Refund Policy
Straightforward and equitable refund guidelines for your reassurance
Introduction
At LighthouseCommonSpark, we are aware that plans can shift, and we are dedicated to upholding clear and unbiased refund practices. This document details the terms under which refunds are granted for our yacht charter services.
Before you book, we urge you to carefully examine these policies. When you engage in a charter with LighthouseCommonSpark, you are conceding to these refund conditions.
Typical Cancellation and Refund Timeline
Exceeding 72 Hours Prior to Charter
Qualified for: Full reimbursement less transaction fees
Refund Timing: 5-7 working days
Transaction Fee: €50 for credit card transactions
Stipulations: Must be made via written request through electronic mail or phone communication
Within 24 to 72 Hours Before the Charter
Qualified for: Half of the total charter cost
Refund Timing: 7-10 working days
Transaction Fee: €25 subtracted from the reimbursement
Stipulations: A credible reason is necessary; administrative fees are applicable
Less than 24 Hours Prior to the Charter
Qualified for: No reimbursement accessible
Exception: Critical situations may be taken into account
Alternative: Credit for future charters might be offered at the discretion of the management
Stipulations: Supporting documents demanded for emergency cases
Cancellations Due to Weather
Weather Guarantee
Your safety is our utmost concern. Should weather be considered hazardous by our certified captain, preventing charter activities, we offer adaptable alternatives:
- Full Reimbursement: Entire refund if rescheduling is unfeasible
- Reschedule: Shift your charter to a later available slot at no supplemental cost
- Credit for Future Charter: Receive a voucher valid one year from the initial charter date
Weather Evaluation Procedure
Our weather assessment entails:
- Analysis of wind force and orientation
- Examination of sea conditions and wave height
- Prognostications for visibility and rainfall
- Advisories and cautions from the Coast Guard
- Safety assessment by a professional captain
Decision Making Timeline: Decisions on weather-driven cancellations are determined no later than 4 hours ahead of the planned departure.
Refunds in Medical Emergencies
Critical Conditions
We comprehend that medical urgencies can occur. The scenarios that may warrant exceptional consideration include:
- Sudden medical conditions or injuries necessitating hospitalization
- Passing of a member of the immediate family
- Mandatory military redeployment or urgent summons
- Jury duty or mandatory court appearance
- Natural catastrophes impeding travel
Necessary Documentation
To proceed with urgent refund applications, please supply:
- Medical certification or hospital documentation
- Deceased's death certificate (if relevant)
- Official military deployment papers
- Legal summons or jury duty notices
- Emergency declarations or travel warnings
Procedure: Urgent refund processing happens within 3-5 business days after receiving the required documentation.
Refunds for Operational Cancellations
Mechanical Failures
If the vessel allocated to you suffers mechanical issues that remain unresolved:
- Substitute Vessel: We aim to assign a similar alternative
- Entire Refund: If no equivalent vessel is obtainable
- Partial Reimbursement: If the substitute vessel is priced differently
- Additional Compensation: May be offered to make up for any inconvenience
Crew Unavailability
On the rare chance that certified crew members are unavailable:
- Provisions for an alternative crew, if achievable
- Entire refund if the charter is unable to advance
- Postponement without added costs
Refund Processing Details
Mode of Refunding
Refunds will be transferred back to the original method used for the booking:
- Credit Cards: Processed within 5-7 business days
- Bank Transfers: Completed in 7-10 business days
- Cash or Cheque: Finalized within 3-5 business days
Fees for Processing
Processing via Credit Card
A fee of €50 for cancellations executed over 72 hours beforehand
Processing via Bank Transfer
A charge of €25 for each refund via bank transfer
International Processing
Additional costs may be incurred for international refunds
Information on Charter Credits
Situations Where Credits May be Issued
Charter credits can be extended as an alternative to refunds under certain conditions:
- Late cancellations (under 24 hours prior)
- Cancellations owing to adverse weather conditions
- Voluntary requests for rescheduling
- Disruptions to operational services
Credit Specifications
- Legitimacy: Credits are valid for a year from the date of issuance
- Transferability: Credits cannot be transferred to others
- Monetary Amount: Equivalent to the complete charter cost without any processing charges
- Application: Usable for any charters that are available
- Expiration: No extensions past the 12-month limit
Compensation for Partial Service
Interruptions in Service
In events where your charter is interrupted or abbreviated because of issues we control:
- A proportional refund dependent on the duration not used
- Credit equivalent to a future charter of the same value
- Complimentary offerings or service enhancements
Guest-Initiated Interruptions
If a charter is ended prematurely due to guest behavior or safety infractions:
- No repayment for the portion not used
- Total payment is still owed
- Potential extra costs may apply
Settling Refund Disputes
If you contest a refund decision, these options are available to you:
- Seek a review by our managerial team
- Submit extra substantiation or information
- Engage consumer protection bodies for resolution
- Pursue judicial remedies as permitted by the prevailing laws
Procedure to Apply for a Refund
Initial Step: Reach Out
To make a refund plea, you can:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +39 0185 2691
- In person at our office located at the marina
Second Step: Submission of Details
Your refund application should include:
- Proof of booking number
- Date and time of the charter
- The basis of cancellation
- Supportive evidence (where applicable)
- Chosen method for refund
Final Step: Verification and Completion
Upon receipt of your plea, our team will acknowledge it within a day, compare it to our policy, come to a decision in two days, and if approved, effectuate the refund in accordance to the declared periods.
Crucial Remarks
- All requests for refunds must be submitted in written form
- Reimbursements are issued in € despite the currency used initially for payment
- Purchasing travel insurance is highly advised
- This policy can be modified with a notice thirty days prior
- Refunds are subject to relevant taxes and legal requirements
Getting in Touch
For inquiries about refunds or to initiate a refund request:
Refunds Department
LighthouseCommonSpark Marine Services Ltd.
Portofino Harbor
Portofino 16034
Italy
Phone: +39 0185 2691
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, from 9 AM until 5 PM