Maranatha Tours Inc.
Terms & Conditions COPY
I. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Maranatha Tours Inc. (“Maranatha Tours”) is a fully credentialed tour provider and has been arranging tours of Biblical Lands for Christian groups for almost 50 years. We provide these tour arrangements and services to you or an individual for whom you are a lawful parent or guardian (the “Traveler”) in consideration for your agreement that the Traveler shall be bound by these Terms and Conditions and the specific provisions detailed in the Traveler’s Itinerary and Registration Form and incorporated herein by reference (collectively “Tour Documents”).
A. Accommodations:
Accommodations are based on double occupancy rooms with bath in first class or deluxe hotels. Maranatha Tours reserves the right to substitute similar category hotels as necessary, without prior notice. Private rooms are available upon request and subject to additional Single-Room Supplement fees to be paid by the Traveler. Single-Room Supplement totals for your tour are detailed in your Tour Documents.
B. Meals:
Unlimited buffet breakfasts and dinners daily are included. Travelers are expected to pay for any beverages not included in the menu of the day. If a Traveler chooses not to have a meal, there will be no refund for unused meals. In-flight meals may be provided by carriers, however your tour does not include meals in the USA or in transit to or from your tour destination.
C. Airline Routes & Tickets:
Maranatha Tours attempts to provide safe and efficient air travel arrangements for your tour, but does not guarantee the most direct routing to your final destination. Once airline tickets are “printed” or “issued”, they cannot be changed or refunded. Air transportation to/from your destination will be economy class on IATA and ARC carriers utilizing APEX or SUPER APEX non-refundable, non-amendable tickets for groups of 10 or more flying together on entire itinerary.
All air fares and schedules are subject to government approval and subject to change without notice. Airline tickets are issued 45 days prior to departure. Seat assignments can be requested but are not guaranteed as most group seat assignments can only be finalized at the airport upon check in. Maranatha Tours is not responsible for any cancellations, loss, delays, injury, illness or expenses incurred due to actions of specific carriers. Please Note: An overnight stay at the Traveler’s expense may be necessary for Travelers making domestic connections to tour outbound or return international flights.
D. Other Transport:
Maranatha Tours makes arrangements with airlines, cruise lines, coach companies, transfer operators, tour and local guides and other independent transport providers for all tour related travel. Maranatha Tours takes all reasonable care in selecting these third-party transport providers, however we do not supervise or control these providers and are not responsible for their acts or omissions. These third-party transport providers are expected to operate in compliance with the applicable laws of the countries in which they operate and the liability of such providers may be limited or excluded by the terms of service under which they operate.
E. Tour Leaders, Tour Escorts, & Guides:
Maranatha Tours works with a Tour Host/Leader to organize and facilitate each of its tours. These individuals are not employees of Maranatha Tours. They are an important link between Maranatha Tours and tour groups as a tour is being organized and during the duration of the tour, however, Maranatha Tours does not supervise or control these individuals, nor are they agents of Maranatha Tours, and we are not responsible for their acts or omissions.
Maranatha Tours also arranges for Guides that will accompany your tour group throughout your tour (and where required, arrangements are also made for Tour Escorts). These Guides and Escorts are third-party service providers over which Maranatha Tours exercises no supervision or control, and we are not responsible for their acts and omissions.
F. Sightseeing:
Maranatha Tours has arranged for your tour to use modern motor coaches to enhance your sightseeing experience. Each coach will include the services of English speaking guides and all entrance fees to destinations included in the itinerary. Where available all Travelers will be provided with portable listening devices. Travelers are responsible for loss of or damage to these devices.
G. Passports & Visas:
A valid passport is required for all Travelers.If you do not have a passport please contact your local passport office. Passports must be valid for 6 months after return date. For all non-US citizens please consult the consulate for each country you will be entering as a visa may also be required and will be the responsibility of each Traveler to obtain.
Maranatha Tours does not provide advice on travel documents and makes no representations or warrantees as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided on visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, or special equipment and you agree that it is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this information.
H. Tour Protection:
Maranatha Tours recommends you purchase a Travel Protection Plan that helps provide coverage for Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For your convenience we offer a plan from Travelex Insurance Services that provides coverage for unexpected events that can occur before and during your tour.
To view/download the Policy, go to: https://maranathatours.travelexinsurance.com/quote/
Any specific questions regarding the protection plan need to be directed to Travelex Insurance Services. Please contact Travelex Insurance at 1–844-877-1879 and refer to the Plan Code 356A-0920.
This is brief description of benefits. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance Policy above. The purchase of this product is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service.
Maranatha Tours is not licensed to sell travel insurance and will only be able to provide general information about the product. We may not answer questions about the terms and conditions of the insurance offered and may not evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance coverage. The products being offered provide insurance coverage that only applies during your covered trip. You may have insurance coverage from other sources that provide similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon the coverage. You may wish to compare the terms of the travel policy offered through Travelex with any existing life, health, home and automobile insurance policies you may have.
If you have questions about your coverage under your existing insurance policies, contact your insurer or insurance agent or broker. Consumers in California may also contact: California Department of Insurance Hotline 1-800-927-4357 or 213-897-8921. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276. 0AX.
II. PAYMENT TERMS
A. Price:
- Tour Price: The price of your tour is based on international tariffs and rates in effect on the date of proposal and is subject to change should there be a revision in accommodation, carrier or other rates prior to payment in full of the tour price. Your tour price is noted in your Tour Documents.
Price is based on a minimum number of passengers using double occupancy. In the event that a minimum number of passengers does not book the tour within 91 days of departure Maranatha Tours reserves the right to cancel the tour.
You will be notified immediately upon any increase in price and will have the option of paying the difference or cancelling with full refund. Late booking or changes may result in an additional fee. Maranatha Tours reserves the right to correct or revise invoices, itineraries, and/or brochures without notice.
- Air Fares: Fares are based on fare levels in effect at the time of booking, if you make changes price is subject to change. Airport taxes, fees and fuel are included in our tour packages. Full payment is due 45 days prior to commencement of travel. If the Traveler cancels within 45 days of departure or after air tickets are written (whichever comes sooner), then 100% of airfare will be forfeited by passenger. Airfare cost and schedules are subject to change until full payment is made.
- Tips & Taxes: Tips to guides & drivers, gratuities to porters, restaurant and hotel servers, fuel surcharges, foreign departure taxes and visas (for US passport holders) are included in the tour cost. (government taxes, fuel surcharges, gratuities and visas fees are subject to change without notice).
- Additional Airline Fees: You may incur additional airline baggage and optional fees (food, excess baggage, etc.) and will be charged by the airline at check in.
- Not Included: Passport, laundry, wines, liquors, mineral waters and after-dinner coffee or tea, meals not included in the itinerary, room service, sightseeing or services other than those specifically mentioned in the itinerary. Baggage fees and surcharges are different for every airline therefore please contact the airline for specific baggage allowance and fees. Maranatha Tours is not responsible for these related fees and they are the sole responsibility of the Traveler.
- Price Increases: All prices quoted in this brochure are subject to change due to currency fluctuations, fuel surcharge increases, government taxes and fees increases or other unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be notified immediately upon discovery of an increase and will have the option of accepting and paying the increase or of notifying Maranatha Tours in writing within 10 days of receipt of the increase notification that they do not accept the increase and request the tour be canceled with a full refund.
B. Deposit/Payment:
- Deposit: A deposit of $500 per person is required to secure reservations and will be applied to the price of the tour.
- Payments: The remaining balance shall be paid in four equal installments, with 25% due on the following schedule: 200 days,120 days, 60 days, and 45 days prior to tour departure. If the final payment is not received 45 days prior to departure, a $100 Late Payment Fee will be assessed.
C. Cancellation:
All Tour cancellations by Travelers must be in writing by letter, fax, or e-mail to Maranatha Tours. No exception to these cancellation fees will be made.
Airfare cancellation penalties must be paid by the Traveler, but are not part of the percentages below because they will vary based on the airline policy at the time of ticket issue.
Cancellation Fees Per Traveler:
- 201+ days prior to departure: No fee
- 121-200 days prior to departure: $100 administration fee
- 91-120 days prior to departure: $200 for international tour; $500 for international tour and cruise
- 61-90 days prior to departure: $500 for international tour; $700 for international tour and cruise
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of total tour cost*
- 45 days or less prior to departure: 100% of total tour cost*
*Percentages listed above are of the total tour cost, including reservation fee, flights purchased through Maranatha Tours, extensions, excursions, and any additional upgrades or add-ons. Listed cancellation fee is applicable per Traveler.
D. Late Registration Fees:
Registrations received within 90 days or less from departure incur an additional late fee plus any additional fees based on air travel and accommodations availability at that time of registration.
Late Registration Fees Per Traveler:
- Reservations received within 61-90 days prior to departure will incur a $100* fee per person.
- Reservations received within 31-60 days prior to departure will incur a $200* fee per person.
- Reservations received within 1-30 days prior to departure will incur a $300* fee per person.
*Travelers will be advised of additional airline, land, and fees upon registration.
E. Itinerary Changes:
Maranatha Tours reserves the right to change the tour itinerary due to emergencies and other situations outside our control. If itinerary changes necessitate extra overnights, you will be charged the cost of the additional hotel accommodations, meals and single room supplements required. Should sights be missed due to necessary tour itinerary changes, no refund will be given.
F. Changes & Deviations:
All Traveler initiated changes and deviations from basic tour services will incur a $125 fee, plus any other additional costs associated with services. Change requests must be received at least 90 days prior to the departure of the tour. Transfers are included in our group round-trip programs, passengers who deviate or purchase land only packages will be responsible for arriving and leaving independently and must transfer at their own expense.
G. Exchange Rate Fluctuation:
Foreign currency exchange rates fluctuate daily. Our tours are priced in US Dollars and many tour expenses are paid in Euros. We price our tours at $1.10 = € 1 and adjust for fluctuations at final billing. If the rate drops below the original rate, we pass the savings on. If rates increase, we must pass those costs on.
H. Credit Cards:
All prices already include a 5% discount for payment by cash, check or money order. Payment by credit card will not receive this discount.
I. NSF Checks:
Returned checks incur a $30 NSF fee.
III. TRAVELER COMMITTMENTS
By registering, each Traveler affirms that he or she is in good health and able to walk and travel on the tour. Many tour sites are not accessible to individuals with physical challenges and may limit the overall tour experience. Maranatha Tours does not provide additional assistance to passengers with physical or mobility limitations as tour itineraries require full mobility.
In addition, we cannot provide individual assistance to any Traveler for walking, dining, while in their room, on flight, getting on and off motor coaches and other vehicles, or other personal needs. A qualified and physically able companion(s) must accompany Travelers who need special assistance. It is the Traveler’s responsibility to arrange for such assistance prior to registration.
We will make an effort to accommodate disabled passengers by reserving wheelchair assistance at airports and handicap accessible rooms where available, however, we cannot guarantee and are not responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other independent suppliers.
Be aware that our tours are operated outside the U.S. where the Americans with Disabilities Act is not applicable and facilities for disabled individuals are limited. The touring motor coaches, are generally not equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifts.
Maranatha Tours is not responsible for any medical condition that occurs prior, during or after the tour. All Travelers are encouraged to consult their health care provider in assessing their physical ability to endure a level of comfort that may be adversely affected by long flights, layovers, or long bus rides through remote locations.
Please advise Maranatha Tours if you have any limitations that may impact your tour at the time of registration.
Each Traveler agrees that he or she will at all times strictly comply with all applicable laws and regulations of all countries and regions visited on the tour. Should you fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act when on tour or, if in the opinion of Maranatha Tours (acting reasonably), your behavior is causing or is likely to cause danger, distress or material annoyance to others, Maranatha may terminate your travel arrangements or any product or service immediately at your expense and without any liability on our part. You will not be entitled to any refund for unused or missed services or costs incurred as a result of termination of your travel arrangements, including, without limitation, return travel, accommodations, meals, and incidentals.
Each Traveler acknowledges that he or she is responsible for any costs (including repair, replacement and cleaning fees) incurred by Maranatha Tours or Maranatha Tours’ third party suppliers for property damage, destruction or theft caused by you while on a tour. You agree to immediately report any pre-existing damage to a representative of Maranatha Tours and staff of the accommodation, transportation service, or facility as soon as possible upon discovery.
Each Traveler agrees to take all prudent measures in relation to your own safety while on Tour including, but not limited to, the proper use of safety devices (including seatbelts, harnesses, flotation devices and helmets) and to obeying all posted signs and oral or written warnings regarding health and safety. Neither Maranatha Tours nor its third party suppliers are liable for loss or damages caused by your failure to comply with safety instructions or warnings.
Each Traveler acknowledges she/he is responsible for obtaining information and having in your possession all the required documentation and identification required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region. This includes a valid passport and all travel documents required by the relevant governmental authorities including all visas, permits and certificates (including but not limited to vaccination or medical certificates) and insurance policies. You must have a passport that is valid 6 months after the last date of travel with Maranatha Tours as set out on your itinerary.
You accept full responsibility for obtaining all such documents, visas and permits prior to the start of the Tour, and you are solely responsible for the full amount of costs incurred as a result of missing or defective documentation.
You agree that you are responsible for the full amount of any loss or expense incurred by the Maranatha Tours that is a direct result of your failure to secure or be in possession of proper travel documentation.
We do not provide advice on travel documents and make no representations or warrantees as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided on visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, or special equipment and you agree that Maranatha Tours is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this information.
IV. LIABILITY LIMITATIONS
Maranatha Tours, its affiliated subsidiary companies, officers, employees, agents, and authorized representatives (collectively referred to herein as “Maranatha Tours”) act only as agent for the suppliers of transportation, accommodations, food, and other goods and services provided to the passenger. All such persons and entities, specifically including, but not limited to, the Tour Host/Leader for your tour, are independent contractors and not employees or agents of Maranatha Tours.
All arrangements for transport, accommodations, and services are made upon the express condition that Maranatha Tours shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity of any kind occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation, any negligent or willful act or failure to act, or breach of contract of any third party such as tour hosts/leaders, guides, airlines, cruise lines, trains, hotels, restaurants, local ground operators, visa processing services, providers or organizers of optional excursions, or food service or entertainment providers, etc., who is to or does supply any goods or services for the tour.
Without limitation, Maranatha Tours is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, disease, sickness, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from any event or cause beyond the direct control of Maranatha Tours or as a result of any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any third party. These matters include but are not limited to: “acts of God” or events of force majeure; epidemics, pandemics, or other public health issues or emergencies (such as, but not limited to, the COVID-19 or similar pandemic); acts of government; acts of war (whether declared or undeclared) or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt; strikes or other labor activities; criminal, terrorist or threatened terrorist activities of any kind; overbooking or downgrading of accommodations; structural or other defective conditions in lodgings (or in any heating, plumbing, electrical or structural problem therein); mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely; dangers associated with or bites or other injuries caused by animals, insects or pests; sanitation problems; food poisoning; lack of availability of, access to, or quality of medical care; difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency; financial failure or other defaults by suppliers; or dangers associated with water-based activities.
In consideration for Maranatha Tours’ efforts to organize and arrange the details of the tour, you agree to discharge, hold harmless and release Maranatha Tours,its affiliated subsidiary companies, officers, employees, agents, and authorized representatives (the “Released Parties”) from, and agree not to sue the Released Parties for, any and all claims, of any nature related in any manner to your participation in a Maranatha Tours sponsored tour, including, but not limited to, claims for negligence, breach of contract, breach of express or implied warranties, negligent or wrongful death or anystatutorily based claim.
You hereby unconditionally and unequivocally waive any and all claims and demands for all damages, losses, costs and expenses of any nature whatsoever (including attorney’s fees) on account of or arising out of any and all personal injury, death, bodily injury, mental anguish, emotional distress, property or other damage that you may suffer from any cause whatsoever related in any way to your participation in any Maranatha Tours sponsored tour.
You further agree to discharge, hold harmless and release and agree not to sue the Released Parties for any and all decisions to cancel, modify or delay the tour as a result of events that are beyond the reasonable control of Maranatha Tours including such “acts of God” or force majeure events as actual or threats of: epidemics or pandemics, or other public health issues or emergencies (such as but not limited to the COVID-19 or similar pandemic); severe weather events or natural disasters such as but not limited to hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, fires, floods, volcanic activity, or landslides; war (whether declared or undeclared); terrorist activities; instability in a destination location; incidents of violence, riot, sabotage, civil commotion, or nationalization; strikes or labor disputes or lockouts; government orders, sanctions, actual or potential quarantines, or other restrictions affecting travel in, to, or around a location; disruption to transportation; chemical or radioactive contamination; or any other reason that makes it actually or potentially impossible or illegal for Maranatha Tours to conduct the tour as originally contracted.
By accepting these terms and conditions, you agree and acknowledge that you may be giving up important legal rights and remedies available to yourself, your family, and your heirs, successors, and assigns. For value received, you agree on behalf of yourself, your heirs, successors,and assigns that you understand that travel can involve inconvenience and risk, including, but not limited to, sickness, diseases, forces of nature, geographic and climatic conditions, different hygienic standards, infrastructure problems (including road maintenance, transportation delays and accommodation condition), civil unrest, vandalism, crime, political instability and terrorism. Medical services or facilities may not be readily available or available at all during all or a portion of the tour and, if available, may not be equal to standards in your home location or home country. You further understand that travel in other nations is not similar to travel in the United States and that different parts of the world present unique health, disease, and safety concerns, and you agree to review any specific risks related to my destination by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Traveler's Health website at www.cdc.gov/traveland the State Department's International Travel website at www.state.gov/travel. You further agree that you assume all risk of bodily injury, death, emotional trauma, property damage, inconvenience and/or loss resulting from negligence or any other acts of any and all persons or entities, however caused, including, but not limited to, those risks mentioned above.
By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, you fully assume all of the risks of travel and participation in the tour and release Maranatha Tours from any and all liabilities to the maximum extent permitted by law.
You agree that the releases of liability included herein apply to and bind yourself and any minor child or other person who you are registering as a parent/legal guardian, along with all your/their personal representatives, executors, heirs, and family.
V. TOUR PROTECTION
Maranatha Tours strongly recommends that you obtain Travel Insurance prior to your trip. Maranatha Tours is not an insurer and is not responsible for coverage determinations or the payment of any covered claims. You acknowledge that Maranatha Tours is not qualified or authorized to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any of the insurance coverages you may obtain or to evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance coverage.You may purchase travel protection from any insurer you choose, may have coverage from other sources that provide you with similar protection, or may choose to not obtain coverage at all. You acknowledge and agree that you are solely responsible for your decisions related to travel insurance and that Maranatha Tours shall have no liability related thereto.
VI. REFUNDS
On rare occasions, a tour departure may be canceled due to a lack of participation. In the event that Maranatha Tours decides to cancel a departure, you will be offered a credit toward future travel or, at your option, a full refund will be issued. Maranatha Tours is not responsible and does not assume responsibility for any additional costs or any penalties or fees relating to the cancellation of air tickets,or any other arrangements not made through Maranatha Tours.
Cancellations due to circumstance outside the control of Maranatha Tours, whether by Maranatha Tours or the Traveler, are not the fault of Maranatha Tours. Maranatha Tours will make a good faith reasonable effort to accommodate the Traveler on another tour or to revise the itinerary, however, cancellation for any reason not within Maranatha Tours’ control will not be eligible for a refund. Cancellation by the Traveler for any reason is subject to the Cancellation penalties described in these Terms and Conditions
It is your responsibility to become informed about the tour destination with current travel advisories by referring to the U.S. State Department’s travel website at travel.state.gov or by phone at 888-407-4747. In the event of a State Department Travel Advisory against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the tour, should you still choose to travel, not withstanding any travel advisory, you assume all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.
VII. REMEDIES
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, BY USING THE MARANATHA TOURS’ SERVICES, YOU AGREE THAT IF A DISPUTE ARISES BETWEEN YOU AND MARANATHA TOURS, BOTH YOU AND MARANATHA TOURS SHALL SUBMIT TO BINDING ARBITRATION BEFORE THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION. ANY ARBITRATION COMMENCED BETWEEN YOU AND MARANATHA TOURS MUST BE ARBITRATED IN MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA. ARBITRATION MUST BE ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. THIS MEANS NEITHER YOU NOR MARANATHA TOURS MAY JOIN CLAIMS IN ARBITRATION WITH OR AGAINST OTHER PARTIES, OR LITIGATE IN COURT OR ARBITRATE ANY CLAIMS AS A REPRESENTATIVE OR MEMBER OF A CLASS. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT BY AGREEING TO ARBITRATION YOU ARE WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE IN COURT, THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL, AND THE RIGHT TO BRING, OR BE PART OF, A CLASS ACTION CASE.
VIII. INDEMNIFICATION
You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Maranatha Tours from and against all claims, demands, actions, costs, liabilities, losses and damages of any kind (including attorneys’ fees) resulting from your breach of any provision of these Terms and Conditions.
IX. GOVERNING LAW
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of Arizona and the United States of America, and jurisdiction for any dispute hereunder shall be in Maricopa County, Arizona.
X. AMENDMENTS
Maranatha Tours reserves the right to update or alter these Terms and Conditions at any time, and will post the amended Terms on our website at Terms and Conditions :: Maranatha Tours. Any amendment will take effect 10 days after being posted to the Maranatha Tours’ website. An up to date copy of these Terms and Conditions, as amended, may be accessed at any time on our website and will be sent to you upon written request. You are deemed to have accepted any amendments to these Terms and Conditions on the date that is 10 days after their posting on our website. We recommend that you refer to the Terms and Conditions prior to travel to familiarize yourself with the most up-to-date version available.
XI. PARTIES & SUCCESSORS
These Terms and Conditions will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their respective heirs, legal and personal representatives, executors, estate trustees, successors and assigns.
XII. COMPLETE AGREEMENT
These Terms and Condition and related Tour Documents constitute the entire agreement between you and Maranatha Tours related to your tour and the services described herein, and are the complete, final, and exclusive embodiment of our agreement regarding the subject matter. These supersede all prior agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, in connection therewith.
XIII. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions becomes illegal, unenforceable, or invalid in any jurisdiction, it shall not affect (1) the enforceability or validity in that jurisdiction of any other provision of these Terms and Conditions, or (2) the enforceability or validity in other jurisdictions of that or any other provision.
XIV. PRIVACY POLICY
Maranatha Tours must collect your personal information to deliver the tour and any products or services booked. Maranatha Tours collects, uses and discloses only that information reasonably required to enable us and our third-party suppliers to provide the particular tour, products and/or services that you have requested as described these Terms and Conditions. By submitting any personal information to us, you indicate your acceptance of our Privacy Policy.