Terms & Conditions

Acceptance of Terms

By making a booking — whether online, via telephone, WhatsApp, or in person — you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions in their entirety. These terms apply to all guests, including those who join a booking made by another person.

We reserve the right to refuse service to any person who has previously violated these terms or who poses a risk to the safety of our crew, property, or other guests.

• You must be at least 18 years of age to make a booking.
• You are responsible for ensuring all members of your party comply with these terms.
• These terms supersede all prior verbal or written communications about the booking conditions.

Bookings & Reservations

A booking is considered confirmed only upon receipt of the required advance deposit and a written confirmation from Aqua Cruise Houseboats (via WhatsApp, SMS, or email). Verbal agreements do not constitute a confirmed reservation.

• Advance deposit of 30%–50% of the total package value is required to secure your booking.
• The remaining balance is due on or before the check-in date unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Bookings made within 48 hours of the travel date require full payment at the time of booking.
• We reserve the right to cancel an unconfirmed booking if the deposit is not received within 24 hours of the agreed deadline.
• All booking confirmations will include: booking reference, dates, package details, number of guests, and total amount.

Payments & Pricing

All prices quoted on our website and in direct communications are in Indian Rupees (₹) and inclusive of applicable GST unless stated otherwise. Prices are subject to change without prior notice; however, the price confirmed at the time of booking deposit will be honoured.

• Accepted payment methods: Bank Transfer (NEFT/IMPS/UPI), Cash, Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm.
• International guests may pay via bank wire transfer; any transaction charges are borne by the guest.
• Credit/debit card payments may attract a processing fee of up to 2.5%.
• All add-on services (spa, photography, cultural performances, etc.) must be paid in full in advance or at check-in.
• Prices for holiday packages are per booking (couple/family/group) as specified; day cruise prices are per person unless stated otherwise.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair to both guests and our operational requirements. All cancellations must be notified in writing via WhatsApp or email to be eligible for a refund.

• Refunds will be processed within 7–10 working days via the original payment method.
• Processing fees and payment gateway charges are non-refundable in all cases.
• Cancellations due to certified medical emergencies may be considered for full credit (not cash refund) at management's discretion.
• No refunds are applicable once a cruise has commenced.

Cancellation by Aqua Cruise Houseboats: In rare circumstances (vessel breakdown, extreme weather, safety concerns, force majeure), we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule a booking. In such cases, guests will receive a full refund or complimentary rescheduling — whichever they prefer.

Check-In & Check-Out

• Check-in time: 12:00 Noon (unless otherwise confirmed in writing).
• Check-out time: 09:00 AM the following morning for overnight stays.
• Early check-in or late check-out may be available on request, subject to availability, and may incur additional charges.
• Guests must present a valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Driving Licence) at check-in. Foreign nationals must present their passport and valid India visa.
• Unmarried couples are required to present valid ID as per Kerala Government regulations for houseboat stays.
• Guests failing to check in within 2 hours of the scheduled time without prior notification may forfeit their booking without refund.
• Transportation to the jetty is the guest's responsibility unless a transfer has been pre-booked with us.

Guest Conduct & Responsibilities

We pride ourselves on creating a peaceful, respectful environment for all guests and crew. The following conduct guidelines apply at all times during your experience with us:

• Guests must respect the natural backwater environment. Littering, throwing waste into the water, or disturbing wildlife is strictly prohibited.
• Loud music or behaviour that disturbs other guests or local communities between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM is not permitted.
• The consumption of alcohol is permitted in moderation within designated areas. Guests in a visibly intoxicated and disruptive state may be asked to disembark.
• Smoking is permitted only on the open deck area. Smoking inside air-conditioned cabins is strictly prohibited and will attract a cleaning penalty of ₹3,000.
• All guests — particularly children — must wear life jackets when on open deck areas or participating in water activities.
• Guests must follow all safety instructions issued by the captain and crew.
• Pets are not permitted onboard unless expressly approved in writing at the time of booking.
• Aqua Cruise Houseboats reserves the right to terminate a booking without refund if a guest's conduct is deemed dangerous, abusive, or offensive to crew or fellow guests.

Liability & Safety Disclaimer

While Aqua Cruise Houseboats takes every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests, we operate in a natural waterway environment which carries inherent risks.

• Aqua Cruise Houseboats shall not be held liable for any personal injury, illness, loss of life, or property damage arising from participation in any activity unless caused by our proven gross negligence.
• Guests participate in all water activities (kayaking, fishing expeditions, shikara rides, etc.) at their own risk.
• We strongly recommend that all guests obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, personal accident, and trip cancellation before travel.
• Guests with pre-existing medical conditions (cardiac, respiratory, mobility-related) must inform us at the time of booking. We will take all reasonable steps to accommodate special needs.
• All our vessels are licensed, insured, and operated by certified personnel. Safety equipment including life jackets and fire extinguishers are maintained to regulatory standards.
• We are not responsible for delays, route modifications, or curtailed experiences caused by weather conditions, water level fluctuations, or government-imposed restrictions on waterways.

Property & Damage Policy

Guests are responsible for any loss, breakage, or damage to the houseboat, its furnishings, equipment, and any other property belonging to Aqua Cruise Houseboats caused intentionally or by negligence during their stay.

• A security deposit of ₹2,000–₹5,000 (depending on package) may be collected at check-in and refunded on checkout subject to satisfactory inspection.
• Any damages exceeding the security deposit will be billed to the guest and must be settled before departure.
• Loss or damage to safety equipment (life jackets, fire extinguishers) will be charged at replacement cost.
• Staining or damage to premium bedlinen, cushions, or décor items will attract cleaning or replacement charges as assessed by management.
• Guests must report any pre-existing damage on the vessel immediately at check-in to avoid being held liable.

Force Majeure

Aqua Cruise Houseboats shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance of our obligations under a booking where such failure or delay results from causes beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Floods, cyclones, monsoon surges, or other extreme weather events.
• Government-imposed curfews, waterway closures, or Kerala Tourism notifications.
• Pandemic, epidemic, or public health emergency declarations.
• Civil unrest, strikes, or acts of terrorism.
• Critical mechanical failure of vessels despite regular maintenance.

In the event of a force majeure cancellation by us, guests will be offered a full credit note valid for 12 months or a full refund at their choice. We will notify affected guests as early as practically possible.

Amendments to These Terms

Aqua Cruise Houseboats reserves the right to update or amend these Terms & Conditions at any time. Updated terms will be published on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. It is the responsibility of the guest to review the terms at the time of each booking. Continued use of our services after changes are published constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

Material changes that affect existing confirmed bookings will be communicated directly to affected guests via WhatsApp or email.

Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, specifically as applicable in the State of Kerala. Any disputes arising from these terms or any booking made with Aqua Cruise Houseboats shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kerala.

We encourage all guests to first contact us directly to resolve any disputes amicably before pursuing legal remedies. We are committed to finding fair and reasonable solutions for all genuine concerns.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms & Conditions or about any aspect of your booking, please do not hesitate to reach out to us: