SOUTHERN STAR CRUISES
Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: July 2026
Welcome aboard Southern Star Cruises. Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully before making your reservation.
By confirming a booking, all guests acknowledge and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Reservations
Reservations are confirmed only after receipt of the required deposit or full payment.
Southern Star Cruises reserves the right to decline any reservation at its sole discretion.
All guests must provide accurate personal information prior to departure.
Payments
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
- Bank Transfers
- PayPal
- Cash (USD)
Prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated.
Applicable Ecuadorian taxes may be added where required by law.
Deposits
A deposit of 30% is required to confirm a reservation.
Final payment is due 30 days prior to departure.
Reservations made within 30 days of departure require full payment at booking.
Cancellation Policy
More than 30 days before departure
100% refund of amounts paid.
15–30 days before departure
50% refund.
14 days or less
No refund.
Guests may substitute another traveler with prior approval.
Cruise Cancellation
Southern Star Cruises reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify any itinerary due to:
- Weather
- Sea conditions
- Government regulations
- Mechanical issues
- Safety concerns
- Minimum passenger requirements
- Events beyond our control
Should Southern Star cancel a cruise, guests may choose:
- Full refund
- Credit toward another cruise
Southern Star is not responsible for airline tickets, hotels, transportation, or other expenses incurred by guests.
Itinerary Changes
Expedition cruising is weather dependent.
The Captain may alter:
- Ports of call
- Arrival times
- Activities
- Wildlife viewing locations
- Overnight anchorages
These changes are made solely for guest safety.
Passenger Health
Guests should be in reasonable physical condition.
Some excursions involve:
- Walking
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Boarding small boats
- Climbing stairs
- Uneven terrain
Guests with medical conditions should consult their physician before traveling.
Travel Insurance
Southern Star Cruises strongly recommends purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering:
- Medical expenses
- Emergency evacuation
- Trip interruption
- Trip cancellation
- Lost baggage
Diving Activities
Scuba diving is offered only when conditions permit.
Certified divers must present proof of certification where required.
Introductory diving programs may be available under the direct supervision of a qualified Dive Master, subject to local regulations and safety requirements.
All participants must complete medical questionnaires and liability waivers before diving.
Whale & Wildlife Viewing
Whale watching and wildlife encounters are natural experiences.
Southern Star cannot guarantee sightings.
Wildlife viewing depends entirely upon nature.
Alcohol Policy
Standard beer, wine, and house cocktails are included on qualifying cruises.
Premium and top-shelf alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Southern Star reserves the right to refuse alcohol service to any guest displaying signs of intoxication.
Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited aboard.
Guest Conduct
Guests must respect:
- Crew members
- Other passengers
- Wildlife
- Protected parks
- Ecuadorian laws
Disruptive, abusive, dangerous, or illegal behavior may result in immediate removal from the cruise without refund.
Smoking
Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor areas.
Smoking is prohibited inside cabins and enclosed public areas.
Children
Children under 18 must travel with a parent or legal guardian.
Parents are responsible for supervising their children at all times.
Pets
Pets are not permitted aboard. Pet care facilitie are available in the local area
Liability
Southern Star Cruises acts as an expedition cruise operator.
We are not responsible for:
- Personal injury caused by guest negligence
- Loss of personal belongings
- Delays caused by weather
- Airline delays
- Government actions
- Natural disasters
- Mechanical failures beyond reasonable control
Guests participate in optional activities at their own risk.
Photography
Southern Star Cruises may photograph or film guests during cruises for promotional purposes.
Guests who prefer not to appear in promotional materials should notify us in writing before departure.
Force Majeure
Southern Star Cruises shall not be liable for cancellations or delays resulting from events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:
- Severe weather
- Earthquakes
- Tsunamis
- War
- Civil unrest
- Pandemics
- Government restrictions
- Port closures
Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the Republic of Ecuador.
Contact Information
Southern Star Cruises
Puerto Amistad Marina
Bahía de Caráquez, Ecuador
Email: reservations@southernstarcruises.com
Website: www.southernstarcruises.com