Refund Policy
Transparent and straightforward refund terms for your reassurance
Overview
At HiddenRidgeStation, we understand that situations can change, and we are committed to having clear and honest refund practices. This document specifies the conditions for granting refunds for our yacht charter services.
Please thoroughly examine this policy before making a reservation. By reserving a charter with HiddenRidgeStation, you are expressing your consent and agreeing to these refund conditions.
Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule
More than 72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Complete refund excluding service charges
Processing Time: 5-7 business days
Service Charge: €50 for card transactions
Conditions: Must be requested in a written format via email or telephone
24-72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Half of the total charter cost
Processing Time: 7-10 business days
Service Charge: €25 subtracted from the refund
Conditions: A valid reason is required; administrative expenses will be incurred
Less than 24 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: No refunds will be offered
Exception: Consideration for emergency situations is possible
Alternative: Offering a charter credit may be decided by management
Conditions: Required documents must be presented for emergency cases
Weather-Related Cancellations
Our Weather Guarantee
Your safety is our highest concern. If sailing conditions are determined to be hazardous by our licensed captain, we offer several flexible options:
- Full Refund: Issued when rescheduling isn’t feasible
- Reschedule: We will move your booking to another available slot with no extra charges
- Charter Credit: We offer a credit, valid for one year from the initial charter date
Weather Assessment Process
For weather considerations we look at the following:
- Analyzing wind structure and patterns
- Studying wave magnitude and oceanic conditions
- Anticipating visibility levels and rain forecasts
- Reviewing advisories and notifications from the Coast Guard
- Evaluating safety through the captain's expert judgment
Decision Timing: Determinations regarding weather-related cancellations are made at most 4 hours preceding the scheduled departure.
Medical Emergency Refunds
Urgent Cases
We recognize that health emergencies can arise unexpectedly. Special consideration might be given in the following instances:
- Sudden medical conditions or injuries necessitating hospital admittance
- Loss of a family member
- Unanticipated military duty or recall orders
- Legal obligations such as a jury summons or a court subpoena
- Travel-hindering natural disasters
Necessary Documentation
For processing requests based on urgent medical cases, we ask for:
- A doctor's certificate or hospital papers
- Official death documentation, if relevant
- Deployment or recall military orders
- Notices for jury duty or legal subpoenas
- Emergency or catastrophe alerts affecting travel
Processing: We aim to handle refunds for emergencies between 3-5 business days after receiving the correct paperwork.
Operational Cancellations
Technical Difficulties
In case the yacht you've booked encounters technical issues that can't be fixed in a timely manner:
- Substitute Vessel: We will seek to arrange an equivalent replacement
- Full Refund: Issued if there is no appropriate substitute
- Partial Refund: Offered if the alternative vessel has a different cost structure
- Compensation: Additional recompense could be offered for any inconvenience
Crew Impediments
In the event our certified team is unavailable:
- An alternative crew will be organized if feasible
- Entire refund issued if the charter cannot proceed
- Opportunity to reschedule without extra charges
Refund Processing
Reimbursement Mode
We will return funds using the same payment method the booking was made with:
- Credit Cards: 5-7 business days
- Bank Transfers: 7-10 business days
- Cash/Cheque: 3-5 business days
Transaction Fees
Card Transaction Handling
€50 charge for cancellations more than 72 hours prior
Bank Transfer Handling
€25 charge for all bank transfer reimbursements
International Transaction Handling
Extra charges might apply for international dealings
Charter Credits
Issuance of Credits
In particular cases, charter credits might be proposed instead of a refund:
- Late cancellations (less than 24 hours notice)
- Cancellations due to the weather
- Requests for voluntarily changing bookings
- Unpredictable service interruptions
Credit Conditions
- Validity: Active for 12 months following issuance
- Transferability: Credits cannot be transferred to others
- Value: The full value of the charter (excluding any service fees)
- Applicability: Applicable towards any upcoming charter
- Expiry: Credits will not be extended beyond 12 months
Partial Service Refunds
Disruptions in Service
In case your charter gets interrupted or shortened due to situations we can control:
- Refund proportionate to the unspent duration
- Credit equivalent to future charter of identical value
- Complimentary amenities or upgrades
Guest-Related Interruptions
If early termination of the charter is needed due to guest behaviour or safety concerns:
- No reimbursement for the remaining time
- Full payment is required
- Additional fees may be imposed
Dispute Resolution
Should you not agree with a refund determination, you may:
- Ask for an evaluation by our management team
- Submit additional documents or proof
- Request help from consumer protection entities
- Seek legal action as appropriate under the law
How to Request a Refund
Step 1: Reach Out
To start your refund process, contact us through:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +33 4 93 00 00 00
- Visiting our waterfront office
Step 2: Provide Details
Include these details in your communication:
- Confirmation code for your booking
- The scheduled date and time of your charter
- Reason for the withdrawal
- Any relevant backup documents
- Your preferred method for receiving the refund
Step 3: Verification and Completion
We will acknowledge your refund petition within a day, evaluate it according to this policy, finalize a decision within two days, and process any approved refunds within the announced time frames.
Important Points
- All refund claims must be made in writing
- Refunds will be issued in €, no matter the currency used for payment
- We highly advise purchasing travel insurance
- This policy may be updated with a month's notice
- Refunds comply with applicable taxes and legal provisions
Contact Information
For inquiries related to refunds or to submit a request:
Refunds Department
HiddenRidgeStation Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point
Nice 06300
France
Phone: +33 4 93 00 00 00
Email: [email protected]
Open: Monday–Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM