A WORD ABOUT EXPEDITION TRAVEL

Our expeditions are rated to assist you in choosing the trip that’s right for you. Because of the moderate agility required on most expeditionary-class ships, on the Westward, in using sea kayaks, skiffs or Zodiacs, participants with significant medical issues—physical disabilities, wheelchair-confinement, chronic heart disease and/or severe respiratory illnesses requiring supplemental oxygen, or any other known and poten- tially debilitating medical conditions—are advised NOT to register for these trips. By forwarding the registration form and your deposit, you are certifying that you are in good physical health and capable of performing all normal activities without assistance.

TRIP RATINGS

(1) EASY: Hotel, lodge, ship, or small boat-based trips, no camping, hikes of up to 2 miles, and minimal exposure to high elevations.

(2) EASY TO MODERATE: Lodge, ship, or camping based, hikes of 2-4 miles, sea kayaking, small plane travel, and moderate elevation gains.

(3) MODERATE TO STRENUOUS: Expedition ship, small plane, small boat or raft-based, remote wilderness localities, possible primitive camping, and trail or off-trail hikes of up to 6-8 miles.

(4) STRENUOUS: Expeditionary and rugged in nature, primitive camping, full-day hikes in steep mountainous terrain, as well as possible sea kayaking or whitewater rafting.

 

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT

To register for one of Cloud Ridge’s seminars, fill out the registration form (click here) and send it to us, along with your nonrefundable deposit. In the event a trip is full, we’ll add your name to a wait-list and promptly return your deposit. The balance of all tour fees is due 90 days prior to the trip departure date, unless other- wise noted or unless other arrangements have been made. Registrations received within 90 days of departure must include payment in full.

TRIP CANCELLATION & TRAVEL INSURANCE

To protect your travel investment in the event of illness or injury to you or to a family member prior to or during a trip, we strongly advise that all participants purchase trip insurance, including a trip cancellation/ interruption policy and/or emergency medical evacuation coverage. All international expedition outfitters require medical emergency/evacuation coverage. Emergency evacuation from remote wilderness areas is expensive and not included in standard medical insurance policies. Medicare does not provide coverage for individuals traveling outside the U.S. Please don’t leave home without trip insurance!

OUR CANCELLATION POLICY

All cancellations must be made in writing. Because we must send payments to our travel suppliers well in advance of our departures, we cannot offer refunds beyond those described below. We appreciate your understanding! Cancellation refunds are made according to the following schedule:
◆ Cancellation received 90 days or more prior to a trip’s departure, all trip costs, less the deposit, will be refunded. The deposit will also be refunded if we are able to fill your space from a wait-list.
◆ Cancellation received less than 90 days prior to departure, no refund is possible unless we can fill your space from a wait-list.