TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Website: https://www.douroazul.com/
Last updated: June 2025
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Purpose and Scope
1.1. These Terms and Conditions for the Provision of Services and Sales Policy (hereinafter referred to as the “Terms and Conditions of Sale”) establish the general and specific terms governing the sale of services made available on the website (hereinafter the “Website”), owned by DouroAzul – Sociedade Marítimo–Turística, S.A., with registered office at Lugar da Rede, S/N, parish of Santo André, municipality of Mesão Frio, district of Vila Real, with a share capital of €3,967,518.00, corporate taxpayer number 503 416 436, registered with the Commercial Registry Office of Mesão Frio under No. 78, and with offices at Rua de Miragaia, 103, 4050-387 Porto (hereinafter referred to as “DouroAzul”).
1.2. DouroAzul is duly licensed to carry out its activities and is registered with the National Register of Tourism Animation Agents (RNAAT) under registration No. 88/2002.
1.3. Clients are strongly advised to read these Terms and Conditions of Sale carefully and in full before purchasing or using any of the services available on the Website. If you do not agree, in whole or in part, with these Terms and Conditions of Sale, you should refrain from using the Website.
1.4. For these Terms and Conditions of Sale, the term “Client” refers to any natural or legal person who accesses, purchases, and uses the Services provided through this Website. The term “Services” refers to the purchase and sale of services relating to the activities listed in Clause 3.1 of these Terms and Conditions of Sale, namely: tickets for bridge cruises on the Douro River (Rabelo Boats), yacht charter services (Wind of Fortune), daily cruises, and combined tickets, which may include two or more activities, such as a cruise ticket, a visit to the Port wine cellars, access to and use of the “Porto Sightseeing” bus service, and/or a visit to the interactive museum “World of Discoveries”, depending on the combinations made available on the Website.
In addition to these general conditions, each service is subject to specific conditions appropriate to the relevant sector of activity, detailed below.
1.5. The acquisition of Services through the Website by the Client implies full knowledge and acceptance of these Terms and Conditions of Sale, the Privacy Policy, and the General Terms and Conditions of Use of the DouroAzul Website, all of which can be consulted via their respective links.
1.6. Clients who purchase the aforementioned Services from DouroAzul through recognised travel agents, wholesalers, or tour operators shall be subject to the terms and conditions of service provision and sales policies established by those entities. Accordingly, these Terms and Conditions of Sale shall not prevail over, or supersede, any contrary provisions established by such entities, and DouroAzul shall not be held liable for any matters relating to the organisation, management, execution, or non-execution of such services.
2. Acquisition of Services and Formation of the Contract
2.1. The presentation of Services on the Website constitutes an invitation to treat and not a binding offer from DouroAzul. The purchase of Services by the Client shall only be deemed complete and binding once DouroAzul has confirmed the order and issued the corresponding proof of purchase (voucher or ticket).
2.2. The ordering and acquisition of Services are carried out electronically via the Website, through the completion of all required steps indicated therein. The Client must follow the instructions provided on the Website and fill in all mandatory fields in order to complete the purchase process.
2.3. The Client undertakes to provide true, accurate, complete, and up-to-date information throughout the ordering process. DouroAzul shall not be held liable for any damages arising from false, incorrect, or incomplete information supplied by the Client.
2.4. The confirmation of the order by DouroAzul will be sent to the Client by email to the address indicated during the purchase process. The confirmation will include the identification of the Service(s) acquired, the respective quantity and price, and other relevant details.
2.5. Upon receipt of the order confirmation, the Client shall verify all information contained therein. In the event of any error, the Client must immediately contact DouroAzul via the means of contact made available on the Website.
2.6. Any communications, requests for clarification, or complaints relating to the purchase process or the Services acquired must be submitted in writing through the contact form available on the Website or by email to: info@douroazul.com.
2.7. The Client acknowledges that the Services acquired may be subject to availability limitations or specific operational restrictions, as identified in the detailed description of each Service.
2.8. The Client is responsible for ensuring that they meet any eligibility requirements, age restrictions, or documentary requirements necessary to access or use the Services. DouroAzul reserves the right to deny access to the Services in cases where such conditions are not met, without entitlement to a refund.
3. Sale of Services
3.1. The Services marketed on this Website by DouroAzul include:
a) The purchase and sale of travel tickets for its River Cruise Vessels (“Navios-Hotel”);
b) The purchase and sale of travel tickets for the bridges cruise on the Douro River (“Barcos Rabelo”);
c) Yacht rental (“Wind of Fortune”);
d) The purchase and sale of travel tickets for daily cruises;
e) The purchase and sale of combined travel tickets, which may include tickets for two or more activities, namely: a cruise, a visit to the Port wine cellars, access to and use of the “Porto Sightseeing” bus transport, and/or a visit to the interactive museum “World of Discoveries”, according to the combination made available on the Website at the time of purchase.
3.2. The Services are acquired at the Client’s own account and risk, and at the time of acquisition, the Client shall have access on the Website to general and specific information and conditions relating to their use.
3.3. Except the purchase and sale of tickets for the Services referred to in points (a) and (c) of clause 3.1, the purchase process for the selected tickets is carried out through a digital platform known as “Ventrata”, to which the Client will be automatically redirected to complete the ticket acquisition process.
