Terms and conditions - Private Charters
Payment Terms
Confirmation of your booking will be advised in writing noting the costs, departure time and departure point, along with other relevant details. An invoice will be forwarded requesting a 30% deposit which is payable within seven (7) days of your confirmation. A further 30% is required 60 days prior, with full payment of the charter required fourteen (14) days prior to sailing.
The charter rate and catering (if applicable) will be charged on confirmed minimum numbers advised fourteen (14) days prior to the charter date. Charters will be charged from the confirmed departure time. Please ensure your group is aware of the correct departure point and the departure time. Additional charges i.e. for extra charter time, guests, beverages, etc. must be paid at the end of your charter on the charter day. If previously arranged, an invoice can be forwarded after your charter, which is payable within seven (7) days of the charter date.
Cancellation Policy & Terms
Due to limited vessel availability, once your booking has been confirmed and should a cancellation occur, the following charges will apply;
Within 60 days of the charter date 30% of the full charter costs.
Within 30 days of the charter date 50% of the full charter costs.
Within 7 days of the charter date 75% of the full charter costs.
If cancellation occurs within 24 hours of the charter time, the full cost of catering will be added if catering supplies have been obtained by Fiji Island Cruises. If catering arrangements are made direct with Ocean Sailing Expeditions caterers and/or client’s external caterers, the cancellation terms and conditions of the catering company contracted will apply. Fiji Island Cruises accept no responsibility for these external agreements and/or terms & conditions.
In the event the Captain decides it is imprudent to put to sea due to inclement weather (or forecast inclement weather) prior to guest arrival, or within 24 hours of charter departure, a credit note to the value of all monies paid will be issued, which can be used against a future charter within 90 days, subject to availability.
If the weather conditions at the time of the charter departure (or forecast weather conditions) prevent the vessel safely departing Denerau Marina (or any other designated berth) within 6 hours of charter departure or after guest arrival onboard, the charter can still proceed as an ‘Alongside Charter’. Should this occur, the charterer will be compensated with a NZ$1,500 + GST discount on the vessel charter hire, to be refunded into the charterer’s nominated bank account within seven (7) working days from the charter date.
Please note: Boarding is permitted 30 minutes prior to your departure time. It is appreciated if prompt disembarkation of your group can be completed on arrival back to the marina. This is to allow the vessel crew and caterers to carry out post-charter detailing of the vessel. A complimentary 15 minutes has been allowed for you to disembark after your charter is completed.
Unless by prior arrangement, any extra time will be charged at the standby rate. Please advise your group to wear comfortable shoes for their cruise. No stiletto heels or dark / hard soled shoes are allowed on board as they damage the teak decks. Shoes must be removed inside the vessel.
Children
Parents or guardians are solely responsible for the behaviour of children in their care or under their supervision. Under no circumstances is Fiji Island Cruises responsible for the supervision or care of any child whether they are unaccompanied or travelling with their parent or guardian. Children are only permitted on private charters.
Smoking
Smoking, including e-cigarettes and vaporising, is not permitted on Fiji Island Cruise vessel(s).
Sale of Liquor
Alcohol will not be sold or supplied to intoxicated people, minors, or anyone who does not have valid ID identifying them as 18 years or over. The Captain of the vessel reserves the right to stop the supply and/or service of alcoholic beverages. Only approved alcohol may be consumed on the vessel. Customers violating this condition will be required to surrender their alcohol.
Rubbish
The Fiji Islands are precious and need to be looked after, please use the rubbish bins provided on the vessel or take it with you. Please do not dispose of any rubbish overboard.
Pets
Fiji Island Cruises do not permit animals on their vessel(s).
General
All services, sailings and itineraries are subject to change at Fiji Island Cruises’ discretion. Reasons may include, but are not limited to weather and sea conditions, and operational and safety requirements.
Liability & Indemnity of Fiji Island Cruises
Customers travel at their own risk and Fiji Island Cruises will not be responsible for any loss, damage, cost, expense or injury suffered by customers, or loss or damage to a customer's property.
