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APT Travelmarvel River Cruise Review – Part 1 | Joining Travelmarvel Polaris in Budapest

Irresistible Med – Valiant Lady Virgin Voyages Cagliari and Scarlet Night

We were very fortunate to be invited onboard the beautiful APT Travelmarvel Polaris for a three-night sailing, which was a wonderful opportunity to get a feel for what APT Travelmarvel has to offer. Read along with our APT Travelmarvel River Cruise Review.

Day 1 – Embarkation onboard APT Travelmarvel Polaris in Budapest

Our taster cruise was part of the APT Travelmarvel 14-night European Gems itinerary, which would see the guests onboard travel from Budapest and visit some of Europe’s best capitals, and many smaller towns along the River Danube.

We flew to Budapest from London Gatwick, and it was great to hear that APT Travelmarvel River Cruises can include flights from the majority of UK airports, as well as transfers from the Airport to their River Ships, so it was nice to have an end to end seamless, and relaxing journey to join our ship.

This route is available in both directions, so you can start in Amsterdam or Budapest, you can also take the first or last half of this trip, Amsterdam to Nuremburg, which is called Reflections of the Rhine & Main, or the Delightful Danube which is Nuremburg to Budapest.

So, there are plenty of options for those who want a longer time exploring the rivers of Europe, or those who want to just focus on the Rhine, or focus on the Danube.

Meeting APT Travelmarvel Polaris

We had a brief tour of APT Travelmarvel Vega a few days before her launch, and Polaris is her sistership, with an identical layout and design. The Travelmarvel ships are Premium four-star contemporary river ships with the APT branded ships offering 5-star luxuary.

After leaving our cases with the reception team, we were invited into the True North Lounge, a space that is very much the heart of the ship. Offering a space to relax and watch the rivers of Europe unwind during the daytime, with tea and coffee stations included in your fare.

This is also where afternoon tea/lunch is served, which is the perfect pick me up after you have been out exploring all day and need to recharge ready for your evenings onboard, which is when the True North Lounge also becomes an entertainment space, with live music from local artists, and resident singers. There is also a full bar for you to order premium drinks like cocktails, spirits and wine.

We sat in the conservatory area towards the very front of the ship, sipping some sparking wine whilst we got to know each other, and met our hosts from APT Travelmarvel. If you have ever watched any of our videos on APT, you would have met Becky, who is our Sales Manager from APT Travelmarvel, and was very kind to invite us on this trip.

Be sure to check out our YouTube videos if you would like to know more about sailing with APT and APT Travelmarvel

Hungarian Bite to Eat at For Sale Pub

As we were arriving onto the ship early, meal service wouldn’t be ready for some time, so our hosts took us to a local pub that served traditional Hungarian comfort food called For Sale Pub . Serving large portions of food that are the perfect ailment to an early start and a wet windy November day.

I optioned for the first of many portions of Gulash I would have this trip, not sure if it was the winter weather or the “When in Budapest” of it all, but it was delicious and certainly hit the spot.

The decor and ambience were certainly interesting. Peanuts are served to the table, and you are invited to leave the shells on the floor amidst the sawdust, then handwritten notes are pinned to pretty much every surface you can find.

Its a wonderful spot for a bite to eat, always very busy, and near the river, so depending on where the ship is berthed, should be a short 5-minute walk away.

First Impressions of APT Travelmarvel Polaris

We then headed back to Travelmarvel Polaris where afternoon tea was served. If you have an early flight to the ship or a late flight home, your cabin may not be available to you, but you would be welcome to stay on the ship and enjoy the True North lounge as you wait for your flights.

So afternoon tea could be your first, or last meal onboard whilst you wait for your cabin/flights. All meals are included, as are coffee, tea and juices from the self-serve station. For afternoon tea a selection of cake and sandwiches were available, which made the perfect post-lunch treat whilst we enjoyed the backdrop of the Danube river traffic from the lounge as we got to know each other.

The atmosphere onboard is relaxed luxury, which is always our personal preference. APT Travelmarvel River ships are all less than 5 years old, and feature wonderful contemporary decor and design, looking around the ship, you would be shocked to learn that it is positioned as a four-star offering, as the tasteful decor and inclusions feel more suited to a five-star experience, so its certainly the top end of four-star river cruising.

Who is a good fit for APT Travelmarvel

APT is an Australian company, and currently, they only sell directly to the UK, New Zealand and Australian markets, meaning the mix onboard will be mainly made up of those demographics. Australian and New Zealand guests tend to prefer the 14-night sailings, whereas Brits prefer the short 7-night sailings, mainly due to the fact it’s closer for us to reach the rivers of Europe than those travelling from Australia and New Zealand.

Being relaxed luxury means the service standard is high, as is the food quality and range of included tours, but it also means you won’t find stuffy or fussy meal service, formal dress wear, or particularly high-brow entertainment in the lounge each evening. It’s certainly elevated, but in a relaxed luxurious way.

Whilst river cruising certainly appeals to an older demographic, Travelmarvel is appealing to a younger demographic than most river companies, due to its relaxed nature, and the freedom that comes with its choice of included tours and free time to explore.

Video Tour of my APT Travelmarvel Polaris Cabin

For my time on Travelmarvel Polaris, I would be staying in a Category A+ French Balcony, this cabin is located in the middle of the upper deck and is the highest-grade balcony cabin on the ship. At 167 sq ft, this cabin offers plenty of space for your European adventures, with a vanity mirror, ample storage, and seating areas in front of the windows, perfect for enjoying the scenery as you sail with a coffee, or glass of bubbles.

That said, the only difference between the other grades is how high you are on the ship, and how central. There is a leading category, the Window Stateroom, which offers 153 Sq Ft of space, so still sizable, but is located at the water level, so have a small window that looks out at the waterline.

There are also four Owner’s suites available, which offer 258 sq ft of space, but sadly (for us), they were occupied on this sailing, so we were unable to view them.

You can view my video tour of our cabin below.

Dining onboard APT Travelmarvel Polaris

Main meals are included with all Travelmarvel voyages and are served in the Constellations Restaurant, located at the front of the ship on the lower deck.

Wine and beer are included with all meals, and the crew are certainly generous with their pourings, and you are always welcome to ask for one for the road. Soft drinks are Juices are also included for those who choose not to drink alcohol.

Dining is done freestyle, so you can choose to dine whenever you like whilst the dining room is open, no fixed seating, so you can sit with your travel party or any of the friends you make on your voyage.

Menus will always take inspiration from your journey, so you can expect to find something new each day, and is perfect for those who like to sample local cuisine while travelling.

Everything I ate whilst onboard was truly delicious, and fed my need to try something new and local whilst travelling.

As we were dining a Hungarian Romani performer walked around the dining room to entertain us, it certainly helped with the immersion into Budapest, and it was fantastic that we were dining and entertaining with local culture whilst in the comfort of our beautiful rivership.

It’s so important to highlight this for those who want to ensure they are getting an authentic experience when visiting these destinations, you can be sure when travelling with Travelmarvel that any opportunity to bring on local cuisine or entertainment will be taken advantage of, you are getting an authentic experience, and not just spectating from afar.

Enjoying the Budapest Illuminations

Polaris then set sail up the river Danube for the nightlight Budapest Illuminations. Sadly, the weather wasn’t on our side as it was hammering it down, but Roland our fantastic cruise director was still determined to make this a fantastic event for us.

He set up his PA and music decks on the open decks of the ship and was playing classical music as the ship sailed back down the Danube with all the buildings and bridges lit up for the evening.

We were able to get warm Gluhwien to keep us warm as we were travelling along the Danube enjoying the sights lit up so beautifully.

You can see a snippet in the video below.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Magical Traveller (@magicaltrvlr)

After we enjoyed the illuminations, it was time to warm back up in the main lounge for a few drinks and chat with the new friends I met on this sailing. It wasn’t long before late-night snacks were available, a mix of light bites and canapes that were available for self-service, as well as brought around on trays.

Then a hot chocolate before heading to bed, where I watched about 10 minutes of the on-demand movie I picked at random before falling asleep.

Tomorrow we will be enjoying a tour of Budapest, before setting sail for our next destination Vienna. So check back soon as we will add the second day of our time onboard APT Travelmarvel Polaris to the website.

If you would like to learn more about sailing with APT and APT Travelmarvel , then be sure to check out our dedicated page, where you can also find details of all the sailings available via our cruise search tool .

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One Underrated Travel Credit Card Perk Can Help You Save Big

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When most people compare credit cards, they look at the card's sign-up bonus, how many rewards it earns on purchases and what other perks it offers.

While these benefits are valuable, when using your credit card for everyday purchases, another set of benefits may prove even more critical: return and purchase protection.

Return and purchase protection cover you if something goes wrong with a purchase. These coverages can save you a lot of money, heartache and stress.

How do these protections work and how do you take advantage of them? Let's take a look.

Evaluating travel card perks

The best travel cards include perks to attract and retain customers. These features are designed to make a card stand out from the competition while meeting customers' needs. Some of the most common credit card perks include:

A welcome bonus for new customers.

The ability to earn rewards on purchases.

0% intro APR offer on purchases, balance transfers, or both.

Free checked bags .

An annual free hotel night .

Airport lounge access .

Travel credits, like the $300 credit on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Some credit cards even offer automatic elite or accelerated status based on spending.

Other credit card perks don't make headlines, but they can be even more valuable. These overlooked perks include purchase protection, return protection and an extended warranty. In some cases, cardholders don't realize these benefits exist or how to use them.

» Learn more: The best travel credit card welcome bonuses right now

What are return and purchase protections?

Here's how each of these oft-overlooked valuable coverages works.

Return protection coverage

The National Retail Federation says that consumers returned an estimated $761 billion in merchandise in 2021, more than 16% of total U.S. retail sales. With such returns, many retailers are cracking down on what returns they're willing to accept.

Return protection covers you for eligible expenses when you try to return a product but the retailer won't accept it. Return protection coverage provides an extended return window and reimburses you (up to claim limits) for the purchase price when the retailer won't take the return.

For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers return protections for its cardholders. With return protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won't take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories. Terms apply.

» Learn more: Credit card return protection: Where you're covered

Purchase protection coverage

If your purchases are stolen or damaged, purchase protection covers the cost of replacing your items. Sometimes, these credit card protections also cover your items if they are lost. When you submit a claim, you'll be reimbursed for the cost of the item (up to claim limits) so that you can replace it.

For example, Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders have purchase protection. In this case, should your item be stolen or damaged within 120 days of purchase, you can file a claim. You can file up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year.

» Learn more: Which credit cards cover your belongings with purchase protection?

How to file a claim

These credit card benefits are generally run by a third-party company with which the card issuer contracts. The exact process varies by company, but it will look something like this:

First, attempt to return the item to the store where you purchased it.

If they don't accept your return, file a claim through your credit card.

Submit supporting documentation.

Respond to any additional requests promptly.

The supporting documentation generally includes:

A copy of the receipt.

The credit card statement showing the purchase.

A brief letter explaining the situation.

You may need to provide a copy of the police report for stolen items.

Do not throw away broken items. You may need to submit them as part of your claim.

Read the fine print: Not all coverage is the same

When comparing credit cards with return and purchase protection, read the fine print. While many credit cards offer these benefits, the terms of these coverages vary widely. Here are a few essential terms to focus on.

Exclusions. Not all purchases are covered. And excluded items may vary depending on which credit card you use. Examples of excluded items include consumable or perishable items, used goods, tickets and software.

Per item coverage limits. The maximum allowed per claim varies per card, so check your limits before purchasing. Many cards offer coverage of $250 to $500 per claim for return protection and up to $10,000 for purchase protection.