Although the ticketing platform is integrated into the Website, it is managed by third parties who are solely responsible for the execution, incorrect execution, incomplete execution, or non-execution of any payment operation.
Its use implies the Client’s knowledge and acceptance of Ventrata’s terms, conditions, and sales policy, which are the sole responsibility of the Client to review and comply with. These are available at: https://www.ventrata.com/.
3.4. The Client must pay for the Services using one of the payment methods available at any given time, namely: PayPal, Stripe (credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay), and Ifthenpay (Multibanco, MB Way, and Payshop).
3.5. With the exception of the purchase and sale of tickets for the Services referred to in point (a) of clause 3.1, once the purchase request has been completed, the Client will receive an automatic email confirming their purchase and/or reservation.
If any of the data provided is incorrect, the Client must request a correction by written communication to reservas@douroazul.pt.
3.6. If the Client does not provide personal data for invoicing purposes, the invoice will be issued as a non-identified client.
4. Quality and Warranty
The presentation of any Services on the Website through photographs, images, videos, shapes, colours, or other visual means may not correspond exactly to reality, due to, but not limited to, the Client’s internet connectivity constraints, the use of technological or computer devices incompatible with the Website version, the natural wear and tear of tangible assets resulting from their regular and expected use, or the inclusion of artistically created content.
5. Validity of Promotions
5.1. Any promotion announced by DouroAzul on this Website is valid only for the duration expressly stated in the information displayed therein.
5.2. In the event of any typographical or clerical errors concerning the Services covered, prices, or other promotional information, DouroAzul reserves the right to freely cancel any purchase and sale carried out under such errors, without prejudice to the Client being reimbursed for the amount paid.
5.3. For this clause, a promotion shall mean any sale intended to encourage the purchase of certain Services or to introduce a Service not previously marketed by DouroAzul at the same commercial establishment, as well as to promote the development of its business activity.
6. The Client’s Right of Withdrawal
6.1. A Client who qualifies as a consumer under Decree-Law No. 24/2014, of February 14, as amended, meaning a natural person acting for purposes that do not fall within the scope of their commercial, industrial, craft, or professional activity, may exercise their right of withdrawal under the legally established terms and as indicated below, except as provided in paragraph 6.6 of this Clause.
6.2. As a consumer, the Client has the right to withdraw from the contract, without providing any reason and without incurring any costs, within 14 (fourteen) days from the date of purchase of the Service, unless the Service has already been used within that period.
6.3. The exercise of the right of withdrawal must be made by the Client to DouroAzul, by means of a written and express declaration, or by completing the withdrawal form available on the Website and sending it, once completed, to reservas@douroazul.pt.
For this purpose, the Client must attach documentation to the declaration, including a copy of the Service invoice and an indication of the intended action: exchange or refund of the amount paid.
6.4. In the event of a refund, all payments made by the Client in connection with the purchased Services will be reimbursed after receipt and verification of their condition, as described above, without undue delay and, in any case, no later than 14 (fourteen) days from the date on which DouroAzul received the declaration of contract withdrawal.
6.5. The reimbursement of the amounts paid will be made through the same payment method used by the Client in the original purchase transaction. The Client must provide their bank details (NIB or IBAN) to facilitate the refund process.
6.6. The provisions of the preceding paragraphs do not apply to non-consumers. In such cases, Clients must refer to the business rules set out in the specific conditions of these Terms and Conditions of Sale applicable to the Service in question.
7. Customer Support and Complaints
7.1. For any clarification regarding the Services and/or complaints, the Client may contact customer support via email at reservas@douroazul.pt.
7.2. The Client may also submit a complaint through the Complaints Book, available in both online and physical formats, at https://www.livroreclamacoes.pt/, as provided by DouroAzul.
8. Disclaimer
8.1. DouroAzul accepts no responsibility for any direct or indirect damages that may arise from the use of this Website or any other linked sites. Likewise, it does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access to these sites, or that they are free from viruses or other harmful content, and shall not be held liable for any claims resulting from such circumstances.
8.2. The Client undertakes not to use this Website to publish or transmit any offensive, unlawful, or illegal content, nor to insert false, misleading, or corrupted data, being solely responsible for any conduct that violates this obligation. In the event of any such occurrence, DouroAzul will fully cooperate with the competent authorities in enforcing the law.
9. Intellectual and Industrial Property
9.1. The trademarks, trade names, and other elements displayed on the Website are protected under the applicable legal provisions governing intellectual and industrial property and in accordance with the Website’s General Terms and Conditions of Use.
9.2. The use, reproduction, or representation, in whole or in part, of these elements is strictly and expressly prohibited and must be subject to prior written authorization from DouroAzul or the respective rights holders.
10. Privacy
The processing of personal data carried out by DouroAzul complies with the applicable EU and national legislation in force, namely Regulation (EU) No. 679/2016 of April 27 (General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR) and Law No. 58/2019 of August 8 (Personal Data Protection Law). For additional information, the Privacy Policy is available on this Website and should be read carefully and in full.
11. Interpretation, Applicable Law, and Jurisdiction
11.1. These Terms and Conditions of Sale are drafted and interpreted in accordance with Portuguese law.
11.2. If any provision of these Terms and Conditions of Sale is declared null, invalid, or unenforceable, such declaration shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions, which shall remain fully in force.
