Welcome to Mekong Saga Cruise (mekongsaga.com), operated by Indochina Sails Group. By making a reservation, purchasing a cruise ticket, or using our website, you ("the Guest," "the Client," or "Travel Agent") agree to be bound by the following Terms & Conditions. Please read them carefully prior to confirming your booking.

1. DEFINITIONS & OPERATIONAL APPLICABILITY

  • "Company" refers to Indochina Sails Group / Mekong Saga Cruise (Head Office: 1A4 Dam Trau, Hanoi, Vietnam).
  • "Cruise" refers to the overnight river voyage operated aboard the Mekong Saga vessel along the Can Tho - Cai Be itinerary (and vice versa) in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.
  • "Guest" refers to any individual passenger traveling aboard the cruise or named on the reservation.
  • "FIT" refers to Free Independent Travelers (reservations of 1 to 4 suites).
  • "GIT" refers to Group Inclusive Tours or Full Cruise Charters (reservations of 5 or more suites).

2. BOOKING CONFIRMATION & PAYMENT TERMS

2.1 Individual Bookings (FIT)

  • Deposit: A 30% non-refundable deposit of the total booking value is required upon confirmation to secure suite availability.
  • Balance Payment: The remaining 70% balance must be paid at least 30 days prior to the departure date.
  • Last-Minute Bookings: Bookings made within 30 days of the departure date require 100% full payment at the time of confirmation.

2.2 Group Bookings & Charters (GIT)

  • Payment schedules and deposit conditions for group bookings, series bookings, and private charters are governed by specific contract agreements issued by our B2B Sales Department (sales@mekongsaga.com).

2.3 Payment Methods

Payments may be made via authorized bank transfer, major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), or secure online payment portals. Any applicable transaction fees charged by intermediary banks or credit card processors are the responsibility of the payer.

3. CANCELLATION & AMENDMENT POLICIES

All requests for cancellation or amendment must be submitted in writing via email to sales@mekongsaga.com and acknowledged by the Company.

3.1 FIT Cancellation Fees (Individual Reservations)

  • More than 30 days prior to departure: The initial 30% deposit is retained (or converted to credit if permitted under a promotional offer).
  • 15 to 30 days prior to departure: 50% of total cruise value charged.
  • 7 to 14 days prior to departure: 75% of total cruise value charged.
  • Less than 7 days prior or No-Show: 100% of total cruise value charged.

3.2 Amendments

  • Request for changes to travel dates or suite categories is subject to availability and rate adjustments. Date amendments requested within 30 days of departure may incur administrative fees.

4. PASSENGER MANIFEST & MANDATORY REGISTRATION

In accordance with Vietnamese Inland Waterway Laws and Local Authority regulations:

  • Required Documentation: All Guests must provide full registration details, including Full Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Nationality, Passport Number, Visa Expiry/Entry Date, and Emergency Contact, no later than 7 days prior to embarkation.
  • Boarding Verification: Guests must present a valid original passport with a valid Vietnamese visa (or visa exemption certificate) at the embarkation pier in Can Tho or Cai Be.
  • Denial of Boarding: The Company reserves the right to deny boarding without refund if a Guest fails to present valid legal documentation or if local immigration authorities reject registration.

5. ITINERARIES, WEATHER & FORCE MAJEURE

5.1 Route Adjustments

Cruising itineraries (Can Tho - Cai Be and vice versa), shore excursions, sampan routes, and swimming activities are subject to change without prior notice due to river tides, water levels, weather conditions, local clearance, or operational restrictions imposed by Vietnamese authorities.

5.2 Force Majeure & Severe Weather

  • If the Cruise is canceled in its entirety prior to embarkation due to severe weather conditions (e.g., tropical storms, extreme flooding), natural disasters, government orders, or acts of God:
    • The Company will offer alternative sailing dates or issue a full refund/credit for the cruise portion of the booking.
  • The Company is not liable for secondary expenses incurred by Guests due to Force Majeure cancellations, including international airfare, accommodation, or third-party land transport.

6. ONBOARD POLICIES & GUEST SAFETY

  • Safety Compliance: Guests must participate in the mandatory safety briefing upon boarding and follow all safety instructions given by the Captain and crew members.
  • Dietary & Health Requirements: Guests must notify the Company of food allergies, special dietary requirements, or mobility limitations at least 7 days prior to embarkation.
  • Prohibited Items: Firearms, weapons, illegal narcotics, explosives, hazardous chemicals, and flammable materials are strictly forbidden on board.
  • Smoking Policy: Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is strictly prohibited inside suites, restaurant areas, and enclosed lounges. Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor sundeck areas.
  • Child & Infant Policy: Parents and guardians are solely responsible for the safety and supervision of minors on board at all times, particularly on balconies, open decks, and during sampan excursions.

7. RATES & INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

  • Standard Inclusions: Accommodation in selected suite category, welcome drink, full meal program as specified in the itinerary, entrance and sightseeing fees, in-house English-speaking tour guide, basic travel insurance, onboard Wi-Fi, and access to cruise facilities (infinity pool, mini-golf, sundeck).
  • Standard Exclusions: Airfares, visa fees, land transfers between Ho Chi Minh City and embarkation piers (unless booked as an optional add-on), spa/massage services, personal expenses, premium alcoholic beverages, and staff gratuities (tips).

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY & INSURANCE

  • Liability Limits: The Company operates under basic statutory marine passenger insurance mandated by Vietnamese law. Guests are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive international travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellation, personal baggage loss, and emergency medical evacuation.
  • Personal Belongings: The Company is not liable for the loss, damage, or theft of personal valuables, money, or electronics left unattended in public areas or suites. In-suite safes are provided for guest convenience.

9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & WEBSITE USE

All content on mekongsaga.com, including text, graphics, logos, architectural renderings, photographs, and software, is the property of Indochina Sails Group and protected by intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without prior written consent is strictly prohibited.

10. GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION

These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these terms that cannot be settled amicably shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Hanoi, Vietnam.

11. CONTACT & INQUIRIES

For any questions or legal inquiries regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact:

Mekong Saga Cruise

Managed by Indochina Sails Group