This document outlines the terms and conditions governing the use of services provided by GÖKKUŞAĞI DENİZ VE KARA TURIZM Ltd. Şti. (“SEALAND TRIP,” “we,“ or “us”). By depositing or paying a confirmed travel package or service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms outlined herein.
General Agreement
Acceptance of Terms
- By booking with SEALAND TRIP, you confirm your understanding and acceptance of these terms on behalf of yourself and all party members.
Contract Formation
- A contract between you and SEALAND TRIP is formed when a confirmation invoice is issued, and a deposit is received. The terms are governed by Turkish Tourism Laws and the EU Directive 90/314 on package travel.
Booking Process
How to Book
- Bookings may be made directly with us or through a travel agent.
Information Accuracy
- To avoid additional charges, provide accurate personal details (e.g., name and birthdate) matching your identification when booking.
Booking Approval
- We reserve the right to decline any booking without explanation.
Deposit and Payment Terms
- A 30% non-refundable deposit is required at booking confirmation. Exceptions apply only if:
- SEALAND TRIP cancels your tour.
- You cancel within 72 hours of booking (subject to bank fees).
Agent Communication
- If booked through a travel agent, all correspondence will be directed to them, and payments to the agent are deemed payments to us.
Special Requests
- Requests (e.g., dietary needs, room preferences) must be communicated during booking. While we will pass these on to providers, fulfillment is not guaranteed.
Late Bookings
- Reservations made within 60 days of departure are subject to additional terms detailed in Section C.
Booking Confirmation
Payment Schedule Note
- After receiving your deposit, we will provide a payment schedule and confirm your booking.
Tour Extensions
- Extending a tour without altering the itinerary is free of charge.
Unconfirmed Bookings
- If we cannot confirm your booking 56 days before departure, all payments, including the deposit, will be refunded.
Payments and Invoicing
Currency
- All invoices are issued in EURO (€).
Payment Schedule
- 30% non-refundable deposit at confirmation.
- Final balance due 60 days before departure.
Payment Methods
- Payments can be made via credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express) or bank transfer. An American Express transaction incurs a 5% processing fee.
Final Payment
- Full Payment is required for bookings made within 60 days of departure.
Pricing Policy
Price Changes
- Prices are subject to change due to factors beyond our control but will not increase within 60 days of departure.
Refusal of Price Changes
- If a price adjustment is necessary, and you decline the updated price, you may cancel for a full refund of all payments made.
Transfers and Substitutions
Booking Transfers
- Transfers may be permitted for valid reasons (e.g., illness, family emergencies) with at least 14 days’ notice. The original and substitute traveler will be jointly responsible for any additional costs incurred.
Minors
Accompanied Travel
- An adult must accompany travelers under 18. If traveling with someone other than a parent, notarized consent is required.
Cancellation by You
Cancellation Process
- Cancellations must be submitted in writing to:
GÖKKUŞAĞI DENİZ VE KARA TURIZM Ltd. Şti.
- Hobyar, Ankara Caddesi, Cağaloğlu Ykş. No: 19/A, 34112 İstanbul
- Email: info@sealandtrip.com
Acknowledgment
- Written cancellations will be acknowledged within 48 hours. If you are still waiting to receive confirmation, contact us at +90 534 392 6735.
Cancellation Penalties
- 30% deposit forfeited for cancellations made more than 60 days before departure.
- 60-46 days prior: 50% penalty.
- 45-31 days prior: 75% penalty.
- 30 days or less: 100% penalty.
Refund Process
- Refunds, less applicable penalties, and bank charges will be processed within ten business days of cancellation confirmation.
Cancellation or Changes by Us
Tour Modifications
- In rare cases, we may need to cancel or modify a tour. If this occurs, you will receive a full refund of your deposit and other payments.
Liability and Final Provisions
Limitation of Liability
SEALAND TRIP is not responsible for losses arising from cancellations due to force majeure, including but not limited to natural disasters, political instability, or public health emergencies.
Travel Insurance
- It is strongly recommended that you purchase travel insurance to cover potential losses.
H. CANCELLATION OR MODIFICATION BY US
Payment Non-Compliance
- If payments are not received as scheduled (see clause 14), we reserve the right to cancel your reservation. Cancellation fees will apply as follows:
Final Payment not received within 60 days of departure date: 100% Reservation Fee.
Modification or Cancellation by SEALAND TRIP
- We strive to avoid material modifications or cancellations unless compelled by circumstances beyond our control. However, we reserve the right to change or cancel any tour, accommodation, or arrangement at any time before the tour begins.
A “material modification“ refers to changes significantly affecting your holiday (e.g., a change of departure date) that could cause substantial inconvenience. A change of hotel or vehicle is not considered a material modification.
Circumstances classified as “force majeure“ include but are not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, war, riots, or other unforeseen events beyond SEALAND TRIP’s control.
In such cases, we will notify you or your travel agent immediately. If you accept the changes, they will form part of your contract with SEALAND TRIP.
Your Options for Material Modifications or Cancellations
- If you do not accept a material modification or cancellation, you may choose one of the following:
- a) An alternative tour of equivalent or superior quality and price (if available).
- b) An alternative tour of lower quality with a refund of the price difference.
- c) Withdrawal from the contract without penalty and a full refund of all payments, including the Reservation Fee.
Please notify us of your decision within three (3) days of receiving notice from SEALAND TRIP.
Force Majeure Cancellations
- In cases of force majeure (see clause 27), SEALAND TRIP reserves the right to cancel the trip. In such events, all payments made, including the reservation fee, will be refunded, but no further compensation will be provided.
Compensation for Non-Force Majeure Cancellations
- Suppose we cancel or make material modifications within 60 days of the departure date for reasons other than force majeure, and you choose to withdraw from the contract. In that case, compensation will be provided as follows:
Period Before DepartureCompensation Per Booking
60-30 days 10%
29-7 days 15%
6-0 days 20%
Liability for External Delays or Cancellations
- We cannot be held responsible for delays or cancellations caused by external factors, such as weather, mechanical issues, or personnel strikes.
I. SALES CONTRACT
Issuance of Sales Contract
- A Sales Contract will be issued and emailed after the Advance Payment is received, but no later than 35 days before departure. If you prefer physical copies, courier shipping fees will apply.
Contents of the Sales Contract
- The Sales Contract will include:
- Trip details: destinations, duration, start/end dates.
- Price breakdown and exclusions.
- Payment schedule and terms.
- Insurance details, if applicable.
- Transportation and accommodation specifics.
- Itineraries, excursions, and other services.
- Terms for modifications and claims.
- Passenger Agreement with SEALAND TRIP’s Terms and Conditions.
Submission of Signed Sales Contract
- You must return a signed copy of the Sales Contract via email at least 30 days before departure. Please submit the signed document to avoid booking cancellation, with deposits refunded.
J. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Issuance of Final Travel Documents
- Travel documents will be emailed after the final Payment is received. If physical copies are required, additional courier fees will apply.
Responsibility for Travel Documents
- You are responsible for ensuring all personal travel documents (e.g., passports, visas) are valid and meet entry requirements. Due to valid documentation, SEALAND TRIP will only provide refunds or compensation for missed tours.
K. INSURANCE
Travel Insurance Requirement
- We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering the following:
- Medical and repatriation expenses.
- Personal injury and liability.
- Death and legal expenses.
Disclose any disabilities or medical conditions to your insurer for full coverage.
L. START OF THE TOUR – DELAYS
Tour Commencement
- All tours begin at the designated meeting point and time as stated in the itinerary.
Delay Notification
- If you are delayed, notify SEALAND TRIP immediately. Delays exceeding six (6) hours may be treated as a “No-Show,“ and any additional arrangements will be at your expense.
No refunds will be provided for missed portions of the tour due to delays or cancellations on your part.
M. OUR LIABILITY TO YOU
Responsibility for Tour Arrangements
- We accept responsibility if any part of your holiday arrangements after your SEALAND TRIP commences is not as described in the program or not of a reasonable standard, provided this failure is due to our fault.
- We are not responsible for failures or harm resulting from:
- Your acts or omissions.
- Acts or omissions of third parties unrelated to your tour arrangements.
- Unforeseeable or unavoidable events beyond our or our agent’s control.
Limitations Under International Conventions
- If you experience harm during transportation by aircraft, ship, or train forming part of your tour, our liability is limited to the terms of applicable international conventions. These conventions include, but are not limited to:
- Athens Convention 1974 (carriage by sea).
- Berne Convention 1961 (rail carriage).
- Geneva Convention 1973 (carriage by road).
These conventions govern liability limits and conditions of carriage, which may also limit compensation for injury, death, or personal harm.
Third-Party Claims and Cooperation
- Suppose we compensate you or any member of your party for death, personal injury, or illness. In that case, you must assign us or our insurers the right to act against the responsible party and cooperate fully in any recovery efforts.
Alternative Arrangements During Tour
- If a significant portion of your services cannot be provided, we will arrange suitable alternatives at no extra cost and compensate for any differences, where applicable. If alternative arrangements are not possible or accepted for valid reasons, we will provide equivalent transportation back to your point of departure or another agreed location, along with appropriate compensation.
Liability Exceptions
- We are not liable for failures or improper performance of the contract if:
- The failures are due to your actions.
- Unrelated third parties cause the failures and are unforeseeable or unavoidable.
- The failures are caused by force majeure or events beyond our control.
No Liability for Changes or Early Termination
- We are not liable for expenses or losses if your tour is prematurely terminated or altered due to circumstances beyond our control. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance to cover such incidents.
