Terms & Conditions

1.1 These Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings, contracts, and services offered by Golden Cruising for diving safaris, kitesurfing trips, and related maritime tourism activities in Egypt.

1.2 "Golden Cruising" ("we", "us", "our") refers to the business entity operating under this name in Hurghada, Egypt.
"Customer" ("you", "your") refers to any person making a booking or participating in our services.
"Service" refers to any diving safari, kitesurfing trip, or related activity offered by Golden Cruising.

1.3 These terms constitute the entire agreement between Golden Cruising and the Customer, superseding any prior agreements, understandings, or arrangements.

2.1 A booking can be made through our website, by email, by phone, or in person. All bookings are subject to availability and confirmation.

2.2 The contract is formed when:

• We receive your booking request with required details
• We confirm availability and send a booking confirmation
• You pay the required deposit (as specified in Section 3)

2.3 All participants must be at least 18 years old to make a booking. Bookings for minors (under 18) require parental/guardian consent and accompaniment by an adult.

2.4 You are responsible for providing accurate information at the time of booking, including but not limited to: full names, contact details, certification levels (for diving), and any medical conditions that may affect participation.

3.1 All prices are quoted in Euros (€) or US Dollars ($) and are per person unless otherwise stated. Prices include the services specified in the trip description.

3.2 Prices typically include:

• Accommodation on board (for liveaboard trips)
• All meals and non-alcoholic beverages
• Scheduled diving/kitesurfing activities as per itinerary
• Professional guides and instructors
• Tanks, weights, and basic equipment (for diving)
• Marine park fees (where applicable)

3.3 Prices do NOT include (unless explicitly stated):

• Flights to/from Hurghada
• Travel insurance (mandatory - see Section 9)
• Diving equipment rental (if not included)
• Nitrox/technical gas fills (if applicable)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses and tips
• Visa fees for Egypt (if required)

3.4 Payment Schedule:

• Deposit: 30% of total trip price due at booking to secure your spot
• Final Payment: Remaining 70% due 30 days before departure
• For bookings made less than 30 days before departure, full payment is due immediately

3.5 Accepted payment methods: Bank transfer, credit card (Visa, MasterCard), PayPal, or cash (in person only). All transaction fees are the responsibility of the Customer.

3.6 Failure to make timely payments may result in cancellation of your booking and forfeiture of any deposits paid.

4.1 Cancellation by Customer:

4.2 All cancellation requests must be sent in writing (email) to booking@goldencruising.com. The date of receipt determines the cancellation period.

4.3 No-show: Failure to appear at the scheduled departure time without prior notice will result in forfeiture of the entire trip price. No refund will be issued.

4.4 Cancellation by Golden Cruising:
We reserve the right to cancel a trip in case of:

• Minimum participant numbers not being met
• Force majeure events (weather, safety concerns, government restrictions)
• Vessel technical issues affecting safety
• Unforeseen circumstances beyond our control

4.5 If we cancel a trip, you will receive a full refund of all amounts paid, or the option to transfer your booking to an alternative date/trip at no extra charge.

5.1 You may request changes to your booking (dates, passenger names) up to 30 days before departure, subject to availability. An administration fee of €50 per change may apply.

5.2 We reserve the right to make minor changes to itineraries due to weather conditions, safety considerations, or local regulations. Such changes do not entitle you to a refund if the overall character of the trip is maintained.

5.3 Significant changes to the trip (e.g., change of vessel, major itinerary alteration) will be communicated as soon as possible, and you will have the option to accept the changes or receive a full refund.

6.1 Diving Safaris:

• Valid diving certification (Open Water minimum)
• Minimum 10 logged dives for Red Sea diving
• Medical fitness to dive (diver medical statement required)
• Dive insurance covering hyperbaric treatment
• Bring original certification card and logbook

6.2 Kitesurfing Safaris:

• Basic swimming ability (200m minimum)
• Ability to kite independently (upwind riding)
• Travel insurance covering water sports

6.3 Medical Conditions: You must inform us of any medical conditions, disabilities, or health issues that may affect your participation. Failure to disclose relevant medical information may result in exclusion from activities without refund.

6.4 Pregnancy: For safety reasons, pregnant women are not permitted to participate in scuba diving activities. This is non-negotiable and based on diving medical guidelines.

6.5 We reserve the right to exclude participants from activities if, in the opinion of our staff, they pose a safety risk to themselves or others due to intoxication, recklessness, or failure to follow safety instructions.

⚠️ TRAVEL INSURANCE IS MANDATORY FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS

7.1 You are required to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers:

• Medical expenses abroad, including emergency evacuation
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Lost or damaged baggage and equipment
• Personal liability
• For divers: Coverage of diving-related medical treatment including hyperbaric chamber therapy

7.2 Proof of insurance must be provided before departure. We recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network) for divers and specific water sports insurance for kitesurfers.

7.3 Golden Cruising does not provide insurance coverage for customers. We strongly recommend that you review your insurance coverage carefully before traveling.

8.1 Scuba diving, kitesurfing, and maritime activities involve inherent risks. By participating, you acknowledge and accept these risks. You participate entirely at your own risk.

8.2 Golden Cruising, its staff, contractors, and vessel owners are not liable for:

• Personal injury, death, or illness (except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct)
• Loss or damage to personal property, equipment, or baggage
• Disappointment, distress, or inconvenience
• Failure to encounter specific marine life or weather conditions
• Changes to itinerary due to weather, safety, or regulatory reasons

8.3 You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Golden Cruising from any claims arising from your failure to disclose medical conditions, failure to follow safety instructions, or reckless behavior.

8.4 All participants must sign a Liability Waiver and Medical Statement before participating in any activities. Minors require parent/guardian signature.

8.5 Our liability is limited to the total amount paid for the specific trip in question, except where prohibited by law.

9.1 We process your personal data in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable Egyptian data protection laws.

9.2 By making a booking, you consent to us collecting and processing your personal data (name, contact details, passport information, medical information where relevant) for the purpose of providing our services.

9.3 We may share your data with:

• Local authorities (port authorities, coast guard) as required by law
• Marine park authorities for permit processing
• Insurance companies in case of incidents
• Medical facilities in case of emergency

9.4 You have the right to access, rectify, erase, or restrict processing of your personal data. Contact us at booking@goldencruising.com for data protection inquiries.

10.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Arab Republic of Egypt and, where applicable, EU consumer protection regulations for customers resident in the European Union.

10.2 Any disputes arising from these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Hurghada, Egypt. However, we endeavor to resolve any disputes amicably before resorting to legal proceedings.

10.3 For EU customers: This does not affect your statutory rights under EU consumer protection laws. You may also seek redress through the EU Online Dispute Resolution platform.