Anyone who has booked a Benetti yacht charter or a Feadship yacht charter vacation knows that charter agents heavily promote trip cancellation insurance. For mega yacht charter agents, trip cancellation insurance is a substantial profit point. Commissions of 20% of the insurance cost for selling this product for a Feadship yacht charter or a Benetti yacht charter are common.
SUMMER WEATHER IS SOMETIMES AN ISSUE
Charter brokers often offer this coverage to their Caribbean yacht charter customers who fear trip delays due to summer tropical weather disturbances. Mediterranean yacht charter customers also hear the pitch to purchase this coverage, as concerns for lost baggage are common with long, international flights.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
Putting aside the fact that someone “profits” from the sale of these policies, a luxury yacht charter customer should give serious consideration to this coverage option. Whether you rent a private yacht, a megayacht, or a superyacht, for a Caribbean yacht charter or elsewhere, or whether you plan crewed catamaran charters or sail boat charters – the facts remain the same: you are spending a lot of money and you may wish to protect your investment!
CIRCUMSTANCES OF CANCELATION
There are hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early, or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling. What if you booked a MIPIM yacht or a Monaco Grand Prix yacht for the yearly event in Cannes and Monte Carlo, and suddenly you could not attend?
TEN REASONS TO PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE
To demonstrate the importance of purchasing travel insurance, and emergency travel services, here are 10 common examples of what could go wrong.
CANCELED FLIGHTS — It’s 10 p.m. and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to get everyone home?
INSULIN IN LOST LUGGAGE — Your bag is lost with your insulin inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?
PASSPORT AND WALLET STOLEN — It’s your first visit to Europe, and your passport and wallet are stolen before you board your Monaco Grand Prix yacht. Where do you turn for emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?
THE LIST CONTINUES
MEDICAL EVACUATION NEEDED — You’re involved in an accident during your Benetti yacht charter, and adequate medical treatment is not available. Who will help arrange and pay for a medical evacuation?
ILL CHARTER PARTY MEMBERS — Your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your MIPIM yacht trip. What happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?
6. LOST LUGGAGE — You arrive for your Feadship yacht charter in Jamaica, and your luggage doesn’t. If it’s lost, who will help you find it? Or if delayed, who will pay for your necessities? What if it’s stolen, who will pay to replace it?
THE LAST OF 10 REASONS
7. BANKRUPTCY OF TOUR OPERATOR — Your luxury sailing charter tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who will help get you to your destination?
8. MEDICAL HELP NEEDED — You’re walking down a street in Rio and twist your ankle. Who can help you find an English-speaking physician?
9. TERRORISM — It is three weeks until your scheduled arrival for your Croatia yacht charter. A terrorist incident occurs in the city that you are planning to visit. Who will pay if you want to cancel your trip?
10. HURRICANE — You are at a beach resort in the Florida Keys during your luxury sailing charter vacation, and you are forced to evacuate due to an approaching hurricane. Who will help you evacuate and who will reimburse your lost vacation investment?
WILL YOU BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE?
There are so many circumstances where your vacation may be interrupted. It’s important to understand your options to safeguard your holiday investment. Remember travel insurance is optional and should be analyzed before each vacation begins.
Here’s an opportunity to stretch a week-long vacation into a 10 night escape without paying one extra penny.
PALMER JOHNSON YACHT
The 137′ Palmer Johnson motor yacht SYRENKA is offering 10 days for the price of 7, from now through the end of April, 2012 in the Caribbean.
RATE
The weekly rate is $85,000 plus running expenses.
LADY JENN
Launched as motor yacht LADY JENN in 1984, the yacht’s new owner just completed a major refit and the four-deck, 137-foot Palmer Johnson, now named motor yacht SYRENKA looks better than new.
INTERIOR
This extremely popular luxury yacht charter vessel is now appointed with a refreshingly comfortable new interior. For instance, supple leathers, and Ralph Lauren soft furnishings in shades of blue, white, ivory, and brown.
ENHANCEMENTS
She has many other enhancements. Additionally, extra-wide passageways, an elevator, and wheelchair accessibility exist on three decks. A wheelchair is also available onboard.
DINING SALON
On the main deck, an inviting conversation area leads forward to the dining salon with seating for ten guests at an oval table.
SKYLOUNGE
One deck up, the spacious sky lounge serves as the yacht’s central gathering spot. The 50” flat panel TV in the lounge is surrounded by a large, circular settee with seating for 10, with additional seating in the aft ringed by oversized viewing windows. Sliding glass doors open to the guest deck with shaded settees and another large table for all’aperto (outdoor) dining.
