These booking conditions are subject only to the warranties, rights or remedies granted by law which are incapable of being excluded.  Melanesian Tourist Services Limited (hereinafter referred to as the Operator) accepts bookings and arranges travel-related services for individuals, tours and group travel only upon the following terms and conditions.

Bookings

A deposit of $250 per person and a signed Reservation form must accompany all reservation requests and be received at the Operators office.  Upon receipt you will be notified (through your Travel Agent) of acceptance on the tour/s requested or, if not available an alternative tour or itinerary may be offered.  No contract will exist between the Operator and the client until such time as the deposit has been received and confirmation of booking made.

Final payment is due in our Madang office 30 days prior to commencement of services, otherwise cancellation is assumed and space will released.  If a booking is made less than 30 days prior to commencement of services, full payment is due within 7 days of confirmation.

The price of a tour is guaranteed only when full payment has been received by the Operator.  The Operator reserves the right to re-invoice your reservation should an error be made in computing your tour arrangement price.  All other bookings are subject to any applicable fare increases or charges.  Rates are subject to change for events beyond our control, but not limited to, increases in fuel or establishment of surcharges or taxes.

Administration / Amendments Fees

An administration fee of $60.00 pp will be applied to a tour cost to cover preparation fees etc.  For each amendments made to a prepared itinerary, an additional fee of $50 pp will be charged.

Cancellation

If you cancel your tour before commencement date, your deposit and tour payment will be refunded less a Cancellation fee.  All cancellations must be made in writing to the Operator's Head Office in Madang before a cancellation will be accepted.  Cancellation fees will be applied on the following basis:
 

30 days or more prior to commencement of services	Full Refund less communication cost and administration fee of $50.00 pp
15 - 29 days prior to commencement of services	50% Refund
14 days or less, or 'no show'	No refund.

Acceptance of a refund constitutes a waiver by the passenger of all rights and remedies under PNG law (other than refund).

Insurance

It is strongly recommended that travel insurance is taken out at the time of booking to cover cancellation fees, medial evacuation, loss of baggage, expenses attributed to delay of services due to industrial action or severe inclement weather conditions, etc.

Not Included in prices

Quoted prices do not include Airport taxes, meals or sightseeing (other than those specified), laundry, liquor, excess baggage, tips, telephone, telex, facsimile or other items of a strictly personal nature.

These are the sole responsibility of the passenger and should be paid directly when the service is provided.

Travel Documents

Passport and visa requirements are the passenger's responsibility.

Brochure Text, Content and Validity

Any reference to specific tour content is subject to favourable weather conditions.  The exact routing of all cruises is subject to, but not limited to, river and or sea conditions, weather conditions and is solely at the discretion of the Master of the vessel.  Maps or photographic illustrations are for general purposes only and are not intended to indicate the routing, facility, service or hotel.

Responsibilities

The Operator is an independent contractor that arranges travel related services for individuals, tours and group travel.  It is not an agent of the customer, nor of those providing travel services.  The Operator will not be liable for any delayed departure, missed carrier connections, substitutions or accommodations or of common carrier equipment, termination of service, changes in fares and rates, or for cancellation or double booking of reservations beyond its control and without notice.  The Operator reserves the right to alter the printed itinerary or schedule of any tour or trip as may be necessary with or without notice.  Melanesian shall not be responsible or any inconvenience or expense occasioned by such damage.

The Operator reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of these tours at any time for any reason whatsoever.

Passenger Responsibility

Assumption of risk - Despite taking all possible precautions to ensure passenger safety, passengers should be aware that during any trip or vacation that they participate in under the arrangements of the Operator and its agents or associates and the service providers, certain risks and dangers may occur including, but not limited to, the hazards of travelling in mountainous terrain, accident or illness in remote places without medical facilities, the forces of nature and travel by air, automobile, sea or other conveyance.

In consideration of, and as part payment for, the right to participate in such trips or other activities and the services and food arranged for passengers by the Operator and its agents or associates and the service providers, passengers assume all the above risks and will hold them harmless from any and all liability actions, cause of action, claims and demands of every kind and nature whatsoever which passengers now have or which may arise of or in connection with their trip or participation in any other activities arranged for the passenger by the operator and agents or associates.