Effective Date: 06 July 2026 Last Updated: 06 July 2026 This GTC is valid until revoked or amended, but at least until 31st December 2026.
These General Terms and Conditions (hereinafter: "GTC") govern the general contractual conditions for passenger shipping, passenger transport, and catering activities on all vessels operated by the Company.
This GTC is universally applicable to all passenger journeys, regardless of the booking channel used—including direct online purchases, third-party travel agencies (OTAs), private charters, or on-the-spot physical ticket purchases at the gate. It constitutes an inseparable annex to any agreement, ticket, or booking confirmation.
1. Scope of the Regulations & Definitions
1.1 The Operating Companies (collectively referred to as "the Company")
Rubin Group Kft. (Registered office: 1137 Budapest, Szent István körút 26. 2. emelet 15/B., Hungary; Company Registration Number: 01-09-274932; Tax Number: 25361309-2-41; Managing Director: Gábor Cseh). Rubin Group Kft. is the primary commercial manager, controller of online/offline ticketing platforms, and coordinator of on-board catering and events.
DUNA-WESER Szolgáltató és Kereskedelmi Kft. (Registered office: 1137 Budapest, Szent István körút 26. 2. emelet 15/B., Hungary; Company Registration Number: 01-09-293625; Tax Number: 25890835-2-41). DUNA-WESER Kft. is the technical and maritime operator of the vessels.
1.2 The Passenger / Customer
Any physical or legal person entering into a contractual relationship with the Company for passenger transport, private charters, or related catering services, including individual passengers, group passengers, participants of funeral ceremonies, and event attendees (hereinafter: "the Passenger").
1.3 The Vessels
All maritime operations, passenger transport, and catering are carried out on vessels owned by DUNA-WESER Kft. (including the ships: Ludwig, Rubin, Rapszódia, Szent László, Onyx, River Diva, and Roude Léiw; collectively referred to as "the Ship" or "the Vessel").
1.4 Web Hosting Provider
Pursuant to Act CVIII of 2001 (Ektv.), the physical hosting provider for the website budbyboat.com is:
[Kérjük, írja be ide a tárhelyszolgáltató nevét, székhelyét és e-mail címét] (hereinafter: "Hosting Provider").
2. Creation of the Contractual Relationship (Omnichannel Validity)
A binding passenger transport relationship is established, and this GTC becomes fully applicable, through any of the following channels:
2.1 Direct Online Booking
When booking directly on budbyboat.com, the contract is concluded when the Passenger selects their cruise via TicketDock, accepts this GTC, the Privacy Policy, and the Liability Waiver, and successfully completes the payment via Stripe.
2.2 On-the-Spot / Gate Ticket Purchases
For tickets purchased physically at the dock, port, or gate (via bank card), the contract is concluded upon payment. By accepting the physical or digital onboarding pass, the Passenger submits to the terms of this GTC.
2.3 Third-Party Booking Platforms (OTA Channels)
If the Passenger purchases their tour or ticket through an Online Travel Agency or global reseller—such as GetYourGuide, Viator, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, or other authorized partner channels:
● The commercial transaction and payment processing are governed by the terms of the respective third-party platform.
● Upon physical boarding of the Vessel, a direct transport contract is established between the Passenger and the Company. By stepping onto the Vessel's gangway, the Passenger explicitly submits to the maritime authority of the Captain, the on-board codes of conduct, and all safety regulations and contractual fines (including the €3,000 penalty in Section 4) outlined in this GTC.
2.4 Private Charters, Group, and Corporate Events
Established via a bilaterally signed Individual Contract accompanied by a prepayment via bank transfer against a proforma invoice.
2.5 Boarding without a Ticket / Unintentional Conclusion
If a person starts to board the Vessel without a pre-purchased ticket or formal registration, their physical behavior representing entry onto the Ship establishes a passenger transport relationship of a factual nature, making this GTC fully binding upon them.
3. The Company's Obligations & Force Majeure (Vis Maior)
3.1 Obligation to Transport
The Company is obliged to transport Passengers who present a valid ticket, voucher, or authorized boarding pass for the duration of the scheduled trip, unless prevented by official laws, safety barriers, or circumstances beyond the Company's control.
3.2 Obstacles & Cancellation
The Company is entitled to cancel any cruise or refuse boarding, with its liability limited to refunding the paid ticket price (fare or charter fee), in cases of Force Majeure (Vis Maior). No further claims or damages can be asserted against the Company.
3.3 Force Majeure (Vis Maior) includes, but is not limited to
Extreme water levels (floods or low water), flow locks, accidents of other vessels, collisions, official port or river closures, military blockades, ammunition clearance, severe weather, hurricanes, high winds, strikes, quarantine, domestic and international epidemics, acts of terrorism, military operations, sudden crew illness, sudden medical emergencies of other passengers, or other unavoidable external causes.
4. Code of Conduct, Damages, and Contractual Fines
By entering the port area or boarding the Vessel, all Passengers explicitly agree to maintain the highest standards of safety, public order, and respect.
4.1 Water-Related Dangerous Acts and the Contractual Fine for Unscheduled Docking
The Prohibition: It is strictly forbidden to jump into the water, threaten or attempt to jump into the water, lean excessively out of windows, stand or climb on protective safety railings, dip any body part into the river, or push, encourage, or dare any other passenger to do so.
The €3,000 Contractual Fine: Any violation of this safety rule constitutes a severe hazard to human life and to the safety of maritime traffic. Where such a violation—including but not limited to jumping or attempting to jump into the water, threatening to do so, or any other act described above—compels the Captain to undertake immediate crew intervention, an unscheduled and unplanned stop, a return to or diversion to a dock, or the interruption or termination of the voyage in order to await the arrival of the authorities (police, ambulance, or other emergency services), the Company incurs the following verifiable damages and costs as a direct consequence:
● partial or full reimbursement or compensation owed to the other Passengers on board for the disrupted or curtailed voyage;
● lost revenue arising from the resulting downtime of the Vessel;
● additional costs connected to the administrative and official proceedings, the unscheduled docking, and, where necessary, the provision of a replacement sailing.
As a lump-sum (flat-rate) compensation for these verifiable damages, the Passenger whose conduct gave rise to the above consequences shall be liable to pay the Company a contractual penalty of €3,000 (three thousand euros), or its equivalent in HUF calculated at the official Hungarian National Bank (MNB) exchange rate applicable on the day of the violation.
The Passenger shall pay this amount on the spot to the crew against a written receipt. Payment of this contractual penalty does not affect the Company's right to claim compensation for any further, separately verified damages exceeding this amount, nor does it exclude the possibility of police or criminal proceedings.
The Passenger accepts personal liability for this fine independently of, and in addition to, any fines, sanctions, or criminal liability imposed by the competent authorities.
4.2 On-Board Cleaning / Vomiting Fee
If a Passenger pollutes or soils the Vessel, its lounges, decks, furniture, or restrooms (including, but not limited to, vomiting due to excessive alcohol consumption), they are obliged to pay an instant cleaning and disinfection fee of €50 (payable in EUR or equivalent HUF) to the crew on the spot.
4.3 Property Damage
Passengers shall be held fully and personally liable for any material damage caused to the Vessel's structure, audio-visual equipment, decorations, or catering inventory by themselves or members of their booking group.
4.4 Beverage Service, Alcohol, and Smoking
Responsible Service: If the cruise includes a beverage package, the crew operates strictly under Responsible Service of Alcohol regulations. Alcohol service will be instantly terminated for any individual showing signs of visible intoxication.
Underage Drinking: The legal drinking age in Hungary is 18. Staff members are authorized to request a valid physical ID card or passport. If a minor is found consuming alcohol, their passenger contract will be terminated immediately without a refund.
Drug Policy: The possession or consumption of illegal narcotics is strictly prohibited on board and will result in immediate police notification.
Smoking: Smoking and vaping (including e-cigarettes) are strictly FORBIDDEN inside all enclosed panoramic lounges and restrooms. Smoking is only permitted in clearly marked, open-air deck areas.
5. Restriction of Travel & Exclusion from Transport
The Captain has absolute authority over the Vessel and its crew under maritime law. The Captain and crew may deny boarding or order the immediate removal of any passenger at the nearest port, without any right to a refund, who:
● Arrives in a state of extreme intoxication or under the influence of drugs.
● Behaves in a scandalous or aggressive manner, or disturbs other Passengers.
● Suffers from a visible infectious disease or presents a safety hazard to others.
● Attempts to board with an invalid ticket.
● Brings unauthorized items on board (including weapons, flammable liquids, bicycles, scooters, large luggage, or dogs exceeding 5 kg).
● Is under 18 years of age and travels without an adult guardian.
6. Schedule, Cruise Duration, and Service Types
6.1 Cruise Schedules
Our public programs run on pre-published routes with precise departure and sailing windows. The scheduled departure may only be delayed by up to 2 (two) minutes to accommodate late arrivals.
6.2 Baggage Liability
Passengers are solely responsible for the custody, safety, and security of all personal items, luggage, cameras, and phones brought onto the Vessel. The Company completely disclaims liability for any lost, stolen, or water-damaged personal belongings.
6.3 Pet Policy
On designated cruises only: small dogs (strictly up to 5 kg) may be permitted on board, provided they remain on the open-air upper deck on a short leash and wear a secure muzzle.
7. Specific Contractual Rules by Service Type
7.1 Public Cruises (Sightseeing, Dinner, and Unlimited Prosecco Cruises)
To guarantee a seat reservation, tickets must be paid in full at checkout.
Ticket prices include Hungarian VAT. Invoices are issued digitally within 5 days of the purchase upon the customer's request.
7.2 Private, Group, and Corporate Events (Vessel Charter)
Private charters are secured only after a customized written contract containing Individual Terms is signed and the specified prepayment is received.
