TERMS AND CONDITIONS

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) apply to products and services provided by World Sea Explorers AS, organization number 922 303 738, Norway (“WSE”, “we”, “our”, “us”).

These Terms apply to bookings made directly with WSE and, where relevant, to WSE Products booked through a travel agent, tour operator, online travel agency or other third-party booking provider.

For these Terms:

“Customer” means the person or entity responsible for a Booking.

“Participant” or “Guest” means a person participating in a WSE Product.

“Booking” means a request or confirmed reservation for a WSE Product.

“WSE Product” means any cruise, expedition, charter, activity, private experience or related service offered by WSE.

“Short Cruise” means a non-overnight cruise product with a scheduled duration of less than 24 hours.

“Public Short Cruise” means a Short Cruise where individual passenger spaces are sold.

“Private Short Cruise” means a Short Cruise reserved exclusively for one Customer or private group.

“Multi-Day Expedition” means a WSE expedition operating over more than one day.

“Custom Charter” means a private yacht charter individually arranged or customized outside WSE’s standard Short Cruise or Multi-Day Expedition products.

“Bespoke Private Experience” means another customized private WSE Product arranged for one Customer or private group.

By making a Booking, the Customer agrees to these Terms.

Nothing in these Terms limits any rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

1. BOOKINGS

Booking Confirmation

You must be at least 18 years old to make a Booking.

A Booking is not confirmed until:

WSE has confirmed availability in writing; and
any payment required to confirm the Booking has been received.

For Bookings made through a third-party booking provider, confirmation may instead be issued through that provider.

Confirmation may be provided by email, booking platform, payment confirmation, invoice or another written method.

WSE may decline a booking request before confirmation because of availability, an obvious pricing or description error, operational limitations, safety considerations or another legitimate reason.

Booking Information

The Customer is responsible for providing accurate booking information and checking the Booking confirmation.

Where one Customer books for other Participants, that Customer is responsible for communicating relevant booking, cancellation, participation and safety information to them.

Participants must comply with WSE’s safety and participation requirements.

Product-specific information stated in the applicable quotation, booking page or Booking confirmation forms part of the Booking. If a specific written condition for a Booking differs from these general Terms, the specific condition applies to that Booking.

Bookings Made Through Third Parties

If you book a WSE Product through a travel agent, tour operator, online travel agency or other third-party booking provider, that provider’s own booking, payment or administrative terms may also apply.

Cancellation or amendment requests should normally be made through the provider used to make the Booking.

2. PRICES AND PAYMENT

Prices, VAT and Booking Fees

Unless otherwise stated, WSE prices are quoted in Norwegian kroner (NOK) and include applicable Norwegian VAT.

Prices described as “from” are starting prices and may vary according to date, season, availability, group size, product configuration or requested services.

A booking platform or other third-party booking provider may charge a separate booking, service or processing fee. Where applicable, this will be shown during the booking process before payment.

Any such third-party fee may be subject to the provider’s own refund conditions.

Public and Private Short Cruises

Full payment is normally required at the time of booking.

The Booking is not confirmed until the required payment has been received.

Multi-Day Expeditions, Custom Charters and Bespoke Private Experiences

More than 90 days before departure

Unless otherwise agreed:

a 30% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm the Booking; and
the remaining 70% is due no later than 90 days before departure.

For Bookings made more than six months in advance, WSE may agree to divide the remaining balance into instalments, provided full payment is received no later than 90 days before departure.

90 days or fewer before departure

30% non-refundable deposit to confirm the Booking. The remaining 70% must be paid within seven days.

14 days or fewer before departure

Full payment is required at the time of booking.

Full payment must be received before departure or participation.

Payment Links and Unpaid Reservations

A quotation, invoice or payment link does not by itself confirm a Booking unless WSE expressly states otherwise.

Where payment is required to secure a Booking, availability may be released if payment is not received by the stated deadline.