Fiji Island Cruises will not be liable for any loss, damage or delay caused by or arising from an event beyond their control. If there is contributory negligence on the part of a customer or other person, Fiji Island Cruises’ liability is subject to the law relating to contributory negligence. Nothing in these Conditions is intended to limit or replace any rights customers have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993;
The Charterer will indemnify Fiji Island Cruises at all times against any loss, damage or cost suffered or incurred by Fiji Island Cruises as a direct or indirect result of a breach by the Charterer of its obligations under these Conditions.
Luggage & Personal Belongings
Crew may determine whether luggage is acceptable as carry-on luggage, based on space in the vessel, safety and the size of the luggage. All luggage taken on-board is carried at the owner’s/guest’s risk;
Fiji Island Cruises accepts no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged luggage;
All luggage must be stored in designated luggage areas.
Our liability for intentional damage or loss is limited and proof of value may be required;
All goods are carried at the discretion of the Captain of the vessel;
Filming & Audio
Commercial use of video, photography or audio recording equipment without permission of Fiji Island Cruises is prohibited.
Code of Conduct
Captain and Crew instructions must always be followed while boarding or disembarking, and throughout the duration of the cruise. Fiji Island Cruises’ Captain and Crew reserve the right to refuse travel on our vessel to any person, or to remove any person, who:
is deemed unruly; or
is using abusive or offensive language; or
is in an unclean state; or
is unfit to travel, including but not limited to any person under the influence (or suspected to be) of drugs or alcohol; or
is likely to cause distress or discomfort to other guests or vessel crew; or
has engaged in any unlawful activities affecting either directly or indirectly Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew or other guests; or
is contravening or breaching any of the General Terms and conditions; or
is failing to follow any safety or operational instructions issued by Fiji Island Cruises’ crew; or
for any other reason where the safety or security of crew or guests may be at risk.
The Captain and Crew have the right to inspect the contents of any guests luggage for any noxious plant or animal pest on any service whose destination is environmentally protected.
The Captain of the vessel has the right to refuse access on any service to any guest carrying any noxious plant or animal pest. We want our guests to have a comfortable and enjoyable trip with us, so we ask that you observe our Code of Conduct while travelling with Fiji Island Cruises.
Terms and conditions - Scheduled Cruises
This an approved and licensed, professionally managed, international yacht charter business.
Do’s and Don’ts
These are ocean going yachts and safety is our highest priority at all times. As a guest you agree to the following;
Observe all safety procedures, training and instruction provided.
Only use safety equipment as instructed and when requested by your crew.
To take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well-being aboard.
Any alcohol consumption onboard is to be in moderation. Wine, beer and manufactured pre-mix drinks can be bought onboard or will be supplied / sold. No hard spirits or home made alcohol can be brought onboard. Excess alcohol contributes to poor sleep, sea sickness and anti-social behaviour. This is not a ‘booze cruise’ and ‘excessive drinking sessions’ are not tolerated, for the benefit of all onboard.
No illegal drugs are to be brought on board. Any prescription or allergy medication must be stored in the ships medical cabinet while aboard.
No smoking or vaping is permitted onboard the yachts, tenders, kayaks, paddle boards or around any other Fiji Island Cruises owned equipment. Yachts carry LPG, petrol, diesel and other flammable contents onboard.
To treat everyone aboard with respect regardless of their gender, race, religion, political preferences, age, geographic origin, or prior sailing experience. No yelling, abusive language, socially offensive or threatening behaviour will be tolerated.
To follow all reasonable and lawful requests and directions given to you by your Captain and crew.
Your physical ability
Please tell us upfront if you have any physical limitations including prior injuries, back problems, health issues and anything that will prevent you enjoying your time on board. We can work around most things, but it’s important we know so we don’t put you at risk or in a position you are unlikely to be able to fulfil safely and enjoyably. It’s important that you have a great experience and we will do everything we can to make it possible.
Can you swim? Please let us know if you can’t before undertaking any water activities so we can tailor a flotation device to suit.
While onboard
Each person will be assigned their own personal berth, cabin and storage spaces.
Each person should bring soft gear bags as it makes them easier to store once you stow you clothes and personal items away. No gear is to be stored on the floor, it must be secure and put where it belongs at all times.
Meals & diet
All meals are prepared and supplied aboard. While we provide a wide selection of snacks, you are also welcome to bring those you prefer to eat while at sea if you have specific preferences. Avoiding excessive sugar, fat and caffeine at sea is recommended.
All food should be consumed within the dining or deck areas. No liquids or food at the Bridge (due to potential damage to equipment if spilled) and no food to be consumed in cabins.
Please confirm if you have any dietary limitations or allergies, as we provision to cater to everyone’s needs in the follow up questionnaire we will send you.
Weather & comfort
We set our schedule based on various special events and seasonal weather. We use the latest in Predict Wind weather forecasting technology and commercial weather subscription services, to plan for safe passages at all times. We download updated weather forecasts twice a day while at sea, to ensure we monitor and adapt to any changes in the forecast, that may affect our comfort or passage time.
Reality does not always match the forecast and we have to adapt to the weather we get and manage the yacht to optimise for performance, comfort and safety in all conditions. The schedule and itinerary can be impacted by weather and be amended prior to departure or while underway. Changes in schedule and itinerary do not constitute grounds for a refund.
We are equipped to handle the most extreme weather safely and confidently, but we will always choose to avoid it where possible.
We will support you through all of the challenges you encounter and we have strategies that can help you maximise your comfort and wellbeing. Lots of things are scary in life until you confront them, once you do, you can chalk it up to experience.
Pre & post passage
Before we get started, we will complete a full training and safety induction to ensure you start off confident and comfortable and feel right at home onboard. We have friendly crew that will do their utmost to share their knowledge, to ensure you can play your part from day one onwards. This ensures you get maximum enjoyment.
Other stuff
The itinerary is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. These may include delays due to weather, sea conditions, national holidays and natural disasters. The safety of the vessel and crew is always our priority. Booking flexible flights or those that can be changed for a small fee is recommended. Travel insurance is also an option.
You agree that any photos or video recorded during the event, that include you, can be used at our discretion in any marketing material, on any website or third party channel, without requiring approval from you or making payment to you. This includes content captured and shared by crew and guests onboard on their own devices.
There are no refunds if you decide to arrive late, leave early or depart during any stopover or for failing to provide accurate information about your physical and mental health, medication, allergies and any other omission that leads to the early termination of your place on the crew.
The scheduled dates for the event may change due to unforeseen circumstances and any change will be notified as far as possible in advance and no less than 2 days prior to departure. Date changes do not constitute grounds for cancellation or refund. If you are unable to attend an event due to a date change, a credit note will be issued for 100% of the value you have paid to date, to redeem on a future sailing event of your choice.
In the event the yacht is unable to commence an event or depart on a scheduled event and it is cancelled altogether, we will issue a credit note for 150% of the monies received to date, to redeem on a future sailing event of your choice, whether its an existing booking or new event.
If you act in a socially unacceptable manner or display offensive or threatening behaviour or are uncooperative to the point where it is affecting the enjoyment of others aboard, we have the right to ask that you leave the crew and head home at your own expense. This includes becoming heavily intoxicated and/or consuming or smoking drugs at any time immediately prior to joining the crew, or at any time during the event, whether onboard the vessel or ashore. You agree that any costs or inconvenience caused, are at your expense and you will not seek compensation for costs or damages. The Captain’s decision shall be final if you are asked to leave the crew. The Captain is responsible for the safety of the vessel and welfare of all crew and is required to make decisions for the greater good of all onboard.
Booking and payment policies
Late payment policy - Non-payment of pre-agreed weekly payments under payment option 2 when you register, for more than 4 weeks, without other payment arrangements being agreed to, will be considered a cancellation and the same cancellation policy terms apply as detailed below.
Deposit and decline policy - Once your registration form has been reviewed and approved, you'll receive an invoice for your deposit (and the details of your weekly payment by automatic payment if you have selected option 2). Your deposit is due for payment immediately in order to officially reserve your crew position and is non-refundable. Your weekly payment plan is required to start within 7 days of paying your deposit if you have chosen option 2.