11.3. In the event of a dispute, the competent court shall be the Judicial Court of the District of Porto, with express waiver of any other jurisdiction, without prejudice to the application of mandatory legal provisions.
12. Arbitration
12.1. Under Law No. 144/2015 of September 8, the Client may submit a complaint to the following Consumer Dispute Resolution Entity: Centro de Informação de Consumo e Arbitragem do Porto – www.cicap.pt.
12.2. DouroAzul declares that it is not affiliated with any consumer dispute resolution entity and, therefore, is not bound to accept that any dispute be submitted to an alternative dispute resolution mechanism.
12.3. For more information, the Client should consult the Consumer Portal: www.consumidor.pt.
13. Liability
13.1 DouroAzul shall only be liable for damages suffered by the Client if such damages result from breaches attributable to DouroAzul’s contractual obligations towards the Client or from applicable legislation.
13.2 DouroAzul shall not be held liable for any damages suffered by third parties and/or by the Client resulting from improper use, negligence, or willful misconduct in relation to the Services by the Client themselves.
14. Insurance
DouroAzul fully complies with all insurance requirements mandated by Portuguese law for all types of vessels under its ownership.
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS
A. HOTEL SHIPS
B. RABELO BOATS
C. DAILY CRUISES
D. WIND OF FORTUNE
E. WORLD OF DISCOVERIES~
A. HOTEL SHIPS
This section sets out the specific conditions applicable to the cruise services on Hotel Ships (hereinafter referred to as “Ship”) operated by DouroAzul, namely the vessel Spirit of Chartwell.
The remaining Hotel Ships operated by DouroAzul are managed by third parties, namely recognized travel operators. Therefore, the services related to those vessels are subject to the terms and conditions and sales policies of the respective entities.
15. Cancellation, Delay, or Alteration of Navigation Itineraries
15.1 DouroAzul reserves the right to freely and arbitrarily cancel, postpone, or modify the Services and/or the itinerary of any voyage for any reason, including but not limited to vessel chartering, insufficient bookings, weather conditions, mechanical issues, medical emergencies, strikes or work stoppages, local holidays, or other force majeure events, without incurring any obligation to compensate the Client.
15.2 Force majeure refers, among others, to the occurrence of external, unforeseeable, and uncontrollable events, such as political or social circumstances (war, riots, pandemics, epidemics, etc.) or natural events (earthquakes, floods, fires, etc.).
16. Prices
16.1 The prices of the Services may be changed if justified by circumstances, such as unexpected increases in governmental charges, taxes, or fuel surcharges, as well as changes in any external costs beyond DouroAzul’s control.
16.2 The prices of the Services presented to the Client include value-added tax (VAT) at the legal rate in effect at the time of purchase. Children up to 3 (three) years old are exempt from payment. The rules regarding the use of the Services by minors are outlined below and must be reviewed by the Client.
17. Reservations and Cancellations
17.1 This section applies to Clients who are not consumers. Clients considered consumers under Decree-Law No. 24/2014, of February 14, are subject to the provisions of Clause 6 of these Terms and Conditions of Sale.
17.2 Reservations must be made directly with DouroAzul, either at its headquarters, via email at reservas@douroazul.pt, or through one of its distributors, travel agents, wholesalers, or recognized tour operators.
17.3 Reservations will only be considered valid after DouroAzul has received 20% of the total cruise price, to be paid via bank transfer to the account indicated at the time of booking. Up to 30 days before the embarkation date, the Client must pay the remaining 80% of the total cruise price. In the event the Client books less than 830 days before departure, 100% of the total cruise price will be due.
17.4 Any modification to a confirmed reservation after the initial booking will incur a change fee, up to a maximum of €25.00 per change, including changes to name, address, trip, departure date, category, among others.
17.5 DouroAzul reserves the right to freely and arbitrarily change the cabin category on board to a higher or lower level if deemed necessary, without the obligation to justify the reason to the Client. In the case of a downgrade, the Client will be entitled to a refund corresponding to the price difference between the booked cabin category and the one actually occupied.
17.6 Once the reservation is confirmed, the following cancellation fees will apply:
a) The initial 20% deposit is non-refundable;
b) Cancellations made up to 15 (fifteen) days before the departure date: a fee of 75% of the total reservation value will be charged;
c) Cancellations made less than 14 (fourteen) days before the departure date: a fee of 100% of the total reservation value will be charged.
17.7 In addition to the cancellation fee described above, all charges and/or additional expenses incurred by DouroAzul — such as transport, hotel accommodation, meals and beverages, contracted services, or other non-refundable costs related to the Client’s reservation — will also be charged to the Client.
17.8 Any refund requests will only be considered if submitted within a maximum of 5 (five) days after the completion of the Service.
17.9 If the Client wishes to correct any of their personal data, they must do so in writing via email.
18. Other Contracted Services
The onboard masseuse, local guides, meals ashore, certain transport providers, and other necessary service providers are third-party services and, as such, are not employees of DouroAzul. Therefore, in providing these services, DouroAzul acts solely as an intermediary and sales agent and cannot be held liable for any actions taken by these entities and/or for any claims made against them.
