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A-Z Guide
board supplements and insurance premium must be paid in full for all children travelling at a reduced child price. Room Supplements: Supplements may be applicable for single rooms, double beds, extra beds and room upgrades. The price for these may vary through the season, depending on whether your booking falls within Low (L), Mid (M) or High (H) season. The dates that apply to low, mid and high season vary by resort. If a single person occupies a double room they will usually be asked to pay a single supplement. This is because hotels tend to price all their rooms as doubles or family rooms and they do not reduce the rates if it is occupied by a single person. The costs to the hotel of providing the room are the same regardless of how many people occupy that room. Single rooms are limited in availability and may be smaller than double or family rooms, but are normally priced on the same basis, irrespective of design or size. This also applies to self-catering accommodation where, for example, 3 people may choose to occupy accommodation priced for 4. We do not make additional or excessive profits from these supplements. The prices we charge reflect the costs of occupancy of the rooms contracted to us by the hotel. Cabin Supplements and Reductions: Prices are based on 2 adults sharing a standard room or cabin with facilities as listed. For villas and apartments prices are based on the number of adults sharing the property as shown in the brochure price panel. Supplement Resulting from Currently Unknown Travel Taxes and Costs: We are aware that the UK government is considering imposing a number of charges related to aviation which includes a replenishment charge for the Air Travel Trust Fund. Despite our expertise in travel, it is impossible for us to predict what new taxes governments may impose or which cost increases may arise due to world events. Naturally, the scale of these taxes or charges, the timing of their introduction and even the method of collection has not yet been decided and therefore it is not possible for us to include them in your holiday price at this time. If you have already booked by the time they are introduced and these charges create an overall increase in our costs then it may result in an increase in the price of your holiday by way of a surcharge. Seasonal Price Ranges Short Haul Prices From are taken from departures within the following date ranges: Low: 01 May - 13 May Mid: 11 Jun - 24 Jun High: 23 Jul - 17 Aug Seasonal Price Ranges Long Haul Prices From are taken from departures within the following date ranges: Low: 01 Jun - 18 Jun Mid: 03 Jul - 15 Jul High: 18 Jul - 16 Aug Low Deposit Offer We reserve the right to change the low deposit amount at any time so please ask your Holiday Advisor for up to date details when you book. The deposit offer is per passenger and can be withdrawn at any time. If you take advantage of any low holiday deposit offer available at the time you book your holiday, the remainder of your deposit will be due six weeks after the date you book your holiday. If you cancel the holiday you still must pay the remainder of the full deposit. Brochure Validity We published this brochure in July 2008. Prices were accurate at the date of publication, but could have changed since then. Prices can go up or down. Your holiday adviser will be able to confirm the price of your holiday before you book. Local Laws: In some of our featured destinations, local laws and religious observance can lead to the withdrawal of certain facilities. In all Muslim countries visitors are reminded that during the month of Ramadan, local bars and restaurants (including hotel restaurants) change their opening hours so that staff can adapt their eating habits to the restrictions imposed upon them during daylight hours. Visitors may also be requested to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public areas during daylight hours. You should also be aware drinking and gambling ages vary by destination. USA drinking and gambling laws are very strict. You need to be 21 years of age in order to be served and don't be surprised if you get asked for proof of age (including a photograph) if you look under 30! To gamble, you must also be 21 years or older. Passports and Entry Requirements: If you're a British citizen, you need a full, 10-year British passport for all cruises featured. Where necessary a group visa will be obtained by the ship for British passport holders. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months after you return. Each country, however, sets its own rules covering this; more information can be obtained from the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. Non-British passport holders: If you do not have the required visas for any of the countries to be visited during a cruise you may be denied boarding at the port of embarkation. While most countries relax their visa rules for visitors arriving and departing on a cruise ship, it is still your responsibility to check with individual embassies or consulates where necessary. A multiple entry visa for Greece is required. Please note, if your passport features an Israeli stamp you may be refused entry to some countries, in which case you would be required to stay onboard ship. Please call the Passport Office for advice Egypt: Visas are not required for those embarking Thomson Celebration in Sharm El Sheikh. If you are extending your holiday with a stay in Sharm El Sheikh a visa is only required if you travel outside the Sinai Desert and if you go sightseeing or diving outside Sharm El Sheikh. Libya: A group visa covers anyone who purchases one of our excursions ashore. Whether you hold a British passport or not, if you wish to go ashore independently you will need to obtain your own visa. Applications can be time consuming and expensive so most guests prefer to join our organised excursions. St Petersburg, Russia: A group visa covers anyone who purchases one of our excursions ashore. Whether you hold a British passport or not, if you wish to go ashore independently you will need to obtain your own visa. These must be purchased from the Russian Federation Embassy prior to your cruise and will not be available on ship or upon arrival in St Petersburg. Please note, a fee will apply and applications can take some time - for details please visit www.thomson-cruises.co.uk. Most guests prefer to join our programme of day and evening organised excursions in St Petersburg for ease. Passport names and name changes: The name on the passport must match the name on the ticket, otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurances may be invalid. If someone in your party changes name after the booking is made, you must tell us immediately so we can issue the ticket in the new name. If you've already received the ticket, simply return it and we'll reissue one in the correct name. (An amendment fee may be applicable). Passports and Minors: There may be specific entry requirements applicable to minors (children under 18) relevant to the country you are visiting. In certain circumstances this may incur additional expenses and require separate/additional legal documentation such as an affidavit, executed by a notary public, where for example the minor is not accompanied by both parents. As these entry requirements vary for different countries you should always check with the relevant Consulate/Embassy of the country you are intending to travel to prior to booking. Failure to do so may result in you being refused entry/carriage. Special rules by destination or airline: Some countries and charter airlines have special rules about passports and visas. As visa requirements may change at any time, it is important to double check with the relevant consulate/embassy of the country you are intending to travel to prior to booking your holiday and again within six weeks of departure. Failure to do so may result in you being refused entry/carriage. Charter airlines are not permitted to carry certain nationals to and from their country of origin due to licensing law restrictions in place with overseas aviation authorities. The current licensing laws, as of 3rd July 2006, do not allow airlines of TUI Travel to carry nationals of the following countries on their operating routes; Brazil, Cuba, Kenya, Maldives, Morocco. Egyptian nationals, with official residence in the UK, can travel on Inclusive Package Tour arrangements only. Indian and Turkish passport holders can travel on Inclusive Package Tour arrangements only. Please check with your embassy/consulate before you book your holiday. Failure to do so may result in you being refused entry/carriage. Safety First: We take all reasonable care to make sure that the services which make up the holidays advertised by us are provided by efficient and reputable businesses. These businesses should follow the local and national laws and regulations of the country where they are provided. However, overseas safety standards are generally lower than in the UK, for example, few hotels yet meet EC fire safety recommendations even in Europe. Usually we cannot make changes to facilities developed in accordance with these local standards. We will often be able to highlight specific risks in resort but this section also informs you of general issues overseas. Children's Safety: Naturally the safety of our younger holidaymakers is also of paramount importance. We take advice from leading UK child safety organisations and accident prevention agencies to ensure that standards are as high as possible. Parents should check that they are happy with hotel operated clubs and children's facilities, including playgrounds. Excursion Safety: We work with our excursion suppliers to ensure that they operate to appropriate safety standards. Whilst every care is taken with those activities that we recommend, should you choose to use an alternative supplier, this will be at your own risk. Health and Hygiene: We promote good hygiene practices within hotels, but the hygiene standards, particularly in developing destinations, are generally much lower than in the UK. Extra care should be taken by pregnant women, infants and the elderly and it may be advisable to consult your GP before booking if you have any concerns. Language Assistance: Please note in the event of guests requiring police or hospital assistance we will do out utmost to assist but we do not provide official translation/interpretation services which are payable direct. Mobility: Whilst our hotels are obliged to comply with local health and safety standards, and many offer ramps and specially adapted rooms, if you have particular concerns regarding your mobility, you are advised to contact us for information on the suitability of the accommodation you have in mind prior to booking. Scuba Diving: We strongly advise those planning on taking scuba training to have a full medical examination in resort (which may be at an extra cost) and to consult your GP before going on holiday. It is dangerous to fly less than 24 hours after scuba diving due to changes in pressure which may result in