Article 1 – Definitions
For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions shall have the meanings assigned to them below unless the context otherwise requires:
"Booking" means any reservation for the Noma Island Experience made directly through VTT or through an authorised third-party sales channel.
"Captain" means the Master or person lawfully in command of the shuttle vessel or Noma Island.
"Experience" means the Noma Island Experience purchased by the Passenger, including the scheduled shuttle boat transfers and any services specifically stated as included in the Booking Confirmation.
"Noma Island" means the floating beach club operated by the Operating Supplier, irrespective of its temporary operating or mooring location.
"Operating Supplier" means the independent company responsible for operating the Experience, including but not limited to the shuttle vessel(s), Noma Island, crew, swimming facilities, restaurant, bar, security, maintenance, safety procedures and all operational matters.
"Passenger" means every person travelling under a Booking.
"Private Water Taxi" means a transfer arranged separately from the scheduled shuttle service and subject to additional charges.
"Scheduled Shuttle" means the shuttle boat service operated by the Operating Supplier between the designated embarkation point and Noma Island.
"VTT" means V. Tabone Travel Limited, acting solely as booking agent and authorised reseller.
Article 2 – Role of V. Tabone Travel
1. VTT acts solely as an independent booking agent and authorised reseller of the Experience.
2. VTT does not own, operate, manage or control Noma Island, the shuttle vessels, restaurant, bar, swimming facilities or any operational aspect of the Experience.
3. The contract for the operation of the Experience, including all transport, facilities and services provided by the Operating Supplier, is solely between the Passenger and the Operating Supplier. VTT acts exclusively as booking agent and authorised reseller.
4. The Operating Supplier remains solely responsible for:
a. the operation of the Experience
b. the shuttle vessels
c. boarding and disembarkation
d. passenger safety
e. crew members
f. swimming activities
g. food and beverage services
h. maintenance of Noma Island
i. compliance with maritime regulations
j. all operational decisions
5. Nothing contained within these Terms shall make VTT responsible for any operational decision taken by the Operating Supplier.
6. VTT shall not be deemed to be the carrier, transporter, vessel owner or event organiser.
7. VTT's responsibility is limited to arranging the Booking and issuing the relevant travel documentation.
Article 3 – The Noma Island Experience
1. The Experience consists of scheduled shuttle boat transportation between the designated embarkation point and Noma Island together with the facilities expressly included within the purchased Booking.
2. Noma Island remains permanently anchored and does not undertake pleasure cruises or navigation as part of the Experience.
3. The Experience includes only those services expressly stated in the Booking Confirmation, which may include, where applicable:
- scheduled shuttle transfer
- return shuttle transfer
- reserved sunbed or cabana
- complimentary towel
- pool access
- sea access during authorised periods
- designated swimming platforms
- restaurant access (subject to availability and, where applicable, reservation requirements)
- restroom facilities
4. Standard sunbeds include one shared umbrella and one shared side table for every two sunbeds.
5. VIP sunbeds include their own umbrella and side table.
6. Where multiple sunbeds or cabanas are booked under the same reservation, the Operating Supplier shall use reasonable endeavours to allocate them together, but cannot guarantee this.
7. Restaurant seating is subject to availability and may require advance reservation.
8. Food, beverages and private water taxi services are not included unless expressly stated.
9. Facilities may vary from time to time for operational or safety reasons.
Article 4 – Booking & Contract Formation
1. A Booking becomes binding only when accepted by VTT and confirmed by the issue of a Booking Confirmation.
2. VTT reserves the right to refuse any Booking prior to confirmation.
3. Bookings may be made through:
a. VTT
b. authorised online travel agencies
c. authorised travel agents
d. authorised resellers
4. Boarding tickets are non-transferable unless expressly authorised by VTT or the Operating Supplier.
5. Bookings are personal to the named Passenger unless expressly transferable under the applicable booking conditions.
6. The Passenger is responsible for ensuring that all information supplied during Booking is accurate, including:
- email address
- telephone number
- passenger names
- number of passengers.
7. VTT shall not be responsible for losses arising from incorrect booking information supplied by the Passenger.
Article 5 – Prices, Inclusions & Exclusions
1. The Booking price includes only those services expressly stated in the Booking Confirmation.
2. Unless specifically included, the following are excluded:
- food
- beverages
- restaurant purchases
- private water taxis
- retail purchases
- optional services
- gratuities
- personal expenses
3. VTT reserves the right to correct genuine pricing errors before confirmation of the Booking.
4. Taxes, government charges or port charges imposed after publication may be added where legally permissible.
5. Any optional purchases made directly with the Operating Supplier constitute a separate contract between the Passenger and the Operating Supplier.
6. No representation shall be made that facilities not expressly included form part of the Experience.
Article 6 – Tickets & Boarding Documents
1. Following confirmation of the Booking, VTT shall issue a Booking Confirmation.
2. A valid boarding ticket shall be issued by VTT and sent to the email address associated with the Booking as soon as reasonably practicable following confirmation of the Booking. Where reasonably practicable, the boarding ticket will be sent no later than one (1) day prior to the scheduled visit.
3. For security purposes, boarding tickets shall only be sent to the email address provided during the Booking process.
4. The boarding ticket issued by VTT is the only valid document for boarding the Scheduled Shuttle.
5. Booking confirmations, payment confirmations, vouchers, QR codes issued by online travel agencies, or any document other than the boarding ticket issued by VTT shall not be accepted for boarding.
6. Passengers are solely responsible for checking their email, including spam or junk folders, and ensuring they have received the boarding ticket before travelling.
7. If a Passenger has not received the boarding ticket by 18:00 on the day preceding the Experience, or, in the case of Bookings made after that time, within a reasonable time following confirmation of the Booking, they should contact VTT immediately.
8. VTT and the Operating Supplier shall not be responsible for delays or denied boarding resulting from the Passenger's failure to present the correct boarding ticket.
Article 7 – Check-in & Boarding
1. Passengers shall arrive at the designated embarkation point at least twenty (20) minutes before their scheduled departure time.
2. Boarding closes five (5) minutes before departure.
3. The Captain or crew may refuse boarding to any Passenger arriving after boarding has closed.
4. Passengers may only board the Scheduled Shuttle corresponding to the departure time selected during Booking unless otherwise authorised by the Operating Supplier.
5. The Operating Supplier reserves the right to verify the identity of any Passenger before boarding.
6. Passengers shall comply with all boarding procedures and crew instructions.
7. Boarding involves stepping between moving platforms and vessels.
8. Each Passenger is responsible for determining that they are physically capable of boarding safely.
9. Appropriate flat footwear shall be worn whilst boarding. Stiletto heels and similar footwear are prohibited.
10. The Captain or crew may refuse boarding to any Passenger who appears intoxicated or whose behaviour may compromise the safety, security or comfort of other passengers.
11. The Captain's decision concerning safe boarding shall be final.
Article 8 – Shuttle Boat Transfers
1. Scheduled Shuttle services operate only at the published departure times.
2. Departure times may vary for operational reasons.
3. The Captain may delay, suspend or cancel any shuttle where required for safety.
4. The Scheduled Shuttle shall not wait for late arriving passengers under any circumstances.
5. Passengers who fail to arrive before boarding closes shall be deemed to have missed their departure.
6. Missed departures shall not entitle the Passenger to:
a. compensation
b. refund
c. replacement transfer
d. alternative transportation
7. Subject to availability, a Private Water Taxi may be arranged directly with the Operating Supplier at the Passenger's expense.
8. During shuttle transfers Passengers shall:
a. remain seated where instructed
b. follow crew instructions immediately
c. avoid obstructing gangways
d. refrain from unsafe behaviour
9. The Operating Supplier reserves the right to substitute the shuttle vessel at any time.
Article 9 – Return Transfers
1. Scheduled return transfers operate only at the published departure times determined by the Operating Supplier.
2. Passengers are responsible for reserving their preferred return departure whilst on Noma Island.
3. Return departure times are allocated subject to availability.
4. Passengers shall present themselves at the designated boarding area before the advised departure time.
5. Shuttle vessels shall depart at the published departure time and shall not wait for late passengers.
6. Passengers missing their reserved departure shall be responsible for arranging and paying for alternative transport.
7. Where available, Private Water Taxi services may be arranged directly with the Operating Supplier at additional cost.
8. Neither VTT nor the Operating Supplier guarantees continuous shuttle services throughout the day.
Article 10 – Operational Changes and Relocation
1. The Operating Supplier may, at any time and without prior notice, alter or substitute:
a. departure times
b. shuttle schedules
c. embarkation points
d. disembarkation points
e. shuttle vessels
f. boarding procedures
g. facilities
h. seating allocations
i. operational procedures
j. swimming areas
k. restaurant operations
l. pool access
m. any other operational aspect of the Experience
2. The Operating Supplier may alter the embarkation or disembarkation point where reasonably necessary. Passengers shall remain responsible for making their own way to the revised embarkation point where reasonable notice has been given.
3. The Operating Supplier may relocate Noma Island to another operating or sheltered location whenever reasonably necessary due to:
a. weather
b. sea conditions
c. swell
d. currents
e. wind
f. visibility
g. harbour restrictions
h. safety considerations
i. technical reasons
j. operational requirements
k. marine pollution
l. government directives
m. instructions from Transport Malta or any other competent authority
n. any circumstance beyond the reasonable control of the Operating Supplier
4. Noma Island may therefore operate from, or be relocated to, any suitable location, including, without limitation, Mellieha Bay or another sheltered anchorage, without such relocation constituting cancellation of the Experience.
5. Where substantially the same Experience is provided following relocation, no Passenger shall be entitled to:
a. cancel the Booking
b. receive a refund
c. claim compensation
d. claim damages
e. treat the contract as frustrated.
6. The Operating Supplier may suspend or prohibit swimming, pool access, sea access, restaurant operations or any other facility whenever considered necessary for safety or operational reasons.
7. The Captain's decision on all operational and safety matters shall be final and binding.
Article 11 – Force Majeure
Neither VTT nor the Operating Supplier shall be liable for delays, interruptions or changes arising from force majeure, including but not limited to acts of God, adverse weather, sea conditions, pandemics, epidemics, public health emergencies, strikes, lockouts, industrial disputes, war, terrorism, civil unrest, governmental action, restrictions imposed by competent authorities, harbour closures, mechanical breakdowns, shortages of fuel, utilities or essential services, or any other event beyond their reasonable control.
Article 12 – Passenger Responsibilities
1. The Passenger acknowledges that participation in the Experience involves inherent risks associated with the marine environment, including vessel movement, changing weather conditions, boarding between moving platforms, wet surfaces and water-based activities. By participating, the Passenger voluntarily accepts such inherent risks except where caused by the negligence of the Operating Supplier or where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.
2. Passengers shall comply promptly and fully with all lawful instructions issued by the Captain, crew, security personnel and any authorised representative of the Operating Supplier.
3. The Captain shall have overriding authority in relation to the safe operation of the Experience and all matters affecting the safety of passengers, crew and the vessel.
4. Passengers shall behave in a safe, responsible and courteous manner at all times.
5. No Passenger shall engage in conduct that may endanger themselves, other passengers, crew members or property.
6. Running, horseplay, reckless behaviour or hurried movement anywhere on Noma Island or the shuttle vessels is strictly prohibited.
7. Passengers shall pay attention to all safety signs, notices, public announcements and crew instructions.
8. Access to restricted, operational or crew-only areas is prohibited unless specifically authorised.
9. Passengers shall immediately notify a member of the crew if they observe any unsafe condition, accident or emergency.
10. Passengers who cannot swim, are weak swimmers or suffer from any condition affecting their ability to swim shall inform the crew before entering the water.
11. Passengers are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to participate in the Experience.
12. Any Passenger whose behaviour is considered by the Captain or crew to be unsafe, disorderly, abusive, violent, intoxicated or likely to endanger themselves or others may be refused boarding or removed from the Experience without refund.
13. Passengers are solely responsible for safeguarding their personal belongings at all times. Neither VTT nor the Operating Supplier accepts responsibility for loss, theft or damage except where liability cannot legally be excluded.
Article 13 – Safety Requirements
1. The Experience takes place in a marine environment which is subject to changing weather, sea conditions and vessel movement.
2. Passengers acknowledge that:
a. surfaces may be wet or slippery
b. decks may move due to swell or wave action
c. boarding takes place between moving platforms
d. weather and sea conditions may change without warning
3. Passengers shall exercise reasonable care at all times.
4. Appropriate footwear shall be worn throughout the Experience.
5. Stiletto heels or footwear likely to damage surfaces or increase the risk of slipping are prohibited.
6. Walkways, gangways, stairways, escape routes and emergency exits shall be kept clear at all times.
7. Passengers shall not interfere with safety equipment or emergency systems.
8. The Captain may temporarily restrict access to any area whenever considered necessary for safety.
9. CCTV operates throughout Noma Island and the shuttle vessels for safety, security and operational purposes in accordance with applicable law.
10. Security personnel may inspect bags and personal belongings where reasonably necessary for safety or security.
Article 14 – Swimming, Pool & Water Activities
1. Participation in swimming or any water activity is entirely voluntary and at the Passenger's own risk.
2. The pool and sea-swimming areas may only be used when expressly authorised by the Captain or crew.
3. Swimming is permitted only within designated swimming areas.
4. Passengers enter the sea entirely at their own risk.
5. The Captain may suspend or prohibit swimming at any time due to:
a. weather
b. swell
c. currents
d. poor visibility
e. vessel movements
f. marine traffic
g. operational activities
h. safety concerns
6. Passengers shall immediately leave the water when instructed by the Captain or crew.
7. Running around the pool is prohibited.
8. Diving, jumping, pushing or rough play is prohibited.
9. Non-swimmers should not enter the sea.
10. Passengers who are unable to swim, are weak swimmers, or who otherwise consider that they may require additional buoyancy are responsible for ensuring that they use an appropriate flotation device. The Captain or crew may, at their sole discretion, require any Passenger to wear a flotation device or refuse access to the water where considered necessary for safety.
11. Lifejackets are emergency safety equipment only and shall not be used as swimming aids unless expressly instructed by the crew.
12. Access to the sea may cease before sunset or earlier where required by the Captain.
13. The Operating Supplier accepts no responsibility for injuries arising from a Passenger entering the water contrary to instructions.
Article 15 – Children
1. Children shall remain under the continuous supervision of a responsible adult.
2. The accompanying adult shall be solely responsible for the child's safety and behaviour.
3. Children shall not be permitted to enter the pool or sea without direct adult supervision.
4. The Operating Supplier may impose minimum age restrictions for particular events or experiences.
5. Alcohol shall not be supplied to any person under eighteen (18) years of age.
6. Proof of age may be requested at any time.
Article 16 – Prohibited Items & Conduct
The following are prohibited unless expressly authorised by the Operating Supplier:
1. Outside food and beverages.
2. Illegal drugs or prohibited substances.
3. Weapons or dangerous articles.
4. Firearms, ammunition or explosives.
5. Sharp objects capable of causing injury.
6. Animals, except assistance animals where required by law.
7. Inflatable toys or floating devices.
8. Balloons, decorations or similar items.
9. Drones or remotely operated flying devices.
10. Unauthorised professional photography or filming equipment.
11. Any item considered by the Captain or security personnel to present a safety or security risk.
12. Security personnel may inspect bags and confiscate prohibited items.
13. Illegal items may be handed to the Police or other competent authorities.
14. Smoking is permitted only within designated smoking areas.
15. Food and beverages not purchased on Noma Island may not be consumed on board.
16. Excessive intoxication, harassment, abusive behaviour, violence, indecent conduct, vandalism or any conduct likely to endanger others shall constitute grounds for immediate removal without refund.
17. The Operating Supplier reserves the right to refuse service of alcohol to any Passenger who appears intoxicated.
Article 17 – Accessibility & Medical Conditions
1. Boarding and disembarkation involve stepping between moving platforms, gangways and vessels, which may move due to prevailing sea conditions.
2. Passengers are solely responsible for ensuring that they are physically capable of safely boarding, travelling aboard and disembarking from the Scheduled Shuttle and Noma Island.
3. Passengers suffering from any medical condition, reduced mobility, pregnancy, dizziness, balance disorder, heart condition, epilepsy or any other condition which may reasonably affect their safety are responsible for satisfying themselves that they are medically fit to participate and should consult a medical practitioner where appropriate.
4. Any medical condition which may affect the Passenger's safety should be notified directly to the Operating Supplier before boarding.
5. Notification to VTT alone shall not constitute notification to the Operating Supplier.
6. The Captain may refuse boarding where, in their reasonable opinion, participation may endanger the Passenger, other passengers or crew.
7. Except where required by law, Noma Island is not represented as being fully wheelchair accessible.
Article 18 – Liability
VTT
1. VTT acts solely as booking agent and authorised reseller.
2. To the fullest extent permitted by law, VTT shall not be liable for:
a. accidents
b. injuries
c. illness
d. death
e. delays
f. cancellations
g. itinerary changes
h. relocation of Noma Island
i. weather-related disruption
j. operational decisions
k. food and beverage services provided by the Operating Supplier
l. acts or omissions of the Operating Supplier
m. loss or damage to personal belongings
3. VTT's liability shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, be limited to the amount paid by the Passenger for the relevant Booking.
