Charter FAQ
Are you for the First time booking a crewed Charter Yacht?
No Problem!
We are here for you...
The Caribbean Sailboat Vacation FAQ will help to answer your questions!
Now what can you expect from your Crewed Charter Yacht Cruise?
You are the coordinator for your Family who will be cuising the beautiful Caribbean Destinations. No worry, it’s quite an easy process and we are happy to lead you through it.
You can call us or simple fill out the Contact Form.
Just picture yourself being already there, you get up in the morning with the smell of fresh coffee from your Yachts galley and crystal blue Caribbean waters expecting you to jump right in!
Are Credit Cards widely accepted?
There are only a few ATM's around the BVI's.
It is recommended that you bring along some cash (the BVI uses US currency).
The same applies for the Windward Islands, where some islands use the EURO or EAST CARIBBEAN DOLLAR, but US DOLLAR is widely accepted in shops.
Can we SCUBA Diving off the Yacht?
Oh yes! Please ask for more details or ask for our special Diving Yachts.
These captain and crew are excellent, patient and very knowledgeable PADI SCUBA certified Diving Instructors & Masters and can certify you to be a PADI Open Water Diver during your Diving Holidays. Never been diving before and cant wait to try? Blow your first bubbles while trying out a Resort Course or Discover Scuba Course! There is nothing more exiting than a jump into warm waters of the beautiful Caribbean Sea directly off your yacht and enjoy an aquarium-like dive without the hustle and bustle of the crowd.
Do I have to worry about seasickness?
No, you don’t! Choose a Catamaran, these are a heavy built and sturdy new generation yachts. Think being floating on a larger air mattress, seasickness is not common! If you still think you might get queasy, simple bring along some motion-sickness medication that you feel comfy with and are non-drowsy! Rest assured, the Cat's are designed for comfort and stability!
Little sailors and small children on-board OK?
We love children and they are very welcome for your Family Cruises!
Children need to wear at all times a life west, best is to bring a fitted one that is comfortable and fun to wear. It’s a good idea to bring along some age appropriate games or DVD's, and their own well fitting mask, snorkel and life jacket (for playing in the water). C Please understand that the crew cannot be responsible as a babysitter during your Family Cruises.
Is fishing permitted off the yacht?
Yes it is as long you order a BVI waters fishing license online.
Please note that due to a common toxic algae in the coral reefs, fishing is catch-and-release, unless your captain approves it!
Should we pack our own snorkel or SCUBA gear?
Most Yachts are outfitted with the latest in that compartment for your Yacht Charter snorkel experience.
It’s always a good idea to bring along your personal mask if you have one, other wise we provide you with it all! Simple have us informed on the preference sheet with your shoe sizes. Most Yachts offer masks, snorkels, and fins for your Diving.
What do I need to pack for my Caribbean Yacht Vacation?
Storage space is limited on a Yacht.
SOFT COLLAPSIBLE LUGGAGE is preferred, best without wheels and hard bottoms. Suitcases cannot be stored! At the end of charters we hear our charter guests telling us, that they packed twice as much as they needed and that next time they will know better! We recommend 2-3 swimsuits and 2 pairs of shorts, 3-4 T-shirts, as you probably will buy some in the local art craft shops. Bring a 30-45 SPF sunscreen, higher SPF for children, NO spray types please, as the yachts deck can get very slippery with it when wet. No tanning oil, PABA or Bronzers at all as they stain the white fiberglass of your Yacht.
What is provided for us on-board our Yacht?
All Cabins are fully decorated and outfitted for your Cruise, all sheets and covers are already nicely fitted and you will find along some personal towels and beach towels too. The en-suite bathrooms or rather “head” in boating terms, are mostly providing you with facial/hand towels and soaps, shampoo and more. On most platforms you find conveniently located an outdoor shower with soaps and shampoos. Enjoy a “under the sky” shower every day! Ask for power adapters if needed! For your Activities you have all sorts of water toys to use.
Before your charter we will be closely communicate over your food/drink/activity preferences, we will send you a form to fill out all and tell the crew about your group. Rhe crew will make sure, all be stocked when you board.
What is required for a Sailing Vacations?
Passports!
Valid passports are now required for all nationalities coming into the Caribbean as well as for the US Citizen when returning to the states.
Whats the Caribbean Islands dress code?
