Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to Cruising South Africa. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website and services, including cruise bookings and shuttle transfer services. By using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Please read these Terms carefully before making any bookings. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use our services.

2. Service Description

2.1 Cruise Booking Services

Cruising South Africa acts as an authorised reseller for MSC Cruises. We facilitate cruise bookings on your behalf but are not the cruise operator. Your cruise contract is with MSC Cruises, and their terms and conditions also apply to your booking.

2.2 Shuttle Transfer Services

We provide shuttle transfer services between various locations in KwaZulu-Natal and the Durban cruise terminal. As the official Durban Office Shuttle Operator since 1992, we coordinate these transfers directly.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Making a Booking

When you submit a booking enquiry through our website or contact us directly, you are requesting a reservation. A booking is only confirmed once:

• We have confirmed availability
• You have received written confirmation from us
• The required deposit or full payment has been received

3.2 Accuracy of Information

You are responsible for ensuring all information provided during the booking process is accurate and complete, including:

• Passenger names (as per travel documents)
• Contact details
• Travel dates
• Passport/ID details
• Special requirements or requests

Incorrect information may result in additional charges or denied boarding.

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Cruise Bookings

• Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your cruise booking. The amount varies depending on the cruise and cabin type.
• Balance Payment: Full payment is typically due 90 days before departure. Bookings made within 90 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
• Late Payment: Failure to pay by the due date may result in automatic cancellation of your booking.

4.2 Shuttle Services

• Shuttle services may be paid in advance or at the time of service, depending on the booking arrangement.
• Online shuttle bookings may require advance payment.

4.3 Accepted Payment Methods

We accept:

• Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
• Credit/Debit cards
• Cash payments (in person only)

All prices are quoted in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise stated.

5. Cancellation Policy

5.1 Cruise Cancellations

Cancellation fees are determined by MSC Cruises and vary depending on when you cancel:

• 90+ days before departure: Loss of deposit
• 89-60 days before departure: 50% of total cruise fare
• 59-30 days before departure: 75% of total cruise fare
• 29 days or less: 100% of total cruise fare (no refund)

These are general guidelines; specific cancellation terms may vary. Please refer to your booking confirmation for exact terms.

5.2 Shuttle Cancellations

• 48+ hours before pickup: Full refund or free rebooking
• 24-48 hours before pickup: 50% refund
• Less than 24 hours: No refund

5.3 How to Cancel

All cancellation requests must be made in writing via email to Email Us. The cancellation date is the date we receive your written request.

6. Changes to Bookings

Booking changes are subject to availability and may incur additional fees. Changes include:

• Date changes
• Cabin category changes
• Name corrections
• Adding or removing passengers

Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes to your booking.

7. Travel Documents

It is your responsibility to ensure you have valid travel documents, including:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates
• Required visas for destinations visited
• Unabridged birth certificates for minors (where required)
• Any health documentation required

Cruising South Africa is not responsible for denied boarding or entry due to inadequate documentation.

8. Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers:

• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Medical emergencies and evacuation
• Lost or delayed luggage
• Personal liability

Travel insurance is your responsibility to arrange. We can recommend insurance providers upon request.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Cruise Services

As a booking agent, Cruising South Africa acts as an intermediary between you and MSC Cruises. We are not liable for:

• Acts or omissions of MSC Cruises or their employees
• Changes to cruise itineraries or schedules
• Onboard facilities or services
• Personal injury or property damage during the cruise

9.2 Shuttle Services

While we take all reasonable precautions, our liability for shuttle services is limited to:

• The cost of the shuttle service booked
• We are not liable for delays caused by traffic, weather, or circumstances beyond our control
• We recommend allowing adequate time for transfers

9.3 Force Majeure

We are not liable for any failure to perform our obligations due to events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, civil unrest, or government actions.

10. Complaints

If you have a complaint about our services:

• Contact us immediately so we can attempt to resolve the issue
• For cruise-related complaints, notify onboard staff during your cruise
• Submit formal complaints in writing within 28 days of your return

Email complaints to: Email Us

11. Website Use

By using our website, you agree to:

• Use the website for lawful purposes only
• Not attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Not reproduce or redistribute website content without permission

12. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is the property of Cruising South Africa or our licensors and is protected by copyright law.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.

14. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: