Arrival Day
You may reserve a vehicle departure on the same day as your client’s arrival in North America. However, Cruise America/ Cruise Canada will NOT be responsible for accommodating late arrivals due to flight delays or delays related to clearing US Customs, Passport Control or Baggage Claim. Overnight stays in a hotel before departure are therefore welcome, however, they are NOT mandatory. We have clients arriving from time zones all over the world and we are not aware of how many days they may already be in North America prior to departure.
Rental hours
Most rental stations are closed on Sundays. Some stations are only open in certain months throughout the year. In any case, when a holiday lands on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday, the rental station will be closed on the Sunday next to the holiday.
- Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver - open on Sundays between 6 May 2024 to 11 October 2024.
- Halifax - closed between November 1 to March 31
Getting to the Rental Center – Regular renters
After a relaxing first overnight, you must call the Rental Center in the morning to arrange for arrival time at the Rental Center for an afternoon (1300 to 1600 hours) departure. Arrivals at the Rental Center without notice may result in departure delays, for which Cruise America accepts no responsibility. Transfers to the Rental Center are not included in your prepaid rental charges.
Getting to the Rental Center – Early Bird Departure Special (EBDS)
Must be reserved (and prepaid) 30 days or more in advance. With the Early Bird Departure Special, customers get transfers from designated hotel areas beginning at 8:30 AM. Vehicle departures begin at 9:00 AM and completed by no later than 12:00 PM. Late Return Option up to 15:00.
Customer must call the Rental Center 1-3 days before Pick Up in order for Cruise America to arrange for your transfer and early arrival at the Rental Center. Arrivals at the Rental Center without notice may result in departure delays, for which Cruise America accepts no responsibility.
If you are staying in a hotel in a non-designated area, the transfer costs will remain your expense and may void other benefits of the Early Bird Departure Special.
ARRIVING AT THE RENTAL CENTER – Do not arrive without calling first. You may have a long wait for your vehicle.
Vehicle Familiarization
A tour of approximately 25 minutes is required to familiarize you and other drivers with the operation of the vehicle before departure. Video vehicle familiarization presentations in English, German, Dutch and/or French may also be available at most centers.
Driver Requirements
Vehicles can only be operated by qualified drivers 21 years of age or older. All drivers must have a valid and identifiable driver’s license. Your driver’s license and foreign passport are required as identification and will be verified. All drivers must be identified, authorized, and must sign the Rental Contract. There is no cost for additional drivers and no ‘under 25’ surcharge.
Upgrades
You may find the model reserved to be inadequate for your party. Where possible, upgrades to a larger sized model will be allowed at a charge determined from local posted rates.
Our policy is to provide you with the model reserved. In some instances, circumstances may require an upgrade to a larger sized motorhome to accommodate an immediate departure. The upgrade will be provided at no charge to you and with no further liability to Cruise America.
Downgrades
You may find the model reserved to be too large for your comfort. Where possible, downgrades to a smaller sized model will be allowed at no charge to you.
In some instances, circumstances may require a downgrade to a smaller model to accommodate an immediate departure. The downgrade, if accepted, will earn a credit based on the difference in price at the time of reservation and with no further liability to Cruise America.
Luggage Storage
Collapsible luggage is recommended on camping vacations, which you should take with you. Remaining luggage may be stored at most rental centers, all at your risk.
STOCKING YOUR VEHICLE
All items listed subject to availability and substitution without notice.
PAYMENT OF DEPOSITS/CHARGES
A basic refundable security deposit of $500 USD/CDN AND the use of a credit card to pay for all local charges and deposits is required at departure. Upon vehicle return, all extra charges are balanced against the security deposit and a credit will be issued to cover the refund. Cash is not accepted for security deposits or any additional charges at departure. For security reasons, since Rental Centers do not carry cash balances, refunds are issued by credit or by a check mailed to your home address.
In case of payment by credit card, Cruise America / Cruise Canada shall impose a 5% Credit Card payment surcharge to cover banking and interchange fees.
Mileage Charges
It is not possible to purchase mileage packages at pick-up and not to add mileage packages during the rental. Each rental must include at least one mileage package.
Upon vehicle return, any additional miles over prepaid miles are charged at the per mile/km rate.
There are no refunds for unused miles.
Mileage Rates at Return:
$0.39 Per km (CND)
Generator Charges
If you choose to operate the gasoline-powered 110-volt generator, extra charges will accrue at $3.5 per hour as determined by an installed running time meter. Or, unlimited usage may be prepaid or purchased at departure at a rate of $8 (USD/CDN) per rental day. The generator is not required for normal vehicle operation.
Camping Chairs
Camping chairs are available for $12 (USD/CDN) per RENTAL. However, due to the cyclical nature of our business, we cannot guarantee availability of camping chairs 100% of the time. During high volume rental periods, we may be unable to provide chairs. In this case, we will provide clients with instructions on where to find reasonably priced alternatives.
