A yacht charter is an exhilarating vacation adventure that should result in pure relaxation for the body and mind. It’s often helpful to know what to expect, so below is detailed information regarding items you should bring, documents you may need, costs you can expect, and essentially everything you need to know about yacht charters.
Regarding your yacht charter:
Arriving
______________________________
We want to make sure that you enjoy every possible moment onboard the yacht. To help facilitate this, please let us know your flight information (flight number, arrival time) so that we may ensure that a crew member is properly prepared to pick you up directly from the airport and usher you and your luggage to your awaiting yacht.
Staterooms
________________________________
We recommend that you indicate room assignments for your guests in advance of your sail date. This allows for the crew to properly distribute luggage without disturbing you or your guests, while providing a smooth transition into your vacation as your guests are escorted into the proper rooms.
Preferred Marinas
________________________________
In advance of your yacht charter, you may inform us of any preferred marinas you may have. We will do everything in our power to ensure that we dock at each of your requested berths; however, we cannot always ensure that dockage arrangements are met. In the more popular marinas, especially during peak periods, a deposit and advanced notice is required. Oftentimes, dockage confirmation is not provided until a few days before arrival. While we cannot guarantee dockage at your preferred marinas, we will do our very best.
Gratuity
______________________________
It is common practice to tip the captain and crew. If you were impressed with the personal service and attention of the crew, then we recommend tipping 15% of your base charter costs to the captain at the end of your charter. While 15% is our recommendation, we’ve found that many guests were so enamored with the service of the crew and the yacht charter experience that they tipped the captain even more. It is purely your decision how much to leave as a gratuity.
Regarding your guests:
Yacht Capacity
______________________________
Yacht charters are often priced per boat, not per person. However, each yacht has a limitation on the number of guests permitted. The amount of passengers is related to the number of statesrooms and size of the yacht itself. Additionally, international maritime law prohibits boats with more than twelve passengers unless they hold a special registration.
Children
________________________________
When booking your yacht charter, be sure to inform us of the ages of children who will be accompanying you. This will enable us to match your guests’ needs with an appropriate boat. Many yachts offer a wide variety of fun and entertaining amenities for children – from video games to water sports. We do recommend that you bring age-appropriate activities for your younger guests. While we love having children aboard, all guests under the age of 18 remain your responsibility.
Pets
________________________________
Animals are not typically permitted aboard the yachts. If you feel strongly that your pet join you on your vacation, please inform us in advance. Some captains and owners will allow pets under certain conditions, and possibly with a deposit for damages. Details will be included in your charter agreement.
What to Bring:
Luggage
______________________________
While we understand that there are certain items that you must bring on your vacation, we recommend that you keep your luggage to a minimum. Some yachts have restrictions on the quantity or size of luggage, simply because a large quantity of suitcases and bags would impede your free space onboard, especially if storage space is limited.
Clothes
________________________________
Bring several swimsuits, as you’ll spend most of your time either swimming or between swims, and a cover-up to wear after you exit the water. We recommend bringing a t-shirt to wear when snorkeling to prevent sun burn on your back. Pack casual clothing that is resort appropriate, such as shorts, collared or button-down shirts. Indoors is air conditioned and the evenings sometimes become chilly, so you should pack a light jacket or sweater for these occasions. For local dining, you may wish to bring casual dress attire, such as a dress or slacks. Men are not generally required to wear a jacket and tie.
Shoes
________________________________
Footwear is an often overlooked detail that can cause many problems if not properly addressed. It is essential that you bring shoes that are appropriate your vacation itinerary. If you are going hiking, you will need different shoes than if you plan on spending your entire time either on the beach, in the water, or on the yacht deck. If you have any questions regarding appropriate footwear, we will happily discuss this with you.
Protection from the Sun
________________________________
Regardless of your itinerary, you will need to pack protection against the sun. Spending time on deck, on the beach, or out and about town will set you up for a horrible sun burn if you are not properly prepared. Most yachts provide sunscreens that are appropriate for the powerful tropical sun. If you choose to bring your own lotions, please do not bring varieties with PABA or heavy oils, which may stain. We also recommend bringing sunglasses, hats, and even white, lightweight clothing, especially if you or your guests are prone to burning.
