Terms and Conditions

Revised 3.18.23 – Terms and Conditions for Cruise and Excursions Included Below

Eligible Participants: To safeguard the security and intent of the Bible Land Tour program, unless otherwise stated, the following rules apply to be eligible for participation in a Bible Land Passage tour.

You must be a member of a church or a close friend or relative of someone who is (references may be required).
You must be twelve years of age or older.
Those under the age of eighteen must be accompanied by an adult family member, legal guardian, or have special permission from the tour directors to attend. For a minor under the age of eighteen, in order to travel outside of the US without both parents or legal guardians, a notarized affidavit must be obtained and presented to airport or governmental officials upon departure and return.
You must have a valid passport not expiring within six months of departure date (for example, if your departure date leaving Israel – after your tour – is January 1, your passport must not expire before July 1 of that year.)
You must agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on the registration documents
You must agree to abide by the principles of conduct as outlined in the New Testament.
You must meet the health and physical disabilities criteria outlined below.

Deposits and Reservations: To ensure your place on your desired tour, you must sign and complete the BLPT registration form, either online or via USPS mail, and make your $300 per person non-refundable deposit. Payment options are listed below. All passengers must have a valid passport, and it must be valid for 6 months BEYOND RETURN TRAVEL DATE (see example in number four above).

Cost: Each trip is organized well in advance of airline and hotel pricing and is subject to change. Costs for respective tours can be found on respective brochures and literature. Pricing is estimated and is subject to change, but significant change is highly unlikely. Basic costs are calculated on a per person cost for sharing a twin room. Pricing may or may not include airfare; be certain to see pricing specific to your desired tour. Single occupancy rooms are available, but will include a substantial upcharge, as advertised on respective brochures.

Deposits and Final Payments: Payment can be made by check or credit card (with associated fees). A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your reservation. Within 145 days of departure, 50% of payment is required and a supplement in airfare may apply. Balance of tour price is due upon receipt of final invoice, approximately 60 days prior to departure. To officially enroll, participants must sign the terms and conditions document and send to BLPT along with your $300 deposit.

Payments: Payments and deposits (non-refundable) may be made by check or credit card, but to secure your place on the tour we highly recommend that your deposit be made via the online registration process (see appropriate tour link here: https://www.biblepassages.net/ ). For deposits and payments made using a credit card, processing fees of 3.9% will apply.

Cancellation/Refund Policy: All cancellations must be received in writing. However, due to our already low costs, we will not have excess monies to meet our contractual agreement with the airlines or Blue and White Israel Tours if passengers cancel after reservations are secured. In the event an emergency arises and you must cancel your reservation, we will do our very best to refund as much of your money as possible. However, we may not know the full financial impact of your cancellation until the actual day of our departure. BLPT highly recommends travel/trip insurance. Airline tickets are non-refundable, and once final payment for the overall cost of the trip is processed it is extremely difficult to obtain even a partial refund from entities in Israel. Cancellation penalty is as follows: 89-60 days prior to departure: 10%; 59-45 days prior to departure: 20%; 44-30 days prior to departure: 50%; 29-15 days prior to departure: 60%; 14 days & after, no refund is possible.

Space is limited. To maximize the travel and tour experience, and to keep costs affordable, a minimum and maximum number of passengers is set between 25 and 50. If, for any reason, the number of registrants falls below the 25-participant threshold, BLPT tour directors are authorized to cancel the trip altogether if necessary. If, for any reason, a trip is canceled due to insufficient numbers, all deposits and payments will be refunded in full.

Registration forms will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Vaccine Requirements AND Testing: As of 3.14.22, proof of Covid vaccination will be NOT required.

Hotels and Accommodations: Accommodations are based on three to four Star Hotel standards of Israel with two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bathroom facilities. Since hotels charge per room, the tour price for rooms occupied by one person is higher than those where two or more persons share the cost. Single rooms are available at a supplemental charge.

Tour amenities and inclusions: Each tour will include on its brochure items that are and are not included in the pricing. Typical tours usually include (but are not guaranteed) the following:

Standard hotels
Abundant, delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner buffets
Luxury coach transportation
All entry fees to museums, special sites, holy sites, areas of interest (except on free days and activities not related to group events)
Tips for guides, drivers, bellmen
Airport taxes, service charges, government taxes, and fuel surcharges
One suitcase per person at airports and hotels
Maps and trip handouts
Instructional Lessons, Bible Applications and Connections, and explanations at all sites
Special farewell meal

Tour Pricing Typically Does NOT Include:

Surcharge for payment by Credit card to Bible Land Passages.
Airfare or portage to and from original point of group embarkation.
Passport processing fees (it is the responsibility of the Traveler to obtain and maintain a current U.S. Passport in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations)
Telephone calls
Valet/laundry service, and other items of a strictly personal nature,
Excess baggage
Beverages and meals not detailed in the itinerary nor reflected in the brochure
Optional excursions
Health or trip insurance
COVID 19 testing if required.
LAND ONLY PASSENGERS are responsible for arranging and paying for portage to and from the group, if flight itinerary is different from the main group.

Participants From Outside the United States: Travelers whose origination point is from outside of United States are allowed to participate, but applications are subject to denial, and special rates may apply. Please contact BLPT for applicable details and costs.

Air Transportation & Airline Prices and Rules: Airfare is aboard regularly scheduled air carriers. Once tickets are issued, they are non-refundable and non-transferable. Tour prices are based on current airfares and airline-imposed fuel surcharges, and other airline-imposed charges, any related taxes, and levies imposed by any government or its agencies, and are subject to change without notice. Any increases in airline fares, taxes and fees shall be borne by the passenger. Airfare pricing is not guaranteed until paid in full and tickets are issued. Name changes due to spelling corrections, or to match passport names are subject to airline rules, and penalties for re-ticketing will apply.

Alcohol: The consumption or purchase of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited at any point during the tour.

Conduct: In an effort to ensure companionable group membership, Bible Land Passage Tours reserves the right to accept, reject, or expel any person whose conduct is deemed incompatible with the general well-being of the group as a whole.

Meals: Land tours will include breakfast and dinner in Israel. Breakfast typically is only provided in Rome. While aboard cruise ships, all meals are provided.

Tips & Taxes: All currently known government taxes, local taxes, hotel taxes & service charges, airport taxes, security fees and fuel surcharges are included in the advertised price. These taxes and fees are controlled by the Government(s) and are subject to change without notice. Any additional taxes are the responsibility of the passenger.

Cruise Ship Gratuities: Gratuities are NOT included in the basic price for those registering for tours (please see cruise ship terms and conditions). For land travel participants gratuities are usually included (but not guaranteed) for Motor Coach Drivers, Guides, Dining Room Waiters, and baggage handling at hotels. See individual brochures.

Sightseeing: Unless otherwise stated, program as shown in the Day-by-Day Itinerary includes entrance fees to sites. Fees to sites visited on Free Day are NOT included.

Mental Health and Physical Disabilities: The passenger warrants that he or she is physically, mentally, emotionally and otherwise capable to endure the demands of the entire tour. Bible Land Passage Tours reserves the right to refuse passage to anyone with a physical or mental condition (in the opinion of Bible Land Passage Tours) that renders him or her incapable of participating in this tour or who (in the opinion of Bible Land Passage Tours) requires care beyond that which Bible Land Passage Tours can provide.

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance (Trip and Health) is not included but is highly recommended. This will be the responsibility of each traveller to obtain, and all costs incurred by the purchaser is the purchaser’s sole responsibility.

Health Insurance: Health insurance is not included in the package and is highly recommended for any eventuality of illness, accidents, etc.

Luggage Restrictions and Packing: PLEASE PACK LIGHT (See www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/packing-light for packing tips and for some ideas about packing light.) For ease of travel and to expedite moving from place to place with land transportation, we need to limit our packing to one medium size suitcase per person, and one small carry-on and/or backpack (or if you are a Rick Steves fan, then limit all your luggage to just one carry-on and backpack). Baggage handling for one standard size suitcase per person is included in the price. Due to limited motor coach capacity, this bag should have dimensions not exceeding 62 linear inches (length + width + height; including wheels and handles) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs. Carry-on bags are the responsibility of the passengers. One carry-on and one personal item are allowed. Dimensions for carry-on bags are not to exceed 9” X 14” X 22” inches.

Luggage Restrictions for flights arranged through BLPT: A single checked bag fee (meeting airline specifications) from the US to foreign destinations only is included in the price of the trip. All other costs incurred for baggage on domestic flights are the responsibility of the passengers and are to be paid by passenger directly to the airline at the time of check-in. Baggage Insurance is recommended. Bible Land Passage Tours is not responsible for loss or damage to passengers’ baggage or other belongings.

Clothing: Dress comfortably but modestly. We also ask that you wear long pants or Capri style pants (as local officials at some sites may not allow you to enter with shorts.) There will at times be some modifications to these guidelines (for example, when we enter Hezekiah’s tunnel and visit the Dead Sea, etc.)

Traveling Overall: For security precautions we ask that you not wear any visible images associated with your nationality on your clothes, handbags, or caps. Please see the BLPT Travel Guide for full Details.

Passports: You will need a valid passport. Passports must be valid for 6 months PAST return travel date.

Responsibilities and Changes in Itinerary and/or Services: Bible Land Passage Tours and Blue and White Israel Tours (BLPT & BWT) are acting merely as an agent for SUPPLIERS in selling travel-related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this agency such as air, ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc. BLPT & BWT, therefore shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such SUPPLIERS, which result in any loss, damage, delay, or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. The airlines, hotels/lodges, motor coach companies and other suppliers providing services shall not be held responsible for accidents, loss of life, damage, baggage losses, or delays, due to strikes or to faults or defaults of any company used for the carrying out of this tour. The airlines and motor coach companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any acts, omissions or events during the time passengers are not on board their planes, buses or conveyances. In the event it becomes advisable for the comfort or well-being of the passengers, for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to BLPT & BWT. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers. Unless the term “guaranteed” is specifically stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, reservations request, itinerary or vouchers, we do not guarantee any of such SUPPLIERS rates, bookings, reservations, connections, schedules, or handling of personal effects. BLPT & BWT its officers, owners, employees, and agents, shall not be held responsible, and shall be held harmless and released from any liability, for any accidents, injuries, illnesses, loss of life, damages, or losses caused to any Traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, civil unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, criminal or abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside of our control or due to any negligence. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department. For medical information, call the Public Health Service. By embarking upon his/her travel, the Traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. The Traveler is hereby warned of such risks and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. The retention of tickets, reservations, bookings and vouchers after issuance shall constitutes the entire agreement between BLPT & BWT and the Traveler.

Disclaimer: BLPT & BWT and/or its agents and their representatives abroad, act only as agents for the tour participants in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, touring, restaurants, or any other services in connection with the itinerary. They will exercise reasonable care in making such arrangements. However, they do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity to person or property because of any act or default of any hotel, carrier, restaurant, company, or person rendering any of the services included in the tours. BLPT & BWT, and/or its agents and their representatives abroad, accept no responsibility for any damage, delay, or injury due to sickness, pilferage, labor disputes, machinery breakdown, government restraints, hostile acts, terrorism, weather, acts of God, or any other cause beyond their personal control. BLPT & BWT, and/or its agents and their representatives abroad are not responsible for loss of or damage to your luggage, accidents en route, or ill health which may require travelers to miss parts of the tour or to return home without the group. No carrier shall be responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time tour participants are not on board its own conveyance. The tour programs are planned in advance. If between planning time and the actual tour operation, circumstances beyond control require changes, BLPT & BWT, and/or its agents and their representatives abroad reserve the right to vary itineraries and substitute components of tour programs. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for any reason whatsoever to alter the arrangements or sequence of the itinerary, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operators. The right is reserved to accept or refuse any person as a member of the tour.