One-Way Rental Fees
One-way fees between rental locations within the USA or between rental locations within Canada are allowed and will vary in cost from $600 to $1000 depending on pick up location and routing. Your tour operator will advise the rate applicable to your one-way choice at the time of booking.
Taxes
All rental charges are subject to sales tax by law. In some cases, taxes will not have been collected on items pre-paid to your tour operator, therefore these unpaid taxes will be collected directly from you at departure, at rates prevailing at the Rental Center at time of departure.
Toll Roads in the USA
All-Electronic Tolling is becoming more and more prevalent in many popular areas of the USA and Canada. “All-Electronic” Tolling means the Traveler using these roads has no option to pay local tolls with cash. Instead, a picture of the vehicle’s license plate is taken and used to assess toll charges. Clients of Cruise America are responsible for the payment of these charges.
In some cases, a process called “Reassignment” is allowed and is utilized by Cruise America. In this process, Cruise America transfers the client’s information, including name and home address, to the relevant tolling authority. The relevant tolling authority bills the clients directly and no further correspondence with Cruise America takes place. The client must resolve the outstanding tolls and/or fees directly with the tolling authority. The advantage for the client in this process is the avoidance of any administrative charges by Cruise America.
For all other cases, Cruise America will pay the tolling authority or road agency directly. We will add a $50 administrative fee and charge the client’s credit card used for the rental. Please note our administrative fee is per rental, not per violation.
Pets
Pets are welcomed at Cruise America. Customer agrees to clean up after their pet and return unit in same condition as received, or be subject to a cleaning fee up to $250.
VEHICLE DEPARTURE – LEAVING THE RENTAL CENTER
Time of Departure – Regular renters
Vehicle departure time begins at 1:00 PM (1300 hours). This policy is similar to the “check-in” policy at a hotel. Your actual departure time will vary according to local circumstances. There are no refunds for late pick-ups.
Time of Departure – Early Birders
With pre-purchase of Early Bird Departure Special, vehicle departure time runs between 9:00 AM (0900 hours) and Noon.
Vehicle Acceptance
You will be required to sign a Vehicle Acceptance/Service Satisfaction form listing the condition of the vehicle, to ensure you depart in a vehicle cleaned to your standard which is in good working order, with complete kits, adequate propane tank, empty waste tanks and an appropriate gasoline level. Be sure to have any items corrected prior to departure if you are not happy.
WHILE EN ROUTE
Cruise America/Cruise Canada provide a Travelers Assistance Hotline 24-hours a day 7-days a Week
You must call the (800) 334-4110 number with concerns you may have, whether mechanical breakdowns, service problems, or holiday impairment. We cannot assist you unless you call. A call to the departure rental center or your travel agent or tour operator will not help. Cruise America assumes no liability for your concerns, without a call to Travelers Assistance and documentation of your problem or issue while en route.
Renter Assistance Guide
The Renter Assistance Guide discusses operation of all features of motorhome operation. Important instructional information is included in the Renter Assistance Guide. You are responsible for reading the Renter Assistance Guide thoroughly. This Guide will also advise what to do in the case of an accident or any damage that may occur to the motorhome, as well as tips regarding the use of included safety equipment. This is the first place you should look if there is a problem.
The Renter Assistance Guide (English or German – please check the correct language version is on board prior to departure) is included with each motorhome rental and may be viewed online or printed in advance from
Accidents/Collision
In the event of an accident, you must notify Travelers Assistance immediately from the scene of the accident (see phone number above). You will be given instructions on how to proceed.
You must also obtain a police or bench report. If you are unable to obtain a police report at the scene of the accident, you must go to the local police station and obtain a bench report. We will accept either report.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Insurance coverages are invalid if problems occur in the following areas and all recovery expenses are at the client’s own cost. Violations of these restrictions void damage waivers and may subject you to liability for all vehicle damages including to tires, towing charges and other related expenses as a result of a breakdown associated with operating in these areas. Clients should consult with departure location personnel for complete information on travel restrictions and local circumstances at the time they collect their motorhome.
Alaska, Yukon and Northwest Territories & Newfoundland
Travel on all public and/or numbered roads is permitted. Travel on non-public roads, unpaved back roads, trails and the like – commonly called ‘logging roads’ or on any surface subjecting the vehicle to unreasonable damage or road hazard is prohibited. Clients may receive further information from Cruise America regarding seasonal travel restrictions as well. We reserve the right to restrict travel, dependent on current road conditions.
Death Valley and other desert areas
Vehicles may be operated with EXTREME CARE in Death Valley and other desert areas during the months of July and August. In Summer, clients visit these areas at their own risk and Cruise America will not be held responsible for extraordinary vehicle recovery and other charges. During certain periods these areas are not habitable and could pose a danger to the driver and passengers.
Manhattan
Due to restrictions on vehicle heights, propane gas and parking, vehicles with propane are not permitted in Manhattan and are not permitted to travel through any underground or underwater tunnels.
