Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Please read the terms and conditions of this Participant Contract (the «Contract») carefully as they constitute the complete and entire legally binding agreement between you and us as to the subject matter discussed below.

The terms and conditions of this contract apply to the land arrangements as well as to all other products or services of any kind whatsoever provided for or arranged by Connections AS (and hereunder Connections Ferie). These terms and conditions represent the entire agreement and a binding contract between Connections AS and the customer.

These provisions supersede any oral or written representations. The package tours are subject to the provisions of the Act no. 57 of 25 August 1995 Relating to Package Tours («Package Tours Act»). Copies of the Package Tours Acts, in Norwegian and in English, are on file with Connections AS and available upon request. The terms and conditions of this contract are drawn up in accordance with the Package Tours Act, and the regulations laid down by the Norwegian Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion. However, in case of conflict between this contract and the Norwegian Package Tours Act, this contract shall take precedence.

1. CONTRACT

Your contract partner is Connections AS. When used in this contract, «you,» or «customer» means each person whose name appears on the face of the reservations. «Connections,» «Connections Ferie», «we,» and «us,» means Connections AS and its subsidiary, parent companies and agents.

When you book travel with us, this contract is regarded as binding once Connections AS receives the first payment from you that is required under section 4 below. Connections is then responsible for delivering the products/arrangements you have booked while you are financially responsible for the booking. The moment you make a booking you are confirming at the same time that you have the authority to accept these terms and conditions on behalf of yourself and any travel companions. You accept responsibility for payment to us for all customers in your booking. The customer is solely responsible for ensuring that the actual reservation corresponds with the booking made.

As the person making the booking you are also responsible for ensuring that the names on all documents are correct and in accordance with the passports of all customers for whom you are making the booking. As the person making the booking you will also be responsible for ensuring that all travel companions in the booking are kept fully informed of what was booked and any changes that may arise.

Always quote your booking number when contacting Connections.

2. GOVERNING LAW AND FORUM SELECTION CLAUSE

Any disputes and matters of whatsoever nature between the customer and Connections shall be governed by Norwegian law. Such disputes and matters shall be litigated in and before a court of law in the city of Sandefjord, Norway.

3. GUARANTEE

Connections at all times provides the statutory guarantee for package tours from:

The Norwegian Travel Guarantee Fund
Post box 227
N4001 STAVANGER
Norway

4. PAYMENT

Payment is due immediately for all bookings which have a total price of less than NOK 500,-, including taxes and additional charges. For all other bookings, payment is due as follows:

A fixed deposit of minimum NOK 500,- (approximately 50,- EUR) per person is due immediately.
The full amount due must be paid at least 8-6 weeks before departure.

If you fail to make any payment by the date on which it is due under this contract, Connections  reserves the right to cancel the booking, keep the deposit and demand a cancellation fee in accordance with Section 9 below. In the event of special promotions, the total amount may be due immediately at the time of booking. Your travel documents will be sent as soon as Connections has received payment, normally no later than 4 weeks prior to departure.

5. PRICES

The fares set forth in this contract is stated in NOK (Norwegian Kroner), is per person based on double occupancy and does not include air transportation, unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing by Connections. The fare does not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to, laundry, liquor, beer, or wine. The full and correct price of the trip is given before a booking is confirmed, except as set forth below.

Connections Reisecompaniet reserves the right to add certain specified additional charges to the price of your booking such as, for example, a fuel surcharge, in the event that there may be increased costs or if an airline raises rates or imposes surcharges up to 30 days before departure. Connections reserves the right to collect the fare in effect at the time, and as a condition, of embarkation. Should prices be reduced as a result of the same changes mentioned above, the price adjustment will be credited to you.

In the event of price increases of more than 10 percent, you retain the right to cancel your booking at no charge, with a full refund of all amounts paid. Should you wish to cancel your booking as mentioned above, notification of this must be received by Connections at the below address, at least 14 days from the date of the new invoice showing the increase in price.

6. AIR TRAVEL

You may choose to book your airfare through Connections. However, all such arrangements are made by us solely as your authorized agent and for your convenience and are at your risk. Air travel providers, owners, and operators are independent contractors and are not acting as agents or representatives of Connections. Connections does not undertake to supervise or control such independent contractors or their employees, and makes no representation, express or implied, as to their suitability or safety. Connections shall not be liable for any delay, damage, injury, death, or loss of any kind whatsoever due to the acts, omissions, or negligence of any air travel providers, owners, operators, or their employees or agents.