Annual coverage limits. In addition to per-claim limits, these benefits also have maximum annual claim limits. For example, for returns, you may get up to $1,000 per year for return protection, while purchase protection limits are generally up to $50,000 per year.

Coverage time frame. Coverage duration lengths vary, but it generally starts when you purchase the item. For example, return protection may be up to 90 days, while purchase protection may last up to 120 days.

The bottom line

Credit cards offer numerous benefits beyond the rewards earned on your purchases. Sometimes, these overlooked benefits are even more valuable when they cover your everyday purchases. However, coverage terms, limits and exclusions vary by card, so review your benefits before purchasing. And, if your current credit card doesn't offer return and purchase protection, it might be time to replace it with a better one.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options

75,000 Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.

Your complete guide to travel protections on American Express cards

Editor's note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

Numerous American Express cards offer travel protections that can take the headache out of your vacations. However, the coverage you get (and the limits of said coverage) differ by card. Rather than trying to remember all of this on your own, we will guide you through the travel protections offered by American Express cards.

This guide provides a comprehensive, detailed look at the variety of travel protections offered across the American Express card portfolio. Each section outlines a type of coverage and the cards offering this coverage. We also include coverage limits and any additional caveats to keep in mind.

Here's what you need to know about American Express travel insurance coverage.

Trip delay insurance

Trip delay insurance covers you when you encounter travel delays. This could be a delayed flight due to mechanical issues or an unexpected overnight due to a weather-related cancellation. Other reasons are covered, but individual policies vary in what they do and don't cover. If the reason for your delay is not specifically mentioned in your policy, assume that it's not covered.

With trip delay protection, there are two different "levels" of coverage, depending on the card you carry.

Level 1: Higher-end cards

Some of American Express' top products offer trip delay reimbursement of up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed for more than six hours, capped at two claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive months.*

This protection becomes effective when you purchase a ticket using any of the following cards:

• The Centurion® Card from American Express**
• The Business Centurion® Card from American Express**
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Platinum Card® from American Express for Schwab**
• The Platinum Card® from American Express for Goldman Sachs**
• The Platinum Card® from American Express for Morgan Stanley**
• The Platinum Corporate Card from American Express**
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card **
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• The American Express Corporate Platinum Card®**

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

**The information for these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Level 2: Mid-tier cards

Other American Express cards offer trip delay reimbursement of up to $300 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours, capped at two claims per 12 consecutive months.*

Here are the cards that include this protection when you use them to purchase your tickets:

• American Express® Gold Card
• American Express® Green Card**
• American Express® Business Gold Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

This type of coverage is for situations in which your trip is canceled or interrupted (meaning you started the trip but must end it to return home). As a result, you're forced to forfeit prepaid, nonrefundable reservations. Again, be sure that your policy mentions your specific reason for it to be covered.*

All Amex cards with this benefit provide the same level of protection. If your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason, you can receive a maximum of $10,000 per covered trip and a maximum of $20,000 per eligible card in a 12-month period.

Here are the cards that include this protection when you use them to purchase travel:

• The Corporate Platinum Card® from American Express**
• The Corporate Centurion® Card from American Express**

Global Assist Hotline

Eligible cardholders can rely on the Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency services coordination and assistance while traveling more than 100 miles from home.*

The Global Assist Hotline coordinates services but is not the service provider. Any third-party service costs may be your responsibility.

Here are the cards that include this protection when you use them to pay for your tickets:

• American Express® Cash Rebate Credit Card**
• Blue for Business® Credit Card**
• Blue Cash® from American Express**
• Blue Sky from American Express®**
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Business Green Rewards Card from American Express **
• Clear from American Express®**
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
• Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express® Card**
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
• The Plum Card® from American Express
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
• The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
• Amazon Business Card**
• Amazon Business Prime Card**
• Lowe's Business Rewards Card**
• American Express® Corporate Gold Card**
• Corporate Green Credit Card**
• American Express Cash Magnet® Card **
• The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express**
• The Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card from American Express**
• Blue from American Express®**
• SimplyCash® Plus Business Credit Card**
• SimplyCash® Business Card**
• American Express® Platinum Credit Card**
• American Express® Credit Card**
• One from American Express®**
• Zync from American Express®**
• Schwab Investor Card® from American Express**
• Morgan Stanley Credit Card from American Express**
• Platinum Optima® Card**
• Optima® Card**
• Bluebird® American Express® Reloadable Prepaid Card**
• Serve® American Express® Reloadable Prepaid Card**
• The Corporate Platinum® Card from American Express**
• American Express® Corporate Green Card**
• Business Extra℠ Corporate Card**
• American Express® Corporate Accenture Gold**
• American Express® Corporate Meeting Card**
• American Express® Corporate Defined Expense Program Card**
• American Express® Corporate Purchasing Card**
• Morgan Stanley Blue Cash Preferred® American Express Card**

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Premium Global Assist Hotline

Like the benefit above, eligible cardholders for certain premium Amex cards can rely on the Global Assist Hotline 24/7 for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency services coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles from home. With the Premium benefit, emergency medical transportation assistance and related services may be provided at no cost.*

If approved and coordinated by the Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost to you. Otherwise, third-party service costs may be your responsibility.

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Baggage insurance plan

Baggage insurance applies to covered persons for eligible lost, damaged or stolen baggage during travel on a common carrier vehicle (such as a plane, train, ship or bus) when the entire fare for a ticket on the trip (one-way or round trip) is charged to an eligible card.

This benefit has two different "levels" of coverage, depending on the card you carry.

Some of American Express' top products offer baggage insurance coverage of up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage. This coverage is in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier. Coverage is subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per covered trip.*

For New York state residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/per suitcase limit for each covered person, with a maximum of $10,000 aggregate for all covered persons per covered trip.*

Other American Express cards offer baggage insurance coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage. This coverage is in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier.*

For New York state residents, there is a maximum of $10,000 aggregate for all covered persons per covered trip.*

• American Express® Green Card
• American Express® Gold Card for Ameriprise Financial**
• American Express® Corporate Accenture Gold Card**
• American Express® Executive Business Card**

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car rental loss and damage insurance

Car rental loss and damage insurance applies to the theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use an eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the rental car company. Note that this product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply.

Some of American Express' top products offer car rental loss and damage insurance of up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to eligible rental vehicles.*

Here are the cards that include this protection when you use them to pay for eligible rentals:

• Centurion® Card from American Express**
• Business Centurion® Card from American Express**

Other American Express cards offer car rental loss and damage insurance of up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to eligible rental vehicles.*

• Amex EveryDay® Credit Card**
• Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card**
• SimplyCash® Plus Business Card**
• American Express® Business Purchase Account**

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Bottom line

Understanding what benefits your card has to protect you when things go wrong during a trip can help reduce headaches. To that end, American Express provides multiple travel protections across many of its card products.

Coverage limits within the same benefit can vary by the card you have, so consult your card's detailed benefits at americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for full details.

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Preparing For Your Trip With Travelmarvel

We are excited to welcome you on your Travelmarvel tour soon. Below you will find a list of handy tips and tricks, covering everything from what to pack to changing your booking, as well as links to your destination specific guide to touring with Travelmarvel. You can also select your travel destination from this list to view a comprehensive booklet with all the specific things you need know for your upcoming trip.

Africa  | Egypt & Jordan  |  India & Sri Lanka   |   Japan & South Korea  |   New Zealand   |   North America  |   Northern Territory  |   Queensland   |  South America   |   Tasmania   |    Vietnam & Cambodia  |   Western Australia  

By Travel Style

4WD Kimberley  |  Australia Expedition Cruising  |  Croatia Coastal Cruising  |  Douro River Cruising  |  Europe Coastal Cruising   |  Europe River Cruising  |  USA Great Rail Journeys

Managing Your Booking

It is important that you login to TM's Tour Personaliser and complete the details required. We need this information to be able to supply your travel documentation.

Health and Wellbeing

Your health - and that of your family as well as our staff and crew – is our highest priority. You can rely on our industry-leading health protocols to help ensure everyone’s health and wellbeing.

Visa Requirements

It is essential to check the relevant visa and entry requirements for your destination. View the Visa Requirements for Australian and New Zealand passport holders below.

Travel Information By Destination

It is time to get excited and start planning for your tour, click the button below to find out more handy tips and insights into your travel destination. Be it river cruising or land journeys, we have your questions covered. Select your travel destination for information specific to your upcoming tour.

Information to prepare for your upcoming trip to Asia on a river cruise, land or rail journey.

Information to prepare for your upcoming Australia land or 4WD adventure.

Information to prepare for your upcoming trip to North America on an ocean cruise, land or rail journey.

Information to prepare for your upcoming river or coastal cruise in Europe.

Information to prepare for your upcoming New Zealand land or rail adventure.

Top Tips for Travelling with Travelmarvel

Check your passport expiration date, travel insurance, travelmarvel documents and travel itinerary, pack an adaptor, prepare your medication.

If you have a food allergy or medical condition which needs to be managed on tour, please advise your Booking Agent before departure, and inform your Tour Director on arrival. It is also worth packing a small medical kit, as though there will be pharmacies along your tour, they can be difficult to access, and a prescription may be required for some medications.

Suggested Packing List:

• A general-purpose antibiotic (e.g. azithromycin)
• Cold and flu medication
• Your preferred pain medication
• Medicine for gastric upsets
• Band-Aids and blister pads

Luggage and Packing

Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 20kg (44lbs) and 160cm when all dimensions are added together.

When packing, we recommend casual and comfortable clothing. Consider the season of the destination you are travelling to, even in summer many destinations get cooler in the evenings, so it is a good idea to pack a jumper.

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Environment Protection (Beverage Container Deposit Scheme) Amendment Bill 2024

Have your say on the draft Environment Protection (Beverage Container Deposit Scheme) Amendment Bill 2024.

What's being decided?

We are proposing reforms to modernise South Australia’s beverage container deposit scheme (CDS) via the draft Environment Protection (Beverage Container Deposit Scheme) Amendment Bill 2024 . Proposed reforms focus on scheme governance and system modernisation.

Your feedback will help refine the draft legislation to ensure CDS governance reform objectives can be achieved.

This reform will not change what containers are eligible for a 10-cent refund.

In 1977, South Australia led the way with the first CDS in Australia. Now, we are on track to have a CDS in each state and territory.

The success of the CDS to date has been made possible by a highly engaged South Australian community and the many businesses involved in container recovery and recycling, including beverage producers, suppliers and retailers, and non-government organisations. Despite the success of the scheme in reducing litter and waste, much needs to be done behind the scenes to modernise the governance of Australia’s oldest CDS, noting it no longer meets the expectations of a modern extended producer responsibility scheme.

Proposed reforms to modernise the CDS have been shaped through consultation with CDS participants, industry, and community stakeholders, including feedback received on the 2021 Discussion Paper , which outlined reform opportunities for SA’s CDS, and a 2019 Scoping Paper .

Proposed reforms in the draft Environment Protection (Beverage Container Deposit Scheme) Amendment Bill 2024 set out:

• Updated objectives and features of the CDS that build upon the scheme’s success in reducing litter and waste.
• The appointment and functions of a not-for-profit scheme coordinator who would be responsible for the administration, management, and proper operation of the scheme.
• Clear roles and responsibilities for the scheme coordinator including around contract arrangements with scheme participants, scheme cost-setting practices, performance targets, customer service standards, and IT-based payment, auditing, and reporting requirements.
• A framework to recognise eligible material recovery facilities in the scheme.
• A scheme price review mechanism for the Essential Services Commission of South Australia.
• Clear roles for government oversight and Environment Protection Authority fee reform.
• Transitional provisions including a process to be followed to bring existing collection depots into a reformed scheme.

The modernisation of CDS governance is expected to unlock unrealised value in SA’s circular economy, remove barriers to expanding community participation and lay the foundations to position SA for the three proposed elements of national harmonisation.

This consultation is open for an eight-week period.

Get involved

Find out more:

• read the Draft Bill – Environment Protection (Beverage Container Deposit Scheme) Amendment Bill 2024
• Explanatory Guide to the Draft Bill
• For beverage suppliers
• For collection depots
• For material recovery facilities
• For donation partners
• For customers
• For super collectors
• Proposed CDS governance infographic
• take a look at our FAQs

Have your say by:

• register for an upcoming forum
• email a submission to [email protected] (Subject ”CDS Draft Amendment Bill”. Ensure you refer to specific sections of the Bill in your submission)
• posting your written submission to: CDS Draft Amendment Bill Environment Protection Authority GPO Box 2607 Adelaide SA 5001

What are the next steps?

• We will consider your feedback to refine the draft Environment Protection (Beverage Container Deposit Scheme) Amendment Bill 2024.
• We will share a feedback summary here.
• The draft Bill would then require introduction to and consideration by the South Australia Parliament.

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• Online forum 10.30AM - 11.30AM 10 September 2024
• Online forum 1.00PM - 2.00PM 12 September 2024

This consultation is open from Monday, 2 September 2024 to Friday, 25 October 2024.

Closed and under review

Contributions to this engagement will be evaluated and reviewed.

Consultation outcome

The final outcomes of the engagement are documented here.

• What are the key changes to the scheme in the Bill?
• Who will be the scheme coordinator?
• What are the functions of the scheme coordinator?
• How will scheme costs be set and reviewed?
• Will container application fees be removed?
• Does the Bill change the scope of eligible containers?

Who's Listening

Program Lead - CDS Reform

Environment Protection Authority SA

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Enjoy Even More Peace of Mind with Our New & Improved Princess Vacation Protection

Life can be unpredictable but you can rely on princess vacation protection.

One of the most common questions we hear from our guests is, ‘Should I buy travel protection?’ If you want to spend more time relaxing and less time worrying about the unexpected, the answer is ‘yes’. That’s why we offer Princess Vacation Protection (PVP), which provides a cancellation fee waiver1 plus travel insurance benefits2 and 24-hour worldwide CareFree™ Travel Assistance 3 . Help protect in the event of unforeseen illness, including COVID-19, trip delays, baggage issues and more. It’s a convenient way to help ease your worries before setting sail.

Your benefits just got better – and you can still enjoy low prices!

New improvements:.

• Increased benefits up to 150% of vacation cost for Trip Interruptions.
• Increased Emergency Evacuation benefits up to $50,000 for the standard plan and $75,000 for the platinum plan.*

Benefits at a Glance

Cancel for any reason 1.

Cancellation Fee Waiver 1  (Non-insurance features provided by Princess Cruises) Life is unpredictable… but you can rely on Princess Vacation Protection. If you need to cancel for specified reasons outlined in the Cancellation Fee Waiver section of the plan, you’ll receive a refund of your cancellation fees. If you need to cancel for any reason not listed in the plan, under the “Any Reason” Cancellation Enhancement feature, you’ll receive 75% of the cancellation fee amount in the form of future cruise credits under our Standard plan and 100% under the Platinum plan.

Trip Interruptions

If you need to interrupt your trip due to a covered reason such as an illness or injury, you are eligible for reimbursement of prepaid cruise/land arrangements made through Princess and/or the cost of one-way airfare to get you home.

Medical Evacuation

Princess Vacation Protection also provides coverage in case your medical condition requires emergency evacuation to an appropriate medical facility.

Medical Expenses

Most medical expenses are covered in case you become sick or injured during your trip.

Trip Delays

If you are delayed starting your trip or returning home, you may be reimbursed for expenses that were not arranged through Princess – including meals, hotel, and transportation.

Personal Belongings

Your baggage is also covered in the event it is damaged, lost, stolen, or delayed to your destination.

24/7 Support

Need help? You will have access to 24/7 worldwide assistance for travel, medical, and emergency services.

The plan terms, conditions and exclusions are available online:

Captain’s Circle Loyalty Benefit

Available in both a Standard and Platinum plan, choose the plan you want based on the coverage and plan price that works best for you. Captain’s Circle members who have achieved Ruby, Platinum or Elite status who elect to purchase Standard PVP automatically receive a complimentary upgrade to PVP Platinum; we’ll pay the difference in plan cost on your behalf.

3 Ways to Purchase Princess Vacation Protection

Princess Vacation Protection can be purchased at the time of booking or up until final payment. You are considered enrolled as soon as the plan cost has been paid.

• When you  Book your Cruise  on Princess.com
• Call 1-800-Princess or contact your Travel Advisor
• Already Booked Guests can purchase in  Manage Booking

Product Details

Cancellation Fee Waiver 1 (Non-insurance features provided by Princess Cruises)

Life is unpredictable… but you can rely on Princess Vacation Protection. If you need to cancel for specified reasons outlined in the Cancellation Fee Waiver section of the plan you’ll receive a refund of your cancellation fees. If you need to cancel for any reason not listed in the plan, under the “Any Reason” Cancellation Enhancement feature, you’ll receive 75% of the cancellation fee amount in the form of future cruise credits under our Standard plan and 100% under the Platinum plan.

Travel Insurance Benefits 2 (Underwritten by Nationwide®)

Sail through your vacation with less to worry about.

Trip Interruption:  Up to 150% total trip cost reimbursement for missed, prepaid cruise arrangements and/or the cost of one-way airfare if you must start your vacation late or need to come home early due to illness, injury and more.

Trip Delay:  Up to $500 for any pre-cruise trip delay expenses and/or post-cruise trip delay expenses up to $1,500 (not to exceed $1,500 for both pre- and post-cruise delays) for meals, hotel and transportation.

Baggage Delay:  Up to $500 if your luggage is delayed during travel.

