Refund Policy
Transparent and equitable refund terms for your convenience
Overview
At MiddleGroundHub, we recognize that plans may change, and we aim to provide straightforward and transparent refund policies. This document sets forth the conditions under which refunds can be granted for our yacht charter services.
Please examine these terms attentively prior to making a reservation. Booking a charter with MiddleGroundHub signifies your acceptance of, and agreement to, these refund conditions.
Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule
More than 72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Full reimbursement minus processing charges
Processing Time: 5-7 working days
Processing Fee: €50 for credit card payments
Conditions: Request must be made in writing via electronic mail or telephone
24-72 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: Half of the total cost of the charter
Processing Time: 7-10 working days
Processing Fee: €25 subtracted from the reimbursement
Conditions: A valid reason is necessary; administrative expenses will be incurred
Less than 24 Hours Before Charter
Eligible for: No refund possibility
Exception: Cases of emergency might be taken into account
Alternative: Voucher for a charter might be granted at the discretion of the management
Conditions: Emergency cases must be substantiated with documentation
Weather-Related Cancellations
Our Weather Guarantee
Your safety is our highest priority. Should weather conditions be deemed dangerous for charter operations by our certified captain, we offer several options:
- Full Refund: A complete refund if it's not viable to reschedule
- Reschedule: Change your charter to a subsequent available slot without additional charges
- Charter Credit: A credit valid for one year from the initial charter date
Weather Assessment Protocol
Weather evaluations involve:
- Evaluating wind speeds and forecasted directions
- Assessing sea conditions and wave heights
- Visibility and expected precipitation levels
- Advisories and alerts from the Coast Guard
- Professional captain's safety assessment
Decision Timing: The call on weather-related cancellations is made no later than 4 hours before the planned departure.
Medical Emergency Refunds
Emergency Scenarios
We acknowledge unexpected medical crises might occur. The following circumstances could be considered for special refunds:
- Sudden hospital-requiring illnesses or injuries
- A member of the immediate family passing away
- Unexpected military assignments or recalls
- Jury service or legal mandates
- Natural events disrupting travel plans
Required Proof
For medical emergency refunds, the following evidence is requested:
- Medical certification or documentation from the hospital
- Certificate of death (if relevant)
- Official orders from the military
- Legal summons or printed notice of jury duty
- Travel cautions or declarations of emergencies
Procedure: Refunds for emergencies are processed within 3-5 working days after the receipt of valid proofs.
Operational Cancellations
Technical Failures
In the event that technical difficulties with the designated vessel cannot be resolved:
- Substitute Vessel: An effort will be made to provide an equivalent substitute
- Full Refund: A complete refund if an equivalent substitute is unavailable
- Partial Refund: A partial reimbursement if the replacement vessel has different cost implications
- Compensation: Additional remuneration may be considered due to the inconvenience
Unavailability of Crew
On the rare occasion that the certified crew cannot be present:
- Efforts will be made to arrange for alternative crew members
- Refund in full if the charter cannot go ahead
- Opportunity to reschedule without any added fees
Refund Processing
Payment Means
Reimbursements are returned using the original payment method from the booking:
- Credit Cards: 5-7 working days
- Bank Transfers: 7-10 working days
- Cash/Cheque: 3-5 working days
Processing Charges
Credit Card Handling
€50 charge for cancellations done over 72 hours beforehand
Bank Transfer Handling
€25 charge for all refunds via bank transfer
Overseas Handling
Extra fees may be applicable for foreign transactions
Charter Credits
Occasions for Credits
Charter credits could be presented instead of refunds in certain cases:
- Late cancellation notices (under 24 hours)
- Cancellations due to bad weather
- Voluntary changes requested by the client
- Service disruptions for operational reasons
Credit Details
- Duration: Valid for 12 months from the date of issue
- Transferability: Cannot be transferred to others
- Amount: Equates to the full value of the charter (exempt from handling fees)
- Application: Applicable to any future charters based on availability
- Expiry: No extensions past the 12-month period
Partial Service Refunds
Service Disruptions
If the charter is interrupted or cut short owing to circumstances we can control:
- A proportional refund reflective of the unused segment of time
- A credit towards a future charter of equivalent price
- Complimentary services or possible upgrades
Interruptions Caused by Guests
If a charter concludes early due to a guest's behavior or violations of safety protocols:
- No refund for the portion of the service that went unutilized
- The full cost of the booking remains payable
- Guest may incur further charges
Dispute Settlement
In the event you contest a refund judgement, you have the option to:
- Request reevaluation by our administrative team
- Present further proof or evidence
- Seek conciliation through consumer rights organizations
- Utilize legal avenues subject to the relevant jurisdictional laws
Refund Requests
Step 1: Reach Out
To file a refund request, please use:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +351 21 000 0000
- Visiting our marina office in person
Step 2: Supply Details
Your refund application should include:
- Confirmation code for your booking
- Date and time of your charter
- Cancellation reason
- Applicable supporting documents (if necessary)
- Your preferred mode for the refund
Step 3: Evaluation and Completion
We will acknowledge receipt of your application within 24 hours, consider it in accordance with these terms, give a verdict within 48 hours, and proceed with accepted reimbursements within the specified periods.
Key Points
- All requests for refunds must be lodged in writing
- Reimbursements are executed in € regardless of the currency used for the original payment
- It is highly suggested to procure travel insurance
- This policy can be modified given a notice of 30 days
- Refunds are subject to the prevailing tax regulations
Get in Touch
For inquiries regarding refunds or to submit a refund application:
Refunds Department
MiddleGroundHub Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point
Cascais 2750-800
Portugal
Phone: +351 21 000 0000
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM