Overview

At SparkThreadWave, we recognize that situations can alter, and we are committed to implementing transparent and just refund practices. This document delineates the stipulations under which yacht charter service refunds can be disbursed.

We advise that you review this policy thoroughly prior to booking your charter. By confirming a booking with SparkThreadWave, you affirm your acceptance of the terms of these refund stipulations.

Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule

More than 72 Hours Before Charter

100% Refund

Eligible for: Complete refund excluding service charges

Processing Time: 5-7 business days

Processing Fee: $50 for credit card payments

Conditions: Cancellation must be submitted via written communication

24-72 Hours Before Charter

50% Refund

Eligible for: Half of the entire charter expense

Processing Time: 7-10 business days

Processing Fee: $25 subtracted from the refund sum

Conditions: Justifiable reason required; administration costs incurred

Less than 24 Hours Before Charter

No Refund

Eligible for: Refunds are not provided

Exception: Consideration given to urgent scenarios

Alternative: An offer of charter credit might be made at the discretion of management

Conditions: Proof required for emergency-related claims

Weather-Related Cancellations

Our Weather Assurance

Your safety is our utmost priority. If our certified captain judges that the weather conditions aren't safe for voyaging, we offer several alternatives:

  • Complete Refund: If rescheduling isn't feasible, a full refund is issued
  • Reschedule: We facilitate the charter's transfer to another available slot with no additional charge
  • Charter Credit: We provide a voucher that's applicable for 12 months from the original booking

Weather Evaluation Procedure

Our method for evaluating weather conditions consists of:

  • Determination of wind speed and its bearing
  • Wave dynamics and marine conditions
  • Predictions of visibility and precipitation
  • Announcements and alerts from the Coast Guard
  • Appraisal of the situation by our professional captain for safety

Decision Timeline: Any cancellations due to weather are decided no later than 4 hours ahead of the departure time.

Medical Emergency Refunds

Emergent Events

We empathize with the unforeseen nature of medical crises. The circumstances outlined below may be eligible for exceptional consideration:

  • Sudden medical conditions or injury necessitating hospital care
  • Passing of a close family member
  • Enlistment in the military or abrupt recall
  • Obligatory jury service or judicial summons
  • Travel obstructions caused by environmental calamities

Proof Needed

To address requests for refunds due to emergencies, kindly supply:

  • A medical attestation or hospital paperwork
  • A death certificate when relevant
  • Orders from the armed forces
  • Notices from a court or jury service
  • Travel warnings or declarations of emergencies

Processing: Fiscal redress for emergencies is executed within 3-5 business days following the submission of the necessary testimony.

Operational Cancellations

Technical Difficulties

Should the allotted vessel encounter unresolvable mechanical issues:

  • Substitute Vessel: We aim to provide a vessel of similar standing
  • Complete Refund: In the absence of an appropriate substitute
  • Proportional Refund: If the alternate vessel is priced differently
  • Compensation: We might offer additional consideration for the inconvenience caused

Crew Inaccessibility

In exceptional situations where a qualified team is unavailable:

  • Efforts will be made to arrange an alternate crew
  • Full reimbursement is provided if the charter can't take place
  • Rescheduling is available free of extra charges

Refund Processing

Means of Reimbursement

The manner in which refunds are carried out corresponds with the original transaction method:

  • Credit Card Transactions: Take 5-7 business days
  • Electronic Fund Transfers: Require 7-10 business days
  • Cash or Check Transactions: Processed within 3-5 business days

Service Fees

Credit Card Transactions

A $50 fee for cancellations before the 72-hour mark

Processing Through Bank Transfer

There is a $25 fee associated with all refunds via bank transfer

International Transaction Processing

Extra fees can be applicable for international financial transactions

Charter Credits

Occasions for Credit Issuance

Credits towards charters may be given as a substitute for refunds under specific conditions:

  • Late cancellations (under 24 hours prior)
  • Charters abandoned due to weather
  • Requests for rescheduling on a voluntary basis
  • Interruptions in operation

Credit Guidelines

  • Validity: Good for 12 months post-issuance
  • Transferability: These are non-transferable to other individuals
  • Monetary Value: Equates to the comprehensive charter value excluding fees
  • Applicability: Redeemable on any accessible charter services
  • Expiration: Extensions are not granted beyond 12 months

Refunds for Partial Services

Disruptions in Service

If the duration of your charter is truncated due to circumstances within our jurisdiction:

  • Refunds are calculated on a pro-rata basis for the unused portion
  • Issuance of credit for a future charter equivalent in value
  • Complimentary services or possible upgrades

Interruptions Caused by Guests

In incidents where the charter is concluded prematurely due to actions by guests or regulatory infractions:

  • No reimbursements for the unutilized timespan
  • Complete charges still apply
  • Potential additional fees

Resolving Disputes

In case of disagreements relating to refund verdicts, you are entitled to:

  • Ask for a deliberation by our managerial staff
  • Submit further documents or proof
  • Seek rectification via consumer advocacy groups
  • Opt for legal courses as sanctioned by relevant statutes

Procedures to Apply for a Refund

Step 1: Reach Out

You can initiate your refund proposal via:

Step 2: Give Details

Ensure your application includes the following data:

  • Confirmation code for your booking
  • Scheduled date and hour of the charter
  • Cancellation's premise
  • Any corresponding endorsements (where necessary)
  • Your chosen mode for fund return

Step 3: Examination and Execution

We will send an acknowledgment of your request within a day, assess according to this policy, and communicate a resolution thereafter within two days. Approved refunds will undergo processing as per the designated timelines.

Vital Information

  • All requests for refunds are to be made in written form
  • Refunds are discharged in $, notwithstanding the original currency of payment
  • We strongly advocate for securing travel insurance
  • This protocol is subject to amendments given a notice of 30 days
  • Refunds will adhere to applicable fiscal directives and laws

Contact Details

For inquiries related to refunds or to submit an application for a refund:

Refunds Department
SparkThreadWave Marine Services Ltd.
Ocean Drive
Miami Beach FL 33139
USA

Phone: +1 305-673-7000
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM