Miscellaneous further information
Clients will be sent all necessary information at several stages before the cruise commences. Here is a round-up of some of the information it may be helpful to know before booking.
Dress code. Generally informal. However, we generally expect men to wear a jacket and tie in the Columbus Restaurant and there may be occasions when some degree of formality would be appropriate (a reception in a private palace for example) but we would let you know in advance. There are no black tie dinners.
Fitness and mobility. As is stressed in the description of each itinerary, these cruises are not suitable for people with impaired mobility because the raison d’etre is the shore rather than the ship. There are two cabins adapted for wheelchair users but no excursions could be managed in a wheelchair without the assistance of at least one helper and two on archaeological sites. Wheelchairs are not allowed to be taken on board tenders, which are used to reach land when the ship is unable to moor alongside the quay. We regret that other duties preclude the MRT staff being able to assist wheelchair users on land, and the ship’s crew are not permitted to give assistance beyond the dock.
Health. The medical centre is there primarily for the benefit of the crew and for medical emergencies but the doctor and nurse would be happy to treat passengers if need be. Their services are not intended to include treatment of pre-existing conditions. We cannot accept passengers who will be more than 28 weeks pregnant by the start of the cruise. The ship is beyond the writ of the National Health Service and all treatments and consultations will be charged for at normal private rates. Your insurance scheme should cover these charges, subject to the deduction of a standard excess.
Special diets. Most diets can be catered for by the ship’s restaurant, but as there is a choice of dishes at every meal it is unlikely there would be problems. Passengers are asked to tell us in advance of special requirements.
Smoking. There are a few designated smoking areas on the ship but smoking is not permitted in the restaurants, lounge or in cabins.
Passenger contract. A detailed list of dos and don’ts issued by Hapag Lloyd can be sent to passengers on request.
Financial security
We hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) granted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. This means that in the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. Please note that repatriation will only be to the UK, and that if you have opted to not to take the flights which are sold as part of the package the AITOT protection scheme applies.
The Association of Independent Tour Operators
Martin Randall Travel Ltd is a member of AITO, an association of around 150 specialist travel companies most of which are independent and owner-managed. Admission is selective and members are subject to a code of practice which prescribes high standards of professionalism and customer care. The AITO Trust provides financial protection for clients who book only the land and sea but not the air portions of our packages. To contact the Association visit www.aito.co.uk or call 020–8744 9280.