BOOKING TERMS & CANCELLATION POLICY

These Booking Terms & Cancellation Policy apply to all private cruises, custom cruises, special occasion services, add-ons, and related services booked with The Sea Pearl through our website, by direct communication, or through any approved booking channel.

By making a booking, submitting a request, or paying for a cruise or add-on, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these terms.

For any questions before booking, please contact us.

1. About The Sea Pearl Experience

The Sea Pearl offers private yacht cruises in the Mirabello Gulf and wider East Crete area.

Our cruises are designed as intimate private experiences, not shared group tours. Standard cruises are offered for up to 6 guests, with 1 skipper and 1 hostess on board.

In selected cases, and only upon prior approval, we may accept a larger group, usually up to 8 guests, for example two families with children. Larger groups are not automatically accepted and may affect comfort, available space, and the suitability of certain add-ons or celebration setups.

2. Standard Cruises

Our standard cruises include:

• Mirabello Delight
• Mirabello Sun-Joy
• Mirabello Explore

Standard cruises are booked directly through our live booking calendar, subject to real-time availability and pricing.

Each standard cruise includes the services and inclusions described on the relevant cruise page at the time of booking.

Unless clearly stated otherwise, any optional extras, special occasion services, meal stops, premium drinks, catering, decoration, photography, transfers, or other add-ons are not included in the base cruise price and must be selected, requested, confirmed, and paid separately.

3. Custom Cruises

Custom cruises are not booked instantly through the standard live calendar.

Guests interested in a custom cruise must submit a request through the Custom Cruise form or contact us directly. After reviewing the request, we will provide details regarding availability, feasibility, pricing, add-ons, and payment process.

A custom cruise is only confirmed after:

A) We confirm that the requested cruise is operationally possible.
B) The guest accepts the proposed cruise details and price.
C) Payment is completed according to the payment terms provided.

Submitting a custom cruise request does not create a confirmed booking.

4. Special Occasion Services

Special occasion services may be available for:

• sunset / romance cruises
• wedding proposals
• birthdays
• anniversaries
• bachelorette parties

These services may include, depending on availability and request:

• premium wine or champagne
• flowers
• celebration styling
• cake or dessert
• premium platters
• photographer or videographer
• custom setup
• proposal coordination
• meal stop coordination
• transfer coordination

Special occasion services are optional add-ons and are not included in the base cruise price unless specifically confirmed in writing.

Some special occasion services require advance preparation and may be subject to separate cancellation rules, especially once ordered from third-party suppliers.

5. Booking and Payment

For standard cruises booked through the live calendar, payment is made online by card through our secure payment provider.

A booking is confirmed only after payment has been successfully completed and a booking confirmation has been issued.

For custom cruises and certain add-ons, payment may be requested through a separate payment link, invoice, or other approved payment method.

All prices are shown in euros (€), unless stated otherwise.

The Sea Pearl reserves the right to correct obvious pricing or technical errors. If such an error affects a confirmed booking, we will contact the guest as soon as possible to resolve the issue fairly.

6. Stripe and Card Payments

Online card payments may be processed through Stripe or another approved payment provider.

The Sea Pearl does not store full card details on its own systems.

The payment provider may require additional authentication or security checks according to applicable card, banking, and European payment regulations.

If payment is not successfully completed, the booking is not confirmed.

7. Guest Information

Guests must provide accurate information when booking, including:

• full name
• contact details
• preferred cruise date
• number of guests
• any selected add-ons
• any special occasion details
• any relevant dietary preferences or operational information

The guest who makes the booking is responsible for ensuring that all members of the group are aware of these terms.

If the guest provides inaccurate or incomplete information, The Sea Pearl is not responsible for problems, delays, missed services, or additional costs caused by that information.

8. Guest Capacity

Standard Sea Pearl cruises are designed for up to 6 guests.

This capacity is set intentionally to preserve comfort, space, service quality, and the premium private character of the experience.

Requests for more than 6 guests must be approved in advance.

If a guest arrives with more people than booked and approved, The Sea Pearl may refuse boarding for the additional guests or refuse the cruise if safe or comfortable operation is affected. In such cases, no refund is guaranteed.

9. Children and Families

Children may join the cruise when included in the booking and when the cruise is suitable for the group.

Children must be supervised by parents or guardians at all times.

The Sea Pearl may request children’s ages before confirming certain cruises, routes, add-ons, or weather-sensitive experiences.

The skipper has the final decision regarding safety on board.

10. Departure Time and Late Arrival

Guests must arrive at the agreed meeting point on time.

If guests arrive late, the cruise may be shortened to protect the schedule and the next operation of the vessel.

