Refund Policy

Last Updated: July 10, 2025

Overview

At Echo Voyages, we understand that travel plans can change. This refund policy explains our commitment to fair and transparent refund processes for all cruise bookings and services. We strive to accommodate our guests while maintaining sustainable business operations.

Booking Cancellation Timeline

Standard Cruise Bookings

Our refund eligibility is based on the timing of your cancellation request:

• More than 90 days before departure: Full refund minus 5% administrative fee
• 61-90 days before departure: 80% refund of total booking amount
• 31-60 days before departure: 60% refund of total booking amount
• 15-30 days before departure: 40% refund of total booking amount
• 7-14 days before departure: 25% refund of total booking amount
• Less than 7 days before departure: No refund available

Luxury Charter Bookings

Private charter cancellations follow a different schedule due to exclusive vessel reservations:

• More than 120 days before departure: Full refund minus 10% administrative fee
• 91-120 days before departure: 75% refund of total booking amount
• 61-90 days before departure: 50% refund of total booking amount
• 31-60 days before departure: 30% refund of total booking amount
• Less than 31 days before departure: No refund available

Group and Corporate Bookings

Group bookings (10+ passengers) have customized cancellation terms outlined in your specific group contract. Generally:

• More than 120 days before departure: Full refund minus 10% administrative fee
• 91-120 days before departure: 80% refund of total booking amount
• 61-90 days before departure: 60% refund of total booking amount
• 31-60 days before departure: 40% refund of total booking amount
• Less than 31 days before departure: No refund available

Emergency and Exceptional Circumstances

Force Majeure Events

In cases of events beyond our control, including but not limited to:

• Severe weather conditions making cruising unsafe
• Government travel restrictions or advisories
• Port closures or maritime emergencies
• Pandemic-related restrictions
• Mechanical failures requiring trip cancellation

We will offer a full refund or the option to reschedule your cruise at no additional cost.

Medical Emergencies

For documented medical emergencies affecting the primary booking holder or immediate family members, we may waive standard cancellation fees. Documentation from a licensed medical professional is required, and each case is reviewed individually.

Refund Processing

How to Request a Refund

To request a refund, please contact us using one of the following methods:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 613-448-1038 (Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 6 PM PST)
• Online: Submit a refund request through our contact form

Required Information

When requesting a refund, please provide:

• Booking confirmation number
• Primary guest name and contact information
• Reason for cancellation
• Supporting documentation (if applicable)
• Preferred refund method

Processing Timeline

Refund processing times vary by payment method:

• Credit Card Refunds: 5-10 business days after approval
• Bank Transfer Refunds: 7-14 business days after approval
• Check Refunds: 10-21 business days after approval

Refund approval typically takes 3-5 business days from the date we receive your complete request.

Partial Refunds and Modifications

Itinerary Changes

If Echo Voyages makes significant changes to your booked itinerary (route changes, duration changes of more than 4 hours, or vessel substitutions), you may choose between:

• Accepting the modified itinerary at the same price
• Receiving a full refund of all payments
• Transferring to an alternative cruise of equal or greater value

Passenger Reductions

For group bookings, passenger number reductions are subject to:

• Reductions of up to 15% are permitted without penalty if made more than 60 days before departure
• Reductions between 30-60 days before departure incur a 25% penalty on removed passengers
• Reductions less than 30 days before departure are not eligible for refunds

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment. Travel insurance can provide coverage for:

• Trip cancellation due to covered reasons
• Medical emergencies during travel
• Travel delays and missed connections
• Baggage loss or delay

Echo Voyages can provide recommendations for reputable travel insurance providers upon request.

Non-Refundable Items

Certain items and services are non-refundable:

• Administrative and booking fees
• Third-party services booked through Echo Voyages (subject to vendor policies)
• Customized or personalized services
• Gift certificates and promotional credits (unless required by law)

Refund Method

Refunds will be processed using the same payment method used for the original booking. If the original payment method is no longer available, alternative arrangements will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Dispute Resolution

If you are unsatisfied with our refund decision, you may request a review by our customer service management team. Disputes will be handled in accordance with the laws of British Columbia, Canada.

Contact Information

For questions about this refund policy or to discuss your specific situation, please contact us:

Policy Updates

This refund policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. The effective date is listed at the top of this document. Continued use of our services after policy updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.