the bends' or even, in severe cases, paralysis. You must ensure you have adequate cover through your chosen insurer. Swimming Pool and Beach Safety: It is extremely unlikely that the pool or beach in your holiday accommodation will have a lifeguard. Children must always therefore be accompanied by an adult in the pool, including children's pools and surrounding areas including any beach. Familiarise yourself with any flag warning systems that may be in operation on local beaches, and take into account local conditions. Always check swimming conditions such as undercurrents and tides. Special Needs: Wheelchairs: We regret the number of passengers using wheelchairs on Thomson Cruises is restricted. Therefore you must call our Special Assistance Team on 0871 231 4908 before booking your holiday. Calls cost 10p per minute at all times from BT landlines. Other operator networks may vary. Failure to comply with this may result in you being refused boarding either on the aircraft or on arrival at the ship. Passengers who need to use a wheelchair onboard must reserve one of the designated cabins. Thomson Celebration and Thomson Spirit have four, whilst The Emerald has two as shown on the deck plans. These cabins have private facilities adapted for wheelchair users and
Booking Information
On Holiday with Children
This section should be read in conjunction with our product information. Age ranges and restrictions: Age ranges are as follows: 2-12yrs inclusive in hotels unless otherwise stated in the hotel description; 2-16yrs inclusive in apartments and Florida. Children under 2yrs on the date of the return flight count as infants. No person under 18yrs will be allowed to travel independently. If you are 17yrs or under, at least 1 accompanying member of your party must be 18yrs or over, and this person must be the lead name on the booking. Children's Clubs Group sizes: Safety is paramount; we therefore work to a strict staff:child ratio. In the case of unforeseen circumstances such as illness, when 2 staff members are not available, then we reserve the right to cancel or postpone activities. To meet UK Health & Safety legislation, and at busy times, we may need to limit the numbers in children's clubs and attendance may have to be on a rota basis. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of the children in the club. Cots: We recommend that you bring your own travel cot as some hoteliers cannot guarantee that there will be a cot available on the date you arrive. Please bear in mind that no extra baggage allowance is given for cots, so you will have to pay an extra charge if your total luggage weight exceeds your limit. Hoteliers may charge for infant cots and food. Kidzone Age ranges: Our clubs are open to children aged 3-12yrs. Kidzone is split according to the following ages: 3-5yrs (Tots); 6-8yrs (Team); and 9-12yrs (Tribe). On some occasions activities may be combined; this will not interfere with either safety or enjoyment due to the enforced ratio restrictions at all times. Carers are welcome to attend. Please note that the Kidzone staff cannot accept responsibility for children who are not toilet trained. Availability: Only those clubs featuring a Kidzone logo meet the above specification. As we are constantly updating and reviewing Kidzone, identities and facilities may differ from those stated. Standards and facilities at hotel-run kids' clubs may vary. You should therefore ensure that you are fully satisfied with the facilities and staff before enrolling your child. We are unable to take responsibility or guarantee that the standards at hotel-run clubs meet UK standards. Availability Limitations: Club activities will not be available until 1st May unless the club also runs in winter. Session times: All groups offer up to 2hrs of daytime activities, 5 times a week and 2hrs of evening activities up to 3 times per week. Some evening activities may incur a charge.
Travel Advice
Important Information: For the most up to date information go onto our website or ask your travel agent for further information on any travel restrictions, entry and stay requirements, visa and travel advice to your particular destination. Customs Information: A customs guide for travellers entering the UK can be obtained from the Customs and Excise National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000. Details are also available on the Customs and Excise website: http://www.hmce.gov.uk. Inoculations: It is the responsibility of all passengers to ensure that prior to travel they have taken the necessary health precautions applicable to their chosen destination. Advice about destinations can change, therefore please consult with your doctor at least 2 months before your departure, as some treatments (e.g Malaria) should begin well in advace of travel. For late bookings within 3 weeks of departure, please consult with your doctor before booking your holiday. Other sources of information include the Department of Health's free leaflet Health Advice for Travellers (0800 555 777), your doctor, a specialist travel clinic or MASTA (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad) on 0208 994 9874. Local taxes and visas: Some countries/islands make a charge on every visiting tourist. This charge has to be paid by each person, sometimes to the hotelier, sometimes at the local airport on arrival or departure. Because such charges are continually being introduced and the amount varies by destination, it is not possible to list here how much you should expect to pay.
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