Match Break: MSC Cruise and Australia v Wales 

All   5 stars   4 stars   3 stars and below Prices listed are PER PERSON and in Australian Dollars.

Hotel		Twin	Triple	Single	Quad
10 Night MSC Cruise and Australia v Wales Package Balcony Fantastica Stateroom and Hôtel ParkSaône by Arteloge	Package	4,469	-	7,667	-
	Extra Night*	-	-	-	-
10 Night MSC Cruise and Australia v Wales Package Suite Fantastica with Private Sundeck and Hôtel ParkSaône by Arteloge	Package	4,899	-	8,527	-
	Extra Night*	-	-	-	-
10 Night MSC Cruise and Australia v Wales Package Yacht Club Deluxe Suite and Hôtel ParkSaône by Arteloge	Package	6,469	-	11,667	-
	Extra Night*	-	-	-	-

Rugby World Cup France 2023 – Frequently Asked Questions

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EVENT FAQs:

Q. Is Sportsnet Holidays an Official Travel Agent for Rugby World Cup France 2023?

A. Yes, Sportsnet Holidays (Sportsnet) has been appointed as an “Official Travel Agent” (OTA) for Rugby World Cup France 2023 by Groupe Couleur (Couleur). Couleur has been appointed by Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) to manage and implement the Official Travel and Official Hospitality Programmes for Rugby World Cup France 2023.

Q. Who can Sportsnet Holidays market and sell packages to?

A. Sportsnet has been appointed to market, sell and distribute Official Travel packages for the entire tournament that cater for the varying requirements of the Rugby supporter.

Sportsnet is entitled to market, sell and distribute Official Travel packages to customers located in its Defined Territory (being Australia) as well as anywhere in the Rest of the World excluding other Defined Territories. (See EVENT, What is a Defined Territory?)

A customer must have a billing address which is their permanent and primary residential address in the Territory.

Q. What is a Defined Territory?

A. There are 14 Defined Territories including Australia, Argentina, China (including Hong Kong), Fiji, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain and the United Kingdom (England, Wales & Scotland). Rest of the World means worldwide excluding the 14 Defined Territories.

Q. What is the date of the event?

A. The six-week festival of Rugby featuring top players from all parts of the globe will kick-off on Friday 08 September 2023 at the iconic Stade de France, Paris where host nation France will meet New Zealand. The Final will be held at Stade de France, Paris on Saturday 28 October 2023.

Q. Where is the event being held?

A. The tournament’s 48 matches will be played across nine venues spread over France, providing visitors the perfect opportunity to combine great Rugby action on the field with an amazing culture and travel experience off it.

Q. What are the match kick-off times?
A. The nine Rugby World Cup France 2023 match venues and the daily match schedule were announced in February 2021. The development of this schedule has balanced the considerations of the teams and players, ticketing, match day travel considerations and global broadcast schedules to maximise the global audience for Rugby’s pinnacle event. The full Rugby World Cup France 2023 match schedule with kick-off times can be found at: www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/matches

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PACKAGES:

Q. When do Official Travel packages as part of the Official Travel Programme go on sale?

A. The Official Travel Programme sales can commence in March 2021. Clients who have paid Sportsnet a $50 fully refundable deposit will have first access to tickets and packages followed soon after by the general public.

Q. What types of packages do you offer?

A. We have packages to cater for all needs including the Rugby supporter and corporate incentive and reward market:

• Fully Escorted Tours
• River Cruise
• Match Breaks (tickets & accommodation)

Q. Will you offer accommodation and tickets for matches not part of your Escorted Tours or Match Breaks?
A. No, Sportsnet does not offer tickets for matches of Rugby World Cup 2023 that are not part of our Escorted Tours or Match Breaks.

Q. Am I allowed to remove any of the inclusions from your packages?

A. This depends on which package you purchase. No element of an Escorted Tour can be removed except the international flights, airport transfers and/or all tickets should one of your party not wish to attend any of the matches included in the tour. Match Break packages require a minimum accommodation and tickets however all other package inclusions can be removed which may provide a small saving.

Q. Do your Escorted Tours require minimum numbers to proceed?

A. Yes, all Escorted Tours offered by Sportsnet for Rugby World Cup 2023 require a minimum 30 passengers to proceed. A tour may be cancelled if the number of travellers is less than the minimum number of travellers required. A full refund or transfer to another guaranteed escorted tour and/or package will be available.

Q. Where will the Match Preview Function and Finals Gala Dinner be held?

A. Venues have not yet been decided at this stage and will be advised closer to the event. You can expect them all to be central and an experience you’ll never forget.

Q. Are there any restrictions to how many tickets I am allowed to purchase per match?

A. The number of tickets per match can only be equal to or less than the number of passengers who have booked flights and/or accommodation with Sportsnet in any one booking.

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TICKETS:

Q. Can we purchase tickets only from you?

A. Under contract with Groupe Couleur, we cannot sell Rugby World Cup 2023 tickets on their own. (See PACKAGES, What types of packages will you be offering?)

Q. What standard of tickets do you offer?

A. As part of the Official Travel Programme, Sportsnet has confirmed allotments and access to Category 1, 2, 3 and 4 tickets for all matches throughout the entire tournament.

Q. Do you have access to Category 1 tickets?

A. See TICKETS, “What standard of tickets do you offer?”.

Q. Will the allocation of tickets for OTA’s be better than those available in the public ballot?

A. The allocation of tickets for OTA’s does sit above the allocation of tickets available through the public ballot, whatever the category. There is a stringent process in place which ensures this is the case. Once the Organising Committee have outlined their match ticket requirements for Media, VIPs and Sponsors, OTA’s will be given the next best seats available for both the Official Hospitality and Official Travel Programme, across each of the four categories and better than those available through the general public ballot.

Q. When will we know our exact seat numbers?

A. Although we have confirmed Category 1, 2, 3 and 4 tickets throughout the entire tournament, we will not know our exact seat numbers until closer to the event.

Q. How do you allocate tickets?

A. The best seats allocated to Sportsnet will be allocated to our customers in order of booking date so the earlier you put down a deposit the better!

Q. Can I request where I sit in the Category I book?

A. Yes, however please note exact seating areas and numbers are allocated to all OTA’s by Couleur and are outside our control. We will do our best to accommodate your requests based on the allocations provided and your booking date.

Q. Can I buy a package including accommodation without tickets?

A. Yes.

Q. Are there concession and children’s tickets available?

A. Concession and children’s tickets are not available to OTA’s for this event. There is also no ‘babies in arms’ policy for the Rugby World Cup 2023 in that any person, no matter their age, will require to purchase a ticket to enter a stadium on match day.

Q. Is there disabled access to the event?
A. Yes, however all requests for disabled seating will be subject to availability.

Q. Can I book different Categories of tickets within the same Escorted Tour?

A. Yes. The Ticket Upgrade Options provided under each Escorted Tour are based on upgrading every match ticket as part of that tour from Category 4 to Category 3, Category 2 or Category 1. Should you wish to only upgrade certain matches this is absolutely fine. You will need to speak to a Sportsnet consultant who can work out the price for you.

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HOSPITALITY:

Q. Can we purchase Official Hospitality from you?
A. TBA

Q. Are there concession and children’s tickets available for Official Hospitality?
A. Concession and children’s tickets are not available for Official Hospitality.

Q. Are there any age restrictions for Official Hospitality?
TBA

Q. Do the Groupe Couleur payment terms for Official Hospitality differ from the Sportsnet Official Travel Programme?
A. TBA

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ACCOMMODATION:

Q. Can I request a hotel which is not listed on the Sportsnet Holidays website?

A. Only hotels advertised on our website can be purchased unless you have group which requires 5 or more rooms at which point we will try and source your preferred option.

Q. Can I upgrade my room type?
A. Only if the upgrade is listed within our packages or you have a group which requires 5 or more rooms.

Q. Is there a minimum night stay for the package?

A. The minimum night stay will depend on what type of package you purchase. Escorted Tour nights cannot be reduced however on occasion, dependent on the hotel, we may be able to reduce the amount of nights as part of a Match Break. Please speak to your expert consultant for further details. Extra nights can be added to all packages including the start and conclusion of an Escorted Tour.

Q. Do you offer triple share options as part of your packages?

A. Unfortunately throughout France, most hotels do not offer or have very limited abilities to allow three or more people in a room. The majority of rooms on offer across all packages are either single (1 person, 1 bed), double (2x people, 1 bed) or twin (2 people, 2 beds). Triple rooms are able to be requested for Escorted Tour packages but are limited and not guaranteed.

Q. Am I allowed to change the check in and check out dates of your Match Breaks?

A. In most cases, we are committed to the dates of the packages however in some instances we may be able to offer flexibility dependent on the hotel allotment and hotel minimum stay requirement.

Q. I am travelling on my own and cannot afford the single price. Can I share with someone else to take advantage of the twin share price?
A. Yes, as part of our Escorted Tour range only, we are happy to pair you up with someone of the same gender if available. We will put you directly in touch with each other and from there you can make the decision whether you are suitable to share throughout the tour. For single travellers purchasing the twin share option, please note there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Sportsnet Holidays will make every effort to find a suitable share partner however this is not guaranteed. Should a suitable partner not be found, the single price will apply.

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TRANSFERS:

Q. Are transfers included from the airport to my hotel? If so, what type?

A. Return arrival and departure airport coach transfers are included in all Escorted Tours and River Cruise programs to and from the city where the first and last nights accommodation is located however please note these will depart at specific times and flights must be booked with Sportsnet.

Should you choose to change your flight arrival or departure dates or arrive or depart at a time that does not marry up with the scheduled escorted tour airport transfers, transfers will not be provided as part of your Escorted Tour package however can be purchased separately. Should you book your own flights to and from France, airport transfers will not be provided as part of your Escorted Tour package and cannot be purchased separately.

Q. Are transfers included to and from the Match Preview Function and The Finals Gala Dinner? If so, what type?
A. Yes, return coach transfers are included to and from any function as part of an Escorted Tour. Should you add one of our functions to a Match Break or purchase the “The Final” Match Break which includes the Finals Gala Dinner, you will be required to make your own way to and from the event.

Q. Are transfers included from my hotel to match days? If so, what type?

A. Yes, return coach transfers to match days are included as part of all Escorted Tours or River Cruise packages. Transfers are not included for any Match Breaks or Flight and Ticket packages. You will be required to make your own way to and from the stadiums.

Q. What happens if I miss my transfer?

A. You will be required to make your own way to and from your destination on that particular day at your own cost.

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FLIGHTS:

Q. Are flights and compulsory pre-paid airfare taxes included as part of your packages?
A. Yes, economy class flights ex Australia, have been included as part of our Escorted Tour range. 

Airfare prices & compulsory pre-paid airfare taxes quoted are an estimate only and are subject to change and availability as international airline tickets can only be booked and issued within 11 months of departure.

In the event airfares are not available at the price quoted at time of booking (approx. October, November or December 2022 dependent on your day of departure and return date to Australia) you will be offered the choice to pay the difference or consider an alternate airline. Exact airline, flight dates and times will be advised at this time. Please advise any preferences in advance.

Full airfare terms and conditions including baggage allowances will be available once flights have been selected 11 months prior to departure.

Q. Will I have the ability to book flights into and out of different French cities?
A. Yes, dependent on the city and airline. Paris, Lyon and Nice are the most popular.

Q. Can I upgrade my Escorted Tour flights to business class or first class?

A. Absolutely, business and first class airfare prices to and from France will be available approximately 11 months prior to departure in October, November, or December 2022 dependent on your day of departure and return date to Australia.

Q. I don’t wish to fly the airlines you advertise. Will you book me on an alternate airline?
A. Yes, please advise your preferred airline, cabin class, dates and cities at time of booking your package and this will be organised approximately 11 months prior to your departure from Australia.

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MERCHANDISE:

Q. Am I allowed to choose an alternative team to the Wallabies for the Official Rugby World Cup 2023 Cap included as part of my package?
A. Yes, you can choose a cap from the following countries: New Zealand, England, Ireland or South Africa. If you do not support any of the listed teams, you can elect to have a RWC2023 Tournament cap included in your package.

Q. What is the Official Event Ear Piece Radio?
A. The Ear Piece Radio provides the spectator the opportunity to listen to the “Referees” or “Local Broadcast” throughout the match.

Q. Can I remove any of the merchandise from my package and will it save me money?

A. You can remove any of the merchandise options from your package excluding the Escorted Tours or River Cruise. Please note that as we are buying at wholesale prices, the saving will be minimal.

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BOOKINGS:

Q. What details do you require to make a booking?
A. All clients are required to complete a Booking Form and pay a 25% deposit to secure your place.

We are required by Couleur to gather the following information for every person who has purchased a ticket to Rugby World Cup 2023.

1. Your name as per your passport
2. Your passport nationality and number
3. Your residential address

Q. What are the payment terms for the Official Travel Programme?

A. Payment terms are on a staged payment basis however please note, should you purchase Official Hospitality a different staged payment plan applies.

Prior to 1 November 2022

• 25% due within 7 days of booking
• 25% due 1 November 2022
• Final payment due 1 March 2023

From 1 November 2022 but prior to 1 March 2023

• 50% due within 7 days of booking
• Final payment due 1 March 2023

From 2 March 2023

• Full payment due at time of booking

Q. Can you accept one payment on behalf of a group?

A. Yes, we can take one payment on behalf of a group if you are a member of Rugby Club, school group, corporate incentive group, etc.

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SPECIAL OFFERS & DISCOUNTS:

Q. Do you have any Special Offers & Discounts I can take advantage of?
A. Absolutely we do! Special Offers & Discounts are detailed below.

Book a group of 10 or more and receive a 5% discount*

• Book a group of 10 or more and receive a 5% discount.
• Ticket-inclusive travel packages must be purchased between 21/4/21 and 29/9/21 or while stock last.
• Groups of 10 or more can be formed after initial patrons have booked ticket-inclusive travel packages and the group booking discount will be taken off the final payments.
• Payment is not required in full.
• Excludes flights and compulsory pre-paid airfare taxes.
• Promotion may end without notice.

Official RWC 2023 Limited Edition Rugby World Cup 2023 Ball Giveaway

• Strictly while stocks last – there are only 100 limited edition balls available.
• Each booking must be paid in full using Mastercard as the payment method.
• Strictly one ball per person per booking.
• Offer valid for new bookings made that have been paid in full before June 30, 2021.
• Limited Edition RWC 2023 Ball will be delivered prior to August 31st, 2021.
• Promotion may end without notice.
• Official RWC 2023 Limited Edition Rugby World Cup 2023 Ball Giveaway is run by Sportsnet® Holidays with the support of Mastercard, an Official World Wide Partner of Rugby World Cup France 2023.

Offers may be used in conjunction with one another.

*Special Offers and Discounts to do not apply to Flight and Ticket package.

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PRIZES IN A PROMOTION:

Q. Can we use your packages as a Prize in a Promotion?

A. Under no circumstance and without exception can a Sportsnet Rugby World Cup 2023 package be used as a Prize in a Promotion.

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TRAVEL INSURANCE:

Q. Do I require travel insurance and is it compulsory?

A. Travel insurance is compulsory on all Escorted Tours & River Cruises. Sportsnet Holidays highly recommends travel insurance to be purchased at time of booking to cover against loss of deposit and full payment through cancellation, overseas medical, hospital and emergency expenses, dental, loss of luggage and personal items, accidental death, your legal liability, etc. Should you choose not to purchase travel insurance through Sportsnet, proof of policy in writing will be required prior to departure for all Escorted Tour and River Cruise clients. Once you have purchased your travel insurance, you are covered from that day to date of departure against cancellation (see policy for exact details) at no extra cost. Plus once the travel insurance is issued, you are safe from any travel insurance price increases between now and Rugby World Cup France 2023. Please speak to one of our expert consultants to help you choose the best travel insurance option for you.

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PASSPORT & VISAS:

Q. Do I require a valid passport and visa?
A. For the latest passport and visa requirements please visit www.smartraveller.gov.au

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TRAVEL AGENTS:

Q. Can travel agents and third parties purchase your packages?
A. No, as part of our contract, all OTA’s worldwide cannot sell travel packages including tickets via any travel agent/third party and must deal directly with the consumer. The only exception is when a travel agent is appointed as an Official Sub-Agent of an OTA.

Q. Does Sportsnet pay travel agent commission for a referral?

A. If a travel agent provides Sportsnet with a lead before (not after) a client has contacted Sportsnet direct, their booking will be recognised as a referral and a 5% commission will apply on land only once the booking is paid in full. Please note if a referral does qualify for a Special Offer & Discount, referral commission will still apply. Travel agents will have to invoice Sportsnet for the commission at which point our accounts department will directly deposit the commission into your nominated account.

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DOCUMENTATION:

Q. When will documentation including tickets be available?

A. At this stage, we have not been advised by Couleur and RWCL when tickets will be available for distribution. We expect this will occur much closer to the event in 2023.

Q. Is shipping my documents when available for dispatch included?

A. For residents of Australia, shipping is included as part of your package price. If you live internationally outside of Australia (excluding other Defined Territories) shipping is not included and will be at an extra cost dependent on where you reside and the size/weight of the parcel.

Q. Can my documents be made available upon arrival at my hotel in France?
A. No. (See DOCUMENTATION, Is shipping my documents when available for dispatch included?)

Q. Does Sportsnet or the Groupe Couleur dispatch documentation for Official Hospitality?

A. TBA

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DESTINATION:

Q. Can I extend my trip beyond the event dates?

A. It absolutely is possible to extend your trip beyond the event date. Please speak to one of our expert consultants to help you plan your trip!

Q. What language is predominantly spoken?
A. French

Q. What is the weather generally like at the time of the event?

A. The event is held in Autumn, and weather can be unpredictable but is generally mild, with a temperature that ranges however rain quite common. We suggest to pack clothes that cater for varying temperatures, layered clothing is the best way to go.

