Disclaimer

Use of website

The website zeilschipmercator.be is the property of BV James & Napoleon. BV James & Napoleon and all parties that provide this system with information (in particular: texts, photos, logos, images and icons) hereby disclaim any liability for the incorrect or fraudulent use of the data provided on this website. They are in no way liable for the correctness or completeness of the information found or exchanged through the system. The inclusion of links to one or more other websites, including links contained in those websites, does not necessarily indicate any connection, partnership, relationship or approval.
BV James & Napoleon is not liable for possible incorrect information on the linked websites. Anyone who uses the information after this notice waives the right of complaint, of any kind, regarding the use of material or information made available through the system, regardless of whether such complaints are directed against BV James & Napoleon or against any other person who has supplied the system with material or information. BV James & Napoleon or any party that provides information through the system can in no way be held liable for direct or indirect damage.

Anyone who uses the information after reading this notice agrees to assume all risks associated with the use of the system and not to file a complaint against BV James & Napoleon or any other party operating the system and providing material or information, including the risk that a computer, software, or data may be damaged by a virus that is transmitted or activated through the system or access to the system. It is not allowed to change, replace or adapt the information on the website. BV James & Napoleon does not guarantee that the information is free from viruses. The website is used at your own risk and cannot be held responsible for SPAM email. BV James & Napoleon does not guarantee that the website is available at all locations and at all times.

Intellectual property

All items on the website, such as texts, images, photographic materials, illustrations and other graphic materials, names and logos are subject to intellectual property rights, and BV James & Napoleon reserves all rights with regard to its own intellectual property rights. It is not permitted to reproduce the aforementioned materials or to make them public for commercial purposes, unless BV James & Napoleon has given its written permission. No item on the website leads to the granting of any right or license with regard to the mentioned intellectual property rights.

Sale of tickets

  • Tickets can be purchased on site (subject to availability).
  • The consumer does not have the right to withdraw from the purchase, except when the sailing ship Mercator is unexpectedly closed due to force majeure. In that case, purchased tickets may be refunded or used at a later time.
  • Payment: tickets can be paid for with Bancontact, Maestro, Mastercard, and Visa.
  • If you are entitled to a discounted rate, you must be able to present proof of eligibility for the reduction at the entrance. After receiving the tickets, no discounts will be granted retroactively.
  • Refunds: Tickets that have already been purchased cannot be refunded or exchanged. In the event of theft or loss, tickets will not be replaced or reimbursed.
  • Zeilschip Mercator reserves the right to change its rates at any time.

Group and school visits

Booking and confirmation

  • Group visits to Zeilschip Mercator must always be reserved in advance via the website and are subject to availability.
  • Requests for a guided group visit must be submitted no later than ten (10) working days before the desired visit date. Requests for a self-guided visit must be submitted no later than five (5) working days before the desired date.
  • Upon receipt of the request, self-guided group visits are, subject to availability, automatically scheduled on the requested date and at the desired time. For guided visits, the requested date and time are initially placed on option. This option remains valid for 72 hours. For requests made within seven (7) days prior to the visit date, the option period is 24 hours.
  • The reservation is only confirmed once it has been approved within the stated timeframe. If confirmation is not received in time, the option will automatically expire.
  • After confirmation by the customer within 72 hours (24 hours for requests made up to 1 week before the date), the date is recorded as final and a guide is requested (for guided visits).
  • For guided visits, a guide will only be requested after final confirmation. Guides are always assigned subject to availability. Zeilschip Mercator cannot guarantee the availability of guides. If no or insufficient guides are available, a self-guided visit will be offered as an alternative.
  • An option on a group booking can only be requested by email; requests by telephone will not be accepted.
  • The number of participants may be modified up to three (3) working days before the visit date.
  • In case of force majeure, including but not limited to extreme weather conditions or unexpected closure, Zeilschip Mercator reserves the right to propose an alternative date.

Cancellation policy

  • Cancellations must be made exclusively by email.
  • In the event of cancellation up to three (3) working days before the scheduled date of the visit, no charges will be incurred.
  • In the event of cancellation less than three (3) working days before the date of the visit, the cost of the booked guide will be charged.
  • Changes to the number of participants must also be notified no later than three (3) working days before the tour.
  • If Zeilschip Mercator has not received a cancellation by email at least 24 hours before the scheduled group visit and the group does not show up, the museum reserves the right to invoice the full amount of the reserved tickets.

Payment terms

  • Payment for the group tour can be made either on site by debit or credit card, or by invoice after the tour. For group tours organised by a person or organisation not based in Belgium, payment by invoice after the tour is not possible.

Access and conduct of the tour

  • Visitors undertake to strictly adhere to the agreed departure time and the pre-defined group allocation, in order to ensure the smooth running of the tour.

Final provisions

  • The group rate cannot be combined with other discounts or reductions, with the exception of the European Disability Card. In that case, accompanying persons are admitted free of charge, provided this is communicated in advance via mercator@toerisme-oostende.be.
  • The recommended group size per time slot is 20 persons, with a maximum of 25 persons per group. For guided visits, the group size is limited to a maximum of 20 persons per guide.
  • Children under twelve (12) years of age must always be accompanied by an adult.
  • Zeilschip Mercator reserves the right to revise its rates annually. These terms and conditions may be amended at any time.

Conduct and Responsibility

  • Visitors are required to behave respectfully towards the museum, the exhibits and other visitors.

  • It is not permitted to bring strollers, dogs, or other pets on board the ship, with the exception of recognized assistance dogs.

  • Eating and drinking are not permitted in the museum galleries.

  • Photography is permitted without the use of a flash, unless otherwise stated for temporary exhibitions.

  • Smoking, as well as the consumption of alcohol and drugs, is strictly prohibited on the museum premises.

  • Groups and school groups are liable for any damage caused by their members or pupils.

  • Zeilschip Mercator cannot be held liable for accidents, loss or theft.

  • All visitors must strictly comply with the applicable safety regulations, including evacuation procedures and emergency exits.