Discover Qatar Terms and conditions for the Whale Sharks of Qatar Cruise

Issued December, 2020

These Terms and Conditions, together with Discover Qatar’s general booking terms and conditions govern the terms (the “Contract”) between Discover Qatar and those persons booking and participating (the “Passenger(s)” on the Whale Sharks of Qatar Cruise (the “Cruise”) and any ancillary hotel accommodation, excursions or services (together with the Cruise, being the “Services”). These Terms and Conditions may be changed or updated by Discover Qatar from time to time.

Whale Sharks Cruise Expedition - PONANT Le Champlain Cruise

1. Booking validity: Until 30 April 2021
2. Cruise dates: between 14 April and 7 May 2021.
3. All cruise bookings are subject to availability.
4. A valid visa is required to enter the country. Nationals from a total of 80 countries can now take advantage of visa-free entry into Qatar. Entry into Qatar will be at the discretion of the immigration authorities. Discover Qatar is not responsible for the decision taken by the immigration authorities.
5. By making this booking you have accepted all terms and conditions which apply to the Cruise offer, in addition to conditions which may apply to the specific hotels, tours and services.

1. Booking, Payment and Eligibility

• 1.1. Bookings should be made through an online enquiry form that will be directed to Discover Qatar’s Reservations Team. Passenger’s will then be contacted by a reservations representative who will collect all relevant information from the Passenger and payment. Discover Qatar’s reservation team will send all booking confirmations, terms and conditions and package details of the contracted Services to the Passenger via email.
• 1.2. Acceptance of the Contract occurs upon paying a deposit equivalent to 10% of the total Contract price of this Service, with the remaining balance to be paid no later than 60 business days before the start of the initial Service in the Contract.
• 1.3. After the Services have been paid for in full, the Passenger shall receive a booking confirmation followed by the Ticket(s) and, where applicable, the vouchers (depending on the services and excursions booked) closer to the Cruise departure date.
• 1.4. Reservations that are not paid in full by the final payment due date are subject to cancellation and in the event that a reservation is cancelled, a cancellation fee will apply in accordance with Clause 1.3.
• 1.5. Children under 12 years of age are not permitted on the Cruise.
• 1.6. Passengers under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the Services.
• 1.7. Disembarkation at some ports may be hard or even impossible for Passengers with limited mobility, particularly in the case of disembarkation by rowing boat and/or in dinghies. Passengers who use wheelchairs must have their own wheelchair and be accompanied by someone who is able to assist them.
• 1.8. Discover Qatar or the Cruise Operator reserves the right to refuse access to Passengers when the Passenger’s state of health is not compatible with the applicable safety regulations, or if the design of the Cruise ship, and/or the port infrastructure and equipment, including the port terminals, makes it impossible for the Passenger in question to board, disembark or be carried under secure conditions, or conditions that are achievable from an operating standpoint.

2. Rates, inclusions and exclusions

The rates of the cruises are per person and include the following:

