Booking Terms & Conditions – Lofoten Explorer

Last Updated: November 1, 2020

By booking an activity with Lofoten Explorer, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions. These conditions apply to all activities operated by Lofoten Explorer unless otherwise specified.

1. General Booking Conditions

• All bookings are subject to availability and confirmation.

• Customers are responsible for providing accurate personal and contact information.

• A booking is considered confirmed once a booking confirmation has been issued.

• All participants must comply with instructions provided by Lofoten Explorer staff and captains.

• Lofoten Explorer reserves the right to refuse participation when safety requirements are not met.

2. Booking and Payment

• All prices are displayed in Norwegian Kroner (NOK) unless otherwise stated.

• Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise agreed.

• Customers will receive a booking confirmation by email after successful payment.

• Bookings made through third-party agents or booking platforms may be subject to additional terms and conditions.

• Private tours, corporate events, and group reservations may have separately agreed payment arrangements.

3. Cancellation by the Customer

• Free Cancellation: Guests may cancel their booking at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure and receive a full refund (100%).

• Late Cancellation: Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled departure are non-refundable.

• No-Shows: Guests who fail to arrive for their scheduled departure are not entitled to a refund.

• Late Arrivals: Guests arriving too late to participate in their booked activity will be considered no-shows and are not entitled to a refund.

• Cancellation Requests: All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to Lofoten Explorer or through the original booking platform.

• Third-Party Bookings: Bookings made through third-party platforms or travel agencies may be subject to the cancellation conditions agreed upon at the time of booking.

• Private Tours and Group Bookings: Separate cancellation policies may apply to private charters, corporate events, and group reservations, as specified in the booking agreement.

• Statutory Rights: These conditions do not affect any mandatory rights under applicable Norwegian law.

Important: To qualify for a full refund, cancellation must be received at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time.

4. Cancellation by Lofoten Explorer

Lofoten Explorer reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify an activity due to:

• Unsafe weather or sea conditions.

• Technical or mechanical issues.

• Operational or safety-related circumstances.

• Restrictions imposed by relevant authorities.

• Other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

If Lofoten Explorer cancels an activity before departure, customers will be offered:

• An alternative departure, subject to availability, or

• A full refund (100%) of the cancelled activity.

Lofoten Explorer is not responsible for additional travel expenses, accommodation costs, or other indirect losses resulting from cancellations, except where required by applicable law.

5. Weather and Sea Conditions

• All activities are subject to weather and sea conditions.

• The captain has final operational authority regarding whether a tour can safely proceed.

• Routes, destinations, and itineraries may be adjusted due to weather, sea conditions, or safety considerations.

• Wildlife sightings, including sea eagles, whales, and other marine animals, cannot be guaranteed.

• Changes to the route or itinerary do not automatically entitle customers to a refund when the booked service is substantially delivered.

• Safety is always our highest priority.

6. Safety and Participation Requirements

• All participants must follow the captain's instructions at all times.

• Safety equipment provided by Lofoten Explorer must be worn as instructed.

• All participants must attend the mandatory safety briefing before departure.

• Minimum age, height, and other participation requirements may vary depending on the activity.

• Participants must inform Lofoten Explorer of any relevant health conditions, injuries, pregnancy, or mobility limitations that may affect safe participation.

• Lofoten Explorer reserves the right to refuse participation if a guest is considered unfit to participate safely.

• Participation under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.

• Guests who fail to comply with safety instructions may be denied participation without a refund, subject to applicable law.

7. Arrival and Check-In

• Guests must arrive at the designated meeting point at the time specified in their booking confirmation.

• Sufficient time must be allowed for check-in, changing into safety equipment, and attending the safety briefing.

• Departures cannot be delayed for late-arriving guests.

• Guests who miss their departure due to late arrival are considered no-shows and are not entitled to a refund.

• Guests are responsible for planning their transportation and arriving on time.

8. Clothing and Personal Belongings

• Lofoten Explorer provides appropriate safety equipment for its activities.

• Guests should wear suitable clothing and footwear for the weather conditions.

• Personal belongings brought on board are carried at the owner's risk, subject to applicable law.

• We recommend securing cameras, mobile phones, and other valuables.

• Lofoten Explorer is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings unless liability arises under applicable law.

9. Wildlife and Environmental Responsibility

• Lofoten Explorer operates with respect for wildlife, nature, and local communities.

• Wildlife encounters take place in natural environments and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

• Captains may adjust routes, speeds, or distances to protect animals and their natural habitats.

• Guests must not disturb, feed, or interfere with wildlife unless expressly permitted by the captain and applicable regulations.

• We are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism.

10. Private Tours and Group Bookings

• Private tours, corporate events, and group reservations may be subject to separate booking agreements.

• Payment schedules, cancellation deadlines, minimum participant numbers, and other conditions will be specified in the relevant booking confirmation or agreement.

• Special arrangements must be confirmed in writing.

• Changes to confirmed group bookings are subject to availability and the agreed booking conditions.

11. Liability and Insurance

• Lofoten Explorer maintains insurance coverage as required by applicable Norwegian law.

• Guests are encouraged to have appropriate personal travel insurance.

• Participants must follow all safety instructions to minimize risks.

• Lofoten Explorer does not exclude or limit liability where such exclusion or limitation is prohibited by law.

• Nothing in these terms affects mandatory consumer rights or rights arising under applicable maritime or other legislation.

12. Photography and Video

• Photography and filming for personal use are generally permitted, provided they do not interfere with safety or other participants.

• The use of drones or professional filming equipment may require prior approval.

• Lofoten Explorer will obtain an appropriate legal basis before using identifiable images or videos of guests for marketing purposes.

13. Complaints and Customer Support

• Guests are encouraged to report any concerns as soon as possible.

• Complaints should be submitted in writing with relevant booking information.

• Lofoten Explorer will review complaints in accordance with applicable consumer protection legislation.

• Guests retain their statutory rights to seek remedies or dispute resolution.

14. Governing Law

• These booking terms and conditions are governed by Norwegian law.

• Any disputes will be handled in accordance with applicable Norwegian legislation and mandatory consumer protection rules.

15. Contact Information

For questions regarding bookings, cancellations, or these terms and conditions, please contact:

Lofoten Explorer

Svolvær, Lofoten, Norway

Website: www.lofoten-explorer.no

Email: post@lofoten-explorer.no

By completing a booking with Lofoten Explorer, you confirm that you have read and accepted these Booking Terms & Conditions, subject to your statutory rights.