Terms and Conditions Addendum for Discovering the Bible by Sea, October 2023

Cruise cost: Cruise cost varies depending upon class of cabin. Interior cabins begin at $2314 per person, double occupancy. Reservations for the cruise will be made through John Voss from Keys to Dream Travel - (270-881-7711 or john@keystodreamtravel.com). This price covers everything to get you onboard (port fees and taxes), and all of the basic meals, entertainment, lectures, meeting rooms, and guiding services. Please be certain to carefully read the Terms and Conditions of Royal Caribbean and their policy regarding tips, gratuities, and additional charges for items not covered in the cabin price. A DEPOSIT to secure a room aboard Royal Caribbean is required, a $900 *per cabin* (not per person) deposit will be due 30 days after you make your reservation.

A DEPOSIT to secure a room aboard Royal Caribbean is required, a $900 *per cabin* (not per person) deposit will be due 30 days after you make your reservation.

This deposit is fully refundable up until July 17, 2023. However, it is important to make your reservation with the cruise line as soon as possible. Royal Caribbean accepts credit cards and all costs incurred associated with the cruise will be paid directly to Royal Caribbean via Keys to Dream Travel.

BLP Cruise Excursions: An optional BLP excursion package is available through Bible Land Passages for $1895 per person. This package includes two nights accommodations (double occupancy) in Rome, guided tours in Jerusalem, the Galilee, Rome, Athens, Pompeii, and Ephesus. Includes transportation during the guided tour in Italy, in Jerusalem, the Galilee, Ephesus, Athens, and Pompeii. Includes transportation to the port in Rome. Excursion cost is to be paid to Bible Land Passages, with a $300 per person non-refundable deposit (visit the tour page for details regarding registration, or call John Moore at 512.695.5099). This excursions package is optional, and you can still be on the cruise with the group, but if you choose to not take part in the excursions, you will miss the guided tours in the places mentioned above. You will either need to stay on the ship or arrange your own excursions. Pro-rated pricing for a “cafeteria” style selection of the excursion package is not available.

For those occupying a room by themselves in Rome, the single supplement charge of $245 will be added to your invoice.

Excursions are pre-paid and negotiated on group pricing. Bible Passages will accept credit card payments, but you will be assessed the 3.9% fee that Bible Passages is charged. Excursion package pricing is also based on estimates and is not guaranteed. However, significant change in estimated price is highly unlikely. (Please see disclaimers and conditions listed below. Trip insurance is highly recommended.

Royal Caribbean Tips and Taxes: Per Royal Caribbean Terms and Conditions - A $16.00 per guest, per day gratuity will automatically be added to each guest’s Sea Pass account for dining, bar & culinary services staff, stateroom attendants and other hotel services teams who work behind the scenes to give you the best possible cruise experience. Suite guests will see a $18.50 daily gratuity. Guests who prepaid gratuities prior to boarding their cruise will not see a daily charge onboard. An 18% gratuity is also automatically added to beverages, room service, and the mini bar. Beverage gratuities are pooled and shared by various dining and beverage service staff. An 18% gratuity is also automatically added to spa and salon purchases. Gratuities for other service personnel are at your discretion. At the end of the cruise, guests may negotiate the reduction of the gratuity cost by visiting guest services.

Cruise Includes:

Cabin and room service
Abundant, delicious all-you-can-eat breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets onboard the ship
Numerous amenities as outlined in the Terms and Conditions presented by Royal Caribbean.