• 2.1. The Cruise will be operated by Compagnie du Ponant (the “Cruise Operator”). The Cruise Operators passenger terms and conditions shall apply during the Cruise.
• 2.2. The rates of the Cruises are as published on Discover Qatar’s website, per person and include the inclusions stated herein. All rates are exclusive of Value Added Taxes (VAT). In the event VAT or any similar taxes are introduced in the State of Qatar, the corresponding amounts of VAT and/or similar taxes will be added to the prices and rates and borne by the Passenger.
• 2.3. Inclusions
  • 2.3.1. All meals while on board the Cruise ship (from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation).
    • 2.3.2. Meals include early risers’ coffee, breakfast served in cabin or in the restaurants, lunch and dinner in the restaurants, mineral water and wines (red, rose, white) during lunches and dinners.
      • 2.3.3. Daily afternoon tea and pastries.
        • 2.3.4. Open Bar “Classic” served in the bars and in the mini-bar of each cabin
          • 2.3.5. Evening entertainment and events.
            • 2.3.6. Room service 24h for all staterooms.
              • 2.3.7. A team of 10 Expedition team members and 1 guest lecturer.
                • 2.3.8. Free unlimited WiFi onboard.
                  • 2.3.9. Pre-cruise accommodation as stated in the package.
                    • 2.3.10. Return airport transfers.
                      • 2.3.11. Transfers from hotel to Doha Port.
                        • 2.3.12. All sight-seeing discoveries as stated in the package.
                          • 2.3.13. All shore excursions as stated in the package.
                            • 2.3.14. Local guides where applicable.
                          2.3.15. Transfers from the Doha Port to the Hamad International Airport.
                        • 2.4. Exclusions
                          • 2.4.1. Airfares (unless stated) and airport taxes.
                            • 2.4.2. Any ground Services before and/or after the Cruise other than the ones mentioned in the specific package.
                              • 2.4.3. Visa expenses (which may include additional administrative charges imposed by the authorities of a country) and/or immigration reciprocity taxes if applicable.
                                • 2.4.4. Gratuities to onboard crew, local guides and drivers.
                                  • 2.4.5. Luggage handling.
                                    • 2.4.6. Optional Spa packages.
                                      • 2.4.7. Meals and beverages other than the ones specifically stated under the Inclusions at Clause 1.2.1 above.
                                        • 2.4.8. Laundry services, hair salon and à la carte Spa treatments.
                                          • 2.4.9. Personal expenses, on board medical consultations and drug prescriptions.
                                            • 2.4.10. Cancellation/luggage/assistance/repatriation/medical insurance(s).

3. Cancellation fees

• 3.1. Within 15 days after the booking is confirmed: no cancellation fees. For the avoidance of doubt, the booking is treated as confirmed following the payment of the 10% deposit.
• 3.2. From 15 days after the booking is confirmed to 60 days before the start of the Services: 10% of total amount of the Services (the deposit).
• 3.3. From 59 – 30 Days Prior to the start of the Services: 50% of total amount of the Services
• 3.4. Under 30 Days Prior to the start of the Services: 100% of Full Fare total amount of the Services.
• 3.5. Passengers will have full flexibility (full refund / no change fees / 110% future credit) for any government mandated covid restrictions, or if the Passenger tests positive and therefore prohibits boarding.
• 3.6. All cancellations must be received in writing by Discover Qatar and are not effective until notification has been received. If the holiday has commenced, 100% of the full Contract price is charged. There is no refund for unused Services or if portions of the Services are missed..
• 3.7. No refunds will be given for no-shows.
• 3.8. No refunds will be in the event of interruption or cancellation by any Passenger after the commencement of the Cruise
• 3.9. Name changes and departure date changes are considered reservation cancellations and subject to the above cancellation fees
• 3.10. Any booking changes are subject to a handling fee of QAR 100.

4. Special Offers

Special deals and special offers other than those advertised on the website may be promoted by Discover Qatar. These special deals or offers apply to new bookings only and do not apply to existing bookings unless otherwise stated.

5. Passports, visas and vaccination certificates

• 5.1. Before entering into the Contract, it is the responsibility of each Passenger to comply, as appropriate, with the administrative and/or health formalities required by the countries involved in the Services, notably but not limited to, those communicated by Discover Qatar and accessible on the website www.discoverqatar.qa
• 5.2. Before entering into the Contract, Passengers should contact the relevant embassies and/or consulates and perform the administrative and/or health formalities required by the countries involved in the Services.
• 5.3. Discover Qatar will in no event be liable for the consequences of a Passenger not complying with police, customs, administrative or health formalities before or during the Services. Any Passenger who is unable to board a flight or the Cruise ship due to not showing the documents required cannot claim a refund or compensation.
• 5.4. Discover Qatar recommends that Passengers check all travel information with the relevant authorities before the date of departure. Discover Qatar advises Passengers to read their government’s latest travel advice online for the destinations chosen. Discover Qatar alerts Passengers to the fact that the information given can change right up until the departure date, and should therefore be checked up and until the time of departure.
• 5.5. Discover Qatar asks Passengers to adjust their behaviour according to the destination; to be vigilant and avoid carrying valuable items when travelling abroad.
• 5.6. Passenger passports will be checked against national and international criminal databases, including those of Interpol.
• 5.7. Each Passenger should hold a valid passport as well as the necessary visas and health certificates valid for the duration and the itinerary.
• 5.8. All Passengers should comply with instructions of the captain of the Ship, and all applicable laws, regulations and customs in the countries they visit during the Cruise.
• 5.9. The Captain shall be entitled to refuse onboard any person with symptoms of COVID-19 before each Cruise begins.

6. Changes to the package

• 6.1. Website Accuracy - Discover Qatar has endeavoured to ensure that the information given on this website about accommodation, itineraries etc., is correct to the best of its knowledge at the time of publishing. However, advertised descriptions and facilities and prices may change. Discover Qatar recommends that Passengers confirm the details of the chosen package at the time of booking. Final details will be shown on the tickets issued following receipt of the full Contract price. Services under the Contract or excursion itineraries may change or be different from those described as a result of local conditions, weather conditions or annual events. Discover Qatar will endeavour to notify Passengers of any material changes prior to the date of departure.
• 6.2. If Discover Qatar Change or Cancel the Services before Departure - Discover Qatar endeavours to provide Passengers with all the Services confirmed at the time of booking. However, arrangements are planned a long time in advance of departure dates, using independent suppliers, over whom we have no direct control. On occasions, changes do have to be made, and Discover Qatar reserves the right to cancel, substitute or amend holiday packages, excursions or any other Services booked under the Contract accordingly.
• 6.3. Force Majeure - Force Majeure means the occurrence of an event that is beyond Discover Qatar’s reasonable control and which could not have been reasonably prevented by Discover Qatar, which includes, but is not limited to: (a) war, armed conflict, criminal damage, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity or the threat of any such acts; (b) natural disaster (including but not limited to flooding, fire, earthquake, landslide), adverse weather conditions, high or low water levels; (c) nuclear or other industrial accident causing environmental pollution or contamination; or (d) change in law, meaning, enactment, amendment (including repeal) in the law or administration of any law in Qatar or any jurisdiction or territory relevant to the booking Contract, which includes changes in statute, regulation, determination, by-law, declaration, licence and the common law as applicable from time to time, including changes or amendments in regulations or access to Services, sites or countries caused by declared epidemic or pandemic events.
• 6.4. Termination of the Contract or Changes to the Contract Due to Force Majeure - If Discover Qatar, in its reasonable opinion, considers that any Force Majeure event prevents Discover Qatar (whether directly or through its employees, contractors, subcontractors and agents) from lawfully or safely providing any products or Services subject of the Contract with a Passenger, Discover Qatar may immediately by written notice: (a) terminate the Contract (in whole or in part); or (b) change the Passenger’s travel arrangements under the Contract as much as reasonably practicable, to ensure Passenger safety, and invoice the Passenger for any additional costs.
• 6.5. Limitation of Liability in the Event of Force Majeure - In the event of a Force Majeure event making it impossible or unsafe for Discover Qatar to deliver all or part of the holiday package, Discover Qatar will refund the Passenger for the unperformed part of the Contract less any reasonable losses incurred before cancellation. Losses may amount to a substantial proportion of the booking price. Discover Qatar will use reasonable endeavours to minimise losses incurred by Passengers.

7. Disruption to Itinerary Arrangements

• 7.1. Itineraries are intended as a guide only and are subject to alteration without notice. Alterations may be necessary for reasons beyond Discover Qatar’s control. If conditions render any routes unsafe for navigation, Discover Qatar reserves the right to provide alternative Services including, but not limited to, accommodation on the docked Cruise ship, operating part of the itinerary by coach, alternative sightseeing or substitute land arrangements.
• 7.2. Discover Qatar will not be liable for any direct or indirect costs that Passenger’s may incur as a result of any event or other factor beyond Discover Qatar’s control which necessitates a change in itinerary..
• 7.3. Passengers are not entitled to any refund or compensation for any alterations to the itinerary that are caused by events beyond Discover Qatar’s control. Passengers should note that where disembarkation is necessary, some Inclusions such as Wi-Fi and complimentary all-day beverages will not be provided.
• 7.4. Virtually all countries have public holidays, religious or otherwise. The festivities may temporarily disrupt the holiday and some religious holidays may result in a reduction of facilities and entertainment.
• 7.5. Some restaurants or facilities may be closed during the Holy month of Ramadan and religious holidays.
• 7.6. Alcoholic beverages restrictions may apply to your pre and post Cruise arrangements during the Holy month of Ramadan and religious holidays. The Cruise ship will operate as normal.
• 7.7. In the event that, during the Cruises, a Passenger or crew member presents symptoms and/or is diagnosed with COVID-19, the Discover Qatar shall be entitled to cancel and/or interrupt said Cruise.

