All guests will, upon boarding S/Y Quest, be required to sign the Terms & Conditions of Carriage and a separate Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk. By booking a trip with Ocean Expeditions Ltd, the guest confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to the Terms & Conditions of Carriage and acknowledge that participation in the voyage is subject to signing the Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk prior to departure.

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Terms & Conditions of Carriage

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Passengers board and sail upon the vessel S/Y Quest, operated by Ocean Expeditions Ltd, subject to the following terms and conditions of carriage.  The Passenger acknowledges having read, understood, and agrees to be bound by them. In boarding S/Y Quest the Passenger acknowledges that international Maritime Law is applicable at all times unless over-ruled by domestic maritime laws of countries entered into throughout the course of the voyage. For the purposes of these Terms, “Carrier” and “Operator” refer to Ocean Expeditions Ltd.

 

(a) Jurisdiction – These Terms of Carriage constitute a binding agreement between the Passenger and the Carrier. Except as otherwise required by mandatory Norwegian law due to operations in Norwegian territory or waters, all disputes arising under these terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the vessel’s flag state and shall be resolved exclusively by the competent courts of the vessel’s flag state. Where Norwegian law applies mandatorily, it shall take precedence for those specific matters, while the remainder of the agreement remains subject to the law of the vessel’s flag state. This includes, without limitation, all operational, safety, environmental, and expedition-related requirements applicable in Svalbard. Where voyages operate in or around Svalbard, the Passenger acknowledges and agrees that such operations are subject to Norwegian law and the regulations issued by the Governor of Svalbard (Sysselmesteren), including but not limited to regulations concerning safety, environmental protection, landing restrictions, reporting requirements, and expedition conduct.

 

(b) Landings within protected areas are restricted to designated landing sites as determined by Norwegian authorities and must be conducted together with a qualified guide. Outside protected areas, landings may only take place where permitted and where no travel restrictions apply. Passengers acknowledge that no specific landing sites or shore activities can be guaranteed.

 

(c) All Passengers are required to comply at all times with instructions issued by the Captain, Crew, Guide, and relevant authorities. Failure to comply with applicable regulations may result in restrictions on activities or removal from shore excursions, without refund. Voyages may be modified, restricted, delayed, or cancelled due to regulatory requirements, environmental conditions, safety considerations, or decisions by Norwegian authorities. Such changes do not constitute a breach of contract and do not entitle the Passenger to compensation or refund.

 

(d) An environmental fee applicable to visitors to Svalbard may be required by Norwegian authorities. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, this fee is not included in the voyage price and remains the responsibility of the Passenger.

 

(e) The Passenger may not take any articles on-board the Vessel which could endanger the security of the Vessel or life of Passengers or otherwise.  Any illegal goods under international law, or any domestic law of any of the territories entered or transited, including weapons and illicit drugs, are prohibited. 

 

(f) Responsible alcohol consumption is permitted when at anchor or in port. Excessive drinking or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.

 

(g) The Carrier has the power to remove anyone jeopardizing the safety of the vessel or disobeying any lawful instructions given by the Captain, Crew or Guide of the vessel S/Y Quest whether onboard or ashore. The decision for disembarking the passenger shall be on reasonable grounds, but is at the sole discretion of the Captain. The carrier is not liable for any costs incurred by the passenger for their onward travel, and there is no obligation by the carrier to issue any refund whatsoever to the passenger.

 

(h) Where a Passenger is assessed as a risk to the safety of the vessel or its occupants, or if they fail to comply with clauses (c) – (g), including where a Passenger is disembarked or is refused embarkation, neither the Carrier, nor the Crew, shall have any liability to the Passenger or any third person or party.

 

(i) Passengers shall be liable for any damage suffered by the Carrier as a result of the Passenger’s failure to comply with their contractual obligations as outlined and agreed to in these terms of carriage. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes any damages, losses or otherwise, incurred by the Carrier, including the Vessel and its equipment, injury or loss to other Passengers, and/or third parties, or any penalty, fine, or costs, directly liable to be paid by the carrier, as a direct result of any breach of these terms.

 

(j) Ocean Expeditions Ltd is responsible for providing the voyage as described, subject to weather, safety, and operational factors. All itineraries are subject to change due to weather, sea ice, wildlife, safety, or operational concerns. The captain has the sole authority to alter, shorten, extend, or cancel parts of the voyage. No refunds will be provided for such changes. Should changes be required, we will use our best efforts to provide content, activities, destination, or transport that are as comparable as reasonably possible to the original arrangement and within the same price range.

 

(k) Passengers must be in suitable health and physical condition for Arctic sailing. A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required for boarding via dinghy, climbing ladders, and walking on uneven/icy terrain. The Operator reserves the right to refuse boarding if a passenger’s health or fitness may endanger themselves, other guests, or the crew.