Custom Planning and Advance Costs

For Custom Charters, Bespoke Private Experiences or other arrangements requiring significant planning or third-party sourcing, WSE may require a non-refundable planning fee before commencing detailed work.

Where stated by WSE, this fee will be credited toward the final Booking price if the Booking proceeds.

WSE may also require advance payment for provisioning, permits, transfers, activities, third-party suppliers or other requested services.

Payment Methods

Available payment methods may include card, payment link, bank transfer, invoice, Flywire, Wise, Vipps or another method approved by WSE.

Banks, payment providers and booking platforms may apply their own fees or currency-conversion charges.

Late Payments

If payment is not received by the applicable deadline, WSE may cancel the reservation and release reserved availability.

Any amounts already paid will be handled according to the applicable cancellation terms.

Tour Leaders, Guides, Escorts and Translators

Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, WSE does not provide complimentary (FOC) or discounted places for tour leaders, guides, escorts or translators.

They must be included in the Participant count, count toward maximum capacity and are subject to the applicable price.

Infants and Children

Children and minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult unless otherwise agreed.

Infants aged 12 months or younger may participate free of charge on eligible WSE Products where approved in advance. Infants must still be included in the Booking and count toward applicable passenger capacity.

Specific age restrictions may apply to individual activities.

Unless otherwise stated for the relevant WSE Product, Participants older than 12 months are charged the applicable rate. Specific age restrictions or requirements may apply to individual WSE Products or activities.

3. CUSTOMER CANCELLATIONS, CHANGES AND RESCHEDULING

All cancellation, rescheduling and material change requests must be made in writing.

For direct Bookings, contact: info@worldseaexplorers.com

If the Booking was made through a third-party booking provider, requests should normally be submitted through that provider.

A request takes effect when received by WSE or, for a third-party Booking, by the provider responsible for administering the Booking.

Unless otherwise stated:

one reschedule is permitted per Booking;
the replacement departure must take place within 12 months of the original departure;
rescheduling is subject to availability;
amounts already paid will be transferred to the replacement Booking;
any price increase must be paid by the Customer;
no refund is due solely because the replacement departure has a lower price; and
rescheduling does not restore a refund entitlement that had already expired.

Public Short Cruises – 1–5 Participants

More than 48 hours before departure

Cancellation: 100% refund.

Rescheduling: One reschedule free of charge, subject to availability.

48 hours or fewer before departure

Cancellation: No refund under WSE’s standard cancellation policy.

Rescheduling: NOK 1,000 administrative fee, subject to availability.

Public Short Cruises – 6 or More Participants

More than 7 days before departure

Cancellation: 100% refund.

Rescheduling: One reschedule free of charge, subject to availability.

7 days or fewer, but more than 48 hours before departure

Cancellation: 50% refund.

Rescheduling: 10% of the total Booking value.

48 hours or fewer before departure

Cancellation: No refund under WSE’s standard cancellation policy.

Rescheduling: 10% of the total Booking value.

Reductions in Group Size

More than 7 days before departure: Participant numbers may be reduced without a reduction fee, subject to any non-refundable third-party costs already incurred.

7 days or fewer, but more than 48 hours before departure: For reductions of less than 30% of the originally confirmed group size, a charge equal to 20% of the applicable per-person price applies to each cancelled Participant.

48 hours or fewer before departure: For reductions of less than 30%, 100% of the applicable per-person price remains payable for each cancelled Participant.

If the reduction is 30% or more of the original group size, WSE may treat it as a cancellation of the original group Booking.

Private Short Cruises

More than 90 days before departure

Cancellation: 70% refund of the total Booking price paid.

Rescheduling: One reschedule without a rescheduling fee, subject to availability.

90–61 days before departure

Cancellation: No refund under WSE’s standard cancellation policy.

Rescheduling: 5% of the total Booking price.

60 days or fewer before departure

Cancellation: No refund under WSE’s standard cancellation policy.

Rescheduling: 15% of the total Booking price.

