Refund Policy

Transparent and straightforward reimbursement conditions for your comfort

Overview

We at WorldCultureStories recognize that plans can shift, and we are committed to providing clear and equitable refund principles. This document lays out the scenarios under which refunds for yacht rental services are granted.

It’s important to understand this policy thoroughly prior to booking your charter. By securing a charter with WorldCultureStories, you consent to and accept these terms for refunds.

Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule

More than 72 Hours Before Charter

100% Refund

Eligible for: Complete refund minus transaction fees

Processing Time: 5-7 business days

Processing Fee: €50 for card payments

Conditions: Must be requested via official written communication like email or telephone

24-72 Hours Before Charter

50% Refund

Eligible for: Half of the overall cost of the charter

Processing Time: 7-10 business days

Processing Fee: €25 subtracted from the refunded amount

Conditions: A valid rationale is necessary; handling fees are applicable

Less than 24 Hours Before Charter

No Refund

Eligible for: No return can be granted

Exception: Situations of urgency may be considered

Alternative: A voucher for the charter may be provided at the discretion of management

Conditions: Documentation is required for urgent situation appeals

Weather-Related Cancellations

Our Commitment to Weather Safety

Your safety is paramount. If the captain, certified by us, determines that the weather is too dangerous for yacht operations, we propose adaptable solutions:

  • Full Refund: If a new date cannot be arranged, a 100% refund is offered
  • Reschedule: Change to an alternative date without incurring extra costs
  • Charter Credit: Keep a credit that is valid for one year from the initial charter date

Procedure for Assessing Weather Conditions

In our weather evaluation, we consider:

  • Analyzing wind speeds and direction
  • Assessing wave height and condition of the sea
  • Forecasting visibility and expected precipitation
  • Issued advisories and warnings from the Coast Guard
  • Evaluating safety through the lens of the professional captain

Timeline for Decision: Conclusions regarding weather cancellations are made at a minimum of 4 hours before the start.

Medical Emergency Refunds

Circumstances of Urgency

We cautiously recognize that health crises can happen. The ensuing conditions might warrant special refund considerations:

  • Sudden sickness or injury needing hospital admission
  • Loss within the immediate family circle
  • Sudden military deployment or recall
  • Mandated jury service or legal summons
  • Natural disasters impeding travel plans

Requirements for Documentation

Emergency refund requests should come with the following proofs:

  • Certificate from a medical official or hospital records
  • Certificate of death (applicable situations)
  • Documentation from military authorities
  • Legal subpoena or jury duty notification
  • Travel advisories or decree in case of emergencies

Processing: Refunds for emergencies will be undertaken within 3-5 business days following the submission of all proper papers.

Cancellations Due to Operational Issues

Mechanical Troubles

Should the yacht allocated to you experience unresolvable technical problems:

  • Substitute Yacht: Efforts to provide a replacement that is comparable
  • Full Refund: Issued if an equal equivalent is not available
  • Partial Refund: If the substitute vessel’s fees differ
  • Compensation: Additional remuneration may be provided to make up for the inconveniences

Unavailability of Crew

In the unusual event that a qualified crew is not available:

  • An alternative crew will be arranged if possible
  • A full refund will be provided if the charter is unable to proceed
  • Opportunity to reschedule without any additional charges

Procedures for Refund

Method of Repayment

Returns will be mediated back through the same payment mechanism utilized when booking:

  • Credit Cards: Can take 5-7 business days
  • Bank Transfers: Might take 7-10 business days
  • Cash/Cheque: Usually processed within 3-5 business days

Fees for Processing

For Credit Card Transactions

A fee of €50 for reversals requested with more than 72 hours notice

For Bank Transfers

A fee of €25 is applied to all refunds made via bank transfer

International Transactions

Supplementary charges may be applicable for refunds across international borders

Credits for Charters

Scenarios for Issuing Credits

Charter credits could be presented as a substitute for cash returns under these conditions:

  • Cancellations made less than a day in advance
  • Reversals due to weather conditions
  • Voluntary changes requested by clients
  • Interruptions caused by operations

Conditions for Credits

  • Duration: Maintains validity for a year from the date of issue
  • Transferrability: Non-exchangeable to third parties
  • Worth: Corresponds to the entire value of the charter (excludes processing fees)
  • Application: Redeemable towards any upcoming charters
  • Expiry: Cannot be extended beyond 12 months

Partial Compensations for Service

Interruptions in Service

Should your yacht excursion be interrupted or shortened due to factors within our control:

  • A prorated repayment based on the quittance of time
  • Vouch for another charter of equivalent financial worth
  • Complimentary offerings or superior selections

Interruptions Caused by Guests

For early charter termination due to the behavior of guests or infringement of safety protocols:

  • No return for the remainder of the time
  • Entire fee is still expected
  • Additional expenses might be applicable

Settling Disputes

In case of disagreement with the outcome of the refund, you may:

  • Seek a reevaluation from our management team
  • Submit further proof or documentation
  • Look for a resolution through consumer advocates
  • Resort to legal options as allowed by the law

Requesting a Refund

Initial Step: Reach Out

To initiate a refund, please apply through the following channels:

Second Step: Submission of Details

Your refund lodging should incorporate:

  • Verification code of the booking
  • Date and time of the charter
  • Causation for the cancellation
  • Any supplemental supporting papers (where necessary)
  • Preference for payment reimbursement

Final Step: Assessment and Execution

We will confirm receiving your inquiry within a day, gauge it in light of this policy, proffer a conclusion within two days, and complete approved refunds following the mentioned time frames.

Critical Observations

  • All applications for refund must be documented in writing
  • Reimbursements are facilitated in € irrespective of the original currency used
  • We highly advocate obtaining travel insurance
  • Notice is given 30 days in advance for any policy changes
  • The refund is susceptible to relevant taxes and regulations

Contact Details for Further Information

For any inquiries or to request a refund:

Refunds Department
WorldCultureStories Marine Services Ltd.
Port de Monaco
Monaco 98000
Monaco

Phone: +377 93 10 65 00
Email: [email protected]
Office hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Last Updated: August 15, 2025

We fashioned this refund procedure to be just and unambiguous. Clients are encouraged to peruse these stipulations attentively prior to making a reservation and to make any inquiries.