Travel Advise

Coronavirus Update

The Summer 2020 season is now successfully behind us and having operated in all our main destinations from July to November, we are pleased to advise that we completed the summer without a single case of COVID 19 on any of our holidays, including flotillas, beach clubs, cabin charter or sailing schools. The feedback from our guests was that the precautions and distancing measures in place worked very well, without adversely affecting their holiday and the point has been well proven that holidaying afloat on a yacht within one’s family or social bubble, with sensible precautions and protective measures in place is about as safe as it gets.

In line with the latest UK government restrictions, we have no departures from the UK operating over the current period and through to May, though our bareboat bases in Greece and Croatia are anticipated to be open from the beginning of May. 

We are optimistic that travel restrictions and quarantine requirements will have been lifted in time for the start of the season thanks to good progress being made with inoculation programmes. We acknowledge that there is still some uncertainty on whether UK restrictions will be lifted in time for our season’s start in May. We continue to monitor the situation closely, liaising regularly with our trade associations and where possible, also the authorities both in the UK and in our main destinations.

Should travel not be possible, we will contact you individually in good time to discuss your options which can include deferring the holiday to a later date, or if travel subsequently proves impossible, then we acknowledge your right to a full refund.

One thing that is almost certain to remain a requirement this summer is a negative PCR Covid 19 test within 72 hours of travel for all passengers.  This will probably be only on the outbound leg, though we still await further advice and confirmation on this. Those that have already had the vaccine will need to obtain a certificate (further info awaited on this) as this is likely to further facilitate travel, potentially avoiding the need for a PCR test pre-departure.

If you wish to discuss your arrangements, please contact us, and we will happy to advise on the current situation and what we can do to help.

We will update this page as more information becomes available.

Holidays Booked For Summer 2021

Given the pre-departure testing and other protective measures planned by the airline and travel industry for 2021, the aim is that the 2021 summer season will operate normally. However, in the event that  some disruption to departures occur, we have implemented appropriate policies  to deal with such situations. Those booking a full package with us including flights will benefit from ATOL cover for the entire package, when we as a tour operator will take full responsibility to provide suitable accommodation and organise appropriate repatriation travel in the event of any disruption.

What If My Holiday Is Disrupted?

In the event of any disruption pre-departure, we will do our best to offer you the maximum flexibility possible – this will vary from booking to booking, and our team will work to offer you the best option for your holiday and circumstances, whether this is travelling as originally planned but changing to a different destination, deferring your holiday to a different date or securing a refund for you where this is available. If disruption occurs after departure, we will provide all necessary assistance and make any necessary changes to travel arrangements.

Deferring Booked Holidays

If your holiday with us had to be cancelled or deferred due to COVID 19 related disruption, we recommend that you choose your new holiday date as soon as possible in order to secure your place and avoid disappointment, since availability for the second half of the summer is already limited. Where your holiday is scheduled to go ahead but you wish to defer, please note that you may incur penalties if there are no official restrictions in place. In the event that new restrictions are put in place, deferring your holiday will usually be penalty-free. We work with many suppliers, fleet owners, hotels, airlines and agencies – talk to us about your booking and we will give you the latest information on what may be possible in your case.

Flight Cancellations

If your flight is booked through us and is cancelled or changed, we will contact you and do our utmost to secure suitable alternative arrangements. If you have booked your own flight and this is cancelled or changed, please get in touch and we will do our best to help you.

You Are Ill Or Self Isolating And Can’t Travel

If you cannot travel due to illness, self-isolation or official restrictions, please get in touch and we’ll look at possible amendments to your holiday and will assist you with this in any way we can. If the holiday is still scheduled to go ahead and there are no restrictions in place, you should be able to claim on your travel insurance for any health-related disruption.

What Is The Situation With Refunds

Given the very large number of holidays that were curtailed in 2020 during this unprecedented crisis, we encouraged guests to re-book for a later date if possible, or if this could not yet be decided, to accept a credit note which could be applied to a later booking. The credit note still benefits from financial protection under the ATOL and ABTA schemes where booked in that way.We thank the large number of guests who chose to re-book or defer for their cooperation and for staying with us.

How We Are Keeping Your Money Safe

We would like to remind you our flight inclusive package holidays are ATOL protected. More information can be found on that ATOL website: https://www.caa.co.uk/ATOL-protection/Consumers/About-ATOL/

How Soon Are Holidays Expected To Return To Normal

We saw the situation return to normal across most of Europe from July 2020, albeit with sensible protective measures in place, with Greece in particular having been almost COVID free up to that point.  Most airlines operated their full flight schedules to our main destinations of Greece, Turkey, Italy and also Croatia and full summer 2021flights schedules have been on sale for a while. Plans are well advanced for pre-departure testing in 2021 , whilst enhanced hygiene routines and other protective measures have been well proven in all our destinations during the 2020 season. These measures will be continued for as long as proves necessary, whilst always operating in line with UK and host country advice and guidelines. 

What Additional Precautions Are In Place at the Destinations

With holidays operating whilst the virus is still active, guests and crew will need to complete a health questionnaire prior to travel. Additionally, we have implemented an enhanced cleaning and sanitisation regime on all vessels and in accommodation units. The safety of guests and crew is a top priority for us, so holidays and courses we operate apply protocols that are in line with the advice of the WHO, FCO, and the health and maritime authorities in our host countries. 

What is the situation with Travel Insurance

Where there is negative foreign office advice on travel to certain destinations, most travel insurance policies will not cover you if you travel there. However, we have identified policies that will cover you to travel and also cover you if you contract the virus before you travel in certain circumstances, whilst also offering reasonable premiums. 

How are we keeping your money safe ? -We would like to remind you our flight inclusive package holidays are ATOL protected . More information can be found on that ATOL website: https://www.caa.co.uk/ATOL-protection/Consumers/About-ATOL/