8. Limitation of Liability

• 8.1. Discover Qatar packages include the services of independent providers, such as hoteliers, Cruise companies and other operators, who are not agents, servants or employees of Discover Qatar. Although Discover Qatar takes care in selecting the independent service providers and the optional excursions conducted by some independent service providers, Discover Qatar is not responsible for the conduct of such independent service providers, their servants or agents, or for any ramifications of that conduct.
• 8.2. Optional excursions may, depending on the holiday package, include activities such as desert safaris, climbing, exploring, swimming and snorkelling. The Passenger accepts and assumes the risk involved with these activities.
• 8.3. If, in the opinion of any representative of Discover Qatar, a Passenger’s mental or physical condition, or general behaviour is such as to affect a Passengers own health and safety, render a Passenger incapable of caring for themselves, cause a Passenger to became a hazard to themselves or other Passengers or result in a Passenger becoming objectionable to other Passengers or staff, such Passenger will not be permitted to embark or continue on the whole or any part of the holiday package. Abuse or harassment of any kind toward crew, contracted suppliers or other guests may result in immediate removal from the tour or Cruise. Discover Qatar is not liable to Passengers for any costs associated with such decision and the Passenger will not be refunded for any part of the holiday package.
• 8.4. Discover Qatar accepts no responsibility for any death, injury, illness, loss (including loss of enjoyment), damage, detention, delay (including mechanical breakdown) beyond its reasonable control.
• 8.5. To the full extent permitted by law, Discover Qatar’s liability arising under or in connection with the Contract: (a) is limited to the re-supply of the products or Services under the Contract or the payment of the cost of re-supply of the products or Services under the Contract to the Passenger; and (b) excludes liability for any indirect or consequential losses suffered by the Passenger or any third party, howsoever caused, including but not limited to pure economic loss or any special, extraordinary or punitive damage to the Passenger or any other party.
• 8.6. The travel agent will forward deposits and other payments to Discover Qatar on the Passengers behalf, but such travel agent is not Discover Qatar’s agent for the purpose of receipt of monies. Receipt of deposits and subsequent payments by the travel agent does not constitute receipt of those monies by Discover Qatar and the travel agent has no authority expressed or implied to receive monies on Discover Qatar’s behalf. There is no liability on the part of Discover Qatar in respect to any monies paid to a travel agent unless and until Discover Qatar notifies the Passenger (by way of a booking confirmation advice or payment receipt advice) that the monies have been received by Discover Qatar. Discover Qatar reserves the right to cancel any Contract, or ticket or voucher issued for Services under a Contract or refuse to carry any Passenger where payment has not been received by Discover Qatar within the specified timeframe.
• 8.7. Passengers must inform Discover Qatar without undue delay of any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel Services included under the Contract. If any of the travel Services included under a Passenger’s Contract are not performed in accordance with these Terms and Conditions or are improperly performed, by Discover Qatar or the travel Service suppliers, Passengers may be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation or both.
• 8.8. In respect of Package Travel:
• 8.8.1. As the organiser of the Package Travel (as defined by the European Package Travel Directive), Discover Qatar will give appropriate assistance without undue delay to the Passenger in difficulty, more particularly by providing appropriate information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance and by assisting the Passenger to make distance communications and helping the Passenger to find alternative travel arrangements. Please note that Discover Qatar will be entitled to charge a reasonable fee for such assistance if the difficulty is caused intentionally by the Passenger or through the Passenger’s negligence.
  • 8.8.2. Discover Qatar promises that Package Travel arrangements will be made, performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. Discover Qatar will accept responsibility in the event of a Passenger’s death or personal injury, or if contracted arrangements are not provided as promised or prove deficient, as a result of the failure of Discover Qatar, its employees, agents or suppliers to use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or providing Passenger’s contracted arrangements. Further, Discover Qatar will be responsible for what Discover Qatar employees and/or, agents do or not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment or carrying out work Discover Qatar had asked them to do.
    • 8.8.3. In respect of all services that do not fall under the definition of Package Travel: Discover Qatar promises to use reasonable skill and care in the performance of the contractual obligations, subject to and in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. Discover Qatar’s contractual obligations consist of using reasonable skill and care in making the booking and arranging the services under the Contract, as well as using reasonable skill and care in choosing our suppliers.
