Refund Policy
Transparent and equitable refund terms for your assurance
Overview
At EchoRiverHome, we recognize that situations may arise, and we are committed to establishing clear and equitable refund policies. The following conditions outline how refunds may be processed for our yacht charter services.
It is important to understand this policy thoroughly before you reserve a charter. By securing a charter with EchoRiverHome, you are concurring with these terms regarding refunds.
Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule
More than 72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Full refund excluding administrative charges
Processing Time: 5-7 business days
Processing Fee: €50 for credit card payments
Conditions: Request must be made in a written format via email or over the phone
24-72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Half of the total charter fee
Processing Time: 7-10 business days
Processing Fee: €25 extracted from the refund amount
Conditions: A valid justification is required; charges for administrative processes will be incurred
Less than 24 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: No compensation available
Exception: Emergency cases will be taken into consideration
Alternative: At the discretion of the management, a credit for chartering may be offered
Conditions: Emergency claims require documented proof
Weather-Related Cancellations
Our Weather Guarantee
The safety of our passengers is our utmost concern. If the weather is determined unsafe for operations by our certified captain, we offer several alternatives:
- Full Refund: Issued when it is not possible to reschedule
- Reschedule: Transfer your booking to an available date without extra cost
- Charter Credit: Get a voucher valid for one year from the initial charter date
Weather Assessment Process
The following criteria are included in evaluating weather conditions:
- Evaluation of wind speed and direction
- Inspection of sea conditions and wave height
- Forecasts for precipitation and visibility
- Notifications from the Coast Guard including advisories and cautions
- Captain's assessment of safety based on professional judgment
Decision Timeline: Decisions on weather cancellations are determined at least 4 hours in advance of the departure time.
Medical Emergency Refunds
Emergency Circumstances
In instances of medical urgencies, certain scenarios may merit special consideration:
- Unexpected sickness or injury leading to hospitalization
- A family member's passing
- Urgent military deployment or recall
- Compulsory jury duty or court orders
- Natural disasters impacting travel arrangements
Documentation Requirements
For emergency refund inquiries, the following must be furnished:
- Doctor's note or hospital records
- Death certification when relevant
- Confirmed military orders
- Legal notice of judicial summons or jury duties
- Emergency announcements or travel cautions
Processing: Upon presenting the necessary documentation, emergency returns are handled within 3-5 business days.
Operational Cancellations
Mechanical Issues
If the vessel designated for you suffers from unfixable technical troubles:
- Alternate Vessel: We will endeavor to arrange a similar substitution
- Full Refund: If there's no appropriate substitute available
- Partial Refund: If there's a price disparity with the alternative vessel
- Compensation: Additional recompense may be provided for the inconvenience
Crew Unavailability
In the unlikely event that the certified crew isn't available:
- Efforts will be made to provide a substitute crew
- Complete reimbursement if the charter is unable to proceed
- Rebooking at no extra charge
Refund Processing
Payment Method
Authorized refunds will be reverted to the original method of payment used for the reservation:
- Credit Cards: 5-7 business days
- Bank Transfers: 7-10 business days
- Cash/Cheque: 3-5 business days
Processing Fees
Credit Card Processing
€50 applied for cancellations with over 72 hours' notice
Bank Transfer Processing
€25 imposed on all bank transfer refunds
International Transaction Fee
Extra charges could be incurred for refunds involving international transactions
Charter Credits
Conditions for Credits
In particular instances, credits instead of refunds may be offered:
- Late cancelations happening under 24 hours
- Cancellations due to weather
- Voluntary modifications to the booking
- Disturbances in operations
Credit Stipulations
- Validity: Credits are valid for a period of 12 months from the date of issue
- Transferability: Credits cannot be passed to other individuals
- Value: Equal to the complete value of the charter without deductions for processing
- Utilization: Applicable for any charter that is available
- Expiry: Credits must be used within the 12-month limit without extension
Partial Service Refunds
Service Interruptions
If aspects of your charter are disrupted or cut short by issues within our control:
- A proportional refund relating to the unused portion
- Voucher for a future charter of equivalent worth
- Gratis amenities or enhancements
Guest-Related Interruptions
In instances where a charter concludes prematurely due to actions or violations related to guest safety:
- No compensation for the period not used
- Complete payment is still obligatory
- Fees may be applied additionally
Dispute Resolution
Should you object to the outcome of a refund application, you have the option to:
- Request an examination by our management
- Supply supplementary evidence or documents
- Engage with consumer protection entities for resolution
- Exploit legal avenues under the prevailing laws
How to Request a Refund
Step 1: Contact Us
Place your refund appeal through:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +33 4 93 00 00 00
- Visiting our marina office directly
Step 2: Provide Information
Your refund request should include:
- Confirmation code of the booking
- Scheduled date and time of the charter
- Cancellation justification
- Pertinent supporting materials (if required)
- Preferred method of refund
Step 3: Review and Processing
We will acknowledge your refund claim within a day, assess it in accordance with our policy, communicate our decision within two days, and proceed with refunds as per the timeframes outlined.
Important Notes
- All applications for refunds must be presented in a written format
- Refund transactions are conducted in € regardless of the payment's original currency
- Acquiring travel insurance is highly advisable
- Notice will be given 30 days in advance for policy amendments
- Refunds are subject to relevant taxes and regulations
Contact Information
For inquiries or to proceed with a refund request:
Refunds Department
EchoRiverHome Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point
Cannes 06400
France
Telephone: +33 4 93 00 00 00
Email: [email protected]
Operational Hours: Weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM