How do I find out how a tour boat business handles weather cancellations?

Begin with the decision itself. Does the captain decide, the owner, or a written guideline? Ask for the procedure and ask to see a few real examples. A good one explains what the crew looked at and when the call was made.

Then follow the customer. What happens to a booked guest when a trip is cancelled: refund, voucher, rebooking? Ask how many chose each, and read a few complaints. Rebooking is better for the business, but only works if the schedule has room.

Now look at the money. Cancelled days across a season show how exposed the business is. Ask for the booking and refund records, and compare good and poor weather years. If the business sells gift certificates or advance tickets, ask how those are tracked and who owes what at closing. Finally, ask about insurance and supplier bills. Fuel and crew costs may continue whatever the weather. Also check how the cancellation policy is communicated: on the website, at booking and on the dock. Policies that customers can find easily lead to fewer disputes. Ask the crew what customers say when a trip is called off, since they hear it first.

Key takeaways

• Find out who decides to cancel and what they follow.
• Read the refund, voucher and rebooking records for several seasons.
• Ask how gift certificates and advance tickets will be handled at closing.