TRAVEL TERMS & CONDITIONS
NOTICES:
Shields Era Travel is a division of Shields Era, LLC.
Shields Era, LLC is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration #: ST44840.
The terms “tour(s), event(s), and trip(s)” may be used interchangeably throughout this Terms & Conditions document.
IDENTIFICATION: Guests must make reservations in the full name that is listed on their passport or government identification that they will use for travel. If you need to make any changes to a name after travel documents have been issued, clients will be responsible for all name change fees, if applicable.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS: Passengers are responsible for ensuring they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas or passports are required. Passports are required to be valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Some countries require a full blank “VISA” page in the passport for stamping purposes. Any information provided in the travel description pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements. Shields Era, LLC does not provide or validate travel requirements for Non-US citizens. We strongly suggest all cruise passengers have a valid passport in their possession while cruising.
EVENT DOCUMENTS: Provided full payment is received no later than your Final Payment Due date, event documents will be sent via email 30 days or earlier prior to the event.
PRICES: All prices listed are per person based upon single occupancy rooms unless otherwise clearly specified. Prices do not include items of a personal nature, such as laundry, wines, water, beverages, food (other than at all-inclusive resorts or where clearly specified), passport and visa fees, insurance, and foreign port taxes unless specifically indicated in the package inclusions. Prices are correct at the time of publication; however, as classes of service may have limited capacity, tour package prices and availability will change accordingly. In case of human or computer error, Shields Era, LLC reserves the right to re-invoice for the correct price or service. A full refund will be made to passengers who choose not to pay an increase, provided Shields Era, LLC receives a written cancellation within five days of the price increase notification.
FORM OF PAYMENT: Shields Era, LLC accepts all major credit or debit cards (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa).
DEPOSIT: A deposit is due at the time of reservation. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. All reservations (except where specified) will require a deposit, and the amount due and the monthly payment plan will be clearly noted.
FULL PAYMENT: All reservations can be paid in full at the time of booking as long as the event still has available space.
LATE PAYMENT: If there is any outstanding balance by the Final Payment Due date listed on your invoice, a late fee of $250 will automatically be added to your invoice one day after your final payment date.
REINSTATEMENT OF RESERVATIONS: If your event reservations have been canceled, and you notify us within 14 days that you want to reinstate your reservations, a service reinstatement fee of $250 will be added to your invoice and must be paid in advance to apply for reconfirmation of services.
LAST MINUTE RESERVATIONS: All reservations must be made no later than 60 days before departure. If requested services cannot be confirmed, payment will be refunded. If services are confirmed, final payment is due within 24 hours, and all applicable cancellation penalties will apply.
REFUNDS: All payments to Shields Era, LLC are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because Shields Era, LLC has contractual agreements with hotels, accommodations and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way, we can keep our package prices competitive and allow you to make monthly payments.
CANCELLATION: Once reservations have been made, cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Email your cancellation request to travel@shieldsera.com with your invoice number, full name, and event date. Once your email has been received, you must complete the cancellation request form sent to you via email to complete the cancellation process. If you do not receive an acknowledgment within 48 hours, please contact us to ensure your information was received.
RESERVATION NAME CHANGES: Name changes due to incorrect information being provided will incur a $250 per person charge plus any additional supplier fees.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Therefore, we highly recommend Travel Insurance that provides coverage for Trip cancellation, Interruption, Baggage Loss, and more.
FORCE MAJEURE: There may be times when either party is unable to perform, or complete performance, under the travel contract for reasons out of each other’s control. These are called force majeure events and, if they occur, make performing under the contract inadvisable, commercially impracticable, illegal, or impossible. Events that may trigger this provision include but are not limited to, acts of God, acts of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolts, military action, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, or the threat thereof, pandemics, epidemics, illnesses or health conditions prevalent in the area of travel, earthquakes, hurricanes, lightning, and explosions, unexpected legislation, or any other event outside the reasonable control of either party. In the event that a force majeure event occurs, the parties will look to and follow the cancellation policies of the suppliers, what is stated in the travel proposal, and these terms & conditions. Any changes to those policies are at the sole discretion of the supplier (if applicable) and Shields Era, LLC. Passengers will be informed of their options if a force majeure event occurs.
COVID-19 WAIVER OF LIABILITY: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) a worldwide pandemic in March 2020. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued several preventative measures to combat the virus, such as frequent hand washing, wearing a mask or face covering, and keeping at least 6 feet away from others. If contracted, this virus has the ability to cause the traveler serious and severe illness. For more information on the COVID-19 virus, please visit the CDC webpage at www.cdc.gov.