Mexico
Crossing the United States border into Mexico in a Cruise America vehicle is strictly forbidden
WINTER WARNING
Vehicle operating systems are not fully operable during subfreezing temperatures. Check the Renter Assistance Guide for winter operations but be aware that in Canada and northern US cities, vehicles are likely to have anti-freeze in holding tanks meaning that vehicle water facilities will not be available to you (ie toilet/washing facilities).
The customers are responsible for all damages caused by freezing damage - even if they take out ZDP this does not cover damages caused by freezing damages.
REFUELING AND SERVICING
You must turn off engine and all ignition sources including gas appliances, refrigerator, hot water heater, stove, furnace, etc. each time you refuel. You are responsible for checking and maintaining engine oil, fluids, tire pressure, and coolant levels at each refueling, as well as reporting mechanical failures immediately. You may be held responsible for mechanical damage if you fail to do so.
BREAKDOWN ASSISTANCE AND REPAIR REIMBURSEMENT
During your motorhome vacation, if any aspects of the vehicle or coach systems fail or become impaired, our objective is to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
If a mechanical breakdown should occur, Cruise America will assist you to secure over-the-road maintenance from reputable service providers, subject to opening hours, weekend and holidays. All repairs require authorization by phone from Travelers Assistance at (800) 334-4110 who will document your problem on a customer service log. Tools for vehicle repair are not provided. Your expenses for authorized repairs will be paid directly by Cruise America or you will be reimbursed upon presentation of receipts.
Any vehicle service expense over $75 requires a call to Travelers Assistance 1-800-334-4110. If the cost is under $75 you may have the service completed, but you must keep the receipt for reimbursement. Rental centers are authorized to reimburse receipts up to $75 without a customer service log. Engine battery jump-starts require Travelers Assistance approval in advance.
TRAVEL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
In the event the vehicle is in breakdown repair for 12 hours or less, through no fault of yours, our responsibility to you is limited to a refund of the daily rental rate or portion thereof. Radio, air conditioning, refrigerator, generator, microwave, appliance and cruise control malfunctions are not considered breakdowns and no refunds are available for repair time to these items.
In the event of a mechanical breakdown that is immediately reported to Travelers Assistance and requires the vehicle to be in repair for more than 12 hours, certain living/transportation expenses are reimbursable. Living/transportation expenses are not covered in cases of radio, air conditioning, refrigerator, generator, microwave, appliance, and cruise control malfunctions since these are not necessary for bas operation of the vehicle. Expense reimbursement is void in case of collision, accident, or failure to call Traveler’s Assistance immediately.
These provisions provide up to $30 (USD/CDN) per day per person for lodging and up to $30 (USD/CDN) per day per party for transportation expenses. Total provisions are limited up to $3,000 (USD/CDN) per tour. You must present all receipts for a refund of expenses.
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE/YOUR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITES
Damage to Vehicle – Breach of Terms & Conditions of Rental Contract – Your Responsibility
If the Rental Contract is breached or if you fail to secure a police report, or if you engage in prohibited uses, you are responsible for any and all loss of or damage to the vehicle from any cause, regardless of fault and all related expenses.
Damage to Vehicle – Your Responsibility
Provided Rental Contract conditions are met, your responsibility for damage, theft and vandalism to the vehicle is limited to $2,500 (USD/CDN) per occurrence or incident.
VEHICLE RETURN
Vehicle Return Time – Regular renters
Vehicles are to be returned by 9:00 AM (0900 hours) and in no case later than 11:00 AM (1100 hours.) Please do not book morning or early afternoon flights.
Vehicle Return Time – Early Birders
With pre-purchase of Early Bird Departure Special, you must return vehicle to Rental Center between 9:00 AM (0900 hours) and, in no case later than, 3:00 PM (1500 hours).
Vehicle Return Late Fees/Charges
A fee of $25 per hour will be charged for each hour that the vehicle is overdue without permission. You agree to return vehicle in the same condition as it was received, excluding normal wear and tear. Depending on local conditions, a cleaning and/or waste tank evacuation fee may be assessed at vehicle return up to $150. You will also pay for damages or loss of equipment. There are no refunds for early returns.
No refund will be made if the length of hire is shortened or for unused days. There is no refund for late pick up or early return of vehicle.
Parking/Traffic Violations
You are responsible for reporting and payment of all parking/traffic violations at rental return. Fines for parking, red light, speeding and other traffic violations will have an administrative fee of $50 per rental. Your credit card will be charged for any charges/fines/penalties issued to Cruise America in addition to an administrative fee of up to $250 as a result of your not reporting a parking/traffic violation at return.
Return Transfers
Transfers are not included in your prepaid rental charges. Return transfers are your responsibility.
Only with pre-purchase of Early Bird Departure Special are return transfers to designated hotel areas or airport included with the fee. A late return will void our responsibility to you for return transfers. Return transfers are normally accomplished up to 4:00 PM (1600 hours).
Booking Amendments
The following changes will result in a re-calculation of rental rates. The rate will be calculated using the most current rate and compared to the existing rate; the higher rate will apply:
• Change of party name;
• Change of vehicle size;
• Change in pick up or drop off location;
• Change in pick up or drop off date;
• Cancellation and rebooking.
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