      • 8.8.4. In respect of all services, including Package Travel:
        • 8.8.4.1. Discover Qatar will not be liable where any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services is due to: the Passenger or another member of the Passenger’s party; or a third party unconnected with the provision of the travel services under the Contract and is unforeseeable or unavoidable; or unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, which means a situation beyond Discover Qatar’s control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
          • 8.8.4.2. Except as specifically set out in these conditions, Discover Qatar will not accept any further or different liability than the Package Travel Directive and its relevant transposition into National Law of European Union Member States impose. It is the Passenger’s responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if a Passenger wishes to make a claim against Discover Qatar.
            • 8.8.4.3. Discover Qatar limits the maximum amount that may be payable for any claims made. The maximum amount Discover Qatar will pay where found liable for loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions (including money) is three times the value of the damaged/missing items (excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges) per Passenger affected unless a lower limitation applies to the claim under this clause.
              • 8.8.4.4. For all other claims which do not involve death or personal injury, the maximum amount Discover Qatar will pay if found liable on any basis is three times the value of the contracted Services (excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges) paid by or on behalf of the Passenger(s) affected in total unless a lower limitation applies to your claim. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and the Passenger has not received any benefit at all from the Services under the Contract.
                • 8.8.5. Discover Qatar’s liability will also be limited in accordance with the following:
                  • 8.8.5.1. Discover Qatar assumes the benefits of any limitations that apply from any relevant international convention, for example, but not limited to, the Montreal Convention in respect of travel by air, the Athens Convention in respect of travel by sea, the Berne Convention in respect of travel by rail and the Paris Convention in respect of the provision of accommodation, which limit the amount of and conditions under which compensation can be claimed and must be paid for death, injury, delay to Passengers and loss, damage and delay to luggage.
                    • 8.8.5.2. Passengers may ask for copies of the contractual terms for the Services under the Contract, or the international conventions, from Discover Qatar at the details provided.
                      • 8.8.5.3. Where any claim or part of a claim (including those involving death or personal injury) concerns or is based on any travel arrangements (including the process of getting on and/or off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea, rail or road carrier or any stay in a hotel, the maximum amount of compensation Discover Qatar will pay will be limited. The maximum amount Discover Qatar will pay to a Passenger, if found liable on any basis, is the maximum payable under any convention or regulation which applies to the travel arrangements or hotel stay to which the claim arises from. In any circumstances in which the carrier is liable to a Passenger by virtue of the Denied Boarding Regulation 2004, any liability Discover Qatar may have under the Contract, arising out of the same facts, is limited to the remedies provided under the Regulation as if (for this purpose only) Discover Qatar were a carrier; any sums a Passenger receives from the carrier will be deducted from any amount due by Discover Qatar.
                        • 8.8.6. Local Excursions/Activities/Events
                          • 8.8.6.1. Discover Qatar will not accept responsibility for services or facilities which do not form part of the Contract or any services or facilities that are not advertised in Discover Qatar’s brochure or the website.
                            • 8.8.6.2. The Services and facilities included in the Contract will be deemed to be provided with reasonable skill and care if they comply with any local regulations which apply, or, if there are no applicable local regulations, if they are reasonable when compared to the local standards in practice.
                              • 8.8.6.3. Every occurrence of unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances will lead to the suspension of the obligations in these Terms and Conditions that are affected by such unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances and Discover Qatar shall not be liable as a result of any inability to meet such obligations in an event. If it is impossible to ensure a Passenger’s return as scheduled, due to unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances, Discover Qatar will bear the cost of necessary accommodation, if possible in an equivalent category, for a maximum of three nights. This limit does not apply to persons with reduced mobility and any person accompanying them, pregnant women and unaccompanied minors, or persons in need of specific medical assistance, provided that Discover Qatar is notified of these needs at least 48 hours before the start of the Services.
                              • 8.9. In this Section 9 Discover Qatar’s liability will always be the lesser of the limits stated herein and the limits of the relevant Conventions or Regulations referred to herein.