TOP DECK
On top level serves as the sun deck, and comprises two large areas, both of which can be shaded by a rollout awning. One area is fitted with a semicircular settee and table – perfect for cocktails or breakfast.
SEATING AREA
The second seating area offers four lounge chairs, two large wicker chairs, a wet bar, and grill.
ACCOMMODATIONS
MASTER
The full-beam master suite, located on the main deck, is tastefully appointed in a medley of fine woods and natural fabrics and includes an oversized ensuite bathroom.
DOUBLE CABIN
Adjacent to the master suite is a smaller cabin with a small double bed.
VIP AND OTHER STATEROOMS
Four additional ensuite staterooms are located on the lower deck: a VIP suite with queen bed, two additional queen staterooms, and one twin-bedded stateroom.
RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT
Ready for fun on your yacht charter? Additional toys include a 17’ Novurania tender for transporting guests, and a golf cart for shoreside explorations.
The 82.50 meter motor yacht O’MEGA, one of the very few private luxury yacht charter vessels in the world with the capacity for over 12 guests, is heading to the Caribbean for the very first time this winter.
Re-launched in 2004 after a complete remodel from a near-bare hull, super yacht O’MEGA underwent a major refit in 2009, and has had continuous upgrades every year since. With an excellent crew-to-guest ratio, there are 30 crewmembers onboard to attend to 28 guests in 14 guest staterooms.
While in the Caribbean from early December, 2016 through April 2017, her weekly charter rate is €525,000 + running expenses. There is a two week minimum fee for charters during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
The only other +12 passenger superyacht considering relocation to the Caribbean for the winter is the 36 passenger motor yacht CHRISTINA O, as her owner has expressed interest in the emerging Cuba yacht charter marketplace (now that travel restrictions between the governments of the United States and Cuba have been eased).
With so few large-capacity yachts in the Caribbean this winter, we expect strong demand for both of these vessels in the area of St. Martin, particularly for St Barts yacht charter clients who invade the small island to celebrate the New Year.
The 28 meter sailing yacht WHIRLWIND has joined the growing list of sailboats heading to the Caribbean for the winter and spring seasons, and is offering reduced rates to entice vacationers.
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CHARTERS
Currently accepting reservations for Christmas and New Years, sailing yacht WHIRLWIND is the ultimate Virgin Islands yacht charter sailboat for family of 6 to 8, with generous accommodations available in 3 guest staterooms.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The sailing yacht offers three double cabins. Two cabins have a Pullman berth. Thus, the yacht can accommodate 6 adults + max 2 kids. One double cabin is located forward port side. Two identical cabins exist aft at either side of upper saloon stairway. Each cabin has its own en-suite bathroom and shower.
ONBOARD AMENITIES
There are many onboard amenities. For instance, a Crestron–controlled multi-media entertainment system and a PlayStation game station for the kids. In addition, iPod docking stations throughout the yacht.
THE YACHT LAUNCH
Launched in 1988 by the fabled Holland Jachtbouw shipyard, the yacht features the classic styling of interior designer Andrew Winch who oversaw a major interior refit this year (2011).
AVAILABILITY
The yacht is available for the year-end holidays at a rate of € 32,760 per week. At the conclusion of the holidays, there are changes. Special winter and spring rates will then take effect. The price drops to €19,950 per week (regular winter/spring rate is € 26,600 per week). All rates are plus expenses.
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.
AFFORDABILITY AND VALUE MATTER
When affordability and value matter, it’s important to lock in a great charter price and not get blindsided by unexpected cash outlays.
3 PITFALLS TO AVOID
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.
COMMUNICATION FEES
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!”
SPECIAL ALCOHOL REQUESTS
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.”
DELIVERY FEES
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.
REPOSITIONING CONTINUED
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!
We had an opportunity to chat with Captain Glynn Smith onboard the Trinity yacht charter vessel, motor yacht MI SUENO (FYI – her name is now SKYFALL) recently. We organized a year-end Caribbean yacht charter for a repeat customer and needed to review itinerary ideas, etc.
CAN-DO SKIPPER
It’s always a pleasure to work with a real “Can-Do” skipper – the type of professional who never says “No” to a client. Glynn truly understands the value of top-notch customer service, and it shows in his enthusiasm.
Glynn’s positive attitude and professionalism deserve recognition. Maybe it’s time we showed him our gratitude with a little extra promotion of his magnificent charter vessel, M/Y MI SUENO.
