Refund & Cancellation Policy

This policy explains how cancellations, changes, and refunds work for bookings made through Magical Andaman. The exact terms depend on the type of service (cruise ticket, hotel, experience, or full package) and the policies of the specific operator providing the service.

1. Cruise tickets

Cruise operators in the Andamans set their own cancellation rules. As a guideline:

• More than 48 hours before departure — typically full refund minus a small operator fee (often ₹100–₹250 per ticket) and our processing charge.
• 24–48 hours before departure — usually 50% refund.
• Less than 24 hours before departure — typically non-refundable.
• No-show — non-refundable.

The exact figures vary by operator and class. Always check the cancellation rule shown at checkout, or message us before booking if you're unsure.

2. Hotel bookings

Hotel cancellation terms vary widely by property. Each hotel quote includes the applicable rule (e.g. "free cancellation until 7 days before check-in", "non-refundable rate"). Where you choose a non-refundable rate, no refund will be possible regardless of timing.

3. Day-trips and experiences

Day-trip experiences are typically:

• Fully refundable if cancelled more than 24 hours before the start time.
• 50% refundable if cancelled between 12 and 24 hours before start.
• Non-refundable within 12 hours of the start time.

Activities that depend on weather (scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing) may be cancelled by the operator on the day. In that case, you receive either a free reschedule or a full refund.

4. Custom holiday packages

Cancellation of a multi-day package follows a tiered schedule:

• 30+ days before arrival — full refund less a ₹2,500 admin fee.
• 15–29 days before arrival — 70% refund.
• 7–14 days before arrival — 40% refund.
• Less than 7 days — non-refundable.

Individual elements of the package (specific hotels, ferries, experiences) may have stricter cancellation rules that override this schedule. We will always show you the net refund amount before confirming a cancellation.

5. Cancellations by operators or due to weather

If an operator cancels a service (due to weather, mechanical issues, or any reason), you are entitled to either a free reschedule to another date / service, or a full refund of that component. We will WhatsApp or email you as soon as we are notified.

6. Changes to your booking

Date changes, passenger changes, or upgrades are subject to availability and the operator's rules. Date changes typically incur a fee plus the fare difference (if any). Name corrections of up to two characters are usually free; larger changes may require rebooking. Message us on WhatsApp or email and we'll handle the coordination.

7. How to request a cancellation or refund

The fastest way is to message us on WhatsApp with your booking reference. You can also:

• Email hello@magicalandaman.com
• Sign in to your account and use the "Cancel booking" option on the booking detail page (where available)
• Call us during business hours (Mon–Sat, 9am–9pm IST)

8. How long refunds take

Once a refund is approved:

• UPI / wallet refunds: usually credited within 2–5 business days.
• Card refunds: usually credited within 5–10 business days, depending on your card issuer.
• Net banking refunds: usually credited within 5–7 business days.

We process refunds back to the original payment method via Razorpay. If you do not see the refund in your account within 10 business days, message us with the booking reference and we'll trace it.

9. What we do not refund

• Payment-gateway charges, if any, are non-refundable on cancellations initiated by the customer.
• Charges for services that have already been used, including partial-use of a package.
• Costs incurred outside of bookings made through us (flights, taxi rides, meals, etc.).

10. Disputes

If you disagree with a refund decision, write to us at hello@magicalandaman.com. We will review and respond within 7 business days. Disputes that cannot be resolved between us are governed by our Terms of Service.