These Booking Terms & Conditions govern all reservations for sailing adventures offered by Spice Islands Sailing Adventures, operating throughout the Indonesian archipelago. Effective 22 May 2026, these terms outline the contractual agreement between guests and the company for expeditions primarily focused on the Maluku Islands, including the Banda Sea. Our standard 10-12 day voyages typically range from USD $4,500 to $7,500 per person, covering accommodation and guided activities.
Deposit Structure and Payment Schedule
A deposit is required to confirm any booking with Spice Islands Sailing Adventures. This initial payment secures your reservation for a specific departure date and cabin type. For all scheduled voyages, a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total trip cost is due at the time of booking. This policy applies to all itineraries, including those exploring the “spice islands sailing indonesia” route.
The remaining balance of 75% of the total trip cost is due 90 days prior to the scheduled departure date. Failure to remit the final payment by this deadline may result in the cancellation of your reservation, with forfeiture of the initial deposit. Bookings made within 90 days of departure require full payment at the time of reservation. Payments can be made via bank transfer (SWIFT/IBAN) or major credit card, subject to a 3% processing fee for card transactions. Guests originating from the United States, Germany, and Australia constitute a significant portion of our bookings, and all transactions are processed in USD.
For private yacht charters, a 30% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking, with the remaining 70% due 120 days before the charter start date. These terms ensure operational readiness for vessels, which can range from USD $35,000 to $80,000 per week depending on the size and amenities of the yacht.
Cancellation Policy and Refunds
Cancellation of a confirmed booking must be submitted in writing to Spice Islands Sailing Adventures. The effective date of cancellation is the date the written notification is received by our office. Refund amounts are determined by the notice period provided before the scheduled departure date.
Specific cancellation penalties are as follows:
- Cancellations received 90 days or more prior to departure: Forfeiture of the 25% initial deposit.
- Cancellations received between 60 and 89 days prior to departure: 50% of the total trip cost is forfeited.
- Cancellations received between 30 and 59 days prior to departure: 75% of the total trip cost is forfeited.
- Cancellations received less than 30 days prior to departure: 100% of the total trip cost is forfeited.
These policies reflect the significant advance planning and operational costs associated with small ship expeditions and “banda sea liveaboard spice islands” voyages. No refunds are issued for unused services, missed transfers, or early departures from a trip. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate potential financial losses from unforeseen cancellations.
Force Majeure and Trip Alterations
Force Majeure refers to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Spice Islands Sailing Adventures, preventing the performance of contractual obligations. Such events include, but are not limited to, natural disasters (e.g., volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, severe weather in the Maluku region), acts of war, terrorism, civil unrest, epidemics, pandemics, government travel advisories, or port closures. In the event of a force majeure, the company reserves the right to alter, postpone, or cancel any scheduled trip.
If a trip is cancelled due to force majeure, guests will be offered a credit for a future trip of equal value, valid for 24 months from the original departure date. No cash refunds will be issued under these circumstances. Operational decisions regarding trip alterations, such as changes to the “ambon to banda islands cruise 2026” itinerary or vessel substitutions, are made to ensure guest safety and the successful completion of the expedition. While every effort is made to adhere to published itineraries, the dynamic nature of sailing in Indonesia requires flexibility. Any additional costs incurred by guests due to such alterations, including international airfare changes or accommodation, are the responsibility of the guest. The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (kemenparekraf.go.id) provides official advisories relevant to travel conditions.
Mandatory Travel Insurance and Documentation
All guests participating in Spice Islands Sailing Adventures are required to hold comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of their trip. This insurance must cover medical emergencies, emergency evacuation (with a minimum coverage of USD $100,000), trip cancellation, and trip interruption. Proof of valid insurance must be provided to Spice Islands Sailing Adventures at least 60 days prior to departure. Failure to provide adequate proof of insurance may result in the cancellation of your booking without refund.
Guests are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents, including a valid passport (with at least six months’ validity from the date of entry into Indonesia) and any required visas. Information regarding visa requirements for various nationalities, including those from the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Singapore, can be found on official Indonesian government websites or through the Indonesian embassy in your home country. For general travel advice and destination information, refer to indonesia.travel. We recommend consulting our About Us page for more details on our operational standards and safety protocols.
Guest Responsibilities and Health Requirements
Guests are expected to adhere to reasonable standards of conduct, respecting local customs, the environment, and the crew. Participation in activities such as “spice islands diving and sailing indonesia” requires a suitable level of physical fitness, and guests must disclose any medical conditions that may affect their ability to participate safely. A medical declaration form will be provided and must be completed accurately prior to departure.
Guests are responsible for their personal belongings. While reasonable care is taken, Spice Islands Sailing Adventures is not liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal property. The minimum age for participation on scheduled group tours is 12 years, and guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Certain activities may have additional age or health restrictions. Our pricing page outlines specific inclusions and exclusions for each voyage type. The history and geography of the Maluku Islands, also known as the Moluccas, can be further explored on Wikipedia.