WHAT IS THE COST OF A CREWED CHARTER?
The cost of crewed charters vary depending on the size of vessel, power or sail, number of people on board, etc. The duration of the charter is usually a week, but can be any length. Generally, all food, beverages and water activities are included. Diving is usually extra.
The price per person starts around $1500. Motor yachts cost more than sailboats. Groups on larger yachts can often be less expensive per person than a couple on a small yacht.
Yachts are available for parties of two or more. Large groups may prefer to charter more than one yacht and sail in tandem or as a flotilla. This is very common, especially for corporate groups.
The summer season may be less expensive than winter in the Caribbean. Summer season is May 1st to December 14th. Winter season is December 15th to April 30th. Christmas and New Years usually have an additional fee. Dockage and shore excursions are extra.
Gratuities are customary when the service merits it. Remember that your crew work hard to ensure your vacation is a great one.
WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE?
All yachts have waters sports and will vary depending on equipment. These might include snorkeling, scuba diving, knee boarding, water-skiing, wind surfing, kayaking, fishing, and of course, sailing. Most water sports are included but some are extra, and can be arranged by your crew. These would be diving and parasailing. Onshore activities can be recommended by your crew and will vary depending on the local.
WHERE CAN WE CRUISE?
The itinerary is based on your preferences of activities. Generally, your cruising would be contained within the island group. To cruise other areas in the Caribbean is possible, but it will require more planning and usually cost, due to airfare, provisioning, etc.
WHO PLANS THE ITINERARY?
Once your captain has received your "Preference Sheets", he will be happy to suggest an itinerary that suits your interests. However, you are free to change this route at any time during your cruise The crew know the territory very well and will tailor the cruise to fit your requests. It isn't possible to see everything in one visit. You may need to adjust your itinerary to accommodate your schedule and activities you have chosen or return again in the future for another charter
LENGTH OF CRUISE?
Cruise rates are normally based on a full week charter, eight days, seven nights. However, you can usually book a charter for any number of days the choice is yours! Also, dependent on availability, you can start your cruise on any day of the week.
WHO PLANS THE MENUS?
Normally the yachts chef will provide you with a sample menu prior to your trip. You will also be sent a food and beverage request form (preference sheets), with which you can inform the crew with detailed information on your food and beverage preferences. These sheets provide the chef with the information he needs to tailor the menu and refreshments to your specific preferences.
The chefs are excellent and can usually prepare any dish requested.
Drinks such as wine, beer and liquor are are normally included as part of the "ship's bar". The amount and variety will vary depending on the cost of the charter with larger, more expensive yachts providing finer wines and premium liquors.
WHAT SHOULD WE BRING?
Most yachts we have a limited amount of storage space on board so it is desirable that you bring soft luggage where possible.. Try and pack essential items in your carry on luggage; delayed luggage is not unheard of in these parts.
For clothing, bring casual wear, mostly shorts and T-shirts, and swimsuits. A few of the more formal restaurants require long pants and collared shirts and occasionally a jacket. By mid charter most of guests comment that they have over packed, and that next time they will bring half as much!
Most boats are a "no shoes" boat, so there is no need to purchase a pair of expensive yachting shoes. We that you bring sandals, sneakers and perhaps some reef shoes. If you prefer to wear shoes on board we suggest that they have white soles and that they are not worn ashore.
Bring your own mask and snorkel if you're inclined, but all yachts carry an assortment of sizes. If you are expecting to scuba dive, check with us to make sure of the available equipment on board the yacht.
DO I NEED SAILING EXPERIENCE? One of the benefits of your charter is that the crew does all the work! You do not have to have any sailing experience to enjoy this holiday. Many clients have never stepped foot on an ocean going yacht before, and are delighted with the level of comfort and service provided.
If you would like to participate in the sailing of the boat you are more than welcome, otherwise sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!
WHAT KIND OF SPECIAL CRUISES ARE OFFERED?
There are cruises to meet almost every need. Some of these include:
Scuba Diving Many programs are available for diving from beginner up to Advanced Diver. The variety of diving includes reef, night, cave and wreck dives.
Learn To Sail Most yachts are happy to share their knowledge of sailing with you and there will be opportunities to steer the boat and adjust the sails if your want. There are, however, captains that are qualified sailing instructors for those charter guests that are interested in learning more.
Captain Only A few yachts are available with the Captain only. The yacht is available with the Captain at a lower rate than fully crewed and the charter guest pays all the expenses. These would be provisions (including enough for the Captain), fuel, water, taxes, etc. Also, you prepare the meals and look after your cabins. This might be a good choice for those that want to eat ashore frequently and don't need the personal service that a fully crewed charter includes
Passports
A passport is the principal requirement for entry into the BVI and are required for all
travelers.. Visitors from some countries may need a visa, if in doubt please contact us and we will check with the BVI Department of Immigration for you.
Photographers
Bring plenty of film for your camera, spare batteries are also a good idea. Film and batteries are expensive in the islands and the choice is somewhat limited. Outlets are available for the recharging of video camera batteries.
Medications
We would recommend that you bring a plentiful supply of prescription medication with you. There are pharmacies on the islands but your particular prescription may be impossible to maintain.
Sunblocks
We recommend that you bring a plentiful supply of waterproof sun screen (factor 15 or higher) with you. Even on hazy days the sun in the tropics is very strong. For people with exceptionally pale skin we recommend that you bring a pair of men's pajama bottoms or leggings to wear as a cover up.
Drugs
There is a zero tolerance policy on illegal drugs aboard any vessel. If guests are found to be in possession of illegal drugs the captain of a vessel has the right to terminate the cruise immediately, with no refund of money.
ARE CHILDREN WELCOME?
This is the ultimate family vacation however various yachts have varying age limitation and pricing for children though most do not..
SEASICKNESS?
One reason why the BVI's are such a popular destination for sailing holidays is that you get ideal winds without rough seas.If you are concerned with seasickness, it is a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacists. I personally find that products that contain natural ginger often ares one of the best remedies! Of course, your crew will endeavor to make your trip as comfortable as possible by recommending routes in protected waters and keeping track of changing weather conditions.
HAIR DRYER ON BOARD?
All motor yachts and most sailing vessels have auxiliary generators. Power boats normally run their generators 24 hours / day allowing unlimited use of hair dryers and other electrical items. Many sailing yachts operate their generators a few hours each day, usually in the late afternoon and early evening. In general, American built boats have 110 volt systems while European vessels run on 220 volts. Please check with our office if this is not clear on your charter brochure. You may not have to pack hairdryers at all as many of our yachts provide these items for their guests.
IS SMOKING PERMITTED ON BOARD?
Smoking is rarely permitted inside the yachts for safety reasons and for the comfort of future charter guests. If you have heavy smokers in your party and feel this could be an issue please let us know in advance.
COMMUNICATIONS
Will my family and office be able to reach me on charter? Most charter yachts are equipped with the latest communications equipment including cellular service, global satellite communications, radio telephones, personal computers and fax machines..
TIPPING
For yacht charter crews, tips can make up a large portion of their pay. By maintaining this expense as a separate item, the charterer can reward a crew that has done a fabulous job and a crew can feel that if they go the extra mile, they have a chance of getting a bonus for their extra efforts. Considering the hours the crew put in, and the variety of activities in which they help you indulge, 10 to 20 percent of the charter fee divided between the crew members would seem to be a good basis on which to work. If you feet the crew had done a good job, 15% is a good tip - by giving an extra bonus you are telling the crew that they were terrific. Adjustments can be made according to how well you thought you were treated. There is no guest service that is even comparable to that provided on aboard a luxury yacht.