ESSENTIAL INFORMATION - IN RESORT
- Villa Resort Representatives
- Package Holiday Resort Representatives
- Elite
- Elite Villas
- Villa Directions
- Beaches
- Watersports/Diving
- Scuba-Diving
- Resort Development
- Excursions
- Cruise Itineraries
- Nile Cruises
- Escorted Tours & Safaris
- Transfer Times/Coach Transfers/Sea Plane Transfers
- Lapland - Snow and Activities
- One Day Trips
- Birds - The Algarve
- Weather
- Health, Safety and Local Standards
- Sustainable Tourism/Travel Foundation
VILLA RESORT REPRESENTATIVES
If you are travelling on one of our Villa Package Holidays, we have fully trained Representatives who will meet you at the airport and give you a detailed pack with full directions of how to get to your villa, as well as essential resort information and the types of excursions available. You’ll also be given a contact card with the telephone number of our resort office and our 24-hour duty office in the UK. Our Representatives are only a phone call away should you require assistance or for them to visit you by appointment, so if you have any problems, please let them know as soon as possible.
PACKAGE HOLIDAY RESORT REPRESENTATIVES
We have fully trained representatives or agents on hand to meet you at the airport and make sure you get to your holiday accommodation. They’ll make regular visits during your stay to offer help and advice on what you can do and how to get what you want from your holiday and provide a 24 hour helpline. They are there to help, so if you have any problems at all, please let them know as soon as possible. Our Representatives are only a phone call away should you require assistance or for them to visit you by appointment, so if you have any problems, please let them know as soon as possible. There are 2 types of overseas service • Cosmos Serviced Hotel which includes: Regular visits from your Cosmos Representative; Welcome meeting at the beginning of your holiday; 24-hour helpline; Full range of excursions available • Cosmos Resort Service which includes: Representative available by appointment; 24-hour helpline; Welcome meeting/Welcome Pack; Full range of excursions available.
We may vary the level of service; this will not be treated as a significant change. You will be advised of any variation on arrival in resort. See “Booking Conditions” 7a & 7j and “Essential Information - Excursions”.
ELITE
Guests on an Elite holiday will have private transfers*. In Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura transfers will be via a minibus. In Antalya, transfers may be a shared direct coach rather than taxi. In Italy, transfers will be via a coach transfer. Elite guests have a range of services included in the price. Elite establishments may have dress codes for dinner. *During very busy periods taxis may have to be replaced with a private minibus service.
ELITE VILLAS
Our Elite villas have been hand picked for their exceptional style and quality. They generally offer very high standards of comfort, are in idyllic locations and are well equipped throughout.
VILLA DIRECTIONS
Upon confirmation of a villa only holiday and prior to your departure, you will be advised of directions for driving to your villa and the location of the keys. However, please make contact with Cosmos staff on your arrival at the airport if they are available. If you do not receive this information 2 weeks prior to departure, please contact us on 0871 622 4254.
BEACHES
Our website descriptions give a fair indication of the types of beach at resorts and of the availability of any watersports or other beach related activities. Even the ’safest’ beach can become dangerous in unusual weather conditions so you should always check the area before swimming and obey any warning signs and flags and NEVER swim after dark or after consuming
alcohol. Do not spend too long sunbathing. Take plenty of breaks in the shade and take in plenty of non-alcoholic drinks to replace body fluids. Remember, sea breezes can be deceiving, giving the impression it is not quite as hot as it actually is. The EU publishes an annual report available to the public, listing the beaches throughout Europe that don’t meet the Commission’s requirements on cleanliness.
WATERSPORTS/DIVING
Watersports are more and more popular, and while Cosmos has highlighted the variety that is available, we are not necessarily recommending that you take part. Independent local companies and individuals, not Cosmos, run all watersport activities. We don’t want to take the fun away but make sure you are properly equipped for the sport, check if your insurance covers you in case of accidents. Please also see Clause 7(j) of our Booking Conditions.
SCUBA-DIVING
Cosmos has arranged some superb value scuba-diving packages in the premier diving destinations including the Maldives, Kenya and Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, for all levels of divers. We recommend you pre-book your package to ensure participation. If for medical reasons you are not sure you should scuba-dive, we recommend you do not pre-book, and contact the dive school upon arrival in your resort.
Important Notes: 1. All diving schools advertised in this brochure are required to follow international safety standards, and are affiliated to organisations such as PADI, CMAS or NAUI.
2. We do not guarantee that you will be able to complete your scuba course in the timescales suggested. Performance on a scuba course and its duration depend on the individual diver's ability.
3. The packages pre-booked in the UK cannot be changed in the resort.
4. The cost of any unused dives will not be refunded.
5. Additional diving may be booked if available and is payable locally.
6. The cost of log book, certificate course book and other course materials are not included and should be paid direct to the dive school on successful completion of the open water course. Costs: approximately US$110 per person.
7. Equipment in full equipment package includes: mask*, fins*, snorkel*, regulator with octopus and pressure gauge, stabjacket with inflator, 12-litre tank, belt, weights and dive computer. *At Vilamendhoo in the Maldives, these items are not included.
8. Prices include transfers to/from dive sites except in the Maldives where a small fee is payable locally.
9. Minimum age for a PADI scuba-diver or open water course is 10 years (8 years for PADI Bubblemaker course in a swimming pool, maximum depth 2 metres).
10. Medical Certificate of fitness to dive may be required.
11. It is strongly recommended that you leave 24 hours between diving and flying home. There is no time limit when you arrive in resort, and you may start diving straight away.
12. Most of the dive destinations in this brochure boast magnificent natural coral reefs. Please help to protect the environment and refrain from doing anything to cause harm to the reef - they are live, so breaking and touching will kill them.
13. Please note that many dive schools in the Maldives do not accept credit cards.
14. A small fee may be payable in certain destinations for entry into national marine parks.
15. If you are a qualified diver and have booked either an advanced course or dive package, please ensure you take your log book and certificate with you.
Note: Scuba-diving (including PADI Bubblemaker course) is covered under the Cosmos insurance policy detailed on page 178, for whatever is medically necessary, providing: a) You do not dive beneath 30 metres; b) If you are a qualified diver that at all times you are accompanied by another qualified diver; c) If you are an unqualified diver that at all times you are accompanied by a qualified diving instructor.
NB. Scuba tanks and equipment are not covered. If not taking out Cosmos insurance, please check your own insurance policy for scuba-diving cover.
RESORT DEVELOPMENT
Just like in the UK, local authorities may suddenly decide to dig up or re-tarmac a road, companies may start to erect or improve buildings and many resorts will continue to develop and expand. It is in both your and our interest to keep you fully informed when we know such building works may seriously affect your holiday. Therefore, you will be advised at the time of booking or contacted prior to your departure if there is time.
EXCURSIONS
Going abroad isn’t just about getting the sun, it’s about seeing different places and cultures, that’s why Cosmos is able to provide information about the range of excursions available in your chosen resort. See your Cosmos representative or appointed agent to find out more. Please also see Clause 7(j) of our Booking Conditions. Many local excursion suppliers & agents will provide your Cosmos Representative or appointed agent with credit card facilities for you to make payment for your choice of their excursions, and as in the UK, a fee may be
charged, in addition to any charges by your own card provider or currency exchange costs.
CRUISE ITINERARIES
Sometimes cruising itineraries may have to be changed or cancelled for operational reasons, sometimes at short notice, or because of weather or sea conditions, mechanical breakdowns, police activity etc.
NILE CRUISES
We’ve put together some useful tips and details about your cruise so you can make the most of your time.
Information on ‘Health & Safety’ for Nile Cruises: There are many different cruisers plying the Nile, and when your boat is moored, you may need to walk through other cruisers to get to land. Docking areas may be uneven and you should take extra care if crossing a gang plank.
Some travellers suffer diarrhoea in Egypt. We recommend you minimise the risk by:
• drinking plenty of bottled water to prevent dehydration and avoiding very cold drinks and ice
• keeping the air-conditioning in your cabin at a moderate level
• avoiding over-eating on board as it can lead to sickness if you are not used to three full meals a day
What to Pack and Wear: The weather in Egypt is very hot and humid, particularly between July and September when temperatures can exceed 100F. Make sure you pack cool, comfortable, loose clothing and essentially, a sunhat, sunglasses and a high factor sunscreen. In the cooler winter months, take a light jumper or jacket for the evenings.
For sightseeing, pack sensible walking shoes or trainers (but not brand new ones), as many of the sites are dusty and uneven. Consider taking a small torch for the darker tombs, as well as binoculars, and a thermos flask for keeping cool drinks on hand. On-board your boat, casual-smart dress is the norm, and men are asked to wear long trousers for dinner.