ABOUT THE YACHT
Built in the USA in 2010 by Trinity Yachts, the 190 foot luxury motor yacht MI SUENO is a standout superyacht in every respect.
AMENITIES
Her amenities include WiFi and Kaleidescape central movie/music server throughout. She is also equipped with a 2-person, wheelchair-accessible elevator (to 3 levels).
DECKS
Conversation areas abound on all levels – both inside and on deck. The sophisticated, contemporary interior designed by Patrick Knowlesis a tasteful mix of textures, fine art, and neutral colors in furniture, fabric, carpeting, and stonework. The formal dining area is nothing short of stunning – with a table that seats 14 comfortably.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There is a full-width split-level Master Suite with King bed. It exists forward on the main deck. This stateroom has multiple features. For instance, a private study, lounge, and his/hers bathrooms. Five additional ensuite staterooms are below. In specific, they include a full-width VIP King suite, 2 matching King staterooms, and a wheelchair-accessible Queen stateroom. In addition, there is a Twin stateroom with additional Pullman berth.
EXTERIOR LIVING AREAS
Trinity yacht MI SUENO offers three exterior living areas. In specific, spacious and inviting – with beautiful teak furniture on all levels. Active guests may go to numerous locations. For instance, head on up to the sundeck for a vigorous workout on the elliptical trainer. Soothe sore muscles in the on deck Jacuzzi. In addition, follow with a dip in the splash pool.
As the sun sets, who wouldn’t enjoy cocktails and al fresco dining on the aft deck of the skylounge?
For in-water fun in the sun, yacht MI SUENO is a blast. Specifically, she is jam-packed with an extensive inventory of water toys.
CHARTER RATE
Mi Sueno’s charter rates as published. Specifically, they begin at €280,000 EUROS per week. We would love to charter her to you for the vacation of a lifetime! Give us a call at 305-720-7245 or email info@1800yachtcharters.com today.
A Caribbean yacht charter vacation is a great way to kick the blues. Now, a popular sailing charter yacht wants to help you sing the blues!
SAILBOAT MAKAYABELLA
Book sail yacht MAKAYABELLA during the Bequia Mount Gay Music Festival (January 26th – 29th, 2012). The yacht’s crew, John and Sue, provide the guests with multiple items. For instance, complimentary tickets to BOTH the Friday and Saturday night performances.
BEQUIA MOUNT GAY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Outstanding performances by local, regional and international artists has made this music festival one of the “must see” fixtures on the Caribbean season’s calendar. The event kicks off with Dana Gillespie and her London Blues Band’s performance on Friday night and lasts for four days. The festival has received rave reviews since its inception and precedes the 14-day Mustique Blues Festival.
MAIN STAGE – DE REEF
The main venue and stage is located at De Reef, right on the beach in Lower Bay, Bequia, with the big performances on Friday and Saturday night – followed by lazy Sunday afternoon “limin’” music to close out the weekend.
Sailing yacht, Makayabella
SAILBOAT ACCOMMODATIONS
The cozy sailboat MAKAYABELLA can accommodate 6 guests in 4 cabins. The Master cabin has a double bed, shower and toilet. 2 Guest cabins have a twin bed, shower and toilet. A Guest cabin has a double bed, shower and toilet. All cabins are ensuite. On warm evenings, the yacht offers air conditioning in the saloon.
John and Sue of sailboat MAKAYABELLA
SAILBOAT CREW
John and Sue have taken guests to this event for the last few years and they report everyone has a great time.
“We feel it’s a great event,” says John, “and very much worth promoting as a focal point of a charter here in the Grenadines.”
FREE GIFT WITH CHARTER
If you’re a music lover and looking for a unique charter experience, plan a yachting holiday onboard sail yacht MAKAYABELLA around the festival’s dates, and John and Sue will throw in the tickets – free of charge.
To the delight of Lurssen yacht charter fans everywhere, the owner of motor yacht MARTHA ANN has agreed to position the 70 meter superyacht in the Adriatic as of 1 June 2013. At this writing, the yacht will return to the Western Mediterranean for a booking in mid-July.
WESTERN MED YACHTS
Rarely do the world’s largest yachtsventure from the standard and uber-popular Western Med cruising grounds such as the Amalfi Coast and the south of France.
STANDARD
Lürssen yacht MARTHA ANNis maintained to a high standard inside and out. She features many upgrades. For instance, 2 new SeaDoo GTX 260’s and the addition of a 44 foot / 13.41 meter Nautica towed tender.