Multi-Day Expeditions, Custom Charters and Bespoke Private Experiences

More than 90 days before departure

Cancellation: The required 30% deposit is non-refundable. Amounts paid above the required deposit will normally be refunded, less any non-refundable third-party or Customer-approved costs already incurred.

Rescheduling: One reschedule without a rescheduling fee, subject to availability.

90–61 days before departure

Cancellation: No refund of amounts already paid under WSE’s standard cancellation policy.

Rescheduling: 5% of the total agreed Booking price.

60 days or fewer before departure

Cancellation: No refund of amounts already paid under WSE’s standard cancellation policy.

Rescheduling: 15% of the total agreed Booking price.

Non-refundable third-party services, provisioning, permits, transfers or other Customer-approved costs may remain payable where already committed or incurred.

No-Shows and Late Arrivals

Participants must arrive by the check-in time stated in their Booking confirmation.

Unless otherwise stated, Participants on Short Cruises should arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

A Participant who fails to appear or arrives after departure will not normally be eligible for a refund or rescheduling under WSE’s standard cancellation policy.

Customers should notify WSE or the applicable Sales Agent as soon as possible if they cannot participate.

WSE is not responsible for delays caused by independently arranged flights, road transport, public transport, taxis or other travel used to reach the meeting point.

Add-Ons and Optional Activities

Optional add-ons cannot normally be cancelled or refunded separately once confirmed.

If the underlying WSE Product qualifies for a refund, WSE-provided add-ons will normally be handled together with the underlying Booking.

Third-party add-ons may have separate payment or cancellation conditions.

No refund is normally provided solely because a Participant chooses not to use an included or confirmed service after the WSE Product has commenced.

Refund Processing

Where a refund is due, WSE will normally return it to the original payment method where reasonably possible.

WSE generally initiates eligible refunds within 3–8 business days. Banks, card issuers, booking platforms or payment providers may take additional time to credit the funds.

WSE is not responsible for exchange-rate differences or independent banking, conversion or payment-provider charges.

For Bookings made through a third-party booking provider, refunds may be processed through that provider.

4. CANCELLATIONS OR CHANGES BY WSE

WSE may cancel, postpone, reschedule, reroute, shorten or otherwise modify a WSE Product where reasonably necessary because of:

weather or sea conditions;
safety considerations;
operational or technical limitations;
vessel or equipment issues;
government, harbour or port restrictions;
insufficient Participant numbers where applicable;
circumstances outside WSE’s reasonable control; or
other conditions affecting safe or practical operation.

If WSE cancels a WSE Product before departure and the Customer does not accept an alternative offered by WSE, amounts paid to WSE for the cancelled WSE Product will be refunded. Any separate booking, service or processing fee charged by a third-party booking provider remains subject to that provider’s terms.

WSE will notify affected Customers or the relevant booking provider as soon as reasonably practicable.

Minimum Participant Requirements

Certain Public Short Cruises or other WSE Products may require a minimum number of Participants.

If the minimum is not reached, WSE may offer:

another departure;
rescheduling;
another suitable WSE Product; or
cancellation.

Any separate fee charged by a third-party booking provider remains subject to that provider’s own terms.

Circumstances Outside WSE’s Control

WSE operates in remote and weather-sensitive environments.

Circumstances outside WSE’s reasonable control may include severe weather, natural events, government restrictions, port closures, infrastructure disruption, strikes, public emergencies or comparable events.

Where such circumstances affect a WSE Product, WSE may make reasonable changes, offer an alternative or rescheduled departure, or cancel where necessary.

Captain’s Authority

The Captain has final operational authority regarding navigation, vessel safety, weather suitability, routing, anchoring, berthing and use of vessel equipment.

The Captain may delay, adjust, reroute, shorten or discontinue a voyage or activity where reasonably necessary for safety, security or operational reasons.

Participants must comply with safety instructions issued by the Captain and crew.