Hints on Tipping: Tipping is expected in Egypt and can mount up (expect to budget approximately £30 per person), so be ready with small change on the boat! Such gratuities may be collected at the beginning of the cruise.
Taking Photos and Videos: You may have to pay a charge at some sites to use a camera or video camera. Flash photography is not allowed at a number of sites - ask your guide.
Your Guide: An English-speaking Egyptian guide will be on hand on your cruise to give you information on all the sights you visit.
Your Itinerary: Please bear in mind that itineraries and excursions may have to be altered for reasons beyond our control. You may experience delays or cancelled excursions, or the boat may have to cruise during the night. When moored, the view from your cabin may be obscured by neighbouring boats.
Occasionally it may be necessary to use alternative Nile cruise boats of the same standard and with similar facilities. In this instance if you have paid to upgrade your cabin, we reserve the right to use a lower grade cabin type and refund the value of your supplement.
In addition, the Esna Lock on the Nile is sometimes closed for vital maintenance work. If the lock is closed during your holiday, this may mean taking coach transfers to and from your boat, or alterations to your itinerary. The Esna Lock closes annually during the following periods: 1-15 December & 1 June-1 July. Ring our National Call Centre on 0871 622 4235 for the revised cruise itinerary.
ESCORTED TOURS & SAFARIS
We have an excellent selection of tours and safaris. Escorted tours are accompanied by professional leaders or local guides on the touring part of the itinerary, but not on days when there are no sightseeing tours included.
In addition to our escorted tours, we feature a number of safaris or touring itineraries where you will be accompanied by an experienced local driver, and be met by local guides where sightseeing is indicated as being included in the programme. See individual tour/safari descriptions and the “PRICES” section for what is included.
TRANSFER TIMES/COACH TRANSFERS/SEA PLANE TRANSFERS
Taxi Transfers: Approximate transfer times from airports to accommodation are shown on resort information pages. These are obviously dependent on local traffic and the number of stops made at other hotels and apartments en-route. In The Maldives, there may be a short delay in transfer to your hotel/island, whilst awaiting additional flight arrivals.
Coach transfers: are available and can be pre-booked for an extra charge from the airport in Florida and Virginia to all accommodation (except villas and homes) on International Drive, Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and Virginia Beach. Transfers are not available on two centre holidays or to the Gulf Coast.
Lapland: Approximate transfer time from the airport to Levi is 20-30 minutes, to Yllas, 45 minutes-1 hour and to Saariselka 30 minutes. These are obviously dependent on snow fall and the accommodation you are staying in.
Sea Plane Transfers in The Maldives: All seaplane transfers operate in strict daylight hours only and the transfer schedule is done daily by the two seaplane companies that operate in the Maldives. If your arrival flight from the UK lands after approximately 1600 hours, you will have to stay overnight in Male and take your seaplane transfer to your resort island the next morning. Due to operational reasons which are beyond the resort’s control, such as adverse weather conditions, carry capacities of aircrafts or maximising of guest transfers due to time constraints, it’s possible that your baggage may be transferred separately by boat. In this case it should arrive at your resort island later on the same arrival day. You should carry your essentials for your first day in your hand luggage.
You will be permitted a total of 20kg+5kg (hand luggage) per person. Any excess luggage will be subject to a charge per kilo per return transfer, payable in US dollars and may be required to be transferred separately.
Situations such as delayed arrivals of international flights and adverse weather conditions that result in the inability to operate seaplane charters, would lead to you having to stay overnight in Male (without any additional cost). A waiting time is usual prior to joining your onward seaplane journey to your chosen island, in order to complete all required pre-flight formalities.
If your departure flight to the UK is before 0900 hours, you will take your seaplane transfer from your resort island the day before and stay overnight in Male. Seaplane transfers operate to Meedhupparu, Kuredu, Vilamendhoo, Sun Island, Royal Island and Holiday Island.
Night departure from the Maldives: If you are travelling from resort islands that do not operate night transfers, you will be supplied with a day use room at a hotel in Male with the compliments of Cosmos. Details specific to your travel arrangements will be given on arrival at the airport in Male.
