Policies

We’ve gathered our most important policies here to keep your time on the water effortless and worry‑free. These guidelines ensure clarity for everyone on board, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

For full legal details, please review our complete Terms & Conditions.

To reserve your charter date, a 50% deposit or full payment is required at the time of booking.

Your charter is officially confirmed once payment is received and you receive written confirmation from us. Remaining balances must be paid before departure, and we’ll provide clear payment instructions during the booking process.

We accept major credit/debit cards and other approved online payment methods. 

All bookings are processed securely through our online reservation system. Taxes and standard processing fees may apply.

We understand that plans can change. Cancellations made at least 7 days before your charter receive a full refund.

Cancellations within 7 days may be eligible for a partial refund, and cancellations within 24 hours and no-shows are non‑refundable.

Weather‑related decisions are made at the captain’s discretion for the safety of all guests.

If we must cancel due to unsafe conditions, we’ll work with you to either reschedule or issue a refund.

Your safety is always our top priority. Weather conditions on Lake Michigan can change quickly, and the captain may adjust the route, timing, or itinerary as needed to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

The captain has full authority over all navigation and safety decisions, and all guests are expected to follow instructions while onboard.

If weather makes it unsafe to depart, we’ll work with you to reschedule or provide a refund in keeping with our Terms & Conditions.

We want every charter to feel relaxed, enjoyable, and safe for everyone on board. Responsible alcohol consumption is welcome, and guests must follow all safety instructions from the captain and crew at all times.

For everyone’s comfort, disruptive behavior, unsafe actions, or damage to the vessel may result in the charter ending early. Our goal is to create a memorable experience for you and your guests while maintaining a safe and respectful environment.

For the comfort and safety of all guests, smoking and vaping are not permitted onboard.

Thank you for helping us keep the vessel clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

Pets are generally not encouraged due to space and safety considerations, but may be allowed with prior approval.

If you’d like to bring a pet, please contact us before booking so we can confirm whether accommodations are possible.

We want every charter to be safe, smooth, and enjoyable.

Guests are responsible for their own personal safety and belongings while onboard, and children must be supervised at all times.

Please follow all instructions from the captain and crew to ensure a safe experience for everyone.

Hiatus Cruises is not liable for injuries or losses resulting from unsafe behavior, failure to follow safety guidelines, or circumstances beyond our control.

We respect your privacy and handle your personal information with care.

Any details you share with us during booking or communication are used only to manage your charter and provide the best possible experience.

We may contact you with important updates related to your trip, and your information is managed according to our Privacy & Cookie Policy. If you have questions about how your information is used, we’re always happy to help.

We love capturing the beauty of Lake Michigan and the joy of your time on the water. During your charter, we may take photos or short video clips for memories and occasional promotional use.

Participation is completely optional, and you’ll have the chance to accept or decline when you sign our Photo Release & Media Waiver during boarding. If you prefer not to be photographed, we’ll make every reasonable effort to avoid capturing you directly.

If you have questions about any of our policies or if you have special requests, please contact us. We’ll make every reasonable effort to accommodate your needs and help make your cruise memorable.