Late arrival does not automatically extend the cruise duration and does not entitle the guest to a refund.

If guests arrive so late that the cruise cannot reasonably operate, this may be treated as a no-show.

11. No-Show Policy

A no-show occurs when the guest does not arrive for the cruise at the agreed time and location and does not give sufficient prior notice.

In case of no-show, the booking is non-refundable.

Any add-ons already prepared or ordered are also non-refundable.

12. Cancellation by the Guest

The following cancellation policy applies to standard cruises unless otherwise stated in writing:

More than 14 days before the cruise
The guest may cancel and receive a refund of the cruise price, minus any non-refundable card processing fees, administrative costs, or add-on costs already incurred.

7 to 14 days before the cruise
The guest may cancel and receive a 50% refund of the base cruise price.
Add-ons that have already been ordered, prepared, or committed to third-party suppliers may be non-refundable.

Less than 7 days before the cruise
Cancellations made less than 7 days before the cruise are non-refundable.

Same-day cancellation
Same-day cancellations are non-refundable.

13. Cancellation of Custom Cruises

Custom cruises may involve special planning, route preparation, third-party services, or dedicated arrangements.

The cancellation policy for custom cruises will be confirmed in writing before payment.

Unless otherwise agreed, custom cruises may be subject to stricter cancellation terms than standard cruises, especially where special services, route planning, supplier bookings, or extended operating time are involved.

14. Cancellation of Add-Ons

Optional add-ons may include food, drinks, flowers, cake, decoration, photography, videography, transfers, restaurant coordination, and other services.
Add-ons are subject to availability and may require advance notice.
Once an add-on has been ordered, prepared, purchased, reserved, or committed to a third-party supplier, it may become partially or fully non-refundable.

We will always try to be fair, but add-ons that create real supplier costs cannot always be refunded.

15. Meal Stop Add-Ons

For selected longer cruises, guests may be able to add a light meal stop in a partner restaurant, for example:
• Plaka village for Mirabello Sun-Joy
• Mochlos for Mirabello Explore

Meal stops are optional paid add-ons and must be requested or selected in advance.
The exact restaurant, menu options, timing, and final price may depend on availability, cruise route, restaurant capacity, season, and weather conditions.

Meal stops are usually planned as approximately one hour ashore.
If the route changes for weather, safety, or operational reasons, the meal stop may be adjusted, replaced, postponed, or cancelled.
Any refund for meal-related costs will depend on whether the restaurant or supplier costs have already been committed.

16. Weather Policy

All cruises are subject to weather, sea conditions, and skipper discretion.
Safety always comes first.

If the skipper determines that conditions are not safe or suitable for the planned cruise, The Sea Pearl may:
• reschedule the cruise
• adjust the departure time
• modify the route
• shorten or adapt the cruise
• cancel the cruise

If The Sea Pearl cancels the cruise because conditions are unsafe or unsuitable, the guest will be offered either:
1. a new available date, or
2. a refund of the base cruise price.

Weather-related decisions are made by The Sea Pearl and the skipper. Guest preference alone does not determine whether a cruise is cancelled for weather.

Clouds, lower temperatures, wind that does not prevent safe operation, or personal discomfort with the forecast do not automatically entitle the guest to a refund.

17. Route Changes

Routes, stops, swim locations, restaurant stops, and timings may change due to:

• weather
• sea conditions
• port or marina instructions
• safety reasons
• guest comfort
• operational restrictions
• availability of restaurants or suppliers
• skipper discretion

The Sea Pearl will always aim to provide the best possible experience within the conditions of the day.
A route change made for safety, comfort, or operational reasons does not automatically entitle the guest to a refund.

18. Swimming, Snorkeling and Water Activities

Swimming and snorkeling are optional and depend on conditions.
Guests participate in swimming, snorkeling, and any water activity at their own risk and must follow the skipper’s instructions at all times.
The skipper may restrict or prohibit swimming if conditions are not suitable.
Guests must not enter the water without permission from the skipper or crew.

19. Alcohol and Responsible Behaviour

Alcohol may be served or supplied on board depending on the cruise and selected add-ons.
Guests are expected to consume alcohol responsibly.

The Sea Pearl may refuse to serve alcohol or may restrict alcohol consumption if guest behaviour affects safety, comfort, or the experience of others on board.

The skipper has the right to end or modify the cruise if guest behaviour becomes unsafe, abusive, disruptive, or inappropriate.

No refund will be provided if the cruise is ended or affected because of guest misconduct.