Baggage/Personal Effects:  Up to $1,500 ($3,000 with the Platinum plan) if your stuff is lost, stolen or damaged.

Accidental Medical Expense:  Up to $10,000 ($20,000 with the Platinum plan) if you become injured while traveling.

Sickness Medical Expense:  Up to $10,000 ($20,000 with the Platinum plan) if you become sick while traveling.

Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation: Up to $50,000 ($75,000 with the Platinum Plan) in the event your medical condition requires emergency medical transportation to an appropriate medical facility or in the event of your death, provides coverage to transport your mortal remains.

24/7 Worldwide Travel Assistance Services 3 (Non-insurance services provided by LiveTravel)

Need help while you travel?  Assistance is there for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the world.

Princess Vacation Protection can be purchased while booking your next cruise vacation on princess.com, by contacting your travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or on Manage Booking. It is available for purchase up until final payment for your trip on all Princess Cruises, Princess Cruisetours, Princess Alaska Land Tours and Princess Canadian Rockies Land Tours, and is available at two levels: Standard or Platinum. Princess Vacation Protection is not in effect until the plan cost has been paid to Princess in addition to any required cruise deposits or payments.

1  Non-insurance feature provided by Princess. WA residents only, Trip Cancellation benefits are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies, Columbus, Ohio (NAIC #23787).

2  Travel Insurance Benefits are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies, Columbus, Ohio (NAIC #23787).

3  Travel Assistance services are non-insurance services provided by LiveTravel International.

This plan provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

Princess Vacation Protection – Standard  To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance providing the terms, conditions and exclusions of the certificate, visit  PVP Standard .

Princess Vacation Protection – Platinum  To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance providing the terms, conditions and exclusions of the certificate, visit  PVP Platinum .

Note that Princess Vacation Protection is not available to residents of the state of New York, British Columbia, Quebec, Puerto Rico, or Mexico.

Need to file a claim?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What happens if I test positive for COVID-19 and need to cancel the day before my cruise? A:  Like with any illness diagnosed and treated by a medical professional, if you test positive for COVID-19 after purchasing the plan, you will be eligible to receive a refund to your original form of payment. If you do not have an official medical diagnosis, but feel unwell, you will receive a Future Cruise Credit.

Q:  What if my spouse gets COVID-19 right before the cruise and we can no longer sail? A:  You will be eligible to file a claim for a cash refund if you, your traveling companion or a member of your immediate family is diagnosed and treated for COVID-19, which causes you to cancel your cruise.

Q:  What if my mother, who isn’t sailing with us, gets COVID-19, and we may have been exposed? A:  Princess Vacation Protection has you covered! Even if they are not traveling with you, if someone in your immediate family is diagnosed and treated for an illness, you may request a refund to the original form of payment. If they are ill but are not diagnosed or treated, you may call us and receive a Future Cruise Credit for the cruise fare.

Q:  What if I find out I was exposed to someone either on my way to my cruise or during the cruise, and I end up being isolated in my cabin for part or all of the voyage? A:  PVP provides reimbursement for the days you are confined to your cabin if the confinement is ordered by a medical professional.

Q:  Does PVP cover my medical expenses if I get COVID-19 during my cruise? A:  Yes, PVP provides reimbursement for eligible medical expenses for any illness, including COVID-19.

Q:  What if I want to cancel my PVP coverage? How does that work? A:  PVP is refundable until final payment is due. For new bookings made within final payment, the PVP plan cost is only refundable within 10 days of purchase provided the person hasn't departed on the trip nor filed a claim.

Q:  Am I protected by my Princess Vacation Protection plan if my mother, who is not traveling with me, develops pneumonia and I have to cancel my trip to care for her? A:  Yes! Princess will refund the cancellation fees (up to the full value of the cruise vacation) if you have to cancel your trip because of a specified reason such as illness, injury or death of yourself, a traveling companion or either of your immediate family members.

Q:  If I have a heart condition and am on continuing medication, am I protected if my heart condition flares up during my vacation? A:  Yes! Princess Vacation Protection provides reimbursement for conditions that are stable during the 60-days prior to purchase, so if you have had no changes in your health (even if you are on continuous unchanged medication), you would be protected.

Q:  What if my condition did change prior to purchasing Princess Vacation Protection? A:  Rest assured, emergency evacuation benefits are still provided in the event of a medical emergency. Also, if you cancel your cruise vacation and do not qualify for cash reimbursement due to an unstable medical condition prior to purchase, you will have the benefit of cancel-for-any-reason protection from Princess.

Q:  If my pet becomes ill and I have to cancel my trip as a result, will Princess Vacation Protection reimburse me? A:  Although you would not qualify for cash reimbursement, as an added feature for purchasing Princess Vacation Protection, Princess will provide a credit toward a future cruise equal to 75% of the cancellation fees imposed (100% if Platinum Vacation Protection is purchased) if you choose to cancel for an ineligible reason. This benefit is provided by Princess Cruises and/or Princess Tours.

The University of Chicago The Law School

Abrams environmental law clinic—significant achievements for 2023-24, protecting our great lakes, rivers, and shorelines.

The Abrams Clinic represents Friends of the Chicago River and the Sierra Club in their efforts to hold Trump Tower in downtown Chicago accountable for withdrawing water illegally from the Chicago River. To cool the building, Trump Tower draws water at high volumes, similar to industrial factories or power plants, but Trump Tower operated for more than a decade without ever conducting the legally required studies to determine the impact of those operations on aquatic life or without installing sufficient equipment to protect aquatic life consistent with federal regulations. After the Clinic sent a notice of intent to sue Trump Tower, the State of Illinois filed its own case in the summer of 2018, and the Clinic moved successfully to intervene in that case. In 2023-24, motions practice and discovery continued. Working with co-counsel at Northwestern University’s Pritzker Law School’s Environmental Advocacy Center, the Clinic moved to amend its complaint to include Trump Tower’s systematic underreporting each month of the volume of water that it intakes from and discharges to the Chicago River. The Clinic and co-counsel addressed Trump Tower’s motion to dismiss some of our clients’ claims, and we filed a motion for summary judgment on our claim that Trump Tower has committed a public nuisance. We also worked closely with our expert, Dr. Peter Henderson, on a supplemental disclosure and on defending an additional deposition of him. In summer 2024, the Clinic is defending its motion for summary judgment and challenging Trump Tower’s own motion for summary judgment. The Clinic is also preparing for trial, which could take place as early as fall 2024.