The flight price will be quoted upon request and the quote will be provided within 72 hours. Once you accept the quoted flight price, you must pay that amount in full within 24 hours of your acceptance. Please note that some flight prices require a local airport fee to be paid in cash by the customer. Such costs are not included in the agreed price for the booking. Airline tickets issued may not be reissued or exchanged for another air carrier or routing. Cancellation or re-booking charges will be assessed by the airline for any changes and these additional costs are the sole responsibility of the customer.

According to the European Parliament and Council Regulation no. 261/2004 you have the right under certain circumstances to a refund and/or compensation from the airline if you are refused boarding of the flight or in cases where flights are cancelled or takeoff is extremely delayed. You must claim such refund or compensation directly from the airline company. Refunds in such cases will not automatically give you the right to a refund of your costs from us. In cases where delays can result in the right to cancel a flight with the selected air travel provider, this will not automatically give you the right to cancel or receive a refund for any other arrangements with us, even if they were agreed on in connection with the flight concerned unless and to the extent we caused the delay.

7. CHANGES TO BOOKING BY CUSTOMER

Changes to bookings are considered cancellations and incur all associated fees pursuant to section 9 of this contract. Minor adjustments to bookings may permitted at Connections’s sole discretion, such as upgrades in accommodation or the addition of excursions or add-ons. For any such adjustments Connections reserves the right to charge you an administrative fee of NOK 850,- per person per adjustment, payment of which shall be a condition of participation.

Changes in air travel and other arrangements may also be subject to change fees and/or increases by the air carrier, for which the customer shall be solely responsible. Please review the documents and instructions that were sent to you.

8. TRANSFER OF BOOKING

This contract is personal and cannot be assigned, sold, or transferred to persons other than the customer without the express written consent of Connections.

9. TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN

We recommend that all passengers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment from unexpected events such as cancellations, delays, and medical emergencies. Please read the cancellation policy below. Connections can not offer any Cancellation Protection for others than Norwegian Citizens.

10. CANCELLATION BY CUSTOMER

You or anyone in the booking have/has the right to cancel the booking at any time. All cancellations must be done in writing by the person who has made the booking. The cancellation is effective
on the date that Connections receives the cancellation request at the address provided via e-mail to: ferie@connections.no. Please Note: There is no refund on bookings that cost less than NOK 500,- (including taxes and additional charges).

Cancellation fees are calculated according to the following schedule for all other bookings:

For trips that are based on prepaid flights, including any airfare we book on your behalf, the airline company’s booking and cancellation rules will apply to the air portion. The same applies to any connection travel that does not form part of this booking. You will be responsible for all such costs.

There is no refund of any or all of the booking price for customers who do not show up at the starting point of the travel, or who disembark prior to the end of their ticketed itinerary. If you have to cancel your booking for reasons that are covered by your travel protection plan, you must apply for a refund from your insurance company for the cancellation fee of your own accord. Insurance premiums are not refundable. Cancellation charges are calculated based on total fares paid to Connections for all trip components. Cancellation charges will apply notwithstanding that Connections is able to rebook the travel in question.

11. CANCELLATION, DEVIATION, OR SUBSTITUTION BY CONNECTIONS AS

You agree that Connections has the sole discretion and freedom to take all actions necessary to comply with orders, recommendations or directions from any governmental entity or persons purporting to act with such authority, including but not limited to those pertaining to health, security, immigration, customs, or safety.

Connections reserves the right to cancel any trip or booking without liability or compensation to you, provided such cancellation is due to circumstances that are beyond Connections’ control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, piracy, terrorism, civil strife, labor conflicts, weather conditions or mechanical breakdown  («force majeure events»).

12. CUSTOMER’S AGREEMENT TO ABIDE BY CONNECTIONS’ REGULATIONS

You agree to abide by Connections’ rules at all times while participating on our trips. Connections reserves the right, without liability of any kind, to refuse passage to or disembark, any customer who may be suffering from any contagious or infectious disease, refuses to obey this contract, endangers the safety of himself or herself, other customers, or whose presence, in Connections’ sole discretion, may be detrimental to the comfort, enjoyment, or safety of other customers. Each customer may bring along a reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects without charge, subject to airline restrictions.

However, you must not bring or cause to be brought along any of the following items: illegal or controlled substances, fireworks, live animals (except service or guide animals), weapons, firearms, explosives or other hazardous materials, or any other items prohibited by applicable law. You shall not solicit anyone for any commercial, professional, or charitable purposes. Connections reserves the right to refuse to embark any one failing to comply with this provision.

In such cases, Connections shall have no liability whatsoever to the customer for any refund or any other related loss or expense to the customer and any accompanying customers.

13. COMPLAINTS

Should you believe that you have grounds to complain about an arrangement, the conditions must be pointed out underway to the applicable travel guide and/or representatives of hotels, agents, airlines, etc., who will seek to correct any errors. You are also obliged to minimize your own losses as far as possible. If the incident is not addressed satisfactorily on-site, you may send in a written complaint. Any written complaints must be submitted directly to Connections within 4 weeks of the end of the trip at the latest, unless special circumstances demand a reasonable extension of the deadline for submitting complaints. The complaint must contain the reservation number and a description of the incident as well as any claims made. Connections makes no guarantee of any redress or particular response to any complaints.

14. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Connections’ liability is limited to you under this contract. Connections is not liable to you for any loss, injury, death, property damage, delay, or harm of any kind caused by or arising from events outside of Connections’ reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, piracy, terrorism, civil strife, labor conflicts, weather conditions, or mechanical breakdown. Connections shall not be liable or responsible to the customer in any way for any injury, death, illness, delay, loss, or damage not shown to be caused by Connections’ negligence or fault. Connections is also not liable for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering, or psychological injury of any kind that does not result from a physical injury to the customer, actual risk of physical injury to the customer, or intentionally inflicted by Connections.

Connections shall not be liable for money, securities, and other valuables such as gold, silver, jewels, watches, ornaments, financial instruments, and works of art.

15. NOTICE OF CLAIMS AND TIME TO SUE

Connections shall not be liable for any claims for personal injury, death, loss or damage to luggage or personal property, unless suit on such claims is commenced within two years from the date of end of travel. For all other claims, Connections shall not be liable unless suit is commenced within one year from the date of end of travel.

16. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISKS

There are certain unavoidable risks to the customer and the customer’s property associated with participating in tours and excursions. These include, but are not limited to, rough and unpredictable weather and seas;  illnesses caused by consumption of food and beverages; slip and fall due to the motion of the sea or other causes; lack of access to medical services; civil unrest or terrorism; evacuation in an emergency; unpredictable behavior of animals in the wild; and breakdown of equipment. The customer warrants that the customer and any passengers for whom the customer is responsible are fit to travel, and warrants that the customer will only engage in those activities that are within the customer’s physical ability and experience. The customer agrees to assume all the risks associated with the tours and excursions.

17. NO LIABILITY FOR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

You may be afforded the opportunity to contract with third parties acting as independent parties for the provision of personal services and excursions. You acknowledge that all excursions, tours, airline flights, ground transportation, and hotels are either operated by or are independent contractors. While Connections shall be entitled to collect a fee for such services, Connections does not supervise or control the actions of these independent contractors, or make any representation either express or implied as to their suitability or competence. Connections, in arranging such services, does so only as a convenience for the customer and the customer is free to use or not use those services. Connections does not assume any responsibility for or guarantee performance of any such independent contractors. Connections shall not be liable for any negligent, grossly negligent, or intentional acts or omissions of such independent contractors, nor for any loss, damage, injury, or delay to the customer or the customer’s property in connection with such services.

The fees and costs for excursions, tours, airline flights, ground transportation, hotels, or any other services provided by independent contractors which the customer orders but does not use are neither refundable by Connections nor exchangeable.

18. INDEMNITY FROM DAMAGE

You and your traveling companions must behave in a manner that is not a nuisance to other passengers and that will not cause safety or practical problems for the trip or any independent contractors. The customer shall be liable to and shall reimburse Connections for all damages or loss to Connections’ property, and for all damages or loss to independent contractors and other Connections passengers, caused directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by any act or omission of the customer and those for whom the customer is responsible, whether willful or negligent. The customer shall further indemnify Connections and all of its agents or representatives against all liability whatsoever arising from any personal injury, death, damage, delay, or loss caused directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, by any act or omission of the customer and those for whom the customer is responsible, whether willful or negligent.

19. MEDICAL CARE AND NOTICE OF SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Prior to entering the trip, you must notify us of any medical condition for which you or any person accompanying you may require either medical attention or accommodation during the trip, including but not limited to food allergies, or for which the use of a wheelchair or service animal is required. The customer assumes all risks arising out of the customer’s personal medical condition prior to the trip, whether or not that condition is disclosed to Connections. If you or anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair, you must provide your own. Connections strongly recommends that customers with physical disabilities or medical conditions that may require special assistance before, during, or after the voyage be accompanied by someone who is able to assist, as Connections is unable to offer such services. Medical facilities are limited, and there may be circumstances beyond Connections’ control that may prevent or delay a medical evacuation.

Connections shall not be liable for any aspect of medical treatment provided to the customer, including, but not limited to, the con sequences of any examination, advice, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis or other services that such doctor or medical personnel may furnish the customer. Connections makes no warranty as to the quality of any medical services. The customer shall be charged for, and shall pay for, medical services and for medication and supplies used for his or her medical treatment. The customer shall also be responsible for the payment of any medical expenses incurred underway.

It is of great importance that you do not join a trip with Connections without having a valid Travel insurance that will cover any medical matter.

20. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Your specific passport and visa requirements as well as any other immigration requirements are your own responsibility and you must clarify this with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. We do not accept any responsibility in situations where you cannot travel because you do not meet the latest requirements. If you have made independent travel arrangements, you are responsible for entering the tour  in good time, regard less of any changes to the sailing times and dates or travel routes. We cannot refund monies paid to us, or a third party that acts on our or your behalf, or give compensation or make any payments when you, regardless of the reason, do not meet on time.

21. VALIDITY OF WEB CONTENT & BROCHURE

Connections’ information online, or in the travel brochure and the information contained in it, including prices and itineraries, is subject to change without notice at the discretion of Connections. Connections is not liable or responsible for any typographical errors and/or omissions. We reserve the right to at any time change the travel information and correct any mistakes in Connections’ brochure or web content. Should changes be made to the brochure before you have made your booking, we will attempt to advise you thereof before confirmation of bookings.

22. PROTECTION OF PRIVACY

In order to process your reservation, Connections needs some basic information. This includes names, address, any special requirements/dietary requirements, etc. We take all precautions to ensure that the information will not be misused. Nevertheless, we must pass on the necessary information to certain in dependent contractors that are involved in your travel plans. This applies, for example, to airlines, ships, hotels, and transport companies. The information may also be given to credit companies and government authorities such as customs/immigration, if required. We will never give out this type of information to private individuals or companies that are not directly responsible for part(s) of your trip. This applies particularly to sensitive information that you provide, such as details on any disabilities, special dietary requirements or religious needs. If you do not accept that we pass on such information if required to do so, we reserve the right to reject your booking.

Connections shall not be responsible for any third party’s protection of your privacy. Should you wish to have a copy of personal information that we have registered about you, you are welcome to contact us. Connections may also contact you by email and/or telephone with news, information, travel offers and marketing surveys. If you do not wish to be contacted for such purposes please advise us of this by email to: ferie@connections.no.

23. PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOS OF CUSTOMER

During the course of your trip, Connections may produce photographic, video, and/or audio-video recordings («images»), which may be made available to passengers and may also be used by Connections in advertising and promoting its products. The customer consents to the making of images including the customer’s appearance, words, and voice, while the customer is engaged in the voyage, and grants to Connections the irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free right to use, reuse, publish, republish, and disseminate such images and any copies or derivative works from such images in any manner for promotional and other commercial purposes, in any medium and without restriction as to changes or alterations, or reproductions thereof in color or otherwise. The customer releases and assigns to Connections the right or interest the customer may have in images including the customer’s appearance and/or voice recorded by Connections’ employees, agents, or contractors, and waives any rights of any kind in or over such images including rights of compensation, publicity, privacy, copyright, review, inspection, or approval.

24. SEVERABILITY

In the event any paragraph, clause or provision of this contract is deemed invalid or illegal in any jurisdiction, such paragraph or provision shall be deemed reformed to the extent necessary to render it enforceable, so long as consistent with the basic purpose of the paragraph, clause, or provision. If the paragraph, clause, or provision is not reformable, it shall be deemed severed from this contract in that jurisdiction only and all remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

23. CONTACT INFORMATION

Connections AS
Kongens gate 2 A, 3210 Sandefjord
Norway
Phone number: +47 22 42 70 44
ferie@connections.no
www.connections.no