our control.

§ 4.3 A minimum group size is required for our group trips. The minimum group size is specified in the trip description on our website. If we do not meet the minimum group size, we can often still run the trip at a small additional charge. If the additional charge exceeds 8 % of the total cost of the trip, travellers are entitled to cancel the trip and receive a full refund. If we have to cancel the trip, travellers will be informed of this no later than 30 days before the departure date. The participants shall receive a full refund of the amount paid to NA.

§ 4.4 NA reserves the right to adjust prices in accordance with changes in the underlying tour costs and governmental taxes. Customers must be notified of price increases no later than 20 days before the departure date. If the price increases by more than 8 % of the agreed purchase price, the customer is entitled to withdraw from the contract at no cost to the customer.

§ 4.5 In cases where we are held responsible for shortcomings in the trip that must be ascribed to the airline, the customer's acceptance of these terms and conditions also constitute an authorisation allowing us to submit claims against the airline on the customer's behalf when we have taken on this responsibility and settled the matter with the customer in advance.

§ 5. CANCELLATION AND REFUNDS

§ 5.1 Cancellations must be made in writing electronically to adventure@norrona.no.

§ 5.2 The date on which NA receives the cancellation is deemed to be the cancellation date. If a deadline for cancellation falls on a public holiday, any cancellations must be received on the preceding working day.

§ 5.3 Refunds in connection with the cancellation of a trip are in accordance with the following rules:

For booking as part of a group; If you cancel more than 90 days before the departure date, you will lose the deposit paid when booking your trip. If you cancel between 89 and 60 days
before the departure date, you lose 50 % of the trip's total cost. If you cancel less than 60 days before the departure date, you lose 100 % of the trip's total cost. If the trip you have booked does not have a deposit the refund is 50% until 60 days before departure.

For booking of the entire boat; If you cancel more than 90 days before the departure date, you will lose the deposit paid when booking your trip. If you cancel between 89 and 60 days before the departure date, you lose 75 % of the trip's total cost. If you cancel less than 60 days before the departure date, you lose 100 % of the trip's total cost. If the trip you have booked does not have a deposit the refund is 75% until 60 days before departure.

§ 5.4 The package travel agreement may be transferred to an individual who meets all conditions of the agreement, provided that NA receives reasonable notice of at least seven days prior to the start of travel, as specified in the itinerary. The transferor and transferee shall be jointly liable for any remaining balance, as well as for additional fees, charges, and other costs arising from the transfer. If any costs are associated with the transfer, NA shall notify the transferor, and such costs shall be borne by the transferee.

§ 5.5 No refunds are paid to customers who fail to turn up on the day of departure. The contract between the customer and NA begins from the set departure date and time as outlined in the itinerary provided by NA.

§ 5.6 The right to compensation does not apply if the deviation is due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances such as strikes, natural disasters, terrorism, or war.

§ 5.7 If cancellation of a booking is done less than 24 hours after the booking was completed, you will get a full refund of the deposit payment made when booking your trip.

§ 5.8 If essential elements of the planned trip are not completed, the customer is entitled to a refund, but only for the portions not delivered, where the purchased services were not provided as agreed.

 

§ 6. COMPLAINTS/DISPUTES

§ 6.1 If you believe that there is a lack of conformity in the performance of the contract, you must raise the matter with the tour guide concerning the trip and the captain for all other concerns immediately. If the problem is not rectified and you wish to complain after returning from the trip, you must send your complaint to NA in writing and state your grounds for complaining within 4 weeks of disembarking Norrøna Varg S/Y.

§ 6.2 Any disputes that may arise regarding how the above terms and conditions are to be interpreted can be brought before a dispute resolution body. Disputes are regulated by Norwegian law.

§ 6.3 We disclaim any liability for printing errors in our catalogue, detailed programmes and on our website.

 

§ 7. RIGHTS RELATING TO TEXT AND USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS

In connection with some of our trips, we may publish text and photos at www.adventure.norrona.com/ www.destinations.norrona.com/ NA also makes active use of photos from trips in its market communication. These photos may be used in different media. If you do not wish to appear in such photos, you must inform your tour guide on departure at the latest.

By booking with NA, passengers agree to the terms outlined above, acknowledging the nature of sailing in dynamic environments and the flexibility required for safe and enjoyable travel.