20. Guest Conduct

Guests must respect:
• the skipper and hostess
• the yacht
• safety instructions
• the marine environment
• other boats and people
• local rules and restrictions

The following are not allowed unless expressly approved:
• dangerous behaviour
• jumping from unsafe areas
• bringing unapproved alcohol or food
• smoking in restricted areas
• damaging the yacht
• disturbing the crew
• throwing items into the sea
• using drones without prior approval
• bringing more guests than booked

The Sea Pearl may refuse boarding or end the cruise if guest conduct creates a safety, legal, or operational issue.

21. Damage to the Yacht or Equipment

Guests are responsible for damage caused intentionally, recklessly, or through misuse by themselves or members of their group.
The Sea Pearl may request payment for damage to the yacht, equipment, décor, tableware, safety equipment, or any other property on board.

22. Personal Belongings

Guests are responsible for their personal belongings.

The Sea Pearl is not responsible for lost, damaged, or wet personal items, including phones, cameras, sunglasses, bags, clothing, jewelry, or documents, unless caused by proven negligence by The Sea Pearl.

Guests should take special care with electronic devices near water.

23. Health, Mobility and Special Requirements

Guests should inform The Sea Pearl in advance of any mobility limitations, medical concerns, pregnancy, severe allergies, or other important conditions that may affect safety or comfort on board.

The Sea Pearl will try to assist where possible, but not every cruise, route, sea condition, or add-on will be suitable for every guest.

If important information is not shared in advance, The Sea Pearl may not be able to adapt the cruise on the day.

24. Dietary Preferences and Allergies

Guests should inform The Sea Pearl in advance of any dietary preferences or food restrictions.

For serious allergies, guests must notify us before booking any food, drink, catering, or meal add-on.

Although we may coordinate with restaurants or suppliers, The Sea Pearl cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment, especially when third-party suppliers are involved.

Guests with serious allergies are responsible for assessing whether the service is suitable for them.

25. Photography, Video and Social Media

The Sea Pearl may take general photos or videos of the yacht, sea, coastline, and experience for operational or promotional purposes.

We will not intentionally use close-up or clearly identifiable images of guests for marketing purposes without consent.

If guests request photography, videography, social media content, or a special occasion shoot, separate details, pricing, and consent may apply.

Guests are welcome to take personal photos and videos, provided this does not interfere with safety, crew duties, or other guests’ privacy.

Drone use requires prior approval and may be restricted by law, safety, weather, or location.

26. Third-Party Services

Some add-ons or services may be provided or supported by third-party suppliers, such as:
• restaurants
• florists
• cake suppliers
• photographers / videographers
• transfer providers
• catering suppliers

The Sea Pearl may coordinate these services, but availability, final delivery, and specific supplier terms may vary.

Where third-party costs have already been committed, cancellation or refund may not be possible.

27. Refunds

Approved refunds are normally made to the same payment method used for the original booking, unless otherwise agreed.

Refund processing time may depend on the payment provider, card issuer, bank, or payment method.

Card processing fees, banking fees, administrative fees, or third-party supplier costs may be deducted where applicable and lawful.

28. Force Majeure

The Sea Pearl is not responsible for failure or delay caused by events outside its reasonable control, including but not limited to:
• extreme weather
• port restrictions
• government restrictions
• safety alerts
• strikes
• natural disasters
• technical failures outside reasonable control
• sudden illness or emergency
• force majeure events

In such cases, The Sea Pearl will try to offer a fair solution, which may include rescheduling, route adjustment, or cancellation depending on the circumstances.

29. Mechanical or Operational Issues

If the yacht becomes unavailable due to unexpected mechanical, technical, safety, or operational reasons, The Sea Pearl may:

• reschedule the cruise
• offer an alternative solution if available
• cancel the cruise and refund the base cruise price

The Sea Pearl is not responsible for indirect losses such as travel costs, accommodation costs, missed flights, missed hotel arrangements, or other consequential expenses.

Guests are advised not to plan critical travel arrangements immediately after the scheduled cruise.

30. Travel Insurance

Guests are encouraged to have appropriate travel insurance covering cancellations, medical issues, travel disruption, and personal belongings.
The Sea Pearl does not provide travel insurance.

31. Changes to These Terms

The Sea Pearl may update these Booking Terms & Cancellation Policy from time to time.
The terms that apply to a booking are the terms in force at the time the booking is made, unless a change is required by law or agreed with the guest.

32. Governing Law and Disputes

These terms are governed by the laws of Greece.
If a dispute arises, both parties should first try to resolve it through direct communication in good faith.
If the issue cannot be resolved, it may be referred to the competent authorities or courts according to applicable law.