Operating Supplier
1. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Operating Supplier shall not be liable for:
- injuries caused by passenger negligence
- slips or falls caused by wet surfaces
- accidents resulting from failure to follow crew instructions
- excessive alcohol consumption
- participation in swimming activities
- loss or theft of personal belongings
- delays caused by weather
- operational interruptions
- relocation of the Experience
- technical failures
- temporary closure of facilities
2. Nothing contained in these Terms shall exclude liability where such exclusion is prohibited by applicable law.
Article 19 – Passenger Liability & Indemnity
1. Passengers acknowledge that participation in the Experience is voluntary and that they assume the ordinary and inherent risks associated with participation in a marine environment, except where such risks arise directly from the negligence or wilful misconduct of the Operating Supplier or where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.
2. Passengers shall remain responsible for all loss or damage caused by their acts or omissions.
3. Passengers shall indemnify VTT and the Operating Supplier against losses arising from:
a. breach of these Terms
b. wilful misconduct
c. negligent acts
d. damage to property
e. injury caused to another passenger
4. Passengers shall reimburse all repair or replacement costs resulting from damage caused by them.
5. Passengers shall indemnify VTT against claims brought by third parties arising from the Passenger's negligence or breach of these Terms.
6. Nothing contained herein limits any other legal rights available to VTT or the Operating Supplier.
Article 20 – Cancellations, Refunds & Missed Departures
1. Cancellation requests shall be submitted through the original booking source.
2. Refunds shall be governed by the cancellation policy applicable to the Booking.
3. No refund shall be payable where a Passenger:
a. misses the shuttle
b. arrives after boarding has closed
c. fails to present the correct boarding ticket
d. is refused boarding for safety reasons
e. is removed for misconduct
4. Where the Experience is cancelled by the Operating Supplier before commencement due to adverse weather or other operational reasons, any refund, rescheduling or alternative arrangements shall be determined by the Operating Supplier's applicable cancellation policy.
5. Partial interruption of the Experience shall not automatically entitle the Passenger to compensation.
Article 21 – Complaints
1. Any accident, injury, operational issue or complaint shall be reported immediately to the Captain or crew.
2. Passengers shall provide the Operating Supplier with a reasonable opportunity to investigate and remedy any issue whilst the Experience is ongoing.
3. If the matter cannot reasonably be resolved on site, the Passenger should contact VTT using the emergency contact details provided.
4. Complaints not resolved during the Experience shall be submitted to VTT in writing within fourteen (14) days.
5. Complaints should include:
a. Booking reference
b. Passenger details
c. description of the complaint
d. supporting documentation
6. Failure to report a matter during the Experience may prejudice the ability of VTT or the Operating Supplier to investigate the complaint.
Article 22 – Privacy, CCTV & Photography
1. CCTV systems operate throughout Noma Island and the shuttle vessels for safety, security and operational purposes.
2. Photographs and video recordings may be taken by or on behalf of the Operating Supplier for promotional and marketing purposes.
3. Personal information shall be processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
4. By participating in the Experience, Passengers consent to incidental inclusion in such recordings unless they notify the Operating Supplier before boarding.
5. Professional photography or commercial filming requires prior written approval.
Article 23 – Environmental Protection
1. Passengers shall respect the marine environment at all times.
2. No waste, food, cigarettes or other objects shall be thrown into the sea.
3. Waste shall be disposed of only in designated receptacles.
4. Passengers shall comply with all environmental instructions issued by the crew.
Article 24 – Miscellaneous
1. The Captain's decision concerning operational and safety matters shall be final.
2. Failure by VTT or the Operating Supplier to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver.
3. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
4. These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the parties concerning the Experience.
5. Any obvious pricing, typographical or administrative error may be corrected.
6. Headings are included for convenience only and shall not affect interpretation.
7. Any notice or communication required under these Terms may be sent electronically to the email address provided by the Passenger during the Booking process and shall be deemed received when transmitted, unless the sender receives notice of non-delivery.
Article 25 – Governing Law & Jurisdiction
1. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed exclusively by the laws of Malta.
2. The Courts of Malta shall have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any dispute arising from the Booking or the Experience.
3. If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
4. These Terms shall bind the Passenger, their heirs, executors, administrators and personal representatives where applicable.