BLP Excursion Package Includes:

All entry fees to museums and sites visited by the group at Rome, Jerusalem, Galilee, Ephesus, Athens, and Pompeii
2 Nights Lodging in Rome at 3 to 4 Star Hotels
Expert Guiding and Host Services
Tips for guides, drivers, bellmen
Service charges, government taxes, and fuel surcharges
Portage fee on bus and hotel services for one large suitcase and one small carryon per person
Israel maps and trip handouts
Instructional Lessons, Bible Applications and Connections, and explanations at all sites
Breakfast at hotel in Rome

Hotels:

Standard hotels throughout:

2 nights at the Gioberti hotel (or similar) – Breakfast only
12 nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Sea (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Since hotel rooms are per room, the tour price for rooms occupied by one person is higher than those where two or more persons share the cost. “Single” rooms associated with the two-night BLP excursion package are available at a supplemental charge of $275.00 per person.

Price Does Not Include:

Surcharge for payment by Credit card to Bible Land Passages.
Airfare or portage to and from Rome, nor portage to and from the airport in Rome.
Passport (it is the responsibility of the Traveler to obtain and maintain a current U.S. Passport in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations),
Phone calls, valet/laundry service, and other items of a strictly personal nature, excess baggage, beverages and meals not detailed in the itinerary
Excursions at Cyprus or Santorini
Health or trip insurance, nor COVID 19 testing if required
Noon meal on Excursion Days
Royal Caribbean gratuities.

Deposits and Final Payments to Royal Caribbean via Keys to Dream Travel: Please see John Voss or Royal Caribbean for all terms and conditions relating to deposits, payments and refund policy.

Deposits and Final Payments to Bible Passages for Excursion Package: Payment can be made by cash, check or credit card (with associated fees). A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is required to secure your reservation. Within 145 days of departure, 50% of payment is required. Balance of tour price is due upon receipt of final invoice, approximately 60 days prior to departure. To officially enroll, participants must sign the terms and conditions document and mail to BLP along with your $300 deposit (see attachment or call 512-695-5099).

Cancellation/Refund Policy: All cancellations must be received in writing. However, due to our already low cost we will not have excess monies to meet our contractual agreement with the airlines or Blue and White Israel Tours if passengers cancel after reservations are secured. In the event an emergency arises, and you must cancel your reservation, we will do our very best to refund as much of your money as possible. However, we may not know the full financial impact of your cancellation until the actual day of our departure.

BLP highly recommends travel/trip insurance. Airline tickets are non-refundable, and once final payment for the overall cost of the trip is processed it is extremely difficult to obtain even a partial refund from entities in Israel.

Cancellation penalty is as follows: 89-60 days prior to departure: 10%; 59-45 days prior to departure: 20%; 44-30 days prior to departure: 50%; 29-15 days prior to departure: 75%; 14 days and after: no refund is possible.

Air Transportation & Airline Prices and Rules: Airfare arrangements are the sole and complete responsibility of each passenger.

Alcohol: The consumption or purchase of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.

BLP Excursion Package Tips & Taxes: All currently known government taxes, local taxes, hotel taxes & service charges, airport taxes, security fees and fuel surcharges are included. These taxes and fees are controlled by the Government(s) and are subject to change without notice. Any additional taxes are the responsibility of the passenger.

Gratuities for BLP Excursions: Gratuities are included for Motor Coach Drivers, Guides, Dining Room Waiters, and baggage handling at hotels.

Sightseeing: Program as shown in the Day-by-Day Itinerary includes entrance fees to sites. Sites visited on Free Days is NOT included.

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance (Trip and Health) is not included, but is highly recommended. This will be the responsibility of each traveler to obtain.

Clothing: Please dress comfortably but modestly. We also ask that you wear long pants or Capri style pants in Israel (local officials at some sites may not allow you to enter with shorts.) There will at times be some modifications to these guidelines, for example, when we enter Hezekiah’s tunnel.

Traveling Overall: For security precautions we ask that you not wear any visible images associated with your Nationality on your clothes, handbags, or caps. Please see the BLP Travel Guide for full Details.

Download PDF