Since 2016, the Abrams Clinic has worked with the Chicago chapter of the Surfrider Foundation to protect water quality along the Lake Michigan shoreline in northwest Indiana, where its members surf. In April 2017, the U. S. Steel plant in Portage, Indiana, spilled approximately 300 pounds of hexavalent chromium into Lake Michigan. In January 2018, the Abrams Clinic filed a suit on behalf of Surfrider against U. S. Steel, alleging multiple violations of U. S. Steel’s discharge permits; the City of Chicago filed suit shortly after. When the US government and the State of Indiana filed their own, separate case, the Clinic filed extensive comments on the proposed consent decree. In August 2021, the court entered a revised consent decree which included provisions advocated for by Surfrider and the City of Chicago, namely a water sampling project that alerts beachgoers as to Lake Michigan’s water quality conditions, better notifications in case of future spills, and improvements to U. S. Steel’s operations and maintenance plans. In the 2023-24 academic year, the Clinic successfully litigated its claims for attorneys’ fees as a substantially prevailing party. Significantly, the court’s order adopted the “Fitzpatrick matrix,” used by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia to determine appropriate hourly rates for civil litigants, endorsed Chicago legal market rates as the appropriate rates for complex environmental litigation in Northwest Indiana, and allowed for partially reconstructed time records. The Clinic’s work, which has received significant media attention, helped to spawn other litigation to address pollution by other industrial facilities in Northwest Indiana and other enforcement against U. S. Steel by the State of Indiana.

In Winter Quarter 2024, Clinic students worked closely with Dr. John Ikerd, an agricultural economist and emeritus professor at the University of Missouri, to file an amicus brief in Food & Water Watch v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency . In that case pending before the Ninth Circuit, Food & Water Watch argues that US EPA is illegally allowing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, more commonly known as factory farms, to pollute waterways significantly more than is allowable under the Clean Water Act. In the brief for Dr. Ikerd and co-amici Austin Frerick, Crawford Stewardship Project, Family Farm Defenders, Farm Aid, Missouri Rural Crisis Center, National Family Farm Coalition, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and Western Organization of Resource Councils, we argued that EPA’s refusal to regulate CAFOs effectively is an unwarranted application of “agricultural exceptionalism” to industrial agriculture and that EPA effectively distorts the animal production market by allowing CAFOs to externalize their pollution costs and diminishing the ability of family farms to compete. Attorneys for the litigants will argue the case in September 2024.

Energy and Climate

Energy justice.

The Abrams Clinic supported grassroots organizations advocating for energy justice in low-income communities and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in Michigan. With the Clinic’s representation, these organizations intervened in cases before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), which regulates investor-owned utilities. Students conducted discovery, drafted written testimony, cross-examined utility executives, participated in settlement discussions, and filed briefs for these projects. The Clinic’s representation has elevated the concerns of these community organizations and forced both the utilities and regulators to consider issues of equity to an unprecedented degree. This year, on behalf of Soulardarity (Highland Park, MI), We Want Green, Too (Detroit, MI), and Urban Core Collective (Grand Rapids, MI), Clinic students engaged in eight contested cases before the MPSC against DTE Electric, DTE Gas, and Consumers Energy, as well as provided support for our clients’ advocacy in other non-contested MPSC proceedings.

The Clinic started this past fall with wins in three cases. First, the Clinic’s clients settled with DTE Electric in its Integrated Resource Plan case. The settlement included an agreement to close the second dirtiest coal power plant in Michigan three years early, $30 million from DTE’s shareholders to assist low-income customers in paying their bills, and $8 million from DTE’s shareholders toward a community fund that assists low-income customers with installing energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy, and battery technology. Second, in DTE Electric’s 2023 request for a rate hike (a “rate case”), the Commission required DTE Electric to develop a more robust environmental justice analysis and rejected the Company’s second attempt to waive consumer protections through a proposed electric utility prepayment program with a questionable history of success during its pilot run. The final Commission order and the administrative law judge’s proposal for final decision cited the Clinic’s testimony and briefs. Third, in Consumers Electric’s 2023 rate case, the Commission rejected the Company’s request for a higher ratepayer-funded return on its investments and required the Company to create a process that will enable intervenors to obtain accurate GIS data. The Clinic intends to use this data to map the disparate impact of infrastructure investment in low-income and BIPOC communities.

In the winter, the Clinic filed public comments regarding DTE Electric and Consumers Energy’s “distribution grid plans” (DGP) as well as supported interventions in two additional cases: Consumers Energy’s voluntary green pricing (VGP) case and the Clinic’s first case against the gas utility DTE Gas. Beginning with the DGP comments, the Clinic first addressed Consumers’s 2023 Electric Distribution Infrastructure Investment Plan (EDIIP), which detailed current distribution system health and the utility’s approximately $7 billion capital project planning ($2 billion of which went unaccounted for in the EDIIP) over 2023–2028. The Clinic then commented on DTE Electric’s 2023 DGP, which outlined the utility’s opaque project prioritization and planned more than $9 billion in capital investments and associated maintenance over 2024–2028. The comments targeted four areas of deficiencies in both the EDIIP and DGP: (1) inadequate consideration of distributed energy resources (DERs) as providing grid reliability, resiliency, and energy transition benefits; (2) flawed environmental justice analysis, particularly with respect to the collection of performance metrics and the narrow implementation of the Michigan Environmental Justice Screen Tool; (3) inequitable investment patterns across census tracts, with emphasis on DTE Electric’s skewed prioritization for retaining its old circuits rather than upgrading those circuits; and (4) failing to engage with community feedback.

For the VGP case against Consumers, the Clinic supported the filing of both an initial brief and reply brief requesting that the Commission reject the Company’s flawed proposal for a “community solar” program. In a prior case, the Clinic advocated for the development of a community solar program that would provide low-income, BIPOC communities with access to clean energy. As a result of our efforts, the Commission approved a settlement agreement requiring the Company “to evaluate and provide a strawman recommendation on community solar in its Voluntary Green Pricing Program.” However, the Company’s subsequent proposal in its VGP case violated the Commission’s order because it (1) was not consistent with the applicable law, MCL 460.1061; (2) was not a true community solar program; (3) lacked essential details; (4) failed to compensate subscribers sufficiently; (5) included overpriced and inflexible subscriptions; (6) excessively limited capacity; and (7) failed to provide a clear pathway for certain participants to transition into other VGP programs. For these reasons, the Clinic argued that the Commission should reject the Company’s proposal.

In DTE Gas’s current rate case, the Clinic worked with four witnesses to develop testimony that would rebut DTE Gas’s request for a rate hike on its customers. The testimony advocated for a pathway to a just energy transition that avoids dumping the costs of stranded gas assets on the low-income and BIPOC communities that are likely to be the last to electrify. Instead, the testimony proposed that the gas and electric utilities undertake integrated planning that would prioritize electric infrastructure over gas infrastructure investment to ensure that DTE Gas does not over-invest in gas infrastructure that will be rendered obsolete in the coming decades. The Clinic also worked with one expert witness to develop an analysis of DTE Gas’s unaffordable bills and inequitable shutoff, deposit, and collections practices. Lastly, the Clinic offered testimony on behalf of and from community members who would be directly impacted by the Company’s rate hike and lack of affordable and quality service. Clinic students have spent the summer drafting an approximately one-hundred-page brief making these arguments formally. We expect the Commission’s decision this fall.

Finally, both DTE Electric and Consumers Energy have filed additional requests for rate increases after the conclusion of their respective rate cases filed in 2023. On behalf of our Clients, the Clinic has intervened in these cases, and clinic students have already reviewed thousands of pages of documents and started to develop arguments and strategies to protect low-income and BIPOC communities from the utility’s ceaseless efforts to increase the cost of energy.

Corporate Climate Greenwashing

The Abrams Environmental Law Clinic worked with a leading international nonprofit dedicated to using the law to protect the environment to research corporate climate greenwashing, focusing on consumer protection, green financing, and securities liability. Clinic students spent the year examining an innovative state law, drafted a fifty-page guide to the statute and relevant cases, and examined how the law would apply to a variety of potential cases. Students then presented their findings in a case study and oral presentation to members of ClientEarth, including the organization’s North American head and members of its European team. The project helped identify the strengths and weaknesses of potential new strategies for increasing corporate accountability in the fight against climate change.

Land Contamination, Lead, and Hazardous Waste

The Abrams Clinic continues to represent East Chicago, Indiana, residents who live or lived on or adjacent to the USS Lead Superfund site. This year, the Clinic worked closely with the East Chicago/Calumet Coalition Community Advisory Group (CAG) to advance the CAG’s advocacy beyond the Superfund site and the adjacent Dupont RCRA site. Through multiple forms of advocacy, the clinics challenged the poor performance and permit modification and renewal attempts of Tradebe Treatment and Recycling, LLC (Tradebe), a hazardous waste storage and recycling facility in the community. Clinic students sent letters to US EPA and Indiana Department of Environmental Management officials about how IDEM has failed to assess meaningful penalties against Tradebe for repeated violations of the law and how IDEM has allowed Tradebe to continue to threaten public and worker health and safety by not improving its operations. Students also drafted substantial comments for the CAG on the US EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule improvements, the Suppliers’ Park proposed cleanup, and Sims Metal’s proposed air permit revisions. The Clinic has also continued working with the CAG, environmental experts, and regulators since US EPA awarded $200,000 to the CAG for community air monitoring. The Clinic and its clients also joined comments drafted by other environmental organizations about poor operations and loose regulatory oversight of several industrial facilities in the area.

Endangered Species

The Abrams Clinic represented the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Hoosier Environmental Council (HEC) in litigation regarding the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) failure to list the Kirtland’s snake as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The Kirtland’s snake is a small, secretive, non-venomous snake historically located across the Midwest and the Ohio River Valley. Development and climate change have undermined large portions of the snake’s habitat, and populations are declining. Accordingly, the Clinic sued the Service in the US District Court for the District of Columbia last summer over the Service’s denial of CBD’s request to have the Kirtland’s snake protected. This spring, the Clinic was able to reach a settlement with the Service that requires the Service to reconsider its listing decision for the Kirtland’s snake and to pay attorney fees.

The Clinic also represented CBD in preparation for litigation regarding the Service’s failure to list another species as threatened or endangered. Threats from land development and climate change have devastated this species as well, and the species has already been extirpated from two of the sixteen US states in its range. As such, the Clinic worked this winter and spring to prepare a notice of intent (NOI) to sue the Service. The Team poured over hundreds of FOIA documents and dug into the Service’s supporting documentation to create strong arguments against the Service in the imminent litigation. The Clinic will send the NOI and file a complaint in the next few months.

Students and Faculty

Twenty-four law school students from the classes of 2024 and 2025 participated in the Clinic, performing complex legal research, reviewing documents obtained through discovery, drafting legal research memos and briefs, conferring with clients, conducting cross-examination, participating in settlement conferences, and arguing motions. Students secured nine clerkships, five were heading to private practice after graduation, and two are pursuing public interest work. Sam Heppell joined the Clinic from civil rights private practice, bringing the Clinic to its full complement of three attorneys.