“With her massive beam of nearly 13 meters, she boasts extraordinary volumes for a yacht of this length. With 7 wet bars and a beautiful glass elevator that services all 5 decks, this is the ideal entertainment yacht for a Mediterranean yacht charter in the summer or a Caribbean yacht charter in St. Barts to celebrate New Year’s Eve.“
ACCOMODATIONS AND RATE
Motoryacht MARTHA ANN offers accommodations for 12 guests in 7 staterooms. Her weekly rate is Euro €600,000 per week. Running expenses are in addition.
Another superyacht owner makes an annoucement. RoMEA relocates to the Caribbean for the upcoming winter/spring season, and he offers a special charter rate.
WHO IS RoMEA?
Abeking and Rasmussen motoryacht RoMEA arrives in the Caribbean in early December. She is 270 feet 35 inches, and she’s gorgeous. She plans to participate in the winter 2016/spring 2017 St. Martin yacht charter season.
A 2015 yacht, moreover her first year in charter service in the Mediterranean. She now joins a growing list of superyachts relocating to the Caribbean in December. For instance, 58 meter Benetti yacht ILLUSION V.
WHERE DOES SHE RANK?
RoMEA is ranked 84th on the list of the world’s largest yachts. Yacht RoMEA accommodates 12 charter guests in six staterooms.
WELLNESS YACHT
She is part of a growing fleet of wellness yacht charter vessels. These yachts are “floating spas.” Onboard amenities include many wellness experiences. For example, massage services, indoor and outdoor cinemas, and a beach club with steam room. Guests use the yacht’s extensive watersports inventory. For instance, underwater sleds, windsurfers, and stand up paddleboards SUP’s. In addition, scuba gear (for certified divers), kayaks, and water skis are available.
HOW MUCH DOES THE YACHT COST?
The published charter rate for ROMEA is €875,000 per week, plus running expenses.
The Charter Yacht Brokers Association is CYBA. They announce 2017 winners of their campaign. This is the annual “Going Green To Save The Blue” cause. The crew onboard superyacht NERO places in the “Designer Water” contest. The contest recognizes crews of luxury yacht charter vessels. This award goes to crews acknowledging their “yacht-made” water. This is an effort to reduce. Disposable plastic water bottle use on yachts must decrease.
“Importantly, the campaign is designed to encourage yacht owners and crews to reduce, and eventually forego, the use of plastic water bottles by both the crews and the onboard luxury yacht charter guests. The goal is to raise awareness as to the massive volume of water bottles that are consumed during charters, and the impact disposable plastic has in our landfills and more importantly, our oceans.”
THE WINNERS
The “Designer Water” contest is annual. It occurs at the opening of the Caribbean yacht charter winter/spring season. At this time, the season sees more than a dozen private yacht charter vessels. In addition, crews showcase their “flavored” waters. Specifically, the waters generate from onboard watermakers that convert seawater into clean, safe drinking water.
This year’s winners are first, 111 foot sailing yacht REE for Hibiscus Martini Water. Second, 183 foot sailing yacht ROSEHEARTY wins for Moranga-infused Detoxifying Water. Third, 265 foot mega yacht NERO wins for Coriander and Passionfruit Water.
THE PROGRAM
It should be noted that the CYBA campaign, “Going Green To Save The Blue,” strategizes dually . It encourages yacht owners and crews to offer eco-friendly options. Private yacht charter guests participate in this sustainable initiative. Hopefully, the guests return home with a clearer understanding of the impact of plastic pollution. In addition, how they can incorporate simple changes in their daily lives. They can make a difference in safeguarding our environment for future generations.
“The ‘Going Green’ campaign highlights the numerous opportunities and options available to our private yacht charter clients, yacht owners, and crews – from avoiding plastic water bottles, to using green cleaning products, reef-friendly sunscreens, and solar panels for energy,” says Sheeder. “We congratulate motor yacht NERO and her owner and crew and all of the other Caribbean yacht charter teams for their commitment to the long-term health of our oceans and the marine environment.”
HOW TO RENT A YACHT
In conclusion, turn to 1-800 Yacht Charters for yacht rentals. We are the company with the industry-leading Best Price Guarantee. In addition, we charter a fleet of Eco-friendly yachts around the world. Call us toll-free in North America at +1.800.922.4824 or local and international at +1.305.253.7245 to plan your yachting vacation.
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 more
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 more
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 more
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