Refund Policy
Transparent and straightforward refund terms for your comfort
Overview
At GentleWavePress, we recognize that plans can change, and we are committed to providing clear and equitable refund policies. This document details the conditions by which refunds are granted for our yacht charter services.
It is important to review this policy thoroughly prior to making a reservation. When you book a charter with GentleWavePress, you are consenting to these specified refund conditions.
Typical Cancellation and Refund Timetable
More than 72 Hours Before Charter
Qualified for: Entire refund excluding service charges
Duration of Processing: 5-7 business days
Service Charge: €50 for credit card transactions
Requirements: Must be requested formally through email or telephone
24-72 Hours Before Charter
Qualified for: Half of the total charter expense
Duration of Processing: 7-10 working days
Service Charge: €25 subtracted from the refund amount
Requirements: A valid reason is needed; administrative fees apply
Less than 24 Hours Before Charter
Qualified for: Refunds are not available
Exception: Life emergencies may be taken into account
Alternative Choice: Charter credit might be proposed at the discretion of the management
Requirements: Necessary documentation for emergency claims
Refunds Due to Adverse Weather
Our Commitment to Safety
Customer safety is our utmost priority. In cases where weather conditions make it unsafe for charter operations as determined by our certified captain, we offer flexible alternatives:
- Full Refund: Issued if rescheduling proves unfeasible
- Alternative Date: Rebook your experience for another available date without additional charges
- Charter Credit: Attain a voucher valid for a year from the initial charter date
Procedure for Weather Assessment
We evaluate weather conditions based on the following criteria:
- Evaluation of wind force and trajectory
- Tidal movements and oceanic conditions
- Predictions of visibility and rainfall
- Advisories and warnings from the Coast Guard
- Assessment of safety by the professional captain
Timing for Decision: Determinations regarding weather-related cancellations are made at the latest 4 hours prior to the planned departure time.
Reimbursements for Medical Emergencies
Situations of Urgency
We are empathetic towards sudden medical events. The instances below might warrant exceptional consideration:
- Unanticipated medical issues or injuries necessitating hospital care
- Passing away of a close relative
- Compulsory military duty or urgent recalls
- Legal obligations such as jury service or subpoenas
- Natural calamities affecting transportation
Necessary Documentation
To manage requests for emergency refunds, the following proof will be required:
- Medical attestation or hospital records
- Death certification (if relevant)
- Verified military orders
- Legal summons or notice for jury duty
- Official emergency notifications or travel advisories
Processing Time: Reimbursements for emergencies are processed within 3-5 business days upon submission of correct proof.
Cancellations Due to Operational Reasons
Technical Difficulties
If the yacht assigned to you encounters functional problems that remain unresolved:
- Replacement Yacht: We will endeavor to arrange a similar alternate yacht
- Complete Refund: Offered if no adequate substitute is available
- Partial Reimbursement: Given if the alternate yacht has a distinct pricing
- Compensation: Additional reparation may be provided for the trouble caused
Issues with Crew Availability
On rare occasions when certified crew is not available:
- Replacement crew will be organized if feasible
- Entire refund if the charter cannot proceed
- Opportunity to reschedule without extra cost
Method for Refund Processing
Original Payment Methods
Refunds will be made through the same mode of payment initially used for the booking:
- Credit Cards: Turnaround time of 5-7 working days
- Bank Transactions: Turnaround time of 7-10 working days
- Cash/Cheque: Turnaround time of 3-5 working days
Applicable Fees
Credit Card Operations
€50 fee for cancellation requests made over 72 hours prior
Processing for Bank Transfers
€25 fee applied to all bank transfer refunds
Handling for International Transactions
Supplementary charges may be incurred for international operations
Issuance of Charter Credits
Scenarios for Credit Issuance
Under certain circumstances, charter credits may be offered in lieu of refunds:
- Last-minute cancellations (under 24 hours prior)
- Cancellations due to weather conditions
- Customer requests to reschedule voluntarily
- Unforeseen operational interruptions
Credit Stipulations
- Validity Period: 12 months from the date of issuance
- Non-transferability: Credits cannot be transferred to others
- Monetary Value: The full value of the charter (excluding service charges)
- Utilization: Applicable towards any future available charter
- Expiry Conditions: No extensions beyond the 12-month period
Repayments for Partial Services
Service Disruptions
If your charter is interrupted or curtailed due to controllable factors:
- Apportioned refund reflecting the unutilized duration
- Voucher for a subsequent charter of matching value
- Complimentary offers or upgrades
Disruptions Caused by Guests
Should a charter be prematurely concluded because of guest behavior or safety infractions:
- No reimbursement for the remainder of the time
- Complete payment is still mandate
- Possible additional charges may be applied
Settling Disputes
If there is discontent with the outcome of a refund, options include:
- A appeal to our management for reconsideration
- Supplying extra proof or documentation
- Seeking intervention from consumer advocacy groups
- Resorting to legal avenues pursuant to prevailing laws
Guidelines for Refund Applications
Step 1: Get in Touch
Your request for a refund should be communicated through:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +49 40 9999 9999
- Direct discussion at our marina facility
Step 2: Provide Necessary Details
Your refund application should include:
- Confirmation code of your booking
- Details of the charter including date and time
- Justification for cancellation
- Relevant backing documents (if applicable)
- Your chosen method for refund
Step 3: Examination and Completion
We will acknowledge your submission within a day, evaluate it in accordance with this policy, arrive at a decision within two days, and if approved, carry out the refund as per the outlined processing times.
Critical Points to Note
- All calls for refund must be laid out in writing
- Refunds are processed in € even if a different currency was used initially
- Obtaining travel insurance is highly recommended
- Policy terms may be revised given 30 days of notice
- Refunds are subject to relevant taxes and legal provisions
Reaching Out for Assistance
For inquiries regarding refunds or to lodge a request for a refund:
Department of Refunds
GentleWavePress Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point
Hamburg 20459
Germany
Phone: +49 40 9999 9999
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM