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Terms & Conditions

THE RED DOOR PROTOCOL & FULL SERVICE AGREEMENT

Last Updated: October 2026

BETWEEN:

R. P. HARDIE CRUISE & TRAVEL LLC (referred to herein as "Steward," "Agency," "R. P. HARDIE CRUISE & TRAVEL LLC," "the Atelier," "our," "us," or "we")

AND:

You (referred to herein as "Client," "you," "your," "yourself," or "Lead Traveler")—individually and on behalf of all individuals, companions, dependents, and minors traveling under the same file, reservation, booking, or group record (each a "Party" and collectively, the "Parties").

PREAMBLE: A PRACTICE IN TRAVEL STEWARDSHIP

At R. P. HARDIE CRUISE & TRAVEL LLC, we do not operate as an automated discount portal, a transactional booking engine, or an order-taking clearinghouse. Our philosophy is founded on an unshakeable premise: your vacation time is sacred, and every dollar you invest represents months or years of dedicated, hard work.

You are retaining our Principal & Travel Steward to architect your itinerary, vet your maritime environment, and fiercely advocate for your peace of mind. Access Behind the Red Door represents an exclusive consulting salon where client volume is deliberately capped to ensure obsessive logistical oversight and meticulous execution. Crossing this threshold requires mutual respect, transparent collaboration, and adherence to the operational standards set forth in this Master Agreement.

1. EFFECTIVENESS, MODULAR AGREEMENT ARCHITECTURE & TERMINATION

  • 1.1 Effective Date & Binding Acceptance: These Terms & Conditions ("Terms" or "Master Agreement") become immediately effective, operative, and legally binding upon the earliest occurrence of:

    • a. Your delivery of a written, digital, or electronic signature or click-to-accept acknowledgement via our TravelJoy client portal or secure website; or

    • b. Your transmission of payment authorization (including the Master Design & Management Retainer, supplier deposits, or travel insurance premiums) to the Agency.

  • 1.2 Modular Legal Framework: These Terms serve as the umbrella legal framework governing all interactions between the Parties. Subsequent administrative authorizations—including the Red Door Master Engagement Agreement, TravelJoy Payment Authorizations, and Travel Protection Waivers—reaffirm and incorporate these Master Terms by reference.

  • 1.3 Term & Surviving Covenants: This Agreement remains active through the completion of your travel and subsequent post-voyage reconciliation. Covenants regarding Intellectual Property, the Unpriced Blueprint Protocol, Non-Refundable Retainers, Strict Chargeback Waivers, Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, and Governing Law/Jurisdiction shall survive termination.

2. DEFINITIONS & SCOPE OF STEWARDSHIP

  • 2.1 Defined Terms:

    • "The Red Door Atelier": The proprietary planning, research, acoustic evaluation, and curation workspace of R. P. HARDIE CRUISE & TRAVEL LLC.

    • "The Voyage Blueprint": The proprietary, customized architectural design document and itinerary presentation created during the drafting phase.

    • "The Red Door Folio (The Crimson Dossier)": The bespoke physical luxury artifact—featuring finalized departure schedules, deck plans, luggage tags with solid brass hardware, and confirmation vouchers secured under our wax seal—produced exclusively for our managed clients.

    • "Supplier": Independent third-party operators contracted to execute travel components, including ocean cruise lines, river cruise operators, airlines, private transit operators, hoteliers, and shore excursion companies.

  • 2.2 Independent Professional Intermediary Status: Agency acts solely as a professional travel steward and booking intermediary between you and independent Suppliers. Agency does not own, operate, manage, crew, or control any maritime vessel, aircraft, hotel property, or ground transportation provider. All Travel Services are subject to the passenger contracts, bills of lading, and terms of the respective Suppliers.

3. FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP & THE MASTER DESIGN & MANAGEMENT RETAINER

Agency operates under an uncompromising, unified professional retainer model that separates intellectual consulting compensation from supplier travel fares:

3.1 The Master Design & Management Retainer

  • a. Mandate & Earned Status: Prior to the commencement of the Blueprint Structure & Design Analysis, maritime deck evaluations, or custom proposal design, Client must remit the Master Design & Management Retainer. This single unified retainer strictly compensates the Steward for the active protection of Client’s resources, intellectual property, and the ongoing administrative advocacy required from conception through disembarkation.

  • b. 100% Non-Refundable: Because this Retainer compensates our atelier for professional time, intellectual drafting, and immediate administrative overhead, it is 100% non-refundable and fully earned upon execution, regardless of whether Client completes the booking, alters dates, or ultimately abandons the travel concept.

  • c. Separation from Supplier Fares: The Retainer is an independent professional administrative fee; it is not an advance deposit toward cruise fares, port charges, taxes, airfare, or insurance.

3.2 The Stand-Down Protocol & Unpriced Blueprint

  • a. Client Stand-Down: If, following the delivery of The Voyage Blueprint, Client elects not to proceed with live booking and lifecycle management, our active stewardship for this specific voyage shall conclude. Agency’s obligations under the Retainer are deemed completely fulfilled upon delivery of the Blueprint.

  • b. Exclusion of Negotiated Fares: Client explicitly acknowledges that contracted consortium rates, proprietary supplier amenities, shipboard credit allocations, and direct booking codes are strictly contingent upon active Agency management.

  • c. Self-Service Delivery: Any self-service copy of the Voyage Blueprint released to a departing client shall omit all proprietary pricing, supplier promotions, and booking codes. Client is granted a personal, non-commercial license to utilize the architectural itinerary concepts independently.

3.3 Supplier Direct Transactions & Merchant Gateways

  • a. No Escrow Commingling: Agency does not hold client travel funds in private escrow. All payments for cruise fares, tours, airfare, and pre-cruise hotel sanctuaries are processed directly through encrypted, PCI-compliant merchant gateways to the respective Travel Supplier or designated Host Agency account (Travel Leaders Network / Incentive Connection Travel Inc.).

  • b. Surcharges & Market Adjustments: All Supplier quotes are subject to dynamic inventory fluctuations until deposits are cleared. Suppliers retain contractual rights under maritime carriage rules to impose government fee increases, port expenses, or fuel surcharges beyond Agency control.

3.4 Strict Chargeback Prohibition & Enforcement

  • a. Waiver of Chargeback Rights: Client certifies that all credit or debit card authorizations provided to Agency—whether for professional retainers or supplier travel components—are for valid, authorized services. Client explicitly waives any right to file a credit card chargeback, merchant dispute, or payment reversal for:

    • i. The fully earned Master Design & Management Retainer;

    • ii. Any supplier-imposed cancellation penalty, schedule adjustment, or weather diversion;

    • iii. Travel disruptions arising from force majeure, flight delays, or missed embarkations.

  • b. Resolution Window & Damages: Client agrees to provide Agency thirty (30) business days written notice prior to initiating any dispute with a financial institution. In the event of an unlawful chargeback, Client agrees to reimburse Agency for all chargeback recovery fees, merchant processing penalties, collection expenses, administrative defense fees (billed at a minimum of $250.00), and reasonable attorney fees.

4. OPERATIONAL DECISION WINDOWS & MARITIME INVENTORY

  • 4.1 The 72-Hour Decision Window: Premium maritime inventory—specifically Reserve Collection accommodations, Cabana Mini-Suites, midship verandas, and luxury suites—moves swiftly. Following the presentation of your Voyage Blueprint, Client agrees to review the curated options and provide decisive feedback within seventy-two (72) hours.

  • 4.2 Inventory Expiration Disclaimer: Agency cannot hold staterooms, promotional amenities, or group allocations without active supplier deposits. Agency bears zero liability for price increases, promotional expiration, or cabin loss resulting from Client delays outside the agreed decision window.

5. SUPPLIERS, CONTRACTS OF CARRIAGE & MARITIME REALITIES

  • 5.1 Independent Operator Governance: All Travel Services curated by Agency are delivered subject to the specific terms, conditions, guest ticket contracts, and Contracts of Carriage of each Supplier. Client agrees to review and adhere to all Supplier-specific policies.

  • 5.2 Maritime Route Revisions: Cruise lines operate under international maritime conventions. Cruise operators retain absolute operational discretion to alter routes, substitute ships, omit scheduled ports of call, delay arrivals/departures, or modify stateroom assignments due to weather anomalies, mechanical necessities, harbor congestion, or navigational safety. Agency bears no liability for supplier-initiated itinerary alterations.

  • 5.3 Supplier Default & Insolvency: Agency is not liable for any Supplier’s failure to perform, financial insolvency, cessation of operations, or bankruptcy. Agency is under no obligation to issue refunds from agency funds or provide substitute travel in the event of third-party insolvency.

6. COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL PROTECTION & INSURANCE MANDATES

  • 6.1 The Vital Role of Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance—protecting against trip cancellation, trip interruption, missed connections, baggage loss, emergency medical disembarkation, and emergency medical treatment at sea—is essential. Cruise line medical facilities and air ambulance evacuations from maritime vessels can easily exceed $50,000 to $100,000 USD.

  • 6.2 Authorized Insurance Partners: Agency presents curated policies through authorized travel insurers (including Faye Travel Insurance) or official cruise line protection programs.

  • 6.3 Mandatory Insurance Requirement / Refusal Waiver: Agency reserves the right to require verified proof of comprehensive medical and evacuation coverage on complex itineraries. If Client declines to purchase travel protection through Agency, Client must execute a formal Travel Protection Refusal Waiver, assuming full personal financial liability for all cancellation penalties, medical expenses, and travel disruptions out of pocket.

7. CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS & "NO SHOWS"

  • 7.1 Written Notice Requirement: All change or cancellation requests must be submitted to Agency in writing via email or the TravelJoy client portal.

  • 7.2 Agency Administrative Processing Fees: In addition to penalties, non-refundable deposits, or fare clawbacks assessed by Suppliers, cancellations or major itinerary overhauls processed by Agency are subject to administrative fees:

    • a. Itinerary / Date Revisions: Starting at $75.00 per change;

    • b. Full Booking Cancellation: A minimum administrative processing fee of $250.00 per stateroom, compensating Agency for processing supplier refunds, future cruise credits (FCCs), and administrative closure.

  • 7.3 Retainers Are Non-Refundable: The Master Design & Management Retainer remains non-refundable and fully earned, regardless of whether a voyage is completed, cancelled, or altered.

  • 7.4 No-Shows: Failure to present proper credentials, arrive at the embarkation terminal prior to gate closure, or board a scheduled flight constitutes a "No Show." No-shows result in 100% forfeiture of all funds paid with zero right to restitution, refund, or rebooking.

8. PASSPORTS, VISAS, REAL ID & SECURITY COMPLIANCE

  • 8.1 The Six-Month Passport Rule: All U.S. citizens traveling internationally or on voyages touching foreign waters must possess a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled date of return, with at least two to four blank visa pages.

  • 8.2 Legal Name Verbatim Matching: Traveler names provided on intake forms must match government-issued physical passports or travel IDs verbatim. Agency is not liable for re-issuance fees, denied boarding, or fare forfeitures resulting from client-provided name discrepancies.

  • 8.3 REAL ID Mandate: All domestic air travelers 18 years of age and older must carry a compliant REAL ID driver's license, passport, or approved federal identification to pass airport security checkpoints.

  • 8.4 Criminal Inadmissibility & Disclosure Failure: Foreign jurisdictions (notably Canada, Mexico, European Schengen nations, and various island nations) and maritime operators enforce strict entry laws barring individuals with felony records, active warrants, or certain misdemeanors (including past DUIs/DWIs).

    Client bears the sole legal responsibility to verify their party's global admissibility prior to retaining the Agency. Failure to disclose a restrictive criminal record prior to remitting the Master Design & Management Retainer constitutes a material breach of this Agreement. If Agency discovers a Client is legally inadmissible after research and architectural drafting has commenced, Agency will immediately terminate the engagement. Under such circumstances, the Retainer remains 100% non-refundable and fully earned for time invested, and Agency shall bear zero liability for any lost supplier funds or denied boarding incidents.

9. TRAVELER CONDUCT, SPECIAL NEEDS & ACCESSIBILITY

  • 9.1 Behavioral Standards & Maritime Law: Travelers agree to conduct themselves with dignity and respect. Under maritime law, the Master of a vessel retains absolute authority to disembark or confine any passenger who displays abusive behavior or poses a safety risk.

