Frequently asked questions
Here are the answers to a few questions which we are frequently asked by our clients. Our team remains at your disposal for any questions you may have, and to provide you with all the information necessary for the preparation of your voyage.
Airport taxes and fuel surcharges
Born after 11 September 2001, airport taxes and fuel surcharges never seem to stop fluctuating. These are related to fuel charges for the airline companies, and, fluctuating insurance policies for the airports. A good example of this was seen in the last 6 months of 2008, where increases were brutal and frequent. Travellers are the first to be affected by these fluctuations and these fluctuations are also difficult to manage for others, such as travel agencies and tour operators.
Due to these phenomena we are obliged to stipulate in our service contracts that, airport taxes and fuel surcharges may fluctuate up to the point where the ticket is issued. Once the ticket has been issued, no further modification to the ticket price can be made. Sometimes, the airline companies give us a small lapse of time before making modifications. We would propose that once you have decided to travel that you have your flight tickets issued. This locks in the price and gives you peace of mind. Having said this, you have the choice to wait until the last minute if you so decide.
What is the policy for tipping on your voyages?
As a general rule tips are not mandatory. It is actually up to the client to decide what tip to leave based on the service given by our local staff. These local staff will make a great effort to ensure your comfort during the voyage and that you go home with unforgettable memories. For those people wishing to leave a tip, information on average tips is proved for you in your information pack provided by us.
For cruises and expeditions aboard vessels run by a North American crew, (Sky Dancer in the Galapagos, Nautilus Explorer in Mexico), the tipping policy is calculated on the American system. This is where service is not included in the price and is equivalent to 10% of the voyage. This system is completely normal for North American guests; however it is not completely normal for European guests needing to leave a USD 300/400 tip when the trip has already been of a certain price.
We would like to remind all our clients, tipping is at the individuals discretion and that the information provided in the travel documents is to help you know what the average tip is.
What is our excess baggage policy?
Depending on the airline company, the baggage allowance authorised is between 20 to 23 kg for checked-in baggage and 7 kg for hand luggage. Depending on the destination and the company, we can sometimes negotiate an increase to 30 kg for checked-in baggage. We would like to remind you that this is often a commercial gesture on the part of the company, even though they are generally becoming far stricter in this area. Certain companies also propose an interesting forfeit for sports material which is paid at the time of check in. Certain Marine Class fares will actually note the extra baggage allowance in the conditions.
Your baggage allowance is effectively what is written in your airline documentation at the time of ticket issue. Please verify the conditions in relation to these allowances
In all cases, Blue Ocean Marine P/L and Abyss Scuba Divers S.A cannot be held responsible for excess baggage charges billed to the client at check in. We thank you in advance for your understanding in this complicated area of our voyage planning service.