No Refunds for Unused Services
- Refunds will not be issued for unused services, including missed transfers, excursions, meals, or accommodations, regardless of the reason, including early departures or changes made by the customer.
Itinerary Adjustments
- We reserve the right to amend itineraries due to improvements or unforeseen circumstances. Where possible, adjustments will minimize inconvenience. You will be notified of such changes as soon as possible.
Changes Requiring Flight Alterations
- If your tour changes or is canceled, you are responsible for altering flight plans and any resulting costs.
N. EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY
Force Majeure Events
- SEALAND TRIP is not liable for losses, damages, or expenses resulting from force majeure events, including but not limited to:
- War, terrorism, civil unrest, or industrial action.
- Adverse weather, natural disasters, or epidemics.
- Transport delays, rescheduling, or technical problems.
- Any other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
Excluded Liabilities
- SEALAND TRIP is not responsible for:
- Hotel changes or cancellations.
- Injury, loss, or irregularity caused by third parties, theft, or equipment breakdowns.
- Standards of hygiene, cuisine, medical services, or sanitation while traveling.
- Delays, transportation schedule changes, or inclement weather impacts.
- Any other circumstances outlined above.
Role of SEALAND TRIP Representatives
- SEALAND TRIP acts as an independent contractor and is not responsible for the actions or conditions provided by suppliers or principals.
Terms of Travel Documents
- All tickets, coupons, and vouchers are subject to the conditions of the transportation, accommodation, or service providers. Their issuance and acceptance imply agreement with these terms.
O. HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Health Requirements
- All participants must be in good physical health. Suppose you or any party member has a medical condition, food intolerance, disability, or movement restriction that may affect your holiday. In that case, you must notify us at the time of booking.
- We may require a medical assessment form to determine suitability.
- If additional assistance is needed, you may be required to travel with someone who can provide full support or risk your booking being declined.
If inoculations are required, your health practitioner must record them on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof. The same conditions apply to individuals in advanced pregnancy.
Medical Issues During the Tour
- If you become ill or exhibit symptoms such as fever upon arrival or during the tour, you will be directed to a local medical facility.
- All related expenses, including treatment, extended accommodation, or additional transportation, must be covered by you or your insurance.
Mental and Physical Fitness
- If in the reasonable opinion of the SEALAND TRIP Manager, your mental or physical condition renders you unable to care for yourself, we reserve the right to terminate your holiday.
- In such cases, you are responsible for any resulting expenses.
- We will not provide refunds or arrange for your return to your point of departure.
P. BEHAVIOR
Behavioral Standards
- You must not engage in behavior that endangers yourself or others, damages property, or disrupts the group.
- If such behavior occurs, the SEALAND TRIP Manager can terminate your participation immediately.
- No refunds will be issued for unused portions of the tour, and we will not arrange for your return to your departure point.
We will inform you of the reasons for any actions taken against you.
Q. COMPLIANCE WITH TURKISH LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Adherence to Local Laws
- Travelers must comply with Turkish laws, regulations, customs, and foreign exchange rules.
- You may be asked to leave the tour without a refund if you violate these.
- We are not obligated to arrange your return to your departure point.
Non-Smoking Policy
SEALAND TRIP enforces a non-smoking policy during transfers, in hotels, and public spaces as required by Turkish law.
R. LUGGAGE
Luggage Allowance
- Participants are allowed one piece of luggage (up to 158 cm and 23 kg) and one daypack. Additional luggage requires prior authorization.
Excess Luggage
- If you exceed the luggage allowance, SEALAND TRIP reserves the right to refuse additional items. You will need to arrange alternative storage at your expense.
S. COMPLAINTS
Reporting Issues
- Report dissatisfaction immediately to the SEALAND TRIP Manager to facilitate prompt resolution. Please report issues promptly to ensure your ability to claim compensation.
Complaints About Managers
- If your complaint concerns the SEALAND TRIP Manager, contact our Head Office immediately.
Post-Tour Complaints
- Complaints must be submitted in writing within 10 days of tour completion. Processing claims may take up to four weeks, depending on the number of relevant documents received.
Promises by Third Parties
- SEALAND TRIP is not bound by promises made by local staff, guides, or individuals not directly employed by us.
T. DATA PROTECTION
Privacy Policy
- For information on how we handle your data, refer to our Privacy Policy at https://sealandtrip.com/privacy-policy.
U. GENERAL
Authority of Representatives
- Only duly authorized representatives of SEALAND TRIP may alter these terms. Any alterations must be in writing and signed.
Errors
- SEALAND TRIP is not responsible for typographical or printing errors, including pricing discrepancies.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction
- All contracts with SEALAND TRIP are governed by Turkish law, specifically TR Directive 90314 and Turkish Law 79/11, and are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Turkish courts.
This document concludes the terms and conditions for SEALAND TRIP services. If you need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.