19. Rules for the Use of Services by Minors
19.1 DouroAzul does not guarantee the availability of cribs or children’s beds, restaurant highchairs, bus safety seats, or other child equipment. DouroAzul does not provide babysitting services nor organize children’s activity programs. Participation of minors under 6 (six) years of age in bus excursions is not permitted unless the Client provides a certified safety seat (not supplied by DouroAzul).
19.2 There are no triple cabins, and DouroAzul does not provide extra beds, cribs, or bassinets. However, parents or accompanying adults may bring (at their own responsibility) a crib or bassinet, which can be placed between the beds in the standard twin cabins or in the Royal Suite (in the case of the Spirit of Chartwell Ship).
19.3 On the Spirit of Chartwell Ship, the standard twin cabins are small; therefore, if a crib or baby bed (for a child up to 3 (three) years old traveling free of charge) is added, the Client acknowledges that movement inside the cabin will be limited. DouroAzul cannot be held responsible for any inconvenience or discomfort caused by the reduced space. DouroAzul further clarifies that its cabins are limited to two occupants and does not guarantee that parents or accompanying adults and a minor can share the same space.
19.4 On the other hand, the Royal Suite, being larger, provides sufficient space for the placement of cribs or bassinets. In this cabin, any child up to 3 (three) years old traveling free of charge will have more comfort and space.
19.5 Notwithstanding the free travel benefit, all minors under 3 (three) years of age must always be included in the booking confirmation.
19.6 It is strictly forbidden for a minor to remain alone, whether in cabins or any other areas of the Ship. Responsibility for the minor rests exclusively with the accompanying adult.
19.7 Minors between 4 (four) and 12 (twelve) years old sharing a room with an adult are entitled to a 50% discount on the selected fare.
19.8 For check-in purposes, all minors (under 18 years of age) must present an identification document and must be accompanied by one of their parents or a responsible adult.
20. Swimming Pool
20.1 The Ship’s Captain and Director reserve the right to freely determine the pool’s operating hours as they deem appropriate for safety, considering weather conditions, the ship’s location, and other relevant factors based on their experience.
20.2 The following rules must be observed regarding the use of the pool onboard: it is strictly prohibited for Clients under the influence of alcohol, any non-prescribed substances, or those who are not in a physical and/or mental condition to safely use the facility. Only Clients wearing appropriate swimwear may access the pool area. The Ship’s management reserves the right to freely restrict or deny access to any Client deemed a risk to the safety of the Ship, its passengers, or themselves.
20.3 The following age restrictions apply to the use of the onboard pool: minors under 16 (sixteen) years of age must be supervised by one of their parents or a responsible adult.
21. Clothing
21.1 The attire on board ranges from beach casual (shorts, t-shirts, polo shirts, beachwear, among others) to country club casual (trousers, dress/pants and jacket, blazer and optional tie, long-sleeved shirt, skirt, among others). Formal wear is not required in the evening. Men may choose to wear a suit and women may opt for cocktail attire for the Captain’s welcome party, farewell reception, or any evening events held on land.
For the comfort and respect of all guests, shorts are not permitted in the dining room in the evening, and entry is not allowed to anyone wearing swimwear in the dining room at any time.
Guests wearing wet swimwear are not permitted in any of the indoor public and common areas of the ship, except when moving to or from their cabin to the pool area.
21.2 Nudism or topless sunbathing is not permitted anywhere on the ship.
22. Currency
The currency on board is the euro. Guests may settle their on-board accounts using credit cards from their home country, with amounts automatically converted into their home currency by the issuing bank. ATMs are available at various locations on land, accepting all major bank cards (Cirrus, Star, etc.) and dispensing euros.
23. Customs and Immigration
23.1 Guests are responsible for obtaining all necessary immigration documents required for entry into Portugal and for any visits to Spanish territory (if applicable). This must be arranged before leaving their country of origin. Failure to enter Portugal and/or Spain due to incorrect or insufficient immigration documentation may result in cruise cancellation due to no-show, without any right to refund.
23.2 Guests are individually responsible for complying with international customs regulations when leaving Portugal and entering their home countries. DouroAzul shall not be held liable for any customs charges regarding goods offered or purchased during the cruise.
24. Taxes and Government Fees
The cruise fare includes all legally applicable taxes and government fees as of the booking date. Airport, departure, immigration, and other travel-related fees are the sole responsibility of each guest and may vary depending on the travel route and/or the country of origin and destination. Any doubts should be clarified with the travel agent or professional before departure.
25. Valuables
25.1 DouroAzul provides safes on board.
25.2 Guests are responsible for the security and protection of their personal belongings and valuables. DouroAzul cannot be held responsible for safeguarding these items, nor for any loss or damage not directly attributable to DouroAzul or to the actions of its employees. Guests are fully responsible for ensuring the security of their belongings.
26. Health and Medical Assistance
26.1 DouroAzul ships do not have medical staff or clinical facilities on board. Any medical emergencies are handled in medical facilities on land, and DouroAzul is not responsible for the quality of any medical services or treatments provided there.
26.2 DouroAzul does not provide crew members to assist guests in wheelchairs. Guests requiring such assistance must travel with a companion capable of helping them with mobility and other comfort-related tasks. Some DouroAzul ships are equipped with elevators and chair lifts that allow guests with reduced mobility to access all passenger decks. However, other ships may have staircases and areas that limit access for guests with reduced mobility.
26.3 Cabins are not equipped with refrigerators, and DouroAzul does not provide facilities for refrigerating medication. Shore excursions may involve varying levels of physical effort, which can be explained in detail on board by the ship’s tour guides. A guest’s inability to fully enjoy a shore excursion due to reduced mobility, and consequently being unable to participate in all parts of the tour, will not entitle them to any reduction in price or refund.
26.4 Each ship has a first-aid kit containing supplies such as gauze, plasters, adhesive tape, antiseptic solution, saline solution, and more. The distribution of any medication is strictly prohibited, and DouroAzul does not carry any on board.
27. Wireless Internet Connection
27.1 All DouroAzul ships have wireless internet access. Bandwidth and coverage on board are limited, so continuous access cannot be guaranteed. Individual use may be restricted to allow more guests to access the Internet. The ship’s reception staff will assist guests in making the most of the ship’s Wi-Fi capabilities.
27.2 When using the wireless Internet connection, guests must do so prudently, respecting DouroAzul’s code of conduct, other guests, and applicable law. Guests must refrain from using the ship’s connection for any unlawful or inappropriate purposes.
28. Laundry Services
Laundry service availability and pricing vary from ship to ship. Detailed instructions and prices can be found on board.
29. Postal Services
National and international mail can be sent from on board for an additional fee. The scope and pricing of this service vary between ships, and full details are provided on board.
30. Scope of Responsibility
DouroAzul operates river and coastal cruises and is responsible for all operations it conducts from the moment guests embark until they disembark, except for those provided by third-party service providers as previously described. DouroAzul is only responsible for airport/ship/airport transfers if this service was purchased directly from DouroAzul or through the travel organizer. Aside from services inherent to the cruise, DouroAzul disclaims any responsibility for the performance of airlines, hotels, tour companies, land guides, tour package suppliers, or any other service providers involved in the guest’s travel experience.
31. Access for Animals
31.1 Pets are not allowed on DouroAzul ships. Guide dogs and other certified assistance animals are permitted at no additional cost, provided that specific arrangements are made at the time of booking to ensure coordination between the guest’s and DouroAzul’s requirements, in accordance with applicable law.
31.2 Without prejudice to the above, DouroAzul reserves the right to deny boarding to any animal showing visible signs of illness, aggression, or poor hygiene that could compromise the safety and physical integrity of crew members, guests, or third parties on board.
32. Shore Excursions and Tours
Each DouroAzul ship offers tours and escorts available to help guests select and participate in shore excursions, which are presented on board each evening. Shore excursions can be purchased on board, and usually there are enough spaces for all guests, provided bookings are made before the excursion’s departure date. Excursions may be adjusted according to road conditions, traffic, holidays, or weather. When meals are included in an excursion, the price also includes wine and water.
33. Smoking Policy
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all indoor areas of the ships, regardless of the type of tobacco. Cigars and cigarettes may only be smoked on the pool deck in designated smoking areas. The use of pipes is not permitted anywhere on the ships, including the pool deck. DouroAzul reserves the right to disembark any guest found smoking indoors, without refund of the cruise fare.
34. Visitors
Visits on board by non-guests are only permitted if previously arranged with the ship’s reception, approved by the Captain/Master, and visitors provide official identification upon arrival. Visitors may dine on board by paying the established meal price (excluding beverages) and subject to seat availability.
A. RABELO BOATS
This section sets out the specific conditions applicable to the Services related to Douro River bridge cruises aboard Rabelo Boats.
35. Cancellation, Delay, or Alteration of Navigation Itineraries
DouroAzul reserves the right, freely and at its sole discretion, to cancel, postpone, or alter the Services and/or the itinerary of any trip, regardless of the reason — including, but not limited to, vessel chartering, insufficient bookings, weather conditions, mechanical issues, medical emergencies, strikes or work stoppages at the location, local holidays, or other force majeure events — without any obligation to compensate the Client.
Force majeure refers, among other things, to the occurrence of external, unforeseeable events beyond DouroAzul’s control, such as socio-political events (war, riots, pandemics, epidemics, etc.) or natural events (earthquakes, floods, fires, etc.).
36. Prices
36.1 Service prices may be altered whenever justified, namely due to unforeseen increases in government charges, taxes, or fuel surcharges, as well as any other external costs beyond DouroAzul’s control.
36.2 The Service prices presented to the Client include Value Added Tax (VAT) at the legally applicable rate in force at the time of purchase. Children up to 3 (three) years of age travel free of charge. The rules governing the use of Services by minors are described below and must be consulted by the Client.
36.3 The ticket purchase price cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions available on the Website at the time of purchase.
37. Reservations and Cancellation
37.1 This section applies to Clients who are not consumers. Clients who qualify as consumers under Decree-Law No. 24/2014 of February 14 are subject to the provisions of Clause 6 of these Terms and Conditions of Sale.
37.2 Reservations must be made directly with DouroAzul or through one of its distribution companies, travel agents, wholesalers, or recognized tour operators. Reservations are only considered valid once DouroAzul has received full payment for the cruise, which may be made by bank transfer to the account indicated at the time of booking.
37.3 Any change made to a reservation after the initial booking will incur an amendment fee of up to €25.00 per change, including modifications related to name, address, trip and departure date, category, and others.