LAPLAND - SNOW AND ACTIVITIES
Your entire holiday and activities take place inside the Arctic Circle. Some of those activities depend upon the outside air temperature as well as the quality and quantity of snow, so we must have the right to vary the place, content, timings and duration of activities according to conditions and with your safety in mind. Not all excursions are suitable for young or ’small’ children. In the unlikely event of there being no or insufficient snow, the activity programme will be modified accordingly. During our 18 years of operating in Lapland, there has always been sufficient snow to operate our full brochured programme. You may not cancel your holiday (unless you pay the applicable cancellation charges) if there is insufficient or no snow, and no refund, compensation or expenses will be paid or liability accepted in these circumstances.
ONE DAY TRIPS
In the event of delay in departure from the UK or arrival in Lapland exceeding 2hrs we are entitled to cancel the holiday and refund all money you have paid to Cosmos. If there is availability for an identical Day Trip on another date with us, we will offer you the choice of transferring to that holiday, or accepting the full refund. No compensation will be paid in either event. This is the full extent of our liability to you in the event of our cancellation of the holiday in these circumstances; we will not accept liability for any out of pocket expenses, such as hotel accommodation, taxis etc.
Our One Day trips are subject to a minimum number of bookings. We reserve the right to cancel One Day trips up to full balance due date. If there is availability for an identical Day Trip on another date with us, we will offer you the choice of transferring to that holiday, or accepting the full refund. No compensation or expenses will be paid or other liability accepted in either event. Please bear in mind that the day trips are hectic, and full of activities to get the most from your short time in Lapland - our 3 and 4 night programme offers a more relaxed environment in which to seek out Father Christmas and the magic of Lapland.
BIRDS - THE ALGARVE
In the Algarve, during the nesting season, under Portuguese law, local authorities prohibit the removal of nests from local properties. During this time every effort is made to ensure that our properties are serviced to a high standard, however should you feel that the standard of cleanliness is not acceptable please contact your Holiday Representative.
WEATHER
In the Caribbean and Florida, the official season for hurricanes is 01 June-30 November. In hurricane situations we follow the advice of the FCO and review our flight schedule daily.
Please be advised that different destinations experience different weather conditions at certain times of the year. Please refer to the average temperature and rainfall charts on the ‘destination guide introduction’ section for each destination. For further details on weather conditions visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather or www.nhc.noaa.gov website.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND LOCAL STANDARDS
The safety standards and regulations, which apply overseas, are those of the country concerned. Because of this, the general standards of safety, hygiene, fire precautions etc can be lower than those we have come to expect in the UK. We suggest you familiarise yourself with fire escapes and don’t let non-swimmers or children jump into a swimming pool before checking the depths and exit.
Upset stomachs are often caused by the change in climate, drinking ice cold drinks, and not necessarily by local hygiene or food preparation standards. Sexually transmitted diseases (including AIDS) are a serious threat to health throughout the world. Exercise caution and seek immediate medical attention if you think you may have been infected.
It is unwise to have your skin pierced or have Tattoos/henna tattoos)
Rabies is a serious hazard all over the world. Avoid touching animals, especially wild or stray ones.
Remember that the sun is much more powerful than in the UK. Take care not to over-expose yourself or your children (particularly babies) especially in the early days. Use protective creams and drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquid to replace your body’s lost fluids.
Keep a note with you of any significant medical condition you may have and details of any medication you are taking. Pack a small first aid kit.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM/TRAVEL FOUNDATION
As more and more people are travelling abroad each year, bringing positive benefits to everyone involved, there is also a growing concern about the possible negative impacts that tourism can have on the environment and culture of the destinations visited. As a responsible tour operator, we recognise the vital role that the holiday industry has to play in sustaining and improving the environment, not only for today’s visitors, but also for many generations to come. With this in mind Cosmos Holidays has joined The Travel Foundation (www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk) to help this cause and preserve the destinations concerned. We are now inviting our customers to make a voluntary donation, and currently suggest £1 per booking. The money will be used towards sustainable tourism initiatives, which will aid the protection of the natural environment, culture and traditions, enabling the inhabitants and their families to benefit from tourism. The paper for all our brochures comes from sustainable forests; you can help as well by following the suggested tips below:
• Recycle this brochure or pass it on to someone else • Save water and energy by taking a shower rather than a bath, re-using towels, turning off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your room • Dispose of litter carefully • Do not remove coral, wildflowers or other wildlife • Do not buy products made from endangered species.