 

(l) Arctic sailing is inherently adventurous. By booking, passengers accept the risks associated with remote travel, including delays, changes in itinerary, injury, or limited medical facilities.

 

(m) Deposit of 30% is required to confirm the booking of a trip. Remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid at the latest 60 days prior to the departure date. All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email. A cancellation is effective once you have received written confirmation from Ocean Expeditions Ltd. Refund policy is stated as follows: Cancellation more than 60 days before departure: Deposit is non-refundable. Cancellation 59-30 days before departure 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable. Cancellation less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total trip cost is non-refundable.​ Operator reserves the right to cancel trips due to safety or unforeseen circumstances, with refunds or rebooking offered.

 

(n) If you believe there is an issue or shortcoming during your trip, it is important that you notify the captain, guide, or expedition leader immediately. This gives us the opportunity to resolve the matter on the spot and ensure the best possible experience for you and the group. If the issue cannot be resolved during the voyage and you wish to pursue a formal complaint once you return home, you must submit a written, detailed description of the matter to Ocean Expeditions Ltd within a reasonable time.

 

(o) During our voyages, moments are often captured on camera to share the spirit of adventure with others. Photos may be published on our social media channels or in future marketing materials, and participants might be recognizable or mentioned by first name. If you prefer not to appear in photos or videos, please let us know before departure, and we will respect your wishes.

(p) It is the passenger’s responsibility to remain informed of all departure times and to comply with instructions issued by the organizer, carrier, airport, port authority, or other relevant officials. Ocean Expeditions Ltd. assumes no responsibility for loss, delay, or inconvenience arising from the passenger’s own negligence, failure to follow such instructions, or failure to arrive on time.

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Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk

 

Ocean Expeditions Ltd is committed to guest safety and operates with professional crew, equipment, and procedures appropriate for Arctic operations. However, participation in an Arctic expedition involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated. By signing this document, you acknowledge and accept these risks, and agree not to hold the Operator liable for events beyond its control.

 

1. Acknowledgement of Risk

I understand and acknowledge that participation in an Arctic sailing expedition involves risks and dangers including, but not limited to:

• Encounters with wildlife (including polar bears, walrus, seals, seabirds).

• Cold water immersion, hypothermia, frostbite.

• Difficult terrain, sea ice, glaciers, and slippery surfaces.

• Rough seas, strong winds, and rapidly changing weather.

• Delays, evacuation challenges, or limited medical facilities.

I freely accept and assume all such risks, whether foreseen or unforeseen, and take full responsibility for my participation.

 

2. Assumption of Responsibility

I confirm that:

• I am in suitable health and physical condition to participate.

• I have disclosed any relevant medical conditions to Ocean Expeditions Ltd. Failure to disclose may result in denial of participation without refund.

• I will follow all safety instructions from the captain, guides, and crew at all times, which are binding and final.

• I will not approach, feed, or provoke wildlife.

• I will use safety equipment provided (lifejackets, survival suits, avalanche gear, etc.).

 

3. Waiver & Release

In consideration for being allowed to participate, I hereby:

• Release, waive, and discharge Ocean Expeditions Ltd, its owners, employees, guides, crew, agents, and contractors from any and all claims, liabilities, demands, or causes of action arising from injury, illness, death, or property damage that may occur during or as a result of the expedition.

• Agree that neither I, nor my heirs, family, or legal representatives, will make any claims against the Operator in respect of such injury, death, or loss, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, or where liability cannot be excluded under applicable mandatory law.

 

4. Medical & Insurance

• I certify that I have valid travel insurance covering medical evacuation, injury, and repatriation for Arctic expeditions, and understand that proof of insurance may be required before boarding.

• I authorize the crew to arrange medical treatment in the event of an emergency and accept responsibility for associated costs.

 

5. Fitness & Participation

• I understand that participation requires a reasonable level of physical fitness and mobility.

• Ocean Expeditions Ltd reserves the right to deny participation or alter activities if, in the judgment of the captain or guides, my condition poses a safety risk to myself or others.

 

6. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

This waiver shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws applicable under the vessel’s flag state.

Notwithstanding the above, mandatory provisions of Norwegian law shall apply to the extent required due to operations in Norwegian territory or waters, including Svalbard. This waiver is intended to be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

 

Cross-Reference Acknowledgment
By booking and/or boarding the vessel, the Passenger acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to both the Terms and Conditions of Carriage and the Liability Waiver & Assumption of Risk. Both documents form part of the contractual and safety framework governing participation in the expedition. Compliance with the Terms and Conditions and acceptance of the risks outlined in the Liability Waiver are mandatory for all passengers.