If the charter group fails to utilize the Vessel within 1 (one) hour of the scheduled departure time without prior written excuse, the Company is legally entitled to utilize the chartered ship for other commercial purposes, and the prepayment is 100% forfeited.
Serving any outside food or beverages brought on board by the Customer is strictly prohibited unless explicitly authorized in the signed Individual Contract.
7.3 Funeral Ceremonies
All funeral cruises are organized in partnership with contracted professional morticians/funeral service providers. The payments and logistics are handled directly with the funeral provider under our respective business partner agreement.
8. Cancellation, Modification, and Refunds
8.1 Public Cruises (No Statutory Right of Withdrawal)
Important Legal Notice: Pursuant to Article 16(1) of the EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU) and Section 29(1)(l) of Hungarian Government Decree 45/2014 (II. 26.), the statutory 14-day cooling-off/withdrawal period does not apply to bookings of sightseeing packages, boat trips, and dining cruises, as these represent leisure services provided on specific dates/times.
Voluntary Commercial Policy (Direct Sales): Tickets booked directly on budbyboat.com may be modified or cancelled up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
OTA Partner Bookings: Any cancellations or modifications of tickets purchased via GetYourGuide, Viator, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, or other partner platforms must be processed directly on those platforms in accordance with their respective cancellation policies.
Late Cancellations & No-Shows: Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure, as well as no-shows, are 100% non-refundable.
8.2 Private, Group, and Corporate Event Bookings (Charter Cancellation)
In the event that a private charter contract is cancelled/terminated by the Customer (excluding Force Majeure), the Customer is obliged to pay the following contractual earnest/cancellation fee to the Company within 15 days of cancellation:
● Cancellation within 30 days of cruise departure: 100% of the Charter/Rental Fee and 100% of the catering/commission fee.
● Cancellation between 31 and 60 days of departure: 70% of the Charter/Rental Fee and 70% of the catering/commission fee.
● Cancellation 61 or more days prior to departure: 15% of the Charter/Rental Fee and 15% of the catering/commission fee.
Transaction Costs: Any banking transaction fees associated with processing refunds for cancellations shall be borne exclusively by the cancelling party.
9. Exclusion and Limitation of Liability
9.1 Limitation of Liability
To the extent permitted by Hungarian law, the Company's liability for any verified breakdown in service, delay, or logistical failure is strictly limited to a maximum of 100% of the original fare, rental fee, or business commission paid by the Passenger. Under no circumstances shall the Company be held liable for indirect, consequential, or speculative losses.
9.2 Liability Disclaimers
The Company is completely exempt from liability for accidents, injuries, or losses arising from:
● The Passenger's state of intoxication.
● Failure to follow safety warnings, maritime signs, or direct instructions from the Captain and crew.
● Dangerous acts as described in Section 4.1.
This limitation does not affect any liability which cannot be excluded or limited under mandatory provisions of Hungarian law, including liability for loss of life, bodily injury, or damage to health caused intentionally or by gross negligence.
10. Complaint Handling & Dispute Resolution
10.1 Strict Complaint Deadline (Forfeiture of Right)
To ensure evidence is preserved (including ship logs and CCTV footage), any complaint, claim, or notifications arising from a cruise must be submitted in writing via email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) by 10:00 a.m. on the day following the cruise.
This deadline is strictly of a forfeiture nature. Complaints received after this specific time shall not be investigated, and the Passenger explicitly forfeits any right to assert any subsequent claim.
10.2 Response Window
The Company shall investigate and provide a comprehensive, reasoned written response to any timely complaint within 30 (thirty) days of receipt.
10.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution (Békéltető Testület)
The Passenger (if qualifying as a Consumer under Hungarian law) has the right to initiate an out-of-court dispute resolution proceeding before the regional Békéltető Testület (Conciliation Board).
The Competent Conciliation Board by Operator's Seat: Budapesti Békéltető Testület
Address: 1016 Budapest, Krisztina krt. 99. III. em. 310., Hungary
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Platform: For international or cross-border EU tourists, disputes can be submitted via the European Commission's official ODR Portal: https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/
11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
11.1 Governing Law
Any and all contracts, transactions, on-board conduct terms, and legal actions initiated under this GTC shall be governed exclusively by the laws of Hungary, with particular regard to Act V of 2013 on the Civil Code, Act XLII of 2000 on Water Transport, and Act CLV of 1997 on Consumer Protection.
11.2 Venue for Litigation
For any legal dispute arising from this agreement that cannot be resolved amicably, the parties submit exclusively to the jurisdiction of the competent court according to the registered seat of the Company (Fővárosi Törvényszék / Pesti Központi Kerületi Bíróság).
12. Miscellaneous
If any provision of this GTC is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of law, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired.
13. Safety Signs and Graphics
The Company utilizes standard maritime safety symbols, rescue lane indications, and emergency graphics on board our Vessels. All Passengers are obliged to visually locate and adhere to these signs immediately upon stepping on board.