Q. Do I need to take specific medical precautions?

A. We highly recommended you contact your local doctor prior to travel. Please also check the following website for any specific medical precautions: www.tmvc.com.au

Q. What currency do I use?

A. The currency used across France is the Euro (EUR). To find out the latest currency conversion rates please visit – www.xe.com/currencyconverter

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MSC CRUISES:

Q. How does embarkation work?

A. Embarkation commences at the time indicated on your cruise e-ticket. Check-in closes two and half hours before the ship is due to depart. MSC Yacht Club guests will find an exclusive check-in area, will be assisted with their luggage and escorted to the dedicated line for priority embarkation and onboard check-in after clearing security and immigration. Upon Embarkation: All passengers should proceed as follows (in order specified):
a) Deliver luggage at the designated area of the port with baggage labels affixed and they will be delivered directly to your cabin. Scanned baggage labels are provided with your e-documentation before you leave Australia/New Zealand.
b) At the check-in area, present your e-cruise documents, web check-in receipt and all personal travel documents required including valid passports for all travellers.
c) After document check, passengers proceed through immigration and security checks and embark the ship. Proceed to your cabin where your Cruise Card for all passengers in the cabin can be found. The Cruise Card is a magnetic card used for access to your cabin and for onboard payment of food and beverages (not included in your cruise fare), excursions, laundry, in-cabin purchases, spa, beauty centre, hairdresser, duty free, shops, photographer and service charges to a central account. To activate the Cruise Card and register your form of preferred payment, make your way to the Cruise Activation Points/Totems located throughout the ship where you are able to register your Cruise Card against your credit or debit card up to 24 hours after embarkation. A daily onboard credit amount will be held in suspense to cover expenses against your credit card, this will not be released until the night prior to departure of your cruise. A cash deposit of EUR150 per person can be arranged with the Customer Service or the Reception desk. Personal cheques are not accepted. Should the onboard expenses exceed the Card amount, a top up will be required for the Cruise Card. At the end of the cruise if the deposit is more than the purchases made, the balance will be refunded to the passenger.

Q. What are the payment methods on board?

A. All on board purchases are made with your personal cruise card, eliminating the need to carry cash or credit cards on board. To activate the Cruise Card, guests must either register their credit or debit card at the check-in or onboard at the Cruise Card Activation Points (only available on certain ships), or by leaving a cash deposit at the Reception desk or Guest Services immediately after embarkation.

Q. Which credit cards are accepted?
A. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, and Diners Club. Please be aware your credit card will be pre-authorised with a daily Euro amount. The release of these funds may take up to 31 days after disembarkation by your bank.

Q. What is the currency onboard?
A. For cruises in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Arabian Peninsula, Cuba and West Indies, the onboard currency is Euro.

Q. What documents are required?

A. Each guest is responsible for acquiring and presenting all travel documents necessary for boarding the ship in their respective country of embarkation including a valid passport and any visas required for the cruise itinerary. Please note that each guest is also responsible for securing any necessary visas and immunizations.

Q. How many pieces of luggage can I take on board?

A. Two pieces of luggage per person is the accepted limit, however, please check your cruise ticket for more information.

Q. What should I wear onboard?

A. Lightweight, loose clothing, sunscreen and head covering are ideal for daytime. For informal evenings, MSC recommends casual dresses for women and a lightweight jacket for men. For formal evenings, gala dinners or Captain’s cocktail parties, a cocktail dress for the ladies and lightweight or dark suit or dinner jacket for the men is recommended. There are usually at least 2-3 gala or formal evenings per cruise. Throughout the cruise (day or night) there maybe theme parties, including 60s, floral, white or Italian parties. Dressing in theme is NOT compulsory. Please note there are no shops onboard to purchase, make or hire theme costumes or dinner suits. The dress of the day is published in the Daily Programme.

Q. What medical services are available on board?

A. All MSC cruise ships have a well-equipped Medical Centre, supervised by the ship’s doctor and other medical personnel. The Medical Centre is open at the times advertised in the ship’s Daily Programme. Emergency services are available round the clock by calling the Medical Emergency number.

Q. Is smoking allowed onboard?

A. In line with global standards, smoking areas on board are fewer than non-smoking areas and are indicated by signage and ashtrays. Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not permitted in cabins, on cabin balconies and anywhere not expressly indicated by signage and ashtrays.

Q. What is the voltage onboard?

A. Electricity on board all ships are supplied at a voltage of 110V/220V 60 cycles AC in the cabins. International adaptors including European/Asia/Japan and USA plugs are recommended to be taken with you as only a limited supply is available from the Information Office. Please note: Heat-generating devices including irons & hair irons, electric kettles, bottle warmers, electric blankets etc. are not allowed onboard.