37.4 DouroAzul reserves the right, freely and at its sole discretion, not to issue any refund and/or not to change the date of use of the Services by the Client in the event of a no-show on the date and time stated on the purchased ticket.
37.5 Any change in the date of use of the Services is subject to the vessel’s maximum capacity for the desired date, as defined by the safety regulations established by law and the competent authorities.
37.6 Clients requesting the cancellation of purchased tickets, under the above terms, must request a refund by email to reservas@douroazul.pt, including the following information: reservation/purchase number, copy of payment proof, and the Client’s bank account details (NIB/IBAN).
37.7 Any refund requests will only be considered for review if submitted within a maximum period of 5 (five) days after the Service has been provided.
38. Rules for the Use of Services by Minors
38.1 It is strictly forbidden for a minor (under 18 years of age) to remain alone in any area of the Rabelo Boats. Responsibility for any minor rests solely with the accompanying adult.
38.2 All minors must present an identification document. Without prejudice to the free-of-charge benefit, all children under 3 (three) years of age must always be included in the booking confirmation.
39. Valuables
Clients are responsible for the security and protection of their belongings and valuables. DouroAzul is not responsible for safeguarding such items and cannot be held liable for any loss or damage not directly attributable to DouroAzul or to the actions of its employees.
40. Wireless Internet Connection and Use of the Digital Application
40.1 All DouroAzul Rabelo Boats have wireless Internet access. The connection’s bandwidth and the boat’s coverage area are limited but sufficient for normal use of the “Bridges Cruise” digital application (hereinafter referred to as the “App”) for audio guide purposes and general Internet use. A Client’s individual usage may be restricted to allow more Clients to access the Internet.
40.2 When using the App and the Internet via wireless connection, Clients must do so prudently, respecting DouroAzul’s code of conduct, other Clients, and the limits permitted by law, refraining from using the boat’s connection for any unlawful or inappropriate purpose.
40.3 The terms and conditions and the privacy policy applicable to the App provided for audio guides can be consulted within the App itself. Therefore, the Client’s use of the App implies knowledge and acceptance of those terms, conditions, and privacy policy.
41. Scope of Responsibility
DouroAzul operates river and coastal cruises and is responsible for all operations it conducts from the moment Clients embark until the moment they disembark, except for those contracted to third-party service providers as previously described. Beyond the services inherent to the cruise itself, DouroAzul excludes any responsibility arising from the performance of airlines, hotels, and tour companies, before or after the cruise, as well as from land guides, tour package providers, or any other service providers or elements related to the Service experience.
42. Access of Animals
42.1 Pets are not allowed on DouroAzul’s Rabelo Boats. Guide dogs and other assistance animals are permitted free of charge, but their presence must be coordinated at the time of booking to ensure that both DouroAzul’s and the Client’s needs — as well as those of the animal — are met, in accordance with applicable law.
42.2 Without prejudice to the above, DouroAzul nonetheless reserves the right to deny access to the vessel if the animal shows evident signs of illness, aggression, or lack of hygiene that may compromise the safety or physical integrity of crew members, Clients, or third parties on board.
43. Smoking Policy
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all areas of the vessels, regardless of the type of tobacco product or device used.
C. DAILY CRUISES
This section sets out the specific conditions applicable to the Services for daily cruises.
44. Scope of Operation
44.1 The daily cruises are services provided by third parties; therefore, DouroAzul acts solely as an intermediary agent in the pre-booking process of the requested services, without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 3 of clause 3 of these Terms and Conditions of Sale.
44.2 Consequently, the terms, conditions, and sales policies of the actual service providers apply to the Clients. DouroAzul cannot, under any circumstances, be held responsible for any matter related to the organization, management, performance, or non-performance of the services purchased.
D. WINDS OF FORTUNE
This section sets out the specific conditions applicable to the Services for the rental of the Winds of Fortune Yacht (hereinafter referred to as the “Yacht”) for navigation on the Douro River.
45. Cancellation, Delay, or Alteration of Navigation Itineraries
45.1 DouroAzul reserves the right, freely and at its sole discretion, to cancel, postpone, or alter the Services and/or the itinerary of any voyage, regardless of the reason — including, but not limited to, vessel chartering, insufficient reservations, weather conditions, mechanical problems, medical emergencies, strikes or work stoppages, local holidays, or other force majeure events — without any obligation to compensate the Client.
45.2 Force majeure events include, among others, the occurrence of external, unforeseeable events beyond DouroAzul’s control, whether of a political-social nature (war, riots, pandemics, epidemics, etc.) or of a natural nature (earthquakes, floods, fires, etc.).
45.3 In compliance with applicable legislation, DouroAzul must adhere to the schedules available for dam crossings; therefore, the timetables provided in the published programs are subject to change.
46. Prices
46.1 The prices of the Services may be changed when circumstances justify it, particularly due to unforeseen increases in government charges, taxes, or fuel surcharges, as well as any changes in external costs beyond DouroAzul’s control.
46.2 Without prejudice to the provisions below, the prices of the Services presented to the Client include Value Added Tax (VAT) at the legal rate in effect at the time of purchase. Children up to 3 (three) years of age are exempt from payment. The rules governing the use of the Services by minors are set out below and must be consulted by the Client.