9. Travel insurance

• 9.1. The sale of Services by Discover Qatar does not include any kind of insurance.
• 9.2. Passengers are required to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes (without limitation) coverage for the cost of the holiday package, medical expenses, loss of luggage, Cruise and land content and airfare charges that may occur due to cancellation, impossibility of performance or other frustration, disruption, loss of deposit or strikes.
• 9.3. Passengers are required to check the terms and conditions of the policy to determine the extent of coverage for COVID-19 related claims.
• 9.4. Passengers are solely responsible for taking out such insurance at their own expense. If a Passenger has not taken out such insurance, they accept responsibility and any costs linked to medical expenses, evacuation for health reasons, or repatriation.

10. Luggage restrictions

• 10.1. All luggage are restricted to suitcases and hand luggage in sizes and models which may be easily stored in the cabin.
• 10.2 Each Passenger may only bring one piece of luggage onboard, the maximum authorized weight of which is 20 kg.

11. Responsible Service of Alcohol

Discover Qatar staff are trained in the Responsible Service of Alcohol and are obligated by law to refuse service to any Passenger who is intoxicated or behaves in an aggressive or offensive manner.

12. Medical Assistance

• 12.1. Discover Qatar does not employ medical staff. If a Passenger requires medical attention local medical services can be contacted immediately. Passengers are responsible for the type or quality of the medical services they may require.
• 12.2. There is a charge for medical consultations undertaken by the doctor or nurse on board the Cruise. The price can vary according to the time and place of the consultation (hospital or cabin). Any medication must also be paid for by the Passenger.
• 12.3. As the Ship does not have any facilities for giving birth onboard, women who are over six months’ pregnant shall not be allowed to board. In any event, pregnant women travelling onboard the Ship are advised to see a doctor before boarding in order to ensure that their state of health is appropriate for the Cruise that they are planning.

13. Smoking

• For other passengers' comfort there is no smoking in vehicles or coaches. Smoking on the Cruise ship is only permitted in designated areas.

14. Currency onboardthe Cruise ship

• 14.1. The official currency on board the Cruise is the Euro.
• 14.2. Upon arrival on board, an imprint of Passenger’s credit card will be required. The evening before disembarkation, an invoice detailing a Passenger’s on-board spending will be delivered to the cabin.

