For the nouveau riche, the idea of taking a private yacht charter vacation is both casual and routine: “Honey, should we go to the chalet in the Alps this weekend, or spend a few days boating around St Barts?”
For the rest of us working-class types, a boating holiday is something we plan far in advance. Specifically squirreling away our pennies to pay for this special experience. Regardless of crewed yacht in the islands of the Caribbean or a do-it-yourself Florida Keys bareboat charter.
When affordability and value matter, it’s important to lock in a great charter price and not get blindsided by unexpected cash outlays.
Here are three pitfalls that can put a crimp on your charter budget – along with some helpful advice from Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters. Avoid or mitigate these expenses, and it will be smooth sailing.
The idea of an “all-inclusive” charter rate is a bit of a misnomer. Many Caribbean-based charter yachts offer all–inclusive rates, but carefully read the small print on your charter agreement. One item that is rarely included is the cost associated with using the yacht’s onboard communications system. This includes cellular phones and internet connectivity.
Unlike back home, cellular and internet service is very expensive in the Caribbean – often $1 or more per minute. With the whole family logging on to check emails, staying in touch with the office, friends, and family adds up quickly – you can easily incur communication fees of $500 or more in a week’s time.
Jana’s Tip – “Limit everyone’s online time to a few minutes a day. Better yet, turn off the cellphones, laptops, and get ‘un-connected.’ The whole point of a yachting vacation is to spend quality time with one another and to become immersed in the local culture and nature. Take a break from technology and enjoy your vacation!”
Many all-inclusive yachts offer a “ship’s bar” in the cost of the charter. This means the yacht will provide beer, house-quality wine, and some hard alcohol. But beware – if you request certain top-shelf brands or vintage wines and champagnes, you could be in for a rude awakening when your skipper hands you an invoice for, “special requests” at the conclusion of your charter. While some islands offer duty-free alcohol, this is not for local consumption, and premium brands in the islands are often 3 to 4 times as expensive as the same brands back home.
Jana’s Tip – “Unless you absolutely must have your hand-brewed artisan ale, or a special single malt whiskey from some remote bog in Scotland, enjoy the house brands for a few days – especially the local island concoctions like Rum Runners and Pina Coladas.”
One of the great joys of a Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation is the flexibility – you can come and go as you please, when you please – all at your own pace. Sometimes, charterers decide to conclude their charter in a different place than where they started. Your trip might commence in St. Thomas, USVI, for example, but you’ve looked at a map and feel an adventurous cruise concluding in St. Martin sounds like fun. It is YOUR yacht for the charter – everything’s up to you!
Most yacht owners and crews are more than happy to accommodate your wishes for everything – after all, this is your fully-customized vacation. However, there could be a hefty cost to end in a port other than where you began your odyssey, and if you’re not careful, you could be left footing a “delivery” bill.
The technical term is “re-positioning” – the cost of fuel and crew salary to return the yacht, after the charter has concluded, back to its home port. Depending upon how many days it takes the crew to return the yacht to its homeport, you could be looking at a fee as low as $500 to as high as $1000 for a sailboat, and double that for a motoryacht.
Jana’s Tip – “ask your charter broker before signing your charter agreement if there will be any delivery fees if you end in a port other than where you began your trip. If there is a fee, ask your broker to approach the yacht owner and see if the fee can be reduced, or even waived. Oftentimes, owners will absorb the cost of re-positioning, in order to secure your business.”
In conclusion, avoiding these budget-blowing pitfalls can save hundreds of dollars. This keeps your trip as it should be. It is a memorable experience to cherish for a lifetime.
What questions do you have about the costs of yacht charter vacations? We’d also love to hear about your experiences when chartering! Please comment below!
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Frequently Asked Questions Educational and tagged delivery fees, top shelf alcohol, cellphone charges on a yacht, extra costs on a yacht charter, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, 1800yachtcharters.com, Jana Sheeder, technology vacation, virgin islands yacht charter, boating around st. barts, costs of yacht charter, caribbean yacht charter, pitfalls to avoid, repositioning fees
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“I do think it is time for an independent investigation that really allows people to understand what the risk is that they take going through the scanner,” says Stroud.
