Client/Agent Contract
Let’s start a relationship which takes us further
These booking conditions are in addition to those of my parent company; Distinctive Journeys, and those of any cruise line or tour operator.
Bespoke Cruise Holidays acts either as a principal (organiser) or as an agent for third-party travel suppliers such as cruise lines, airlines, hotels, and tour operators.
Where we act as organiser, your booking will be protected under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Where we act as agent only, your contract will be with the relevant supplier and their terms and conditions will also apply.
Please read all information carefully before entering into a contract to use my travel services as your agent.
Enquiring about a cruise holiday with me, establishes a travel agent/client contract.
Professional Concierge & Service Fee
As an independent accredited luxury cruise specialist, travel consultant, and franchisee, I provide a highly personalised service from your initial enquiry through to your return home. I am available to answer questions, provide advice and assist with your arrangements throughout your journey.
My holidays are personally researched and tailored to your requirements, taking into account your preferences, budget and the level of service and arrangements involved. To reflect the time, expertise and personal service that goes into this work, a Concierge & Service Fee is payable before your personalised quotation is prepared.
The fee is per booking & based on the level of planning and arrangements required:
Cruise only: £100
Cruise with flights, hotels and transfers: £200
Fully bespoke cruise holiday: From £250
The exact fee for a fully bespoke holiday will be confirmed with you before any work begins.
If you proceed with your booking, your Concierge & Service Fee will be credited in full towards the final balance of your holiday.
This fee covers the time involved in researching, sourcing and preparing your personalised options and itinerary. It also reflects the independent, personal service I provide throughout the booking process.
The Concierge & Service Fee is non-refundable and will be retained in a Protected Trust Services account to cover the time, research and work undertaken on your behalf.
The fee will not be refunded if:
you decide not to proceed with a booking after receiving your personalised quotation; or
you subsequently cancel your booking, whether before or after the final payment date.
Where you proceed with a booking, the Concierge & Service Fee will be credited in full towards the final balance of your holiday.
This ensures that my time, expertise and professional advice are fairly recognised, regardless of whether the booking ultimately proceeds.
As a self-employed travel agent & specialist, I invest considerable time in researching and creating your personalised recommendations, and I’m not compensated by the cruise line when a booking does not proceed. I am only paid by the cruise line once you have travelled. The concierge & service fees ensure I am compensated for my time.
My priority is always to deliver a personal experience that allows you to travel with confidence and complete peace of mind.
Cruise Deposit, Cancellation & Penalty Policy
A non-refundable deposit, determined by the cruise line, is required to secure any booking. However, payments can be made in instalments, with the final balance due no later than three months before departure.
Once your deposit is received and your cruise is confirmed, your reservation is secured with the cruise line and becomes subject to their published cancellation schedule.
Like most holidays, cancellation terms operate on a graduated scale. From the time your booking is confirmed, penalties may apply should you need to cancel, and these typically increase as your sailing date approaches - up to 100% of the total cost.
If you choose to cancel your cruise for any reason, the applicable penalty charges are determined and retained entirely by the cruise line. Requests to change or cancel your booking must be made in writing.
In the unlikely event of a significant change or cancellation by the supplier, we will inform you as soon as possible and offer suitable alternatives or a refund where applicable.
Because cruise investments are significant, I strongly encourage the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance to protect your journey.
As always, I am here to guide you through the details and ensure you feel fully informed and comfortable before confirming your plans.
By submitting your deposit, you acknowledge and accept the cruise line’s cancellation terms and policies.
All monies paid to Bespoke Cruise Holidays are handled in accordance with applicable financial protection arrangements. All funds are held in a designated Protected Trust Services account.
Booking & Payment Information - determined by the cruise line
Non-refundable deposit required to secure any booking
Flexible Payment Options: Instalments available
Final balance due no later than 3 months before departure (Dependent on the cruise line)
Non-disclosure of suppliers
To create your perfect, bespoke itinerary, I often work with multiple trusted suppliers, each contributing to different elements of your journey. Because of this, and due to the complexity of tailor-made travel planning, your quote will be presented as a complete package.
Please note: itemised pricing is not available, even in cases where a single supplier is involved. For more complex itineraries, travel partners typically do not disclose individual component pricing, as the value lies in the seamless experience created from start to finish.
Rest assured, every detail is carefully curated to deliver the best value, service, and experience for your unique journey.
Group travel terms & conditions
Non-Refundable Deposits: Groups of more than 8 people require non-refundable deposits to secure reservations.
Group pricing and benefits are often based on minimum passenger numbers. If numbers fall below the required minimum, pricing, amenities, or hosted elements may be amended or withdrawn.
Travel Insurance: It is strongly recommended to have mandatory travel insurance to recover costs in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Cancellations & Penalties: Cancellations will incur penalties unless a replacement traveller is found.
Reservation Transfers: Guests may transfer their reservation to another traveller but will not receive a refund.
Payment Plans: Payment plans are available, with non-refundable milestone payments.
Strict Payment Terms: Payments must be made in stages, with strict non-refundable terms applying after certain dates.
Passports, visas, Travel Insurance & vaccines
Unless you tell us otherwise, we are entitled to assume that all members of your party are British citizens who hold or will hold full British passports valid for the entire duration of the arrangements you chose to purchase.
The information around passport requirements is available on the UK Government website. Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and including 6 months validity from the expected return date.
For visa and entry information, please see the Foreign Travel Advice website. The ultimate responsibility for all requirements lies with the traveller, not with me. Further advice is available on the ABTA website.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of travel and return to the UK. This also applies to the research and application of any visa requirements for your intended holiday destinations.
Please ensure that you have checked the immunisations required for your destination. Further advice is available on the NHS website.
Travel insurance is typically a requirement for all tour operators and cruise lines, as it provides protection for items not covered by any legal protections. If you choose not to accept the travel insurance offered by the tour operator or cruise line, it will be your sole responsibility to arrange suitable travel insurance that meets your needs as soon as your holiday is booked and a deposit is made.
Please Note: Bespoke Cruise Holidays cannot be held responsible for any travel disruptions resulting from inaccurate or incomplete travel documentation or invalid/missing immunisations. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure all required documents and vaccinations are valid and up to date prior to departure.
Complaints
If you have a complaint during your trip, please raise it with the cruise line or representative immediately to allow the issue to be addressed. Any unresolved complaints should be submitted to us in writing within 28 days of your return.