15. Hotel Accommodation

• 15.1. Many of the Services which make up the Services within the Contract are provided by independent suppliers. Those suppliers provide these Services in accordance with their own terms and conditions which will form part of the Contract with Discover Qatar. Some of these terms and conditions may limit or exclude the supplier's liability to Passengers, usually in accordance with applicable International Conventions. Copies of the relevant parts of these terms and conditions are available on request from Discover Qatar or the supplier concerned.
• 15.2. Porterage, Tips, laundry, room service, and all items of a personal nature such as some beverages, phone calls, etc. are not included in the hotel price and should be paid additionally to the hotel for the consumption of same.
• 15.3. Some leisure facilities/activities/sports equipment may be available seasonally and may not necessarily be free of charge. The use of these facilities are normally subject to an additional charge, paid directly to the hotel.
• 15.4. Some restaurants or facilities may be closed during the Holy month of Ramadan and religious holidays.
• 15.5. Some restaurants or facilities may be closed during the Holy month of Ramadan and religious holidays.
• 15.6. Renovations and/or construction work may sometimes occur during the stay. Discover Qatar will make every effort to share such information at the time of booking if the same has been advised by the hotel. However, this may not be possible for emergency repairs, in which case the hotel will inform its customer/guests directly.
• 15.7. The categorization of hotels, resorts and other types of accommodation is generally done by the Tourism body and the process of grading used to categorize the properties may not necessarily conform to international standards. Discover Qatar does not take responsibility if the grading of the hotel does not conform to international standards.
• 15.8. In the event that Passengers are not satisfied with the hotel or room on check-in, complaints may be registered with the hotel front-office or contact Discover Qatar under the conditions provided in Article 15.9 of these Terms and Conditions. In the event of disputes in this respect and all other hotel related circumstances, Discover Qatar will offer all reasonable assistance but will not be responsible for claims and compensations, without prejudice to the application of Article 8 of these Terms and Conditions.
• 15.9 Discover Qatar makes every effort to ensure arrangements run smoothly but if there are problems during the hotel stay, Passenger’s should first inform the hotelier immediately who will endeavour to put things right. If the complaint is not resolved locally, Passenger’s should then contact Discover Qatar using the contact details that are provided in the travel documents. If the problem cannot be resolved and Passenger’s wish to complain further, formal written notice of the complaint must be sent to: dqinfo@qatarairways.com.qa within 28 days of the end of the stay, giving the booking reference and all other relevant information. Formal written notice can also be sent by regular post in the event that there is no access to email. Letters should be concise and to the point. This will assist Discover Qatar in quickly identifying the concerns and speed up the response.

16. Tours and Activities

The following terms and conditions may be applicable to your booking:

• 16.1. Tours or Activities are subject in all respects to these Terms and Conditions and to any and all terms and conditions of the owners, operators, public carriers and such other persons who provide Tours or Activities to the Passenger.
• 16.2. Acquisition of a voucher or the making of a booking entitling Passenger’s to participate in a Tour or Activity shall be deemed to constitute Passenger consent and acceptance of these Terms and Conditions..
• 16.3. If Tours and Activities are not booked by a Passenger as part of the contracted Services, Discover Qatar is authorized to cancel, modify or omit any part of any Tour or Activity with or without notice to the Passenger and at Discover Qatar’s sole discretion. Due to the nature of many of the Tours or Activities, delays and cancellations may result due to factors beyond our or our suppliers’ control, such as the weather, accidents, sickness, governmental restrictions and other events of force majeure. In such cases, a refund or partial refund may be given at Discover Qatar’s discretion and/or the discretion of the supplier of the Tour or Activity concerned.
• 16.4. Extension of tour duration, additional services or amendments cannot be made during the tour. Pick-up and drop-off time and location cannot be changed at any time during the tour.
• 16.5. The Passenger understands and accepts the potential risks and hazards that can be involved in some of the Tours or Activities. Passenger takes responsibility for ensuring that they are mentally and physically capable of participating in the particular Tour or Activity. The Passenger agrees to comply with the instructions in English of any personnel providing the Tour or Activity. If in the opinion of that Leader, a Passenger’s behaviour or physical condition is detrimental to the safety, welfare and well-being of the group as a whole, or if the Leader considers that the Passenger’s general well-being will be put at risk by continuing with the Tour or Activity, the Passenger may be asked not to participate in the Tour or Activity without the right to any refund of the price.
• 16.6. Some of the Tours or Activities are potentially hazardous. Discover Qatar and its suppliers will use all their experience and, where necessary, the experience and assistance of local guides and other experts, in order to minimise the risk to the Passenger. Nevertheless, if Passenger’s are participating in Tours or Activities that are potentially hazardous or against the Leader’s recommendation Passenger’s may be required to read, understand and sign an indemnity and waiver form in English before participating in those Tours or Activities. Where Discover Qatar offer’s Tours or Activities provided by third parties, or issues Passengers with a voucher entitling Passengers to a ticket for an event and provided that the Tours or Activities are not part of a Travel Package, Discover Qatar acts only as agent for the operator of the Tour or Activity concerned or the organisers of that event. The terms and conditions of the operator of the Tour or Activity or organiser of the event will apply to the Passenger and any refund will be subject to those terms and conditions. Discover Qatar will therefore have no responsibility for the acts or omissions (including negligence) of those operators or organisers or their servants or agents, or for any injury, damage or loss arising in connection with the provision of Tours or Activities by such operators or in connection with the event or its organisation.
• 16.7. Discover Qatar are responsible for making sure that each part of the Tour or Activity a Passenger books with Discover Qatar is provided to a reasonable standard and as was advertised by Discover Qatar (or as changed and accepted by the Passenger).
• 16.8. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Discover Qatar accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, accident, sickness, injury or death that a Passenger or anyone else may suffer or incur arising out of the Tours or Activities and/or in connection with the Contract with Discover Qatar and/or the operator of any Tours or Activities.
• 16.9. Any person who is under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult on any Tours, Excursions or Activities.
• 16.10. Tours and Activities products purchased from Discover Qatar are non-transferable (if they are not part of a Travel Package) and cannot be sold, encashed or given away, nor can these services/travel products be used for commercial or promotional purposes.
• 16.11. Any personal possessions left behind will be disposed of responsibly.

17. Conduct

• 17.1. When booking Services with Discover Qatar Passengers accept responsibility for the proper conduct for themselves and their party whilst availing of such Services. For the purposes of this clause reference to a Passenger includes any other person in a Passenger’s party.
• 17.2. All Passengers staying in accommodation booked through Discover Qatar are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly and acceptable manner and not to disrupt the enjoyment of other guests. If in the accommodation provider’s opinion or in the opinion of any other person in authority, a Passenger’s behaviour or that of any member of a Passenger’s party is causing or is likely to cause distress, danger or annoyance to any other guests or any third party or damage to property, or to cause a delay or diversion to transportation, Discover Qatar reserves the right to terminate the Contract immediately. In the event of such termination, Discover Qatar’s liability to the Passenger and/or the Passenger’s party will cease and the Passenger and/or the Passenger’s party will be required to leave the accommodation or other service immediately. Discover Qatar will have no further obligations to the Passenger or party members. No refunds for lost accommodation or any other service will be made and Discover Qatar will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of termination.
• 17.3. Passengers and / or party members may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused by their actions and Discover Qatar will hold the Passenger and each member of the Passenger’s party jointly and individually liable for any damage or losses caused by the Passenger or any member of the Passenger’s party. Full payment for any such damage or losses must be paid directly to the hotel manager or other supplier prior to departure from the Cruise. If a Passenger fails to make payment, such Passenger shall be responsible for meeting any claims (including legal costs) subsequently made against Discover Qatar as a result of the Passenger’s actions together with all costs Discover Qatar incurs in pursuing any claim against the Passenger. Discover Qatar cannot be held responsible for the actions or behaviour of other customer/guests or individuals who have no connection with a Passenger’s Contract with Discover Qatar.

18. Data protection policy

• Any personal data has been given to Discover Qatar for the purpose of purchasing the Services. For these purposes, Passengers authorize Discover Qatar to retain and use such data to transmit it to Discover Qatar’s own offices, suppliers, authorized agents, government agencies, other carriers or the providers of such services, in whatever the country they may be located in accordance with Discover Qatar’s Privacy Notice.

19. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

• These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Qatar and the courts of the State of Qatar shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

20. Enforceability

• If any portion or provision of these Terms and Conditions shall to any extent be declared illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, then the remainder of these Terms and Conditions, or the application of such portion or provision in circumstances other than those as to which it is so declared illegal or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each portion and provision of these Terms and Conditions shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

21. Order of Precedence

• In the event of any conflict or contradiction between these Terms and Conditions and Discover Qatar’s general booking terms and conditions the following order of precedence shall apply:
  i. these Terms and Conditions, then;
  ii. Discover Qatar’s general booking terms and conditions.

22. Contact

• Passengers may contact Discover Qatar regarding any complaints or queries in the following ways:
  Discover Qatar Reservations Email: whalesharks@qatarairways.com.qa
  Contact numbers:
  +974 4423 7999 (Reservations)
  +974 5577 3512 (Emergency)