Refund Policy
Transparent and equitable refund terms for assured client satisfaction
Overview
At UniversalCommonsWay, we recognize that plans may alter, and our aim is to maintain transparent and equitable refund practices. This document details the criteria for issuing refunds for yacht rental services.
Familiarize yourself with this refund policy prior to confirming a reservation. By securing a yacht rental with UniversalCommonsWay, you are confirming your consent to this refund policy.
Standard Cancellation and Refund Framework
More than 72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Complete refund less administrative charges
Processing Duration: 5-7 business days
Administrative Fee: €50 for credit card transactions
Requirements: Must be formally requested through written correspondence or via telephone
24-72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Half of the total yacht rental fee
Processing Duration: 7-10 business days
Administrative Fee: €25 subtracted from the refund total
Requirements: Cancellations must be justified; handling fees applicable
Less than 24 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Refunds are not available
Exception: Critical circumstances may be considered
Option: Yacht rental credit may be provided subject to management's discretion
Requirements: Emergency situations require proof with appropriate documentation
Cancellations Due to Weather Factors
Our Commitment to Safety
Your safety is paramount. If the captain, after careful evaluation, concludes that weather conditions are too dangerous for sailing, we offer various alternatives:
- Complete Refund: Fully refunded if another booking date is not available
- Rescheduling: Change your yacht rental to an alternate available date free of charge
- Rental Credit: A voucher valid for one year from the original booking date
Procedures for Evaluating Weather Conditions
The process for weather assessment includes:
- Evaluating wind patterns and strength
- Assessing the height and conditions of sea waves
- Checking visibility and precipitation levels
- Reading Coast Guard notices and warnings
- Taking into account the safety evaluation from a professional captain
Decision Timeframe: Weather-related decisions to cancel are made up to 4 hours in advance of the set sailing time.
Providing Refunds for Medical Emergencies
Circumstances of Emergency
We acknowledge that sudden medical issues can arise. The following conditions might qualify you for an exemption:
- An unexpected illness or injury necessitating hospital care
- A death within the immediate family circle
- Urgent military deployments or recalls
- Being summoned for jury duty or a court order
- Natural disasters impacting travel plans
Requirements for Documentation
Emergency refund claims require the following documents:
- An official statement from a medical institution or health certificate
- A death certificate when relevant
- Military command documentation of orders
- Official subpoena or jury summons
- Government travel warnings or declarations of emergency
Processing: Requests for refunds relating to emergencies are processed within 3-5 business days upon receiving the necessary documents.
Cancellations Due to Operational Issues
Technical Malfunctions
If the vessel assigned is hindered by mechanical failures that cannot be promptly resolved:
- Substitute Vessel: Efforts will be made to provide an equivalent alternative
- Complete Refund: In cases where no comparable vessel is available
- Partial Refund: If the substitute vessel has different pricing
- Reimbursement: We might offer further compensation for the trouble caused
Unavailability of the Crew
In the uncommon event that the certified crew is not available:
- Efforts will be made to arrange an alternate crew
- Full refund should the charter be unable to proceed
- Rescheduling of the charter at no additional fee
Procedures for Refund Handling
Original Method of Payment
Refunds will be returned via the original method used at the time of booking:
- Credit Cards: 5-7 business days
- Bank Transfers: 7-10 business days
- Cash or Cheque: 3-5 business days
Administrative Fees
Credit Card Expenses
€50 fee for reservations cancelled beyond 72 hours prior to charter
Bank Transfer Costs
€25 fee for all banking transfer reimbursements
International Transactions
Extra charges may be levied for foreign transactions
Charter Credits
Occasions for Issuing Credits
Under certain conditions, rental credits might be given instead of refunds:
- Reservations cancelled shortly before the charter (less than 24 hours)
- Cancellations on account of weather disruptions
- Voluntary requests to defer the booking
- Interruptions in operations
Terms for Credits
- Duration of Validity: 12 months from the date of issuance
- Transferability: Credits cannot be transferred to others
- Monetary Value: Corresponds to the full value of the charter without any administrative fees
- Utilization: Valid towards any charter available up for booking
- Extending the Credit: Credits must be used within the 12-month timeframe with no extensions
Refunds for Partial Services
Disturbances During the Service
For charters interrupted or curtailed due to circumstances within our direct control:
- Refund divided according to the unused service duration
- Credit for a future charter of equivalent financial value
- Additional compensatory services or benefits
Disruptions Caused by Guests
If a charter ends prematurely due to guest misbehavior or infringement of safety regulations:
- No refund for the portion of the service not used
- Full payment remains obligatory
- Possible supplementary charges
Process for Settling Disputes
Should you contest a decision concerning a refund, you may:
- Seek a reevaluation from our executive team
- Submit further proof or documents
- Engage with consumer advocacy groups for resolution
- Resort to legal action consistent with applicable regulations
Guidelines for Requesting a Refund
Step 1: Initiate Contact
Commence your refund application through:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +49 40 1234 5678
- Directly at our main office
Step 2: Information Submission
Provide the following particulars in your refund request:
- Confirmation number for your booking
- Date and time of the yacht charter
- Causation for the cancellation
- Supporting evidence if applicable
- Desired method of refund
Step 3: Review and Execution
We will acknowledge receipt of your application within one day, appraise it in relation to the aforementioned policy, communicate a judgement within two days, and process approved reimbursements as per the declared timelines.
Significant Reminders
- All applications for refunds must be submitted in a written format
- Irrespective of your method of payment, refunds will be issued in €
- We strongly advise purchasing travel insurance
- This policy is subject to modification, with a notice period of 30 days
- Refunds adhere to relevant taxation and legislative requirements
Points of Contact
If you have questions about refunds or would like to make a refund request:
Department of Refunds
UniversalCommonsWay Marine Services Ltd.
Harbour Promenade
Hamburg 20359
Germany
Phone: +49 40 1234 5678
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM