By accessing and using the nwpassage.com website, you are accepting and agreeing to comply with the following Terms and Conditions of Use. Please review them carefully.

General Information

This is the official website for The Northwest Passage.

• Postal Address: 1130 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091 USA

• Email Contact: info@nwpassage.com

 

Privacy Statement

We respect the privacy of our clients and their personal information.

• Data Ownership: Although The Northwest Passage owns the data storage, databases, and the website, our clients retain all rights to their personal information.

• Information Collected:

  • Volunteered Information: We primarily collect contact information volunteered through web forms.

  • Trip Information: Required travel information is collected via the Trip Participant Fact Sheet and Waiver Form or Medical Form, Cancellation and Waiver Form once arrangements have been made.

  • Usage Information: Through third-party partners, we may collect non-personal information regarding website usage, including traffic volume, visit frequency, type and time of transactions, and page visits.

• Use and Disclosure: Information collected on travel forms is used solely to assist our guides and administration in providing the best possible adventure experience.

• Information Sharing: Client information is never shared or sold for commercial purposes. Information is not shared with outside parties unless:

  • It is required by law.

  • It violates these Terms and Conditions.

  • It aids in maintaining physical safety.

• Communications & Opt-Out:

  • Persons who supply their email may receive periodic emails detailing offers, new trips, etc.

  • Persons who supply their postal address may receive brochures.

  • Upon request, The Northwest Passage will immediately cease to send such promotional emails or postal mail.

 

Booking, Price, and Payment

• Pricing:  All prices are based in US Dollars. All prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted. Prices are valid at time of publishing and are subject to change. A solo occupancy fee applies to each departure for guests requesting or requiring single occupancy rooms. The solo occupancy fee is not subject to promotional discounts.

• What is Included/Excluded: Trip prices generally include accommodations, activities, and services specified in the trip details. Airfare and other forms of travel to and from the trip start/end destination are the client's responsibility. The Northwest Passage is not responsible for these arrangements.

• Registration: Reservations are taken on a first come/first served basis. Space is limited, and a deposit is required to hold a space. 

• Payment Methods: Deposits and balances can be paid by check, credit card, money order, or wire transfer.

• Balance Payments: The balance of your trip price is due 90 days prior to departure date. We automatically process your final payment based on the default payment method on file on the final payment due date unless you instruct us otherwise. Balances may be paid by major credit card, check, money order or wire transfer (please contact us if you prefer to use a different payment option than the listed default). If final payment is not received when due, The Northwest Passage reserves the right to cancel your reservation. 

• Non-Refundable Fees: Online registration service fees and credit card processing fees are non-refundable regardless of the time of cancellation.

• Final Documentation: Payment in full, personal/medical information form, activity waiver, and cancellation policy acknowledgement must all be received by The Northwest Passage by the balance due date.

• Notice of Cancellation: Notice of cancellation must be made in writing and received by our office to be effective.

 

Promotional Offer Terms

All promotional offers are subject to the following terms, which may be modified or superseded by specific promotion details:

• Promotional offer is subject to change without notice.

• Valid for new registrations only.

• Cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.

• Offer expires on the date specified in the promotion at 5:00 p.m. CST.

• Registrations are subject to trip availability.

• To redeem your discount, you must register using the online system or by calling the office.

• Savings will be deducted at the time of checkout.

• The discount does not apply to any single supplement fee.

• The applicable Cancellation Policy applies to all bookings.

 

Cancellation and Refunds

Cancellation policies vary based on the duration of the program. Please refer to your trip/clinic confirmation letter to confirm which policy applies to your individual registration. These policies are subject to change at any time.

• Non-Refundable Fees: Online registration service fees and credit card processing fees are non-refundable regardless of the time of cancellation.

• Notice of Cancellation: Notice of cancellation must be made in writing and received by our office to be effective.

Policy A: Programs of 24 hours or greater in duration

Cancellation Notice Received in Writing:

 

90 days or more before trip

• Refund less than a 10% handling fee. 10% is based on the original full price trip fee per person excluding any discount. Online registration service fees and credit card processing fees are non-refundable regardless of the time of cancellation.

 

89 – 31 days before trip

• 50% of the paid trip fees will be credited toward another trip. Online registration service fees and credit card processing fees are non-refundable regardless of the time of cancellation.
   

30 days or less before departure

• No refund or credit will be given.

Additional Terms for Policy A:

• Substitution: If you find a suitable replacement, a name change fee of $100 plus any credit card or service fees applies.

• Online registration service fees and credit card processing fees are non-refundable regardless of the time of cancellation.

• Credited fees from canceled trips must be used within 1 year of the original trip departure date or will be forfeit to The Northwest Passage.

• Different policies apply to one-day, promotional offers, and Arctic/Antarctic trips.

• No refunds or credits can be made on any portion of a tour once travel has commenced.

Policy B: Trips/Clinics of 24 hours or less in duration

The Northwest Passage office is not open weekends or evenings. The close of business Wednesday (5 p.m. CST) is considered 2 days before the start of any weekend program.

Cancellation Notice Received in Writing:

 

More than 14 business days before trip begins

• Refund less a 20% handling fee plus any credit card and service fees OR transfer to another equivalent program with no penalty.
   

Between 3 and 13 business days before trip begins

• Refund of 50% minus any credit card or service fees OR transfer to an equivalent program with a 15% fee.
   

Within 2 business days of the trip date

• No refund is possible. A 30% fee plus any credit card or service fees will be assessed for transfer to another clinic or trip
   

Additional Terms for Policy B:

• Substitution: If you find a suitable replacement, a name change fee of $10 plus any credit card or service fees applies.

• No-Show/Early Departure: No refund or transfer is possible if you do not show up or if you leave the group once the program has begun.

• Transfer Credit Expiration: Monies held for transfer on one-day programs are forfeit at the end of the summer season (October 15) unless written arrangements are made before that date for credit toward the following season or another program.

• Transfer Payment: Registration for the new program is not confirmed until payment of the transfer fee has been received.

• Weather: Programs of 24 hours or less run rain or shine. In the event that dangerous weather forces The Northwest Passage to cancel the program, we will transfer you to a future date without penalty. No refunds.

 

Responsibility, Force Majeure, and Travel Insurance

• Company Cancellation: Insufficient registration on a particular trip may require that we reschedule or withdraw the trip. We reserve the right to cancel departures in cases of force majeure or the failure of third parties—such as hotels or ships—to honor their reservations. If we withdraw the trip, we will transfer you to a future date. No refunds will be issued for company-initiated cancellations.

• Travel Costs: The Northwest Passage is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled or postponed trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness.

• Trip Insurance: We strongly advise you to take out trip cancellation, medical, and baggage insurance to protect your investment. Application for such insurance is the sole responsibility of the client. Click here for more details.

• Trip Forms & Release of Liability: Guests are required to complete and sign The Northwest Passage Medical Form, Cancellation and Waiver. Signatures are required after booking and all forms must be completed prior to final payment. We're unable to allow guests to participate in any aspect of a trip without a signed release form.

 

All policies are subject to change without prior notice.​

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