Whether you are experienced with yachting vacations or this is your first time, you will naturally have many questions. The initial steps and decisions when booking your charter will make the final steps so easy.
How do you go about booking your charter vacation?
Call me or email me and tell me everything you can about the yachting vacation you are looking for. I will ask you lots of questions and you can ask lots of questions back. It’s the best way to make sure we have a good fit for you with the boat and the crew. Exploring the preferences of you and your group are the best way to do this.
I will make recommendations of the yachts and crews that I feel are the best fit for you and your group. We can discuss these choices, and explore even more, until you select the boat you want.
Once you decide on a yacht and dates, I will put an option (hold) on the yacht’s calendar. I will then send you a Charter Agreement via fax or email.
You send the signed Charter Agreement along with a 50% deposit to confirm the yacht. (See General Terms and Conditions below.)
Your yacht is confirmed and it is now time to start dreaming about relaxing on a yacht in paradise.
I will send the planning package that will include a detailed questionnaire about your interests and travel plans as well as a food and beverage preference sheet. Please fill it out with as much detail as possible. This helps your crew customize your trip and meals around ‘what you want.’
The Captain will contact you a few weeks prior to your trip to review your requests and the trip with you.
Now all that is left is for you to arrive at the boat and start your adventure.
What is the Cost of a crewed charter?
Crewed yachts come in all sizes and prices. Prices vary depending on size of yacht and how many people will be sharing the cost. The value is surprisingly reasonable when taking into consideration everything it includes. Look at the cost of a land based trip: your hotel, restaurant meals, tours and water sports from your hotel, taxi fare back and forth from your hotel to a restaurant or activity. And on a charter boat you wake up in a new anchorage every morning. This really is one of the best-kept secrets in the travel industry.
The duration of the charter is usually a week, but can be any length. Groups on larger yachts can often be less expensive per person than a couple on a small yacht. Motor yachts cost more than sailboats. Yachts are available for parties of two or more. Large groups may prefer to charter more than one yacht and travel as a flotilla. This is common, especially for corporate groups or multiple families.
What extra fees can I expect on a crewed charter boat?
Unless you have been told differently, the cost of your charter boat is ‘All Inclusive.’ This covers all food and beverage and most of the water sports on the vessel. The chefs on these boats are excellent. Drinks such as wine, beer and liquor are included as part of the “ship’s bar.” If there are any additional expenses, such as Scuba Diving or for premium liquor or wine requests, you will be told this in advance of booking your charter.
Your crew work very hard before, during and after your charter and a gratuity for the service provided is expected and part of the crew’s income. 15-20% is customary and cash is the best way to do this. Please plan on having this cash on hand before you come on your trip. The best thing is to leave an envelope at the end of your trip with a thank you note and the gratuity.
What is the difference between a crewed charter boat and a cruise ship?
A better way to put this is the only thing that is the same between a crewed charter boat and a cruise ship is they both are on the water. A crewed charter will customize the itinerary around what you want; what activities you want to do and the schedule you want to set. Your crew are experts in the territory you are in and will tailor ‘your cruise’ to fit your requests and preferences. On a charter yacht, your meals will be customized around your likes and dislikes. You’ll go to out of the way beaches and dive/snorkel spots instead of the same crowded spot every time. Not only is the attire on a charter boat very casual, mostly shorts and t-shirts, you won’t have to stand in long lines for meals and activities.
Do I need to know how to sail?
Chartering is a great way to enjoy life on the water, whether you wish to actively participate in the sailing or sit back and have the crew handle it all. For many people this is their first time on a large sailboat. But it is not their last, as the crew help make life on a boat so easy.
General Terms and Conditions
Payments: 50% deposit is required to confirm your charter. (Many yachts only require a 25% deposit if booked more than six months in advance with the second 25% due 6 months prior to the charter). The final payment is due 45-60 days prior.
Cancellation: Your deposit is fully refundable, minus an administration fee, if the yacht is re-booked. If it is not rebooked, you forfeit the payments you have made thus far. This is standard industry policy. Cancellation insurance is available should you have to cancel due to illness, death in the family, and some work related reasons.
Method of Payment: A select number of yacht owners accept credit cards; otherwise payment can be made to Tropic Wind Yacht Charters by personal check, corporate check, or wire transfer to their US Bank. All funds are held in an escrow account until released to the yacht 10 days prior to the charter.