Booking conditions: A 30% deposit is required at the time of the initial booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to the start date of the charter. Bookings made within 90 days of the start date of the charter, must be paid in full at the time of the initial booking.

Cancellations: Cancellations made more than 120 days prior to the start date of the charter will receive a refund of the monies paid, less €100 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations made more than 90 days prior to the start date of the charter will receive a refund of monies paid less the 30% per person deposit fee. Cancellations made less than 90 days prior to the start date of the charter will receive no refund. To prevent needless hardship in case of emergency cancellation, we strongly recommend purchasing travel/holiday cancellation insurance at the time of the initial payment.

Alterations to the charter: Unexpected circumstances such as the weather, maintenance by the French Canal Authority, lock closures, canal breaches and repairs, low water levels caused by lack of rain or drought conditions, high river levels caused by flood conditions, and/or changes to the yearly maintenance schedule of the French Waterway Authority; may require changes and modifications to our cruise routes and/or excursions. Such changes are rare, but they can occur, and we reserve the right to alter the cruise routes accordingly. A change in routes or excursions cannot be accepted as a cause for cancellation of a charter. Alternative and accessible routes and/or excursions will be chosen in the event of any of the foregoing.

Hazards: It is our intent to provide a safe and carefree cruise for our guests, and we will manage and operate Zwaan van Maaike accordingly. Nevertheless, by booking a charter on Zwaan van Maaike, with Swan Cruises, guests recognise and acknowledge the existence of hazards natural to travel by boat or vehicle or related excursions, such as, but not limited to: slipping, falling, tripping, and/or injuries resulting from collision. Moderate level changes, steps and uneven ground surfaces are a normal part of rural barge cruising. The barge and its owners assume no responsibility or liability for a guest's illness, injury, death or loss or damage of personal property while aboard the barge, its vehicles, or its bicycles, however caused.

Maintenance: The owners of the barge retain the right to change or improve the barge's facilities at any time.

Health factors: Guests agree to advise the owners of the barge in advance of their charter, of any health factors they have which might affect their safety, comfort and enjoyment whilst cruising on the barge.

Insurance: We strongly recommend that guests purchase Insurance against personal accident, illness, holiday cancellation and loss of personal effects, this is not included in the cruise price and no responsibility can be accepted for such accidents or losses. Guests are strongly advised to insure themselves and their belongings.

In the unlikely event that the charter is cancelled by the owners of the barge for circumstances beyond their control,
all sums received shall be returned fully and promptly to the guests and the guests shall have no claim against the owners or their agents. Sums will be prorated if only a portion of the charter is cancelled. There will be no refunds for days missed by guests on the cruise.

These conditions are standard in the European barging industry.

We regret that we cannot carry guests less than 18 years of age unless accompanied by a parent.

Zwaan van Maaike is not suitable for infants or small children, exceptions may be made for families who charter the barge;
however, furnishings, appointments, equipment and fittings are not child-proof and the barge's physical dimensions are scaled for adults.

Pets cannot be carried on the barge, without prior agreement of the owners.

The contract to charter the barge is with Andrew Thompson, trading as Swan Cruises, 39 The Terrace, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1BP, UK.

When making a booking the party leader guarantees that they have the authority to do so and to accept on behalf of the party on the charter, the terms of the booking conditions. A contract exists as soon as the owner receives the completed Confirm Booking form and the issue of the Booking Confirmation. By accepting this Contract as the party leader, this is confirmation that all persons on the Booking Form are suitable to undertake the charter. The details of the Booking Confirmation should be carefully checked to ensure that it accurately reflects the booking requested and inform the owners of any discrepancies, within 3 working days.

This contract is made on the terms of these booking conditions which are governed by English Law and both parties agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the English Courts at all times.