Terms and Conditions

When you book with First Choice Canada Inc./Premiere Choix Canada Inc. (doing business as Signature Vacations (hereinafter SV) the following Terms and Conditions become part of your contract. Please ensure that you read and understand the Terms and Conditions before booking your vacation.

Booking

Payment: Prices are in Canadian dollars per person double occupancy unless otherwise stated and are subject to change without notice. Non-Refundable Deposit: $250 per person. We reserve the right to cancel your booking if not paid in full by due date.

Travel Insurance : SV recommends the purchase of travel insurance. If purchased, must be paid for with deposit. Your Booking Agent (hereinafter Agent) is responsible for ensuring that we receive full payment. Balance is due at SV 45 days prior to departure; immediately if you book within 45 days of departure unless earlier payment is required to qualify for an Early Booking Bonus.

Credit Cards : SV accepts Mastercard, Visa and American Express in Canadian dollars only. Your verbal authorization of the use of your card indicates your compliance with all of these Terms and Conditions and confirms your reservation whether or not you have actually signed the appropriate draft.

Pricing: Prices include all mandatory hotel taxes and service charges. Additional charges for Canadian transportation tax, departure taxes and tourist cards are shown separately and must be paid in advance unless otherwise indicated. G.S.T., H.S.T. and other transportation-related fees, where applicable, are included in the departure taxes figure. Prices may vary within dates shown. All prices are subject to change and we reserve the right to impose currency or fuel surcharges.

Special Requests: SV will convey your special accommodation requests and other requirements but these are strictly at the discretion of the hotel, cannot be confirmed prior to departure and may be subject to surcharges payable locally. SV is not responsible if these special requests are not met. Requests for complimentary accommodation upgrades (where these upgrades are available at a published price) are not possible.

Passengers with Special Needs: SV must be advised of special passenger needs at the time of booking and every effort will be made to accommodate special needs, but we cannot confirm a reservation until all travel suppliers have acknowledged that they can provide the services requested. There may be a charge for some services such as special transfers. SV or its suppliers reserve the right to deny boarding if prior notification of the special needs is not given – even with a medical certificate.

Inflight Services: Charges may apply to inflight services. Westjet offers snack service only. On all other carriers, any special inflight meals must be requested at least 72 hours prior to departure. If your special meal is not available there will be no refund. All carriers charge for alcohol.

Inflight entertainment: There may be a charge for headsets.

Animals: Only service animals are permitted on board the aircraft.

Children: Infants under two years of age at completion of travel fly free of charge (one infant per adult 13 years plus) but are not allocated an aircraft seat nor any baggage allowance.

Skycots are available only on West Jet on a limited “first come” basis (depending on aircraft type) and must be requested at time of booking. Requests for cribs or other services must be made at time of booking and paid for directly at the resort.

Package prices for children (ages 2 to 11 unless otherwise specified) are based on a child sharing with two full-paying adults or with one adult who pays the single supplement (unless otherwise stated). Two children sharing a room on their own each pay full adult price except at hotels that offer child room rates.

BOOKING CHANGES

If You Change Your Booking: Any change to a booking requested more than 45 days prior to departure is subject to a $50 administration fee (including G.S.T.). A name correction, change of name, departure date or tour within 45 days of departure makes the booking subject to full applicable cancellation charges. Changing all names on file constitutes a cancellation. If rooming requirements are altered due to cancellation by one or more passengers, the passengers still travelling must pay the applicable rate for the accommodation to be occupied. Once travel has commenced, NO changes to the booking are permitted.

If We Change Your Booking: Vacation packages are prepared months in advance, and occasionally an advertised facility is either modified or not available. Sometimes even after confirming your booking, we may have to make changes to your vacation arrangements. Most changes will be minor, however, occasionally we must make a major change to your vacation prior to your departure. Major changes include:

If we make a major change, we will advise you or your Agent as soon as possible, and you may:

Sometimes the hotel reserved is not available due to unexpected maintenance or overbooking, and a substitute hotel of equal or greater quality will be provided. If the hotel standard is downgraded and you accept the change as offered, a refund for any difference in price will be issued. SV reserves the right to change published prices without notice or to pass on government imposed taxes, transportation related fees or surcharges including those for fuel or currency fluctuations to the traveller.

If You Must Cancel: The following charges apply from the date we are advised of your cancellation: The day of departure is excluded when calculating cancellation on change fees.

More than 45 days $250 (loss of deposit); 22 to 44 days 50% of total price; 21 – 0 days 100% of total price.

E-DOC’S & TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

E-Doc Issuance: E-Documents for fully paid bookings are available no later than 14 business days prior to departure and can be accessed by either you or your Agent at www.signaturevacations. com/edoc. All E-Documents are non-refundable and only valid for the flights & dates purchased and cannot be exchanged for other flights. Payment of any airport improvement tax and/or departure tax levied is the responsibility of the passenger. Cuba and the Dominican Republic require tourist cards that will be subject to additional re-issue fees if lost, stolen or incorrectly completed.

Documentation: It is your responsibility to ensure you have the identification necessary for travel to your destination and it is your responsibility to obtain, at your expense, such documentation. We strongly recommend that you travel with a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date) and be prepared to present government issued photo identification before boarding any flight. Where a country allows Canadians entry with a birth certificate, photo I.D. (such as a driver’s licence) will also be required. Landed immigrants without Canadian citizenship or Permanent Resident Cards may be denied boarding upon return to Canada. If your travel documents are not in order you may be refused boarding and you will be responsible for any costs incurred in catching up with your tour and no tour refund will be issued. A criminal record can also lead to denial of entry or passage to destination.

Children and infants require proof of citizenship and date of birth. For destinations requiring a passport, children must also have a separate passport. Infants under 2 years must possess tourist cards for travel to Cuba and Dominican Republic and these will need to be purchased from the SV at the time of booking. Special notarized documentation may be required for unaccompanied minors and children under 18 travelling without both parents. Parents, especially those with different surnames from their children, should carry documentation proving custodial rights. Ask for details at time of booking.

FLIGHT CHANGES

Aircraft & Schedule Changes: Your airline E-Documents contain conditions of carriage which limit the carrier’s liability under international conventions and agreements. Unless otherwise stated, all flights are on chartered aircraft. All charter flights are subject to the approval of the Canadian Transportation Agency. Any complaints concerning air transportation should be made to the airline concerned. All flights featuring Canadian carriers are non-smoking. SV reserves the right to substitute alternate carriers and aircraft types and to add en-route stops at its discretion with or without notice. Occasionally operational changes are required which may result in the need to reschedule or cancel flights.

Flights and Delays: Please contact your airline 12 hours prior to departure and again 4 to 6 hours prior to re-confirm your flight departure time. Please note that in the case of a flight delay announced at the airport, it may not always be possible for the airline to provide accommodation or meals during the delay at the airport. In the event of a delay related to weather, traffic, or another force majeure situation, any expenses incurred by you during the force majeure situation will be your sole responsibility. SV is not responsible for additional charges incurred for expenses or lost income as a result of changes to flight times or for missed vacation time.  If you purchase only your airfare from SV it is your responsibility to leave a contact number at your destination and with your Agent and with the local SV Representative so we may contact you in case of a flight change.

Connecting Flights: Passengers booking connecting flights, particularly when the E-Documents issued for these flights prohibit last-minute changes, are advised to allow ample time (minimum 3 hours, preferably overnight) between the connecting flight and the charter. All connecting flight reservations are made at the risk of the passenger who expressly agrees to assume the cost of any loss in the event of a change to the original flight schedule. SV cannot be held liable for damages or additional fees incurred by passengers due to missed flight connections.

AT THE AIRPORT

Airport Check-In: Seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis unless you have pre-purchased Advance Seat Selection. All passengers should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to flight departure. Check-in opens at least 3 hours prior to flight departure (check your E-Document for exact time) and closes 60 minutes prior to flight departure. For security reasons, all passengers must be present for check-in. You will not be allowed to board, nor will you be entitled to a refund, if you have not checked in 60 minutes prior to flight departure. It is your responsibility to get to the airport on time and, after check-in, to proceed to the correct gate by the time specified on your boarding pass. SV is not responsible for missed flights. Airlines reserve the right to deny boarding to any passenger they deem to be in an unfit condition to fly.

Advance seat selection is available on Skyservice and Air Transat. If your requested seats are not available, compensation will be limited to a full refund of the fee paid. To receive a refund you must keep your original boarding pass and call the carrier within 30 days of the date of the flight. If your seats are changed by 3 rows or fewer, you will not be notified of the change nor will a refund of the fee paid be provided.

Baggage Allowance: Please see your E-Documents, signaturevacations.com or the airline for details on baggage allowance and updated baggage regulations. Please note all luggage weighing in excess of 20 kg total will be subject to an additional weight surcharge. Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage is the responsibility of the airline – with the exception of sports equipment which is not covered and must be insured separately. In the event that your baggage is delayed at your destination or upon your return home, you must contact the airline representative before leaving the airport. Failure to notify the airline representative before leaving the airport will invalidate your claim. Baggage handling is performed by independent contractors over which SV has no control. SV is not responsible for loss of or damage to baggage or other possessions, and recommends you purchase insurance to cover this type of loss.

IN DESTINATION

Hotel Check-In & Check-Out: Regardless of your flight arrival or departure time, most hotels expect departing guests to vacate rooms by 12 noon and arriving guests to check-in after approximately 3 pm to allow for cleaning. In all-inclusive hotels, property privileges commence at check-in and end at check-out. SV is not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from the use of bellman services.

Construction and New Hotels: All hotels undergo routine maintenance and renovation. In popular resort areas there is considerable on-going construction and SV is not responsible for any interruption and/or inconvenience you may encounter as a result. At brand new hotels, some facilities may not be fully functional and landscaping and other finishing touches may be ongoing during your stay.

Optional Tours & Activities: SV is not responsible for sporting or other activities or optional tours sold in destination by independent contractors. Optional tours offered in destination are all at extra charge, subject to change and availability. Mention or description of optional tours in the SV brochure is not an endorsement of them by SV.

It’s Different Away From Home: Canadians enjoy a standard of living which is among the highest in the world. In other countries, the uninterrupted supply of water and electricity, local health conditions, levels of security and standards of food and beverages may differ from those enjoyed at home. In tropical climates, insects enjoy deluxe hotels as much as they do budget properties! Illness or inconvenience resulting from the services provided or omitted at the destination are outside the control of SV and SV is not responsible for such illness or inconvenience.

Many resorts are frequented by topless sunbathers who are beyond the control of SV. SV is not responsible for the behaviour of these or any guests/groups.  Local governments regulate certain services and facilities and due to local cultural and political events or vacations these services and facilities may be withdrawn by the local governments which are beyond SV’s control.  SV is not responsible for the withdrawal of any services and facilities for this reason.

Traditionally, summer and fall are the rainy seasons in the Caribbean and tropical showers are to be expected. These showers can increase to tropical storms and hurricane force winds.

PACKAGE INFORMATION

Inclusions: Your vacation includes only the travel services purchased. All other details are provided for your information only and are not included in the price of your vacation. Included features may vary and are subject to withdrawal by the hotel.  All activities are on a first-come, first-served basis, are subject to equipment availability and could require a security deposit. Daily activity programs are subject to an adequate number of participants and local reservations may be required. Capacity may be limited during busy seasons and all activities take place weather permitting. Sporting and social activities as well as amenities and entertainment are provided on a complimentary basis by the hotel and are not included in the price of your vacation unless otherwise indicated. Drinks are available during bar opening hours only. À la carte dinners may be limited to one or two per week and reservations are usually required. Some restaurants may have a dress code. Spa services are an additional charge.  Introductory scuba lessons in the hotel pool do not comprise scuba certification. Bonus features do not have any cash value. Any Room Upgrades are strictly on a space availability basis at check-in and cannot be guaranteed prior to your arrival.

Unused Vacation Package Services: No refund will be provided for any portion of unused vacation package services, including unused accommodation and car rental.

Vacation Package Presentation: Every effort has been made to ensure that prices, accommodations, ground transportation, airlines, and pricing are as represented by SV. Imperial/metric conversions and drive times are approximate. SV is not responsible for the acts or omissions of independent contractors or for services provided by them and reserves the right to alter or cancel any services you have purchased. Inclusions may vary depending on the weather, tour operator arrangements, or other uncertainties and are subject to change. The photographs used by SV are representational only and are not a guarantee that everything will be exactly as depicted at the location on arrival.

PROBLEM HANDLING

If you encounter any issues or have a complaint while in destination, you must advise your SV Representative or the hotel management immediately to provide us the opportunity to investigate and/or resolve your complaint. If for any reason we are not able to resolve the complaint during your vacation, you must notify our Customer Correspondence department within 30 days of return from your vacation. Failure to adhere to these notification guidelines may affect the timeliness of our response, the accuracy of our investigation, and will be a consideration in reviewing complaint resolution options.

Arbitration of all Disputes: You agree that any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in relation to the services purchased by you, including any question regarding the existence, interpretation, validity, breach, termination or claim made pursuant to your contract with us, shall be submitted to a single arbitrator in the province or territory in which you reside. The laws of the province in which you reside shall apply in the determination of any such dispute, controversy or claim. The single arbitrator shall have the authority to award costs and interest as part of the decision rendered and may also award such interim relief as deemed necessary by him/her. The decision of the single arbitrator shall be final and no party may appeal the decision to any court.

Class Action Waiver: You hereby expressly waive any right to commence or participate in any class action against SV and you expressly agree to opt out of any class action proceeding against SV.

Waiver: SV is not responsible for any representations made by Agents, hotel employees, independent contractors or suppliers of any kind. No agent or representative of SV may waive any provisions of these Terms & Conditions. The invalidity of any provision contained herein shall not affect the validity of any other provision.

TOUR OPERATOR’S RESPONSIBILITY

SV makes arrangements with independent contractors such as airlines, transfer operators, hotels & other suppliers that provide the services that you purchase. Although SV takes care in selecting these suppliers, they are all independent parties and SV has no control over them and is not responsible for their acts or omissions. Services provided by these independent parties are subject to applicable Provincial travel industry acts and the regulations thereunder, together with, where applicable, any conditions imposed by the independent parties and as such, their liability is limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, tickets and vouchers and international conventions and agreements.

SV is not responsible for any loss, damage or injury, whether physical or mental, or to property, resulting from any delay, substitution or deficiency of quality of equipment or service, or any act, omission, or negligence of any of these independent parties, their agents, servants, employees or subcontractors supplying any of the services herein or for any claims for such loss, damage, or injury, whether physical or mental, arising therefrom, or from any claim that arises by reason of any action or omission of any party other than SV.

Limitation of Tour Operator’s Liability: The liability of SV for any loss, damage or injury, whether physical or mental, arising from its own acts, omissions or negligence, is limited to the price of the services purchased.

Privacy Policy: SV is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information. We have developed a policy and related procedures to comply with the Personal Information and Electronic Documents Act. Please visit www. signaturevacations.com to learn more.