I understand and agree to the following:
- COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that can be spread via person-to-person contact;
- After reasonable inquiry, Shields Era, LLC provided me with the best available information regarding the pandemic protective policies and practices of the vendors and suppliers in my travel itinerary.
- Supplier(s) of Shields Era, LLC may have policies in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Shields Era, LLC is not the drafter or holder of those policies, and I understand that these policies can change at any time;
- I understand that the supplier(s) may not apply those policies as diligently as the policies suggest, and even if the supplier makes a good faith effort to enforce its good practices, some travelers may simply refuse to cooperate;
- I understand that each state/country institutes its own pandemic-protective policies and regulations. I further understand that I am responsible for knowing, understanding, and abiding by the pandemic-protective policies and procedures regarding COVID-19 of all state(s)/ country(ies) listed in my travel itinerary, including any policy updates. I also understand that I may be denied entry into the country for reasons within or outside of my control;
- I understand that by traveling, I can be subject to voluntary or involuntary quarantine either at home or in the traveled location(s);
- I am responsible for knowing, understanding, and abiding by the pandemic-protective policies and procedures regarding COVID-19 of all vendors used in my travel itinerary, including any policy updates;
- With full awareness and appreciation of the risks involved, I, for myself, and on behalf of my traveling companions, including, but not limited to, my family, spouse, estate, heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, and personal representatives, assume all risks of travel and hereby forever hold harmless, waive, discharge, and Shields Era, LLC its officers, agents, independent contractors, affiliates, employees, successors, and assigns (collectively the “Released Parties”) from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, and causes of action, directly or indirectly arising out of or related to any loss, damage, or injury, including death, that may be sustained by me related to COVID-19 whether caused by the negligence of the Released Parties or any third-party vendor or supplier partnering with Shields Era, LLC.
- I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all costs, expenses, damages, claims, lawsuits, judgments, losses, and/or liabilities (including attorney fees) arising either directly or indirectly from or related to any and all claims made by or against any of the Released Parties due to bodily injury or harm, death, loss of use, monetary loss, or any other injury from or related to my use of Shields Era, LLC services, or the services of travel Shields Era, LLC’ suppliers or vendors, specifically related to COVID-19.
TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES
In order to fully enjoy your Shields Era, LLC events or tours, we recommend that you select an event that is suitable to your physical capabilities. Participants requiring any form of assistance, including travelers with physical disabilities and sight or hearing impairments, are required to notify Shields Era, LLC prior to reservation for review and our agreement. In the interests of group harmony, clients should be able to maintain the pace of the tour or event. Our events require walking and/or other physical exertion. You can expect to get in and out of transportation, and manage your personal belongings without assistance. For these reasons, our tours may not be suitable for the physically challenged, anyone who is walking impaired, or a slow walker who cannot keep up with the pace of the group. Also, in order to participate in escorted tours and events, passengers must be able to understand and follow instructions given by the Tour Director at all times, both for the successful operation of the event as well as for their personal safety. Shields Era, LLC reserves the right to reject participation or remove any individual from a tour or event if notification was not provided and/or when, in our sole judgment, continued participation would significantly hinder the services to be provided to all guests. Expenses, including cancellation fees and/or costs for alternate travel plans or to return home, will be the passenger's sole responsibility. If a traveler chooses to go on a tour or event, and then opt-out of included activities, for whatever reason, no refund will be given.
WHEELCHAIRS & WALKERS: USA tours and events: Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA), Shields Era, LLC seeks to accommodate disabled travelers to the extent possible and consistent with the specific tour itinerary. Nevertheless, you may find that certain tours and events features may not be accessible to the extent that you require a wheelchair, scooter, or other special equipment to participate. We cannot provide individual assistance to travelers with wheelchairs or other mobility devices. We regret that some itineraries cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Passengers are required to Shields Era, LLC of their accessibility requirements prior to booking in order for Shields Era, LLC to determine if reasonable accommodations are available. Shields Era, LLC will endeavor to accommodate special access needs but does not guarantee that it will be able to do so in all cases.
INTERNATIONAL TOURS & EVENTS: Hotels, sea, and river cruises outside of the United States are not required to comply with ADA requirements and, therefore, may not have ramps, wide entryways, or elevators to accommodate disabled passengers or devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, and motorized scooters. Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs, walkers, and motorized scooters may not be taken aboard motor coaches and river cruises.
SERVICE ANIMALS: Service animals cannot be accommodated on international escorted tours and events. Passengers on the USA escorted tours who require a service dog because of a disability should check with Shields Era, LLC prior to booking a tour or event.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Shields Era Travel offers single occupancy (one person per room) at most of our events, unless otherwise specified. If you and a friend want to share a room, please contact us directly at travel@shieldsera.com to discuss costs, and if we will be able to accommodate this request. Keep in mind that although available at most 4 and 5-star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States. Many European hotels were built before central air- conditioning was introduced. Air-conditioning is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. All hotel rates are not negotiable and based on Shields Era, LLC's agreements with its suppliers. Hotel check-in time is generally not before 3 p.m., and check-out time is before noon. Please be sure that adequate arrangements for accommodations have been taken into consideration when a late-night flight is being used. We reserve the right to make substitutions with hotels of equal standard. There will be no refunds for any difference in the cost of those accommodations.
HOTEL & CRUISE PROFILES: Shields Era, LLC's hotel and cruise ship profiles are based upon information provided to Shields Era, LLC by hotel and cruise ship partners and their representatives, including images and descriptions of individual properties. Star ratings may differ from country to country. Shields Era, LLC does its best to maintain current information; however, it is not responsible for any inaccuracies, changes in description details or amenities, or images provided by third parties.
MEALS: Meals are based on the hotel's, accommodation’s or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included unless specifically stated. Although Shields Era, LLC cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 4 weeks prior to departure at travel@shieldsera.com.
TRANSFERS: Except where stated, you will be responsibility for purchasing your own transfer to the hotel or accommodations. If transfer from the airport to the accommodations is included in your package, the arrival transfer is guaranteed for up to two hours from your scheduled arrival time in order to compensate for minor delays. Shields Era, LLC or the transfer company will not be responsible for flight delays, for any reason, beyond two hours from your originally scheduled arrival time. In case of a delay, whether due to flight delay, immigration, and customs, or time spent reporting baggage damage or loss, it will be your responsibility to make other transfer arrangements, such as a taxi. Transfer costs are not refundable, and any additional expenses will be your responsibility. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Shields Era, LLC transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg,' meaning that our driver must come to the airport, hotel, or pier only to pick you up and necessarily loses a one-way fare. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Shields Era, LLC transfer drivers, while not employees of Shields Era, LLC, are reliable. They will provide you with a welcome service and transfer you to the correct location.
SIGHTSEEING & ITINERARY: Shields Era, LLC tours and events have been designed to accommodate individuals as well as groups. The size of the motor vehicle transportation is dictated by the number of participants. Times listed in itineraries are approximate and meant only as guidelines. Some itineraries may have an early morning start time for sightseeing in order to complete the touring during daylight hours or avoid afternoon heat in tropical and desert climates. You are responsible for arriving on time for scheduled events. Arriving late may be considered a "no-show," in which case you will not be eligible for a refund for the unused service(s). We cannot guarantee the number of passengers who will be on any given tour. Services, however, will remain constant no matter the number of tour participants. Persons requiring any assistance or who have any form of disability should refer to the section "Travelers With Disabilities." On dates including, but not limited to, religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed. On these occasions, touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to unforeseen circumstances, including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, affecting the sequence of the tour, locations visited, and/or hotels. Therefore, we reserve the right to adjust the sequence and/or substitute any hotels with others of a similar category. In such cases, there will be no cost adjustment. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations; however, Shields Era, LLC will decide, based on the conditions, whether to amend an itinerary. Shields Era, LLC itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute an endorsement of any specific service provider, and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration.
GROUP HARMONY: To ensure the desired group synergy, Shields Era, LLC reserves the right to accept, reject or expel any individual who is deemed disruptive or incompatible with the interests of the group, including, but not limited to, individuals who are intoxicated and/or under the influence of drugs leading to a negative experience for the remainder of the group. Expenses, including cancellation fees and/or costs for alternate travel plans or to return home, will necessarily be borne by the passenger. All unused services are non-refundable.
CRUISE SHIP & ITINERARY CHANGES: Cruise itineraries and ships are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, cruise ships may be chartered and/or departure dates canceled, in which case all monies will be refunded. Shields Era, LLC takes no responsibility for ship substitutions or itinerary changes imposed by a cruise line and is not responsible for any losses you may incur, including the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or visa fees.
CRUISE MEDICAL SERVICES: Many ships do not carry a doctor or nurse onboard. Should medical attention be required, local services will be contacted. The resulting charges will be the responsibility of the passenger. Shields Era, LLC and the cruise ship operator are not responsible for the services provided. Health Requirements: Check with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Required inoculations, if any, must be recorded by the client's health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate which the client must carry for proof of inoculation where required. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. Any person arriving at the destination ill with an apparent fever or becoming ill during the tour will be removed from the group and directed to a local medical facility for diagnosis. Only upon clearance by an accredited medical facility will that individual be allowed to resume group travel. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses, such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary, will necessarily be borne by the passenger.
LUGGAGE (ESCORTED TOURS): All Shields Era, LLC escorted tour buses allow one piece of luggage per person, plus a carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to a handling charge of $100 per piece. As Shields Era, LLC will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider.
PASSENGER AGREEMENT: All passengers must complete a Passenger Agreement before travel and, by so doing, formally accept Shields Era, LLC’s Terms & Conditions. Passengers will be required to complete the Passenger Agreement at the time of booking, and travel documents will not be released without a completed Passenger Agreement. Shields Era, LLC reserves the right to cancel bookings and return deposits without a completed Passenger Agreement. The Passenger Agreement incorporates these Terms & Conditions, including the following Release from Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Clauses. Completing the Passenger Agreement constitutes agreement to these Travel Terms & Conditions and Shields Era, LLC’s Release from Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Clause.
RELEASE FROM LIABILITY: Shields Era Travel, Shields Era, LLC, its shareholders, directors, officers, employees, and affiliates (collectively "Shields Era, LLC") does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions or equipment used thereon, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Shields Era, LLC is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party. Without limitation, Shields Era, LLC is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, acts of government, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, or the threat thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely, dangers associated with or bites from animals, pests or insects, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, walking, bicycling, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Shields Era, LLC. In addition, I release Shields Era, LLC from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I am aware that travel tours and events such as that I am undertaking involves hazardous activities, with a risk of illness, injury, or death which may be caused by forces of nature, animals, insects, or flora, the negligence of Shields Era, LLC, or other persons and companies known or unknown, or of the willful or criminal conduct of third parties. I am aware that weather conditions may be severe, adverse, and/or unpleasant. I am also aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available or accessible during some or all of the time during which I am participating in the tour or event. In order to partake of the enjoyment and excitement of this event, I am willing to accept the risks and uncertainty involved as being an integral part of my adventure. I hereby accept and assume full responsibility for any and all risks of illness, injury, or death and of the negligence of Shields Era, LLC and agree to hold harmless and release Shields Era, LLC from claims of third-party negligence. I understand the physical requirements of the activity in which I will be participating, and I currently have no known physical, medical, or mental condition which would impair my ability to participate in this tour or my safety in this activity, and I am willing to assume all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition. I hereby authorize Shields Era, LLC or my local ground handler or others to arrange for any emergency medical treatment and hospitalization as may be necessary for me because of participation in this activity without my further consent.
BINDING ARBITRATION: I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to this Agreement, the brochure, or any other literature concerning my tour or event, or the tour or event itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. §§1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Florida law and will take place in Broward County, Florida. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, you (and we) are waiving our right to a trial by jury.
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION: I acknowledge that I have voluntarily applied to participate in the tour or event designated on this application (or a tour or event which I may change to) and that I have read the description of the event as it appears in the current Shields Era Travel website relating to the tour or event, together with all information contained in this application. I am voluntarily participating in this tour or event with knowledge of the hazards involved.
KNOWING AND VOLUNTARY EXECUTION: I have carefully read these Terms and Conditions and the booking information sections of this document and fully understand its contents. I am aware that this is a release of liability and a contract between myself and Shields Era, LLC, and I agree of my own free will. By signing, I agree to these Travel Terms & Conditions and Shields Era, LLC’ Release from Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Clause for myself, and each member of my traveling party.
PHOTOGRAPHIC RELEASE: Shields Era, LLC may take photographs or video of its events, and event participants grant Shields Era, LLC permission to do so and for it to use same for promotional or commercial use without payment of any compensation to the participant.
USE OF WEB SITE: travel.shieldsera.com
Agreement between Customer and Shields Era, LLC:
Our website, travel.shieldsera.com, is offered to you, the customer, conditioned on your acceptance without modification of the terms, conditions, and notices contained herein. Your use of travel.shieldsera.com constitutes your agreement to all such terms, conditions, and notices.
LIABILITY DISCLAIMER: The information, products, and services published on this website may include inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information which appears here. The content of this site is not guaranteed to be complete, accurate, or available and may be changed at any time without notice. Shields Era, LLC may make improvements or changes to this website at any time. In no event shall Shields Era, LLC be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of, or in any way connected with, the use of this web site or for any information, products, and services obtained through this web site, or otherwise arising out of the use of this web site.
LINKS TO OTHER WEB SITES: Travel.shieldsera.com may contain hyperlinks to websites operated by parties other than Shields Era, LLC. Such hyperlinks are provided for your reference only. Shields Era, LLC does not control such Web sites and is not responsible for their contents.
Published: January 2024
