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
One of the largest yachts available for hire makes an announcement. Specifically, she cut her Caribbean premium-season rate for Christmas week by €60,000!
The 72.5 meter Dunya Yachts motor yacht AXIOMA is currently open for Christmas week, preferably in the Windward islands of the Caribbean. To entice a reservation, the owner has lowered the rate from €550,000 per week to €490,000 per week – a savings of more than 10%.
ALL ABOUT AXIOMA
She is currently ranked #151 on the list of the world’s largest yachts. Super yacht AXIOMA (ex Red Square) accommodates 12 guests in a master suite. In addition, she offers a VIP suite, and four guest double cabins. Moreover, two of the doubles are convertible to twins.
BEACH HOUSE
The yacht boasts a beach house-style interior. It is created by the legendary designer Alberto Pinto. He sadly passed away before the yacht was launched in 2013. The interior “wow factor” is off the chain. For instance, it features an open mezzanine in the main salon, and a media lounge on the owner’s deck. Exterior amenities are just as amazing. In specific, the infinity swimming pool. Additionally, the large Jacuzzi with a swim-up bar, located on the bridge deck, is also noteworthy.
WELLNESS ABOUNDS
Like so many other yachts, she focuses on the wellness yacht charter concept. Furthermore, the yacht boasts a full gym, massage room, and steam room.
BOOKINGS
This stunning superyacht is already reserved 27 Dec, 2016 – 3 Jan, 2017. She plans to travel from St Lucia to Canuan. Her owner desires a charter immediately prior, specifically, somewhere in the area of St Lucia.
The end of the Caribbean yacht charter season arrives. Most megayacht vessels like Christensen Motor yacht PARTY GIRL 146 leave the confines of the island life behind. They subsequently begin the three-week migration “across the pond” (the Atlantic ocean). Once there, they prepare for the Mediterranean charter season. Super yacht PARTYGIRL 146, however, is not like other luxury yacht charter vessels.
WARMTH AND PRIVACY
The owner of the yacht prefers the warmth and privacy found in the Caribbean. Further, other owners take their toys to see and be seen in Monte Carlo. This megayacht nearly has the entire Caribbean to herself. In addition, her fortunate few yacht charter customers.
BASED IN ST. LUCIA
This charter yacht is based in the warm waters of St. Lucia. Her crew is ready to share their rainforest island home with anyone intrigued. In specific, by the slow-paced lifestyle of the Grenadine chain of the Caribbean.
WATERSPORTS TOYS
Water-oriented travelers love the toy inventory found aboard this superyacht. Her toy list includes many items. For instance, a 37′ Intrepid tender and two 18 foot tenders. In addition, a three-person waverunner and towable toys. For instance, a Banana and a kneeboard. For onshore activity, the yacht offers an assortment of beach games. Additionally, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, kites, and a football.
ONBOARD AMENITIES AND ACCOMMODATIONS
The onboard amenities are amazing. Specifically, so impressive that the megayacht was selected as the 2008 “Best of the Best.” This by the luxury lifestyle magazine, Robb Report.
Super yacht PARTY GIRL 146 accommodates 12 guests in 6 luxurious staterooms.
In conclusion, enjoy a superyacht charter aboard motoryacht PARTY GIRL 146. She indulges with professional crew and lots of watersports toys. Enjoy The Superyacht Experience™, as created by 1-800 Yacht Charters.
QUESTION: “My family is planning a Caribbean yacht charter vacation on a crewed sailboat. We’re going to start in St. Lucia and are curious how we should pack, based on the weather. Thanks, Terry K.”
ANSWER: Hi Terry,
Thank you for your question.
While most customers focus on St Thomas yacht rentals in the Virgin Islands, we are excited to hear that you and your family are headed further south, to enjoy a Windward Islands yacht charter. The scenery is quite different from that in the Virgin Islands — there are tall mountains, waterfalls, and rainforests – it’s truly a subtropical wonderland!
We checked with the crew of sail yachtCERULEAN, a crewed catamaran yacht charter vessel that spends the winter in the Windward Islands (also known as The Grenadines). Here are their suggestions for you:
Lightweight clothing is suitable as the climate is tropical. Perhaps a pullover for the evening.
When venturing ashore for the evening, smart casual is widely acceptable in the Grenadines.
Bring along your favorite hat. Polarized sunglasses are a must!
Water tolerant shoes or flip flops that are comfortable, easily worn, and easily removed are best.
A lightweight UV skin guard for snorkeling is of comfort to yourself.
No need to pack toiletries since items such as shampoo, toothpaste, shaving cream and sunblock. Those items are readily available on almost every charter vessel in the Caribbean.
Have a great trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures!
St. Lucia makes a move to bolster and support cruising in its waters. The government announced new, revised policies regarding yachting.
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Policies are announced by the St Lucia Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. They create rules to stimulate growth in St. Lucia’s yachting sector. New rules facilitate clearing in and out of the country. They also ease taxation and include many other benefits.
CHANGES
There are five changes. For instance,
100% waiver on income tax from operations for the first 5 years for local charter companies with a minimum of 1 captain and 3 crew members and a fleet of 3 or more power or sailing vessels
Approval has been given for the formation of a Yachting Committee, that falls under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and will incorporate all relevant institutions that function to regulate the yachting sector in St. Lucia
Additional Changes
Third, 100% waiver of import duty and consumption tax on boat safety equipment and watercraft activity equipment, which includes sport fishing, SCUBA diving, kite surfing and other water sports, subject to verification of the Bill of Quantities by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation for 5 years from date of cabinet conclusion
Kitesurfing in St. Lucia on yacht charter
FINAL CHANGES
Fourth, 100% waiver of import duty and consumption tax on all equipment and materials imported or purchased locally for use in the establishment of infrastructure to service yachts over period of 5 years, subject to verification and approval of the Bill of Quantities by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation
Finally, the Government of Saint Lucia has waived the visa requirements for Russian and Australian nationals so that Russian and Australian nationals no longer require visas to enter Saint Lucia.
JANA SHEEDER, COMPANY PRESIDENT, COMMENTS
Jana Sheeder, President of SailAway Yacht Charters and 1-800 Yacht Charters applauds the new regulations. Says Sheeder,
“These changes will benefit everyone in the yachting industry, from owners and their crews, to charter guests and yacht service businesses. Most importantly, bolstering the yacht industry will have a positive economic impact on the residents of St. Lucia.”
Sheeder is especially excited at the prospect of easing visa restrictions for Russian travelers.
“Caribbean yacht charter vacations are extremely popular with Russian customers,” says Sheeder. “Any steps we can take to facilitate their ability to travel freely will encourage more Russians to visit the islands by boat.”
New York/Newark, NJ (EWR – Liberty) Castries LC (UVF)
Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) Castries LC (UVF)
San Francisco, CA (SFO) Castries LC (UVF)
Washington, DC (IAD – Dulles) Castries LC (UVF)
THE GIST OF THE STORY
The idea of enjoying a Caribbean yacht charter in St. Lucia just got a whole lot easier. United Airlines adds the tiny island nation to its network of flights to the Caribbean from the United States.
The air carrier’s inaugural flight flew on July 11th, 2015, from Newark, New Jersey’s Liberty Airport, to St. Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) on Saturday. United will offer one flight a week on Saturdays, from Newark to St. Lucia, on a 154-seat Boeing 737-800 jet.
“In looking at United’s domestic schedule, it appears customers will be able to connect to Newark from 22 cities in the U.S., including Chicago, Boston and Washington,” says Sheeder. “This is great news for our clients seeking a private yacht charter in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean, as the biggest challenge for years has been the scarcity of flights.”
In the past, it was necessary to connect in Puerto Rico or St Martin and take regional flights to get to destinations such as St Lucia and St Vincent.
Long a popular stop for the cruise ship industry, the addition of direct flights will make it easier for North Americans to experience the beauty of St Lucia from the deck of a private yacht. Charter clients are treated to the views of spectacular twin mountains, specifically the Pitons. The island celebrates its uncrowded volcanic beaches and quaint fishing villages. In addition, its reef-diving sites and lush rainforests and waterfalls.
WHY IS CARIBBEAN GREAT PLACE TO CHARTER?
Sheeder believes eco-friendly yacht charter options are the best way to enjoy St. Lucia. “With constant trade winds, a quiet, but spirited vacation on sailboat is the ideal way to enjoy a St. Lucia yacht charter experience.” Sheeder recommends the affordability and comfort of a catamaran, with room for the whole family. “There are great, affordable, family-oriented yachts, with crews adept at entertaining children of all ages, with exciting games and watersports,” claims Sheeder.
Some of the crewed catamaran yacht charter vessels recommended by Sheeder include Sunreef 62 sail yacht CATSY, Lagoon 620 sail boat catamaran CROCODILE DADDY, and the speedy Gunboat 66 sail catamaran TIGER LILY.
Flight availability for your private luxury yacht charter vacation is just that much more convenient with more commercial airlines offering availability to the area.
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