47. Bookings and Cancellations
47.1 This section applies to Clients who are not consumers. Clients who qualify as consumers under Decree-Law No. 24/2014, of February 14, are subject to the provisions of Clause 6 of these Terms and Conditions of Sale.
47.2 Yacht embarkation takes place at Marina da Afurada or Marina do Freixo. Night navigation on the Douro River is not permitted, except within the Porto area until midnight, subject to prior express authorization and additional charges. If the Client opts for embarkation and disembarkation at Cais de Gaia, an additional fee of €52.00 will be charged, plus VAT at the legal rate in effect at the time of purchase.
47.3 Reservations must be made directly with DouroAzul at its headquarters or via email at reservas@douroazul.pt, or through one of its distribution companies, travel agents, wholesalers, or recognized tour operators. Reservations are only considered valid after DouroAzul has received 20% of the total reservation price, paid by bank transfer to the account specified at the time of booking. The remaining 80% must be paid up to 30 days before the embarkation date. If the Client books less than 30 days before the embarkation date, 100% of the total price will be due.
47.4 Any change to a reservation after the initial booking will incur a fee of up to €25.00 per modification, covering changes such as name, address, trip and departure date, category, and other alterations.
47.5 Once the reservation is confirmed, the following cancellation fees apply:
a) The initial 20% deposit is non-refundable;
b) Cancellations made up to 15 (fifteen) days before the departure date will incur a fee of 75% of the total reservation amount;
c) Cancellations made less than 14 (fourteen) days before the departure date will incur a fee of 100% of the total reservation amount.
47.6 The cancellation fees listed above may be subject to additional costs incurred by DouroAzul for transportation, hotel accommodation, meals and drinks, contracted services, or other non-refundable expenses related to the Client’s booking. In such cases, these additional costs will be charged to the Client in addition to the standard cancellation fees.
47.7 The transportation and repositioning of the Yacht when empty will also be charged under the same terms as above.
47.8 DouroAzul provides, onboard the Yacht, not only nautical services but also food and/or beverage services. Therefore, if the Client wishes to use these services, they must be requested in advance as follows:
d) At least 5 (five) business days before the departure date, for food and/or beverage services, which follow the policy set out below;
e) At least 48 (forty-eight) hours before the departure date, for nautical services.
47.9 Notwithstanding the above, if local authorities determine that navigation is unsafe, the Client may reschedule the service date or opt for a refund of the reservation amount paid. If weather conditions do not compromise safety but local authorities nonetheless prohibit navigation, the deposit will not be refunded.
47.10 Any refund requests will only be considered if submitted within a maximum of 5 (five) days after the completion of the Service.
48. Food & Beverage Service (hereinafter “F&B”) on board
48.1 The food and/or beverage services must be requested at the time of booking and require the presence of at least one waiter, with the additional costs of such service included in the price presented for F&B. However, a “cover charge” fee for F&B and cleaning will be applied when the service is not provided by DouroAzul.
48.2 For the meals served, DouroAzul includes water, juices, one bottle of wine (red or white) for every two persons, tea, and coffee.
48.3 If the booking includes an overnight stay on board, breakfast service is included.
48.4 If the Client wishes to bring their own food on board rather than have it supplied by DouroAzul, they must complete and sign a Statement of Responsibility by which they assume and are responsible for compliance with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) standards.
49. Rules for the Use of Services by Minors
49.1 It is expressly forbidden for a minor (under 18 years old) to remain alone in any area of the Yacht. Responsibility for any minor lies exclusively with the accompanying adult.
49.2 All minors must present an identification document. Without prejudice to the free-of-charge benefit, all minors under 3 (three) years of age must always be included in the booking confirmation.
49.3 DouroAzul does not guarantee the availability of cribs or children’s beds, high chairs, bus safety seats, or other children’s equipment. DouroAzul does not provide babysitting services nor does it offer children’s activity programs. Children under 6 (six) years old are not allowed to participate in bus excursions unless they have an approved safety seat (not supplied by DouroAzul). However, parents or responsible adults may bring a crib or carrycot, which may be placed between the beds.
50. Valuables
Clients are responsible for the safety and protection of the goods and valuables they carry with them. DouroAzul is not responsible for safeguarding such items and cannot be held liable for any loss or damage suffered that is not directly attributable to DouroAzul or to the performance of duties by one of its employees.
51. Wireless Internet Connection
51.1 The Winds of Fortune yacht provides a wireless Internet connection. The connection’s bandwidth and coverage area on the yacht are limited, but sufficient for normal Internet use. The usage by one Client may be reduced to allow other Clients access to the Internet.
51.2 When using the Internet via wireless connection, Clients must use it prudently, with respect for DouroAzul’s code of conduct, other Clients, and within the limits permitted by law, refraining from using the vessel’s Internet connection for any unlawful purpose or conduct contrary to good morals.
52. Scope of Responsibility
52.1 DouroAzul operates river and coastal cruises and is responsible for all operations it conducts from the moment Clients embark until they disembark, except for those contracted to third-party service providers as described above.
52.2 DouroAzul excludes any liability for the cost of meals taken outside the Yacht, which are not included in the presented programs, or for the performance of airlines, hotels, and excursion companies before and after the cruise, land guides, tour package suppliers, transfers, or any other external service providers or elements related to the Services experience.
