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.
After 30+ years in the business, 1-800 Yacht Charters is still doing the things that earned them the title of “World’s Best Private Cruise” as recognized by Forbes.com.
“We don’t charter yachts,” says Sheeder, “we deliver The Superyacht Experience™ to our clients.”
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters and 1-800 BAREBOAT
Sheeder goes on to explain her company’s philosophy. “Our mission began with a simple question. ‘What would happen if we built our business for #generosity?’ Instead of assuming that people want to simply maximize self-interest, our decision to focus on generosity allowed us to cater to our clients’ deeper motivations to make the world a better place.”
“This focus has propelled us to move beyond the basic rental of yachts and to deliver a true Superyacht Experience. While our competitors focus on finding the customer the “right boat,” we choose to take a more holistic approach.”
HOW A YACHT CHARTER INQUIRY IS PROCESSED
When a #luxury yacht charter inquiry comes in, Sheeder and her team of consultants interview the potential clients to learn what makes them tick.
“Today’s affluent world travelers are looking for more than just a static vacation on a yacht, says Sheeder. “They’re wired, connected, and driven by sustainability and the greater social good.”
Furthermore, Sheeder says the clients hope to immerse themselves and participate in unique cultural events and #voluntourism. Their chartered yacht serves as a platform to an eco-friendly adventure. “It’s a chance to reconnect with family and friends, embrace diverse cultures, and rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit,” says Sheeder. She chuckles and adds, “Besides, we often don’t even discuss particular yachts until our second or third conversation.”
SHEEDER CONTINUES
Sheeder admits some clients are puzzled at first. Most charter brokers immediately try to match the client to a particular yacht and crew. “At some point, they realize our entire focus is on them,” says Sheeder. “We share with them our sense of purpose, our commitment to promoting yachts and crews dedicated to protecting our environment, and how we created our business for generosity. Then, we explain our ‘Best Price Guarantee’ – something no other yacht charter brokerages offer in our industry.”
For Sheeder, focusing on generosity, sustainability, and taking the time to learn what motivates her clients is a recipe for success and fosters a deep sense of fulfillment. “We create a bond where we and the client work together [holding her hands together with fingers entwined] – synergistically – not only to create a special experience, but also to make a difference in the world.”
Scrub Island Resort Spa and Marina (tks to Wikipedia)
HURRICANE IRMA HITS THE CARIBBEAN
Hurricane Irma struck the British Virgin Islands in early September, 2017. She left destruction. For instance, a trail of battered yachts, debris-filled beaches, and widespread destruction.
STATE OF THE CARIBBEAN
Fast forward 2-plus years. The island chain is once again as popular as ever as a world-class yacht charter destination! The islands are back to normal. For example, the debris is gone, the marinas are rebuilt, and the white-sand beaches are once again glistening in the rays of the warm Caribbean sun.
WHY CHOOSE THE BVI FOR YACHT CHARTER?
Great news! There is a new reason to choose the BVI this spring for your Caribbean superyacht experience. DUTY FREE FUEL.
GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT
The British Virgin Islands (BVIs) government amended its custom regulations in December 2019. They now offer duty free fuel to yachts.
Jana Sheeder, President of 1-800 Yacht Charters, explains:
“As long as your luxury charter yacht remains in the BVI for a minimum three days, your crew can take advantage of these cost savings. Depending upon the size of the superyacht you charter, the savings can be significant.”
PREMIER OF THE BVI COMMENTS
Andrew Fahie, the Premier of the BVI also commented on the new rule: “This will be a step in the right direction towards encouraging megayachts to make the BVI their home port,” says Andrew Fahie, the premier of the BVIs.
Other areas of the Caribbean, for instance, St Martin and St Barts, draw more megayacht visits. The BVIs seem prepared to give the other islands a run for their money.
Multiple marinas for deep-draft superyachts, especially sailing yachts, now exist.
The BVI has year-round warm temperatures and as a general rule. Not only that, but calmer waters occur here than in other areas of the Caribbean.
Flight times from the USA to the British Virgin Islands are shorter. Not only is there an international airport in Tortola suitable for both commercial and private jets. but there is also regular ferry service between the BVI and the nearby U.S. Virgin Islands.
If easy flight access, beautiful anchorages, and money-saving opportunities matter to you, consider the British Virgins for your next superyacht charter vacation this spring.
The age of wellness is upon us. Everywhere you turn, people seek to boost their wellness and make healthy living a priority in both daily life and travel.
YACHTS AND HEALTH
Taking a queue from this growing trend, the newest and largest yachtsfor charter are being designed and outfitted to accommodate adventurous, wellness-oriented travelers.
WELLNESS TRENDS ON BOATS
Wellness trends on superyachts include the latest gym equipment, fully-staffed mini-spas, and healthier menu options. The yachts and the overall charter experience are moving beyond the traditional yachting, for example, spa experiences throughout.
There is more onboard space for wellness. For instance, fitness areas and private deck space for meditation is typical now. Galleys are stocked with fresh, all-natural foods. Chefs accommodate foodies and draft more heart-healthy menus.
COMPANY PRESIDENT COMMENTS
“The market has redefined the charter experience,” says Jana Sheeder, President of superyacht rental syndicate 1-800 Yacht Charters and SailAway Yacht Charters. “We’re witnessing a renaissance – a shift from the traditional cruise mentality to a sea-based adventure that nurtures the body and feeds the soul.”
TYPICAL YACHTS IN PAST
For years, the typical Caribbean yacht charter vacation focused on extremes, if not downright decadence. Yachts would burn fuel at dizzying rates to motor from one tropical island to the next, and guests would feast on lavish meals and exotic fare.
Now, the modern charter guest seeks to balance a respect for eco-sensitive travel with a desire to focus on wellness and health.
Sheeder is keenly aware of the shift in priorities.
“The opportunity to truly relax and focus on mind, body, and soul is paramount to the modern charter customer,” she says.
CHEFS
Onboard the superyachts, chefs have revised their cooking styles and their menus. They now incorporate more organic foods, along with reduced sodium and lower sugar alternatives, to cater to the growing demand by charter guests for health-conscious meals.
ENTERTAINMENT
The nature of onboard entertainment is evolving as well. Crews report guests spend less time watching TV and movies, and more time pursuing wellness activities. Charter brokers report more customers now inquire about the availability of exercise equipment and spa services.
HEALTHY ACTIVITIES
New yachts are now built with large gymnasiums, as well as spa amenities and on some vessels, beauty salons. Older yachts are converting some cabins from sleeping quarters into workout areas or meditation rooms.
LADY BRITT SUPERYACHT
A shining example of this new commitment to wellness is the brand new Feadship yacht charter motor yacht LADY BRITT. With accommodations for 12 guests, the 208 foot vessel exudes the luxury, style, and sophistication commonplace on modern yachts. What stands out, however, is the onboard equipment and amenities dedicated to wellness.
HEALTHY ROOMS
The yacht features a wellness spa (offering Elemis massage, beauty and hair treatments), a fully-equipped gymnasium (with Technogym equipment), an outdoor cinema, and an authentic Finnish sauna with a private meditation deck and access to the water.
HOW TO BOOK A WELLNESS YACHT CHARTER
Enjoy a wellness cruise in the Caribbean or Mediterranean onboard motor yacht Lady Britt. Her rate is €445,000 per week, plus expenses. Click HERE for more information about superyacht Lady Britt.
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