Dress is casual in the islands.
Resort casual clothing is only needed if you are thinking of dining ashore at one of the fancier resort restaurants. Its barefoot time and you will not need shoes on board, unless you have a specific pair of shoes, with white sole and be only wearing them on the Yacht. We suggest to pack one pair of sandals or flip-flops for your shore visits and perhaps a pair of wet shoes for climbing over the rocks and in the water. During the winter season it’s a good idea to pack an additional light sweater or a windbreaker.
Where do I fly to?
For your Virgins Island Destinations, fly into either to: St.Thomas (STT) in the USVI and take the 45-minute ride with the fast ferry over to Roadtown, Tortola, BVI. Also you can fly through San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) to Beef Island (EIS), Tortola’s airport. For your Windward Island Cruise are many direct flights from New York and Miami to St.Martin/Sint Maarten’s (SXM) international Airport. We will help you as many new connections are established over the past months.
Where is my port of boarding and meet the Yacht?
We talk to you closer during your booking progress,when you know your flight arrangements.
Due to an old USCG regulation some yachts are not allowed to pick-up and transport more than six passengers in US waters. Of course we can make special arrangements in the event that you are more than six, talk to us!
Pick-ups and drop-offs are usually at 12:00 noon, unless special arrangements have been made.
Your Tortola pick-ups and drop-offs are generally in Road Town, Village Cay Marina, Trellis Bay, East End or for special request and time permitted also in Sopers Hole, West End.
For your St.Martin/Sint Maarten’s Sailing pick-up we suggest to talk closer to us with regards to your Sailing Itinerary.
Do I get to sign a Charter Yacht Agreement?
Yes, absolutely!
Once we start talking closer and you know the number of your charter sailing group, we will issue a standard and approved CYBA (Charter Yacht Broker Association) Charter Contract. Your money will be secured on the yachts clearing house ESCROW account and paid to the yacht 10 days prior your boarding.
How can I be reached in an emergency?
We will provide you with all important contact numbers and email addresses for your loved ones at home! Most yachts have cell phones and some even satelite phones. Most offer on-board WIFI or monitor their VHF radios.
Will my cell phone work in the BVI, USVI or in the Windward Island?
There are certain Caribbean Destinations areas in which cell phone access is difficult. A few towers in the USVI that allow you to use your cell phone as if you were in the States, otherwise you might get roaming charges by one of the local providers. For accurate location availability, refer your cell phone provider.
How do I hand gratuity over to the crew and how much is appropriate?
Your charter crew will change many hats during your cruise!
The are your gourmet chef, diving instructor, island guide, story teller, maid and when you sleep, they mostly are up cleaning and preparing the yacht or meals for you! That’s when you wake up with a coffee bouquet in the air…
They basically work 24/7 and are busy NOT to look very busy, as they don’t want to spoil your precious vacation feeling! Mostly they had only a 24hr turnaround between charters and no rest at all. But they will make you feel, as if they were as well on a Sailing Vacation with you, this is outstanding professionalism. A crew's gratuity is based like in every service related industry on the customer’s satisfactory level and on his discretion. Usually and customary are a 15-20% of your Charters rate. This may seem a lot but it’s the majority part of a crew’s income and it reflects a job well done or very well done! This thrives the crew to work that hard and keeps a friendly smile in their face. The crew will share equally and a letter handed to them at the end of the Charter with a personal note and the gratuity is more than welcome and appreciated. If you prefer to pay the crew’s gratuity by your MASTER/VISA CARD, please talk to the captain as they may be able to offer a 3rd party service.
Do I need Trip Insurance?
You may never need it, but having it will give you peace of mind and coverage should the unexpected occur.!
Many travelers view trip insurance as an "unnecessary" added expense, even though the cost of trip insurance varies. We strongly advise a good solid trip insurance.
Check www.insuremytrip.com for comparison and with your credit card company, sometimes they offer good deals. Our cancellation policy is; that we refund re-booked days to you in full, but life is unexpected, and a lot can happen between booking and going. In addition, yachts are difficult to re-book on short notice, so cancelling your yachting vacation can have financial consequences for your travel mates as well. Some policies cover everything from the little annoyances, like delayed or lost luggage, missed flight connections, be it because of bad weather or airline schedules or to the real serious stuff; like medical emergencies, accidents and injuries from water sports.