  • 9.2 Accessibility & Dietary Disclosures: Agency is a proud Certified Assistive Travel Advisor (Special Needs Group) and Certified Autism Travel Professional. If any traveler requires specialized stateroom configurations, mobility accommodations, or has severe anaphylactic food allergies, Client must notify Agency in writing prior to the Blueprint Drafting Phase.

  • 9.3 Assumption of Risk: Participation in shore excursions, tender boat transfers, active exploration, or water activities involves inherent risk. Client voluntarily assumes all risk of personal injury, illness, or property damage, releasing Agency from any related claims.

10. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & DATA PRIVACY

  • 10.1 Proprietary Work Product: All customized proposals, acoustic deck plan analyses, Voyage Blueprints, and physical Red Door Folio materials curated by Agency represent proprietary intellectual property and may not be published online or utilized for commercial purposes without prior written authorization.

  • 10.2 Data Security: Agency handles personal identifying information (PII) in strict compliance with applicable privacy frameworks. PII is utilized solely to execute travel arrangements and is never sold to third parties.

11. PANDEMICS, FORCE MAJEURE & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

  • 11.1 Force Majeure: Agency shall not be deemed in breach of this Agreement or liable for disruptions, delays, cancellations, injuries, or losses caused by events of Force Majeure, including extreme maritime weather, hurricanes, civil unrest, government-mandated border closures, epidemics, pandemics, or supplier insolvency.

  • 11.2 Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Agency’s maximum cumulative liability to Client or any passenger on Client’s booking for any loss, damage, error, or omission shall be strictly capped at the total net consulting retainer fees actually received and retained by Agency for that specific engagement.

12. CONCIERGE COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS & ATELIER OPERATING HOURS

  • 12.1 Standard Atelier Hours: Agency operates during dedicated business hours. Agency does not staff an unmonitored 24/7 call center. For immediate life-safety or acute in-destination emergencies, clients must contact the 24/7 global emergency assistance team provided under their travel protection policy.

  • 12.2 Communication Channels:

    • Planning & Pre-Trip Administration: Conducted via TravelJoy Messaging, scheduled Blueprint Analysis sessions, and direct email.

    • In-Voyage Maritime Support: Provided via dedicated WhatsApp messaging over shipboard Wi-Fi for real-time text, voice dispatches, and emergency schedule coordination.

13. INDEMNIFICATION, GOVERNING LAW & NEVADA JURISDICTION

  • 13.1 Client Indemnification: Client agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless R. P. HARDIE CRUISE & TRAVEL LLC, its principal stewards, and members from any liabilities, claims, damages, or costs arising from Client’s breach of this Agreement.

  • 13.2 Governing Law: This Agreement and any disputes arising between the Parties shall be governed exclusively by the internal laws of the State of Nevada, without regard to conflict of law principles.

  • 13.3 Exclusive Jurisdiction & Venue: The Parties agree that any legal dispute, mediation, or court action arising out of this relationship shall be litigated exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Washoe County or Lyon County, Nevada. All Parties consent to the personal jurisdiction of said courts and waive any right to trial by jury.

14. SELLER OF TRAVEL DISCLOSURES & HOST CREDENTIALS

R. P. HARDIE CRUISE & TRAVEL LLC operates as an independent affiliate under Travel Leaders Network / Incentive Connection Travel Inc. (Phoenix, AZ), maintaining compliance under the following state Seller of Travel (SOT) registrations:

  • California Seller of Travel: CST #2013460-40 (Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. California law requires this disclosure: This transaction is not covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund).

  • Washington UBI: #601 750 119

  • Florida Seller of Travel: Letter of Exemption on file.

  • Nevada Operations: Business conducted in full compliance with Nevada state commercial laws.

CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By checking the agreement box on TravelJoy or remitting payment for any retainer or travel component, you certify that:

  1. You are at least 18 years of age and authorized to bind all travelers listed on your reservation;

  2. You have read, understood, and voluntarily accept these Master Terms & Conditions;

  3. You specifically acknowledge and accept the Non-Refundable Master Design & Management Retainer Protocol, the Unpriced Blueprint Policy, and the Strict Chargeback Prohibition.

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