Cancellation policy - If you give or receive written notice of your cancellation at least 60 days before departure, you will not be billed for any final balance. All payments made to date will be refunded as a credit note for the equivalent value, that you can use on an alternative sailing event. You understand that prior to departure, no refund will be given for illness or death. The exception to this is, if we are able to replace your crew position with another person, then any refund is limited to the value paid by the crew member replacing you. Due to the last-minute timing of any cancellation and replacement, it may have to be discounted to fill your vacated position. You understand the importance of taking out a travel insurance policy to cover cancellations initiated by you, which is your own responsibility to obtain.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Yes — we strongly recommend comprehensive Travel Insurance & International Medical Insurance for all guests. To protect your booking and your peace of mind, we encourage all guests to purchase comprehensive travelinsurancethat includes:
Trip cancellation or change of mind
Travel delays or missed flights
Emergency medical care and evacuation
Baggage loss, damage, or delays
24/7 global emergency assistance
Travel Insurance is your safety net if anything stops you from travelling — whether it’s illness or injury (before or during your trip), family emergencies, work commitments, or even a last-minute change of plans. It ensures you don’t bear the financial loss if life gets in the way of your trip.
We also recommend International Medical Insurance, especially for overseas guests. These policies cover medical expenses not included in domestic health plans, including emergency treatment, evacuation, repatriation, and unexpected return flights home.
Please note: We recommend World Nomads, due to the adventure style of sailing activity we undertake.
We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
If your trip is cancelled or interrupted for any reason, we’ll provide a statement of loss upon request to assist with your insurance claim if you prefer a refund. This will reflect the total amount paid toward your reservation.
Assumption of Risk
Each person participating in an event with Fiji Island Cruises waives all claims against Fiji Island Cruises and its directors, shareholders, employees or contractors for injury, accident, illness or death during or by reason of their joining an expedition or cruise with Fiji Island Cruises. I acknowledge that I am aware that during a sailing event on the yacht in which I will be participating, certain risks and dangers may arise, including but not limited to, the hazards of traveling on the open sea, falling overboard, storms, high winds, collision of vessels, shipwreck, travel ashore in remote terrain, the forces of nature, and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities.
I am also aware and clearly understand that Fiji Island Cruises and its directors, shareholders, employees or contractors, will have no liability regarding provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered. I have read the expectations supplied to me by Fiji Island Cruises and agree to abide by the rules on board or ashore, for the duration of the event on the yacht. I understand that although Fiji Island Cruises and its directors, shareholders, employees or contractors may make suggestions as to airlines and travel agents, they assume no liability for injury, damage, delay, irregularity or loss of baggage relating to airline travel.
In consideration of the Agreement with Fiji Island Cruises to participate in this sailing event on the yacht, I hereby agree that I will assume all risk for this trip and I will not make any claims against Fiji Island Cruises and its directors, shareholders, employees or contractors or sue for bodily injury, emotional trauma, death and/or property damage resulting from negligence or unseaworthiness of the vessel, or other acts, however caused, as a result of my participation in this expedition. I, therefore, release, indemnify and discharge Fiji Island Cruises and its booking agents, directors, shareholders, employees or contractors from all claims, actions and demands that I may have for bodily injury, death or property damage arising from my participation in the expedition.
This release of liability, agreement to hold harmless and indemnify, and assumption of risk Agreement is entered into on behalf of all members of my family, including any minors whether accompanied by me or participating unaccompanied. If any person who accompanies me on this trip as part of my family, makes claim, or if a claim is made on their behalf, my estate or I will indemnify and hold harmless; Fiji Island Cruises and its directors, shareholders, employees or contractors from any loss, including reasonable legal fees incurred in the defence of such claim. This Agreement is binding upon my heirs, legal representative and assigns. If any portion of this Agreement is unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect. All applicants are subject to acceptance by Fiji Island Cruises. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been entered into in the State of Queensland, Australia and shall be construed and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Queensland, Australia. In the unlikely event a legal dispute should arise, I agree the dispute shall exclusively be brought before the appropriate court in the Gold Coast Region, in the State of Queensland, Australia. I have carefully read this and understand its terms. I execute it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance.
By accepting the Fiji Island Cruises Terms And Conditions, when registering for an event you accept and are bound by the Fiji Island Cruises Terms And Conditions and any subsequent updates to these terms as set out above.