“If you have a concern about the exposure to x-rays coming from the body scanner, simply opt for the pat down,” says Sheeder. “When you are on your way to enjoy a luxury yacht charter in the islands, the last thing you need is more travel-related stress!”
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This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Educational and tagged virgin islands yacht charter, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, TSA, airport scanning, hidden weapons, UCSF, University of California San Francisco, pat down, SailAway Yacht Charter Consultants, stress, airport body scanners, Jana Sheeder
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The 45 meter yacht made her public American debut at the 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, with newly-appointed Captain Phillip Nash onboard for the winter season. At the conclusion of the show, the Italian superyacht repositioned to the Bahamas.
This entry was posted in Destinations News Yacht of the Week and tagged yacht charter Bahamas, virgin islands yacht charter, mine games, Benetti, diamonds are forever, FLIBS, checkmate, Ft. Lauderdale International, Benetti Vision 145
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The manager of 100 foot superyacht INSATIABLE reached out to us today. Seems the owner of this super-popular Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel wants to shore up a gap in his reservation calendar and has offered us an incentive to secure a booking during the last two weeks of January, 2017.
Per the yacht’s manager, the owner of Broward yacht INSATIABLE has graciously offered us $1000 for any 7-night yacht charter Virgin Islands reservation we can deliver, to close his calendar for January.
This is given in the spirit of Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and her Team’s belief in Generosity and Giftivism. A gift to start your year off right. If you charter yacht INSATIABLE through 1-800 Yacht Charters, for either the third or fourth week of January, 2017, in the British and/or US Virgin islands, we’ll pass our $1000 bonus on to you – in the form of an instant rebate.
This is an exclusive offer – only available from 1-800 Yacht Charters – with our compliments.
Built by Broward Marine, the 100 foot yacht INSATIABLE offers affordable luxury for up to 6 guests in 3 staterooms. She recently received a brand new paint job, and underwent a refit, with many interior upgrades. Her special features make her the ultimate Virgin Islands luxury yacht charter option for small families or three couples. For instance, 32′ Intrepid center console towed tender, with twin 225 horsepower Mercury engines. It is great for fishing or exploration. In addition, a second tender, a 14′ Novurania with 50 mph that is excellent for towing a wake board or water-skiing. Next, a wave runner and 2 single-person kayaks. Moreover, the yacht has lots of snorkel gear. Lastly, she has three double guest cabins.
Caribbean Rate: $29,500 USD per week + running expenses (items such as food, fuel, bar, dockage, etc.)
You’ll receive an instant rebate of $1000 off the rate of $29500, and pay only $28,500 – a savings of 3%
BOOKED: December 23-January 2 (BVI)
BOOKED: January 7-14 (BVI)
OPEN: January 16 – 31 (BVI)
You can only get the special $1000 offer by making your reservation with us! In conclusion, hurry and take advantage of this great offer. Compliments of 1-800 Yacht Charters. Fill out our online inquiry form at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ right now.
This entry was posted in Caribbean Special Offers and tagged generosity, virgin islands yacht charter, caribbean yacht charter, BVI, British Virgin Islands, discount, Giftivism and Generosity, special rate, yacht charter Caribbean, specials, private luxury yacht charter, Insatiable, motoryacht charter, Novurania, Broward
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It’s one thing to hear a charter broker tell you the sailboat you are considering for your St. Marten yacht charter is a great performance vessel with plenty of creature comforts. More reassuring are the critical comments of a seasoned sailor who has been onboard while the yacht is underway.
There’s no substitute for a hands-on review of a yacht’s performance under sail.
Recently, sailing journalist Toby Hodge had the opportunity to join the luxury sailing charter vessel Oyster 575 ON LIBERTY for a 220 nautical mile passage from Palma, Mallorca to Cartagena, Spain. Hodge’s review appeared between the covers of the February 2011 issue of Yachting World magazine.
ON LIBERTY is a new entry into the charter market. Her pure hull lines will ensure this yacht is a fast passage maker. Imagine planning a Virgin Islands yacht charter holiday on a blue water cruiser with exhilarating performance.
But hey – no need to take our word – read some of Toby Hodge’s comments:
“The 575 proved easy to handle…She’s another slippery yacht…with an easy motion that will be greatly appreciated at sea”
“Thanks to the twin wheels, the helmsman has unhindered views forward from both sides and I love what happens when you go through waves – nothing – she’s as well mannered as a royal butler.”
“Oyster has a winning recipe for internal layouts, thanks to the center cockpit which creates sumptuous aft cabins, large passageway or U-shaped galleys and spacious saloons set low down to maintain privacy, but enjoying plenty of daylight from the coach roof windows.”
ON LIBERTY is available this spring in the Caribbean at a weekly rate of $14,000 for 4 passengers, inclusive of food and non-alcoholic beverages. This summer, the yacht will be based in the Western Mediterranean and offered for a rate of €11000 per week, plus all expenses.
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Yacht of the Week and tagged Yachting World, magazine, virgin islands yacht charter, sailboat yacht charter, luxury sailing yacht charter, On Liberty
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Catamaran yacht charter sailboat, The Meaning of Life…
“Dear Captain Terry,
Apologies for not replying before. A big work backlog on my return. Just to say that we absolutely loved the holiday. We would recommend 42…THE MEANING OF LIFE, THE UNIVERSE, AND EVERYTHING to anyone and would hope to go again ourselves. John and Kath were completely brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble for them. They were fantastic hosts working I have to say extraordinarily hard. The sailing, the food and all the other features on the boat were so good. And John even got me diving for the first time which I loved. The whole experience was just amazing. So thanks to you for suggesting “42.” I am quite sure we could have done no better.
Best wishes,
David P.”
Editor’s note: Launched in 2006, crewed catamaran sailing yacht 42 THE MEANING OF LIFE, THE UNIVERSE, AND EVERYTHING certainly has the longest name of all vessels offering crewed catamaran charters. Affectionately called 42 for short, this Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel offers accommodations for 6 guests in 3 cabins with ensuite bathrooms.
Onboard watertoys include towable toys such as a wakeboard, kneeboard, and a ski-tube, and fishing and snorkel gear.
Available for Caribbean yacht charters, the yacht is based in the British Virgin Islands but will go south to St Martin, St Barts, Antigua and even into the Grenadines and St Lucia. Her published rate is $12,000 per week for 2 passengers, $14,000 per week for 4 passengers, and $16,000 per week for 6 guests. Rates are inclusive of meals and ship’s bar.
Similar yachts available in the Caribbean include the 56′ catamaran sail yacht BACCHUS (€ 20,000 per week all inclusive), the 62′ catamaran sail yacht AVALON ($26,000 per week, all inclusive), and the 65′ sail catamaran WORLD’S END (€ 23,400 per week, plus expenses).
For more information about any of these yachts or yacht charter cruises in the Caribbean or the nearby Bahamas, contact the 1-800 Yacht Charters desk at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter Destinations Good Times and tagged virgin islands yacht charter, worlds end, catamaran sailboat, multihull, Bacchus, Avalon, kneeboard, catamaran charter, The Meaning of Life
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About a year ago, we rebranded our business with a new focus, driven by our motto, “What if we built our business for Generosity?”
As leaders in arranging Mediterranean yacht charter vacations, along with private yacht holidays throughout Greece and the Caribbean, we recognized an opportunity, and an obligation, to grow our business for the greater social good.
Realizing you can rent a yacht from a number of qualified charter brokers around the world, we came up with a simple reason to book your yacht with us: “Charter a Yacht and Change the World.”
Wow – what a year 2015 turned out to be!
We are so proud of and honored by our clients – both repeat charterers and new customers. They embraced our commitment to sustainability and generosity.
With enthusiasm, they chose our reusable water bottles in lieu of disposable plastic bottles (to help reduce plastic pollution in our oceans). When we told them a portion of their charter cost would be donated to charity in their name, and that we wanted their input in selecting the charity, they were quick to direct multiple donations to their favorite causes.
Thanks to our clients, among MANY other things, we were able to
Looking back, 2015 was a fantastic year. The above items and so many others are just so exciting for us. Helping others is our passion.
We enter 2016 with a number of new yachts and new destinations to offer our clients. We have the brand new expedition yacht LEGEND, available for experiencing Greenland and Norway’s Fjords; and the world’s largest sailing yacht for charter made of wood, the yacht LAMIMA, available in the exotic islands of Thailand and Burma.
Our team is energized to share these yachts and destinations with our clients. Each charter vacation gives our clients a chance to reconnect with family and friends. Additionally, to embrace diverse cultures. Finally, to rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit.
Together, we will make a difference. The Superyacht Experience™ by 1-800 Yacht Charters awaits you. When you choose to live a generous life, you start to change…and so does the world around you!!!
Happy New Year,
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, cleaning plastic and debris from coastline near her home in South Florida
Jana
jsheeder@1800yachtcharters.com
#gratitude #giveback #makeadifference
This entry was posted in Frequently Asked Questions Educational Yacht Charter News Special Events and tagged fjords, pollinators, spay neuter pets, sailing yacht made of wood, educate children, combat pet overpopulation, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters, Jana Sheeder, support a classroom, florida yacht charter marketplace, 1800yachtcharters, clean waterways, reusable water bottles, Be the Change, surgical instrument donation, generosity, animal rescue, reef mooring buoy donation, virgin islands yacht charter, lamima, private luxury vacation, expedition yacht, greenland, Legend, norway, spay and neuter, medical autoclave donation
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Doing any boating this spring in the Virgin Islands? If you are, plan on bringing a few extra bucks with you (or…take a money-saving tip from our company President, Jana Sheeder).
This will be the first spring yachting season since the BVI enacted new legislation in 2017, increasing cruising taxes.
Here’s a breakdown of both the previous and current fees:
These rates apply to Virgin Islands yacht charter vessels registered and based in the British side of the territory. “Foreign” based yachts – meaning charter yachts coming in from other bases such as the US Virgin Islands and elsewhere — will also see an increase – from $4 to $16 per person per day.
HELPFUL TIP – Jana Sheeder, our company President, suggests,
“When planning your Virgin Islands yacht charter vacation, ask your charter broker to present yachts ‘based’ in the British (BVI) side of the territory if possible, as opposed to those based in St . Thomas (USVI) or elsewhere. This small tip can save you 63% in extra cruising fees!!!”
A complete explanation of the tax increase is available on the official British Virgin Islands website.
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This Spring, grab the family, leave the stress of work and school behind, and set sail for adventure in the nearby Bahamas or the Virgin Islands – both a short flight from the USA mainland. Let 1-800 Yacht Charters Deliver the Superyacht Experience to you and your family.
CLICK HERE for a sampling of our Caribbean-based yachts…
This entry was posted in Yacht Charter News Educational and tagged British Virgin Islands, fees, BVI cruising taxes, what are the fees for boating in the virgin islands?, yacht charter Bahamas, Jana Sheeder, virgin islands yacht charter, president of 1-800 Yacht Charters
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We’ve all seen the images. For instance, a silhouette of a sailing yacht, lying at anchor near a secluded beach, the sun setting in the background, or the massive superyachts docked side-by-side in a marina along the Côte d’Azur. It’s not hard to imagine you and your family inserted in those yachting images, enjoying la belle vie.
Think you can afford a holiday at sea on a private yacht?
Let’s start with understanding exactly what a yacht charter is all about…
If you’ve ever stayed at a resort, you’ve already experienced the premise of a yachting vacation on a crewed yacht. From accommodations, to meals, activities and amenities.. Everything you and your family need are available in one location. The biggest difference is that your location “moves” when you charter a yacht!
For example, a Virgin Islands yacht charter vessel. Other travelers stay ashore and see the same view from their hotel window. For you, on the other hand, each day you can wake up and experience a new location. Your yacht cruises from island to island. Forget a virtual online slideshow. This is the real deal!
While onboard, you’ll be pampered by a crew of trained professionals. From a captain to navigate, to a host/hostess to serve you, and a chef to prepare your meals. The actual number of crew depends on the size of yacht you charter. It also depends on the level of service you request. There are often be more crew members than charter guests!
Just like the resort, the yacht offers accommodations, areas to relax and socialize, and a wide variety of recreational toys to enjoy. For example, snorkel gear and sandup paddleboards. The larger yachts offer a wider variety of toys and amenities. For instance, waverunners, cinema rooms, exercise equipment, and even ondeck Jacuzzi wellness spas.
There is one more distinguishing difference when compared to a resort – it’s completely private – only you and your family and friends and your crew are onboard – no one else! Your confidentiality is assured with 1-800 Yacht Charters.
Again, the comparison to seaside resorts best illustrates the locations available for enjoying a yachting holiday – if it’s on the ocean, chances are there are yachts in the area available for hire!
Here’s a partial list of the most popular destinations for chartering a crewed yacht:
If you guessed that we would once again go back and look at a resort for the answer – you’re right!
The price options for enjoying a crewed yacht directly compare to the prices of staying at a resort. Basic resorts in popular destinations can be very affordable for a family vacation, and so too can be the cost of a private yacht charter. Conversely, ultra exclusive resorts in posh settings charge premium rates – as do the most luxurious private yachts.
To put this into realistic perspective, here’s a sample of yachts and their prices:
The owners of charter yachts rely on a network of professional yacht charter brokers to serve as the go-between for owners and anyone interested in securing a yacht for hire. 1-800 Yacht Charters has been delivering The Superyacht Experience to their clients for over 30 years, and maintains a database of more than 500 crewed charter yachts around the world.
Only 1-800 Yacht Charters offers a Best Price Guarantee and makes a donation to a recognized charity in your name when you make your reservation.
Jana Sheeder and her company stand ready to book your private luxury yacht charter vacation for you right now. Please call us toll-free in North America (at +1.800.922.4824) or locally and internationally (at +1.305.253.7245) or fill out our online booking form at email us at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/
This entry was posted in News Frequently Asked Questions Educational Yacht Charter and tagged can I afford a yacht charter, cote d'azur, what does a yacht charter cost, Best Price Guarantee, French Riviera, donation made to charity in your name, the superyacht experience, Spanish Balearic Islands, Amels, why to book a yacht charter, Italian Riviera, Mediterranean yacht charter, how to book a yacht charter], St. Barts, where to go on a yacht charter, More Magic, Bahamas yacht charter, what is a yacht charter, Jodi Lee, Croatia, professional crew, Here Comes the Sun, virgin islands yacht charter, resort versus yacht charter, caribbean yacht charter, slideshow, florida yacht charter
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For those who wish to take a Virgin Islands Yacht Charter vacation this year, Lady Sheila may just be the yacht for you.
This yacht is one of the newest luxury motor yachts in the renowned Benetti yacht charter fleet. She is 44.20 meters (145’) in length and can comfortably accommodate up to 12 yacht charter guests in her five luxurious staterooms.
Lady Sheila’s main saloon has a uniquely chic wooden floor finish with both light and dark wooden strips laid out from port to starboard. The soft furnishings of her large lounge suites include orange cushions which give life to the elegant white interiors.
Contact 1-800 Yacht Charters at https://www.1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ to book your private luxury yacht charter vacation.
This entry was posted in Yacht of the Week and tagged benetti yacht charter, Superyacht, Virgin Islands, virgin islands yacht charter, caribbean yacht charter, Lady Sheila, Benetti, 12 guests
Posted onSardinia Luxury Tax on Mediterranean Yacht Charter Vessels Abolished
LUXURY TAX ABOLISHED The recent Mediterranean Yacht Charter show in Genoa, Italy, learned that the 3 year old Sardinia Luxury Tax is no more. ABOUT THE TAX The repeal of the Sardinia Luxury Tax is especially good news to charter enthusiasts. Anyone considering a yachting vacation in the Mediterranean is fortunate. The law […] read morePosted by admin
Ferretti Yacht SEA STREAM brings Luxury Charter to Seychelles
The world of luxury yacht charter has finally arrived in the Seychelles. Motor yacht SEA STREAM, a 76 foot Ferretti with room for 8 guests, is now available for Caribbean yacht charter enthusiasts looking for a new destination. Ferretti yacht SEA STREAM is now available as the only high quality, luxury crewed motor yacht available […] read morePosted by admin
What to Pack for a Sailboat Vacation
PLAN AND PACK Yikes! What to pack? In just over three weeks, you leave on a week-long Bahama yacht charter vacation. You choose a sleek, performance, basic sailing yacht with crew. Your menu provided to your yacht through your charter broker, and your crew is ready to welcome you aboard. Seriously, what do you pack? […] read morePosted by admin
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