Thinking of sheltering in place? First, in a remote destination? Second, in private? Third, on a luxury yacht charter vessel? Great thought, but STOP. Before you get your hopes up, we have a report. Getting on a yacht may be a BIG problem right now. This is a result of more islands closing their borders to yachts. It is particularly difficult for all.
BEFORE THE CORONAVIRUS
Traditionally, spring is the most popular season for Caribbean yacht charters. We have fully-crewed superyachts in position. They are ready to accept guests. For example, from the Bahamas to Bonaire.
Unfortunately, the unexpected outbreak of a global viral pandemic has affected the industry. It brings the idea of a charter in the Caribbean to a screeching halt.
ADVISORIES AND CURFEWS
This started as travel advisories and then curfews. It morphed into full closures of most island nations in the Caribbean. This affects both air and sea access.
GUESTS OR NOT
In some cases, charter guests already onboard may stay onboard. However, as of March 30, most charter vessels are restricted. Therefore, they cannot accept new guests in almost every inhabited island in the Caribbean. For instance, the British Virgin Islands and St. Marten.
CLOSED (no re-opening dates announced)
TRINIDAD … not only
ST LUCIA
ARUBA … but also
BONAIRE
CURAÇAO
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS (BVI)
MARIE-GALANTE and THE SAINTS
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (DR)
DOMINICA … in addition,
GRENADA
ST. MAARTEN (ST. MARTIN)
MARTINIQUE
GUADELOUPE
ANTIGUA and BARBUDA … lastly,
ST KITTS & NEVIS
RESTRICTIONS
Restrictions exist. For instance,
MONTSERRAT. Mandatory 14 day quarantine
USVI (U.S. Virgin Islands). Closed to all visitors for 30 days. Charter vessels, hotels, guest houses, etc. are restricted. They may not accept new guests. Guests who have already checked in are advised to return home. They cam remain, if they choose, however. Airport and Seaports are open. All non-essential businesses are closed. Residents are asked to stay at home. All bars across the Territory are closed. In-house dining is not allowed at restaurants. Take-out services are permissible. Additionally,
ANGUILLA. Both sea and air ports are closed to all passengers. This applies for an initial 14-day period, from 20 March.
BAHAMAS. Incoming passenger flights are banned. Significantly, seaports remain open for cargo and supply vessels only. Moreover, All inter-island sailing and cruising is prohibited.
BARBADOS. Airports and marinas are open. Whether by yacht or plane, all visitors arriving from the UK, Europe, and the United States will be placed in quarantine for 14 days. Anyone arriving with a travel history from China, Iran, and South Korea are also subject to a 14-day quarantine. Further,
DOMINICA. Airports and seaports closed. There is an exception for planes and ships bringing vitally-needed cargo and medical relief supplies.
ST. VINCENT and the GRENADINES. Mandatory 14 day quarantine for any passengers arriving from China and other countries. For instance, the European Union, Iran, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
STAY INFORMED / DISCLAIMER
In conclusion, this is not a complete list of all restrictions in the Caribbean. Border and marina/port closures change rapidly. Moreover, air traffic suspensions change, too. In the meantime, 1-800 Yacht Charters will keep this information updated as much as possible. We encourage our blog readers to check official country websites and local news sources for the latest travel advisories and closures/restrictions. For specific luxury yacht charter questions, please email us at info@1800yachtcharters.com
Another travel holiday is often overlooked as people plan year-end Caribbean yacht charter vacations. An island escape for the Thanksgiving holidays is a great way to enjoy great weather and uncrowded anchorages.
CARIBBEAN YACHT CHARTER
The winter charter season kicks off in December. Crews return from their own vacations at year-end. Yachts re-emerge from the shipyards after annual summer maintenance. Few charterers realize that 80% of the Caribbean fleet is already in place and ready to go by Thanksgiving!
AVAILABLE YACHTS
Let’s look at a handful of Caribbean-based yachts available in late November:
First, NAEJ. Sail catamaran 2006 NAEJ leads the value parade. She is a 49 foot yacht with room for 7 guests. Her builder is Alliaura Marina. She has an all-inclusive weekly rate of $13,500 per week. This rate equates to just $275 per person per night.
Yacht SORANA for charter
SORANA – the 68′ motor yacht SORANA was built in 2006 and features accommodations for 6 guests. Her homeport is Saint Martin in the French West Indies, just a short cruise from St Barts, a favorite winter enclave for celebrities. Weekly rate is $20,000 plus all running expenses, such as food, bar and dockage.
ADDITIONAL YACHTS
MOTU – the 61′ Privilège 615 catamaran MOTU was built in 2006 and features 4 double cabins for 8 passengers. She returns from a summer of Bahama yacht charters in time to take a Thanksgiving booking from her winter base in Pointe-à-Pitre on the island of Guadeloupe. Weekly rate is $23,000 – ALL-INCLUSIVE.
MAEVIE – built in 2009 by CNB Bordeaux, sail catamaran MAEVIE is one of the stars in the crewed catamaran charters market. The Lagoon 620 catamaran offers accommodations for 6 guests in 3 double cabins. Her weekly rate is $23,500 including all meals, and she is available in the British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and over fifty other smaller islands and cays).
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