Terms & Conditions – SAS MS Maïtena
1. The Contract
The reservation contract is concluded between the customer signing the quote (the "Lead Guest") and SAS MS Maïtena, hereinafter referred to as "The Company". All guests in the party are bound by these terms.
2. Services Included
The 5-night/6-day cruise includes return navigation, accommodation, all meals (from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6), selected wines/aperitifs, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, guided excursions, and use of bicycles.
3. Duration and Documentation
The stay begins at boarding and ends at disembarking. The Company is not liable for issues occurring outside this timeframe or for guests having incorrect travel documents for entry into France. Standard cancellation fees apply in case of entry refusal.
4. Payment Terms
30% Deposit: Required to confirm the booking.
Balance: Due 120 days before the cruise start date.
Late Bookings: Full payment is due immediately if booked less than 120 days before departure.
Payments are made in Euros via bank transfer. Failure to pay the balance on time results in cancellation and forfeiture of the deposit.
5. Cancellation by the Guest
Any cancellation must be notified in writing. In accordance with Article L211-14 of the French Tourism Code, the following charges apply:
Period before departure : Cancellation fee (% of total price)
More than 120 days 30% (Deposit)
120 to 61 days 50%
60 to 31 days 75%
30 days or less / No show 100%
Exceptional Circumstances: Guests may cancel without fees if "exceptional and unavoidable circumstances" (as defined by Art. L211-14) occur at the destination and significantly affect the cruise.
IMPORTANT: CANCELLATION INSURANCE > It is strongly recommended that all guests take out a comprehensive all-risk cancellation insurance policy. The Company shall not be held liable for any refunds resulting from personal circumstances (such as health issues, family emergencies, or professional obligations) that prevent guests from joining the cruise.
6. Health, Accessibility and Safety
Maïtena is a historic vessel (1912). Due to its structure (steep stairs, narrow passages), it is not fully accessible to persons with reduced mobility. The Company reserves the right to refuse a booking if the safety of a guest cannot be guaranteed during an emergency evacuation. Specific dietary requirements or medical conditions must be disclosed at the time of booking.
7. Itinerary Changes
The Company reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to weather, water levels, or lock repairs. Alternative excursions of equal value will be provided. If the Company cancels the cruise for reasons beyond its control, a full refund will be issued, excluding further compensation.
8. Force Majeure & Limitation of Liability
Except where otherwise expressly stated in these Terms and Conditions, the Company shall not be held liable and shall not grant any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of its contractual obligations is prevented or affected by a "Force Majeure" event.
Under these Terms and Conditions, "Force Majeure" refers to any event beyond the Company's reasonable control which could not, even with all due diligence, have been foreseen or avoided. This includes, but is not limited to:
Navigation Conditions: closure of waterways, administrative restrictions (VNF), extreme weather conditions (floods, drought, storms), river obstacles or debris, and ice conditions.
Technical Issues: accidents, unforeseen breakdowns of equipment, machinery, or the vessel’s engine preventing navigation or the maintenance of safety and comfort standards.
Social & Political Events: strikes, labor disputes, lock-outs, riots, civil disturbances, acts of vandalism, war, or acts of terrorism.
Health & Safety: pandemics, natural, nuclear, chemical, or biological disasters, as well as compliance with any law, order, or government directive.
In such circumstances, the Company shall not be liable for the reimbursement of ancillary costs incurred by the client (such as flights, transfers, or third-party accommodation) or for any compensation for non-pecuniary (moral) damages.
9. Liability
9.1 Professional Liability: In accordance with Article L211-16 of the French Tourism Code, the Company is responsible for the proper performance of the travel services.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: > Guests are strongly advised to obtain personal travel insurance covering medical expenses, repatriation, and loss or damage to personal effects.
9.2 Limitations: For non-bodily injury, liability is limited to three times the price of the trip (Art. L211-17-I). Limitations from the Strasbourg Convention (CLNI) apply to waterway transport.
9.3 Equipment: Use of bicycles and participation in excursions are at the guests' own risk.
10. Complaints
Any issue must be reported to the crew immediately. Formal complaints must be submitted in writing within 14 days of the end of the stay.
11. Damage to Property
Guests are liable for any damage caused to the vessel, its fittings, or vehicles. Guests indemnify the Company against claims from third parties resulting from their actions.
12. Accuracy of Information
Descriptions are provided for general guidance. While the Company strives for accuracy, minor variations in the operation or decor may occur.
13. Data Protection and Image Rights
13.1 GDPR: Personal data is processed for booking management and legal "fiche de police" requirements. Guests have a right to access and rectify their data.
13.2 Image Rights: The Company will only use identifiable images of guests for marketing purposes (social media, website) with their express written consent.
14. Severability
If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the contract remain in full effect.
15. Law, Mediation and Jurisdiction
15.1 Law: This contract is governed by French Law.
15.2 Mediation: If a dispute is not resolved amicably, guests may contact the Médiation Tourisme Voyage (MTV) at www.mtv.travel.
15.3 Jurisdiction: Legal proceedings shall take place exclusively in Lons le Saunier, 39000 France.
Last updated: February 11, 2026