52.3 DouroAzul may suggest restaurants/estates, experiences, check availability, and make pre-bookings for the desired external services. However, payment for any of these external services must be made directly by the Client, on site.
53. Access for Animals
53.1 Pets are not allowed on the Yacht. Guide dogs and other service animals for personal assistance are permitted at no additional cost, subject to specific coordination at the time of booking to ensure compliance with the needs of both DouroAzul and the Client and their animal, in accordance with applicable legislation.
53.2 Without prejudice to the above, DouroAzul nevertheless reserves the right to refuse the animal’s access to the vessel if it shows evident signs of illness, aggressiveness, or lack of hygiene that may endanger the safety and physical integrity of workers, Clients, or third parties on board.
54. Smoking Policy
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all areas of the vessels, regardless of the type of consumption.
E. WORLD OF DISCOVERIES
This section sets out the specific conditions applicable to the Services related to the World of Discoveries museum.
55. Scope of Operation
55.1 The World of Discoveries museum corresponds to a service provided by third parties; therefore, DouroAzul acts solely as an intermediary agent in the pre-booking process of the requested services, without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 3 of clause 3 of these Terms and Conditions of Sale.
55.2 Consequently, the terms, conditions, and sales policies of the actual service providers apply to the Clients. DouroAzul cannot, under any circumstances, be held responsible for any matter related to the organization, management, performance, or non-performance of the services purchased.
56. Cancellation, Delay, or Alteration of Services
56.1 WOD reserves the right, freely and at its sole discretion, to suspend, cancel, postpone, or alter Services regardless of the reason — including, but not limited to, situations such as mechanical problems, medical emergencies, strikes or work stoppages at the site, local holidays, and other force majeure events — without any obligation to compensate the Client.
56.2 Force majeure refers, among other things, to the occurrence of external, unforeseeable events beyond WOD’s control, namely of a political or social nature (war, riots, pandemics, epidemics, etc.) or natural causes (earthquakes, floods, fires, etc.).
57. Prices
57.1 The prices of the Services may be changed whenever justified by circumstances, such as unforeseen increases in government charges, taxes, or surcharges, as well as changes in any external costs beyond WOD’s control.
57.2 The prices of the Services presented to the Client include value-added tax (VAT) at the legal rate in force at the time of purchase. Children up to 3 (three) years old are exempt from payment. The rules governing the use of Services by minors are outlined below and must be consulted by the Client.
58. Reservations and Cancellations
58.1 This section applies to non-consumer Clients. For Clients who qualify as consumers under Decree-Law No. 24/2014 of 14 February, the provisions of Clause 6 of these Terms and Conditions of Sale apply regarding the right of withdrawal.
58.2 WOD reserves the right, freely and at its sole discretion, to determine and change its opening hours without prior notice in order to ensure the quality of its Services.
58.3 Reservations must be made directly with WOD, either at its headquarters or via email at info@worldofdiscoveries.com for regular Clients, or educativo@worldofdiscoveries.com for school visits, as well as for any requests for rescheduling or refunds.
58.4 Any change to the date of use of purchased tickets will be subject to WOD’s maximum capacity for the requested day, defined in accordance with safety regulations imposed by law and health authorities.
58.5 Any refund requests will only be considered if submitted within a maximum of five (5) days after the completion of the Service.
58.6 In the event of a no-show on the date and time stated on the purchased ticket, WOD reserves the right not to provide any refund and/or change of the ticket’s usage date.
58.7 If the Client wishes to request the correction of any of their personal data, they must do so in writing via email to info@worldofdiscoveries.com.
59. Rules for the Use of Services by Minors
59.1 Without prejudice to the benefit of free admission, all minors under 3 (three) years of age must always be included in the booking confirmation.
59.2 It is strictly forbidden for any minor to remain alone in any area of the museum. Responsibility for any minor lies solely with the accompanying adult.
59.3 For admission purposes, all minors (under 18 years of age) must present an identification document and must be accompanied by one of their parents or a responsible adult.
60. Wireless Internet Connection
60.1 WOD provides wireless Internet access. The connection’s bandwidth and coverage area may be limited, and therefore continuous access to this service cannot be guaranteed. Individual usage may be restricted to allow more clients to access the Internet. Museum reception staff will assist clients in making the most of WOD’s Wi-Fi capabilities.
60.2 When using the Internet via wireless connection, Clients must do so prudently, respecting WOD’s code of conduct, other Clients, and the limits permitted by law, refraining from using the connection for any unlawful purpose or conduct contrary to law and good morals.
61. Access of Animals
61.2 Pets are not allowed at WOD. Guide dogs and other assistance animals are permitted free of charge, but their presence must be specifically coordinated at the time of booking to meet the needs of WOD, the Client, and the animal itself, in accordance with applicable law.
61.3 Without prejudice to the foregoing, WOD nonetheless reserves the right to deny access to the premises if the animal shows evident signs of illness, aggression, or lack of hygiene that may compromise the safety or physical integrity of staff members, Clients, or any third parties present in the museum.
62. Alcohol and Smoking Policy
It is strictly prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages and/or smoke in any indoor area of the WOD museum, regardless of the form of consumption. WOD reserves the right to restrict the access and/or stay of any Client found consuming alcoholic beverages and/or smoking indoors, without any refund of the ticket value.