Route and Itinerary Changes

Routes, schedules and itineraries are planned in good faith but may change because of weather, wildlife movements, sea conditions, safety, port conditions, availability or other operational considerations.

WSE may reasonably change departure or return times, meeting or embarkation points, routes, stops, activities or the order in which activities occur.

Reasonable non-material changes do not normally qualify a Booking for a refund or compensation.

Customers should allow sufficient time between a WSE Product and independently booked flights, accommodation, transfers, trains, cruise ships or other onward travel.

5. PARTICIPATION AND GUEST RESPONSIBILITIES

Fitness and Mobility

Travel aboard a vessel and participation in Arctic or coastal activities may require a reasonable level of mobility.

Participants may need to use stairs, move around a moving vessel, embark or disembark from a quay or tender, or walk on uneven, wet, snowy or icy surfaces.

Customers should inform WSE before booking, or as soon as possible thereafter, of any mobility requirements or other circumstances that may materially affect safe participation.

WSE will consider reasonable arrangements where practicable and compatible with vessel safety and operational requirements.

WSE may restrict or decline participation where there are reasonable safety grounds.

Health and Medication

Participants are responsible for considering whether they are medically able to participate.

Where a medical condition, medication or other circumstance may materially affect safe participation or emergency response, the

Participant should provide WSE with the information reasonably necessary for safety.

Participation while impaired by alcohol, illegal substances, medication or another substance to an extent that may compromise safety is prohibited.

Conduct

Participants must follow safety instructions and behave respectfully toward other Guests, crew, wildlife, local communities and property.

WSE may refuse boarding or discontinue participation where there are reasonable safety, security or serious conduct grounds.

Where participation is ended because of serious misconduct or failure to follow reasonable safety instructions, a refund will not normally be provided.

Weather and Clothing

WSE Products may take place in cold, wet, windy, snowy, icy or rapidly changing conditions.

Participants are responsible for bringing appropriate clothing and footwear based on the information provided for the WSE Product.

Food, Dietary Requirements and Allergies

Customers should provide dietary requirements, food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking or within any stated deadline.

WSE will make reasonable efforts to accommodate notified requirements where possible.

Food is prepared and handled in a shared galley environment. WSE therefore cannot guarantee an entirely allergen-free environment or eliminate all risk of cross-contact.

Customers with severe or life-threatening allergies should contact WSE before booking.

Personal Property

Participants are responsible for their personal belongings.

WSE cannot guarantee recovery of lost or forgotten items and does not normally provide postal or courier return services.

Damage, Cleaning and Equipment

Participants are responsible for reasonable costs associated with:

damage caused through negligence, misuse or misconduct;
excessive cleaning resulting from a Participant’s conduct;
lost or damaged rental or loan equipment where the Participant is responsible; and
additional services or costs specifically requested or approved by the Customer.

Normal wear and tear is excluded.

WSE may request payment using an authorized payment method, payment link, invoice or another agreed payment method.

6. WILDLIFE, NORTHERN LIGHTS AND NATURAL CONDITIONS

WSE operates in natural environments where wildlife, weather and natural phenomena cannot be controlled.

WSE does not guarantee:

Northern Lights;
whales, orcas or other wildlife;
particular wildlife behaviour;
specific visibility or scenery;
particular weather conditions;
fish catches or particular species or sizes; or
any other naturally occurring phenomenon.

The absence of a particular sighting, catch, Northern Lights display or other natural phenomenon does not itself qualify the Booking for a refund, discount, repeat trip or compensation.

Wildlife welfare and safe navigation take priority over proximity, photography or a particular sighting.

7. TRAVEL INSURANCE

Customers and Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain suitable travel insurance covering, where relevant, cancellation, illness, injury, medical treatment, evacuation, travel delay, baggage, weather disruption and non-refundable travel expenses.

The Customer is responsible for ensuring that any insurance purchased is appropriate for the booked WSE Product and personal circumstances.

8. INHERENT RISKS AND SAFETY

Marine, Arctic, wilderness and adventure activities involve inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated.

Depending on the WSE Product, these may include vessel movement, wet or icy surfaces, tender transfers, cold exposure, changing weather, physical exertion, remote locations, hot-tub or cold-water activities, hiking and delayed access to medical services.

Participants are expected to:

consider their own ability to participate;
follow safety briefings;
use safety equipment as instructed; and
tell the crew if they are uncertain about their ability to undertake an activity.

For certain activities, WSE may require Participants to complete a safety acknowledgement, medical information form or activity-specific participation form.

9. LIABILITY

WSE’s liability is governed by applicable Norwegian law, including applicable rules relating to passenger transport by sea.

To the extent permitted by law, WSE is not responsible for loss arising solely from circumstances outside WSE’s reasonable control, a Customer’s or Participant’s own act or omission, failure to follow reasonable safety instructions, or an independent third-party service for which WSE is not legally responsible.

Where a Customer’s or Participant’s own actions contribute to loss, injury or damage, this may be taken into account when determining responsibility.

Where an independent third-party supplier provides part of a WSE Product, responsibility for that service will be determined according to applicable law and any supplier conditions communicated as part of the Booking.

10. COMPLAINTS

If a problem arises during a WSE Product, please notify the Captain, crew, guide, booking provider or another WSE representative as soon as possible so that WSE has a reasonable opportunity to address the issue.

If the issue cannot be resolved during the WSE Product, a written complaint should be submitted as soon as reasonably possible to:

info@worldseaexplorers.com

Please include the Booking reference, Customer details, date and WSE Product concerned, a description of the issue and any relevant supporting information.

Nothing in this section limits any right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

11. PHOTOGRAPHY AND MEDIA

WSE crew may take photographs or video during cruises, expeditions, charters and other activities.

Where identifiable Participants are the intended subject of material used for WSE marketing, advertising or promotional purposes, WSE will obtain consent where required. Participants who do not wish to appear in WSE-created photographs or video should inform the crew before or at the start of the WSE Product.

Where processing is based on consent, consent may be withdrawn at any time by contacting info@worldseaexplorers.com. Withdrawal will not affect processing that lawfully took place before consent was withdrawn.

Participants may take photographs or video for personal use, provided they follow safety instructions and respect the privacy of other Guests, crew and third parties.

WSE processes photographs and video in accordance with its Privacy Policy.

12. PRIVACY

WSE processes personal data in accordance with applicable data-protection requirements and WSE’s Privacy Policy.

Personal information may be processed where reasonably necessary to administer and deliver a Booking, process payment, communicate with Customers, meet safety or operational requirements or comply with legal obligations.

Relevant information may be shared where necessary with booking providers, payment providers, authorities or third-party suppliers involved in delivering the booked service.

For more information, see:

https://www.worldseaexplorers.com/privacy-policy

13. WEBSITE INFORMATION AND CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

WSE takes reasonable steps to keep website, booking and product information accurate.

Information may change because of operational requirements, seasonal conditions, availability, supplier changes or safety considerations.

Photographs, maps and itinerary descriptions are illustrative and do not guarantee specific weather, wildlife, scenery, routes or environmental conditions.

If an obvious pricing, availability or description error is identified before confirmation, WSE may correct it before accepting the Booking.

WSE may update these Terms from time to time.

Updated Terms normally apply to Bookings made after the updated Terms take effect. A confirmed Booking remains subject to the version of these Terms applicable when the Booking was confirmed, unless a change is required by law or expressly agreed in writing.

14. GOVERNING LAW AND SEVERABILITY

These Terms are governed by Norwegian law.

Any dispute will be handled by a court having jurisdiction under applicable law.

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect.

15. CONTACT

World Sea Explorers AS
Organization no. 922 303 738
Postboks 46
9251 Tromsø
Norway

Email: info@worldseaexplorers.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +47 907 07 512
Website: www.worldseaexplorers.com

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2026