Refund Policy

Transparent and equitable refund terms for your assurance

Overview

At ScientificDiscoveryHub, we recognize that plans can change, and we are committed to providing just and clear refund practices. This document details the criteria under which refunds are permitted for our yacht rental services.

Please examine this policy thoroughly prior to reserving a yacht. By finalizing a reservation with ScientificDiscoveryHub, you are consenting to these refund provisions.

Standard Cancellation and Refund Schedule

More than 72 Hours Before Charter

100% Refund

Eligible for: Complete refund, less any transaction fees

Processing Time: 5-7 business days

Processing Fee: €50 for credit card payments

Conditions: Cancellation request must be in writing, through email or over the phone

24-72 Hours Before Charter

50% Refund

Eligible for: Half the cost of the charter

Processing Time: 7-10 business days

Processing Fee: €25 taken from the refund amount

Conditions: Must provide a valid reason; administrative expenses may apply

Less than 24 Hours Before Charter

No Refund

Eligible for: No refund is available under normal circumstances

Exception: Serious, unforeseen situations may be reviewed

Alternative: Consideration for a charter voucher at our discretion

Conditions: Must provide documentation in cases of emergencies

Weather-Related Cancellations

Our Weather Guarantee

Your safety is our highest concern. If the captain, certified by us, deems the weather too hazardous for sailing, we propose several alternatives:

  • Full Refund: Offered if it's not possible to rearrange the booking
  • Reschedule: Change your trip to a new date at no added cost
  • Charter Credit: Issuance of a voucher valid for one year from the original booking

Weather Assessment Process

We evaluate various weather aspects:

  • Review of wind speed and direction
  • Marine forecasts including wave heights
  • Visibility and expected precipitation levels
  • Notices from maritime authorities
  • Direct assessment of safety by our professional captain

Decision Timeline: Determinations regarding cancellations due to weather are concluded a minimum of 4 hours ahead of the planned departure.

Medical Emergency Refunds

Emergency Circumstances

We are aware that unexpected medical situations can arise. Special consideration might be given for occurrences such as:

  • Immediate hospitalization due to sudden health issues or injuries
  • Loss within the immediate family
  • Military duty calls or unforeseen recall
  • Unexpected jury service or legal summons
  • Disasters impacting travel plans

Documentation Requirements

To consider a request for an emergency refund, relevant documents should be provided:

  • Confirmation from a medical facility or hospital records
  • Notification of death, when applicable
  • Compulsory military orders
  • Official summons for court or jury duty
  • Public statements pertaining to unforeseen catastrophes

Processing: Refunds due to emergencies are handled within 3-5 business days after we receive the necessary documents.

Operational Cancellations

Mechanical Issues

If the yacht reserved for you has a mechanical setback that cannot be promptly resolved, we will:

  • Alternative Vessel: Endeavor to provide an equivalent replacement
  • Full Refund: If a suitable swap isn't available
  • Partial Refund: Should the alternate option differ in cost
  • Compensation: Potential additional recompense for the trouble caused

Crew Unavailability

In the uncommon event that a certified crew member is not available:

  • We will try to arrange an alternate crew when feasible
  • Issuance of a full refund if the yacht trip cannot proceed
  • Opportunity to reschedule without extra charges

Refund Processing

Payment Method

Refunds are issued via the payment method used at the time of booking:

  • Credit Cards: A timeframe of 5-7 business days
  • Bank Transfers: Typically 7-10 business days
  • Cash/Cheque: Processed within 3-5 business days

Processing Fees

Credit Card Processing

€50 fee applies to cancellations made with over 72 hours notice

Bank Transfer Processing

A handling charge of €25 is applied to all bank transfer refunds

International Processing

Extra costs may be incurred for refunds involving international banking

Charter Credits

When Credits Are Offered

In certain cases, rather than a cash refund, we might offer credit for our services:

  • For cancellations under 24 hours’ notice
  • If the booking is called off due to extreme weather
  • When a reservation is voluntarily altered by the client
  • Due to disruptions in our operations

Credit Terms

  • Validity: Has a lifespan of 12 months post-issuance
  • Transferability: Cannot be passed on to others
  • Value: Covers the full price of the charter, free from processing charges
  • Usage: Applicable to any available yacht booking
  • Expiration: No extensions past the 12-month period

Partial Service Refunds

Service Interruptions

If the service you're enjoying happens to be disrupted or cut short for reasons we are responsible for:

  • Reimbursement proportionate to the time not used
  • A voucher for a future charter of similar value
  • Gratuitous additional services or upgrades may be considered

Guest-Related Interruptions

Should an excursion on the yacht be ended ahead of time due to customer misconduct or breaches of safety:

  • There will be no refunds for the portion not utilized
  • Full payment is still expected
  • Extra fees might be imposed under certain circumstances

Dispute Resolution

In case of disagreement with a refund determination, you are entitled to:

  • Ask for an evaluation from our leadership team
  • Supply additional particulars or evidence
  • Search for a solution via consumer advocacy organizations
  • Exercise your legal options as permissible by the law

How to Request a Refund

Step 1: Contact Us

You can start your refund claim through:

Step 2: Provide Information

Your refund petition should include the following details:

  • Your reservation confirmation identifier
  • Date and time of the yacht booking
  • The circumstances surrounding the cancellation
  • Any paperwork that supports your claim (if necessary)
  • Your preferred way to receive the refund

Step 3: Review and Processing

Our team will acknowledge receiving your petition within 24 hours and will review it in accordance with this document, make a decision within 48 hours, and if approved, handle the refund within the specified timelines.

Important Notes

  • All requests for refunds must be documented in writing
  • Refunds are issued in €, irrespective of the currency used for payment
  • It is strongly advised to have travel insurance
  • This refund policy is subject to changes, which will be communicated with 30 days advance notice
  • Any refunds are subject to the application of credits, taxes, and regulations

Contact Information

If you have inquiries regarding refunds or wish to initiate a refund process:

Refunds Department
ScientificDiscoveryHub Marine Services Ltd.
Marina Point
Hamburg 20459
Germany

Phone: +49 40 9999 9999
Email: [email protected]
Business hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Last Updated: September 9, 2025

This refund guideline is organized for your straightforward understanding. We suggest reviewing these agreements thoughtfully before placing a booking and to connect with us directly if there are any questions.