The owner of the 130′ Westport motor yacht MARY ALICE II has announced a special rate. This is for Bahama yacht charters this winter!
The special is offered for now through April 30. Book a regular 7-night charter for $100,000 per week ($120,000 per week for 2011 year-end holidays). Motor yacht MARY ALICE II welcomes you! Receive an additional 3 nights for free!
ADDITIONAL SAVINGS
As if that weren’t generous enough! There is an addition to the special rate of 10 nights for price of 7. Her owner will waive all delivery fees to move the yacht from South Florida to the Bahamas. This is a savings of approximately $4000.
ALSO! The yacht has hard-to-come-by dockage at the famous Atlantis resort and marina in Nassau (Paradise Island), for the year-end holidays!!
Atlantis, Bahamas – Superyacht Checkmate
INTERIOR FEATURES AND ACCOMMODATIONS
The immaculately-kept 130′ Westport yacht MARY ALICE II boasts brand new interior soft goods and AV equipment. She accommodates 10/12 guests in 5 staterooms and will allow 2 more children to sleep on air mattresses in sky lounge.
CABINS
Her ondeck Master suite has opening windows for fresh air, and blackout blinds for total privacy. Four guest cabins are located belowdeck and feature King beds, two of which can convert to twins.
SKYLOUNGE AND WATERTOYS
Other amenities include a skylounge with satellite TV and an 8-person hydrotherapy hot tub. Active guest will enjoy two waverunners, kayaks, underwater Seabobs, and a high performance 34′ Regulator-brand towed tender.
CREW
Captain Kelly Esser and his crew of 5 look forward to treating their guests to the time of their lives in the Bahamas or Florida!
Crewed catamaran charters are a wonderful vacation for active and adventurous travelers.
Most catamarans feature a large assortment of water toys. For instance, sea kayaks, towable tubes, snorkel gear, and towable bananas. Also included in watersports activities are hamster balls (clear ball for walking on water), trampolines (that sit on the water), SeaDoos, paddleboards, and skurfers. There are many fun activities and toys to enjoy on a catamaran vacation. The previous items are just a few.
Many catamarans also offer SCUBA for certified divers. If guests aren’t certified but want to try it, they are able! They can take a resort course from the yacht, as well!
Bahamas yacht charter catamarans receive special treatment. They are often visited by swimming pigs that live on Big Major Cay, better known as “Pig Beach.” The pigs swim out to the boats. You can also swim with them, give them approved treats, and take lots of selfies!
Looking for a change of scenery? We get it. “Pandemic fatigue” is starting to set in for most of us. Indeed, the idea of escaping the “Covid blues” sounds better and better every day. Covid travel restrictions are important to know.
COVID-19 GUIDELINES BELOW
For many affluent travelers, a holiday luxury yacht charter is very appealing. After all, if you have to practice social-distancing, why not set up camp on a private yacht?
MUCH OF CARIBBEAN HAS TOUGH RESTRICTIONS
Unfortunately, much of the Caribbean is still imposing harsh restrictions on tourism. For example, mandatory tourist quarantines are in place in the British Virgin Islands. It is the most popular yacht charter destination in the world. We anticipate these restrictions will still be in effect for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
BAHAMAS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Thankfully, there is one tropical destination open for business. That is the Bahamas.
Below are guidelines in effect as of November 20, 2020, for the holiday season.
GET TESTED BEFORE ARRIVAL
These rules apply to every guest over 10 years old. Each passenger on your yacht must get an RT PCR nasal swab Covid-19 test 5 days or less before arrival. Test results from any other type of COVID-19 test are unacceptable. Passengers under the age of 10 do not need to be tested. All tests must be negative for entering the Bahamas.
SUBMIT A HEALTH VISA
Each guest must complete a travel health visa, along with submitting a negative Covid-19 test,. The application is available online. First, go to www.travel.gov.bs. Second, select “International,” and create an account. Fill out your visa information, upload your negative test results, and submit your application. Allow up to 72 hours to receive an approval confirmation. IMPORTANT TO NOTE, you need to print the approval document and bring it with you. You must present the document to Bahamian officials when entering the country.
You must opt-in for health insurance when you complete your health visa application. Specifically, you will be covered for any Covid-19 health issues during your time in the Bahamas. For example, the cost of a mandatory rapid antigen test (required on day 5 of your visit) will be covered. You’ll also be covered if you require quarantine (up to $7000) or medical evacuation (up to $50,000). Charter guests staying 4 days or less pay $40 for coverage. Visitors staying more than four days pay $60.
TAKE A RAPID ANTIGEN TEST ON DAY 5
You are required to take this test if you stay in the Bahamas for 5 or more days. You must quarantine aboard your charter yacht while you await the results of the test. Don’t worry, results are typically texted or emailed within 60 minutes. IMPORTANT NOTE, a rapid antigen test is not required if you have no plans to go ashore during your charter.
SUBMIT A DAILY ONLINE HEALTH SURVEY
Charter guests are required to answer an online health questionnaire each day. This survey is used to identify potential Covid-19 symptoms. Any guests who exhibit Covid-19 symptoms during their charter will be required to take a rapid antigen test. Any positive results will require a Covid-19 RT-PCR swab test.
FOLLOW ONSHORE SAFETY PROTOCOLS
There are rules and requirements to follow when onshore. For example, wearing a face mask is mandatory in public places, except on the beaches. Additionally, social distancing is expected wherever possible in public areas. Finally, be aware that some of the individual islands have evening curfews.
IT’S BETTER IN THE BAHAMAS, RIGHT?
It’s nice to know we can escape to the Bahamas during the holidays. Specifically, since so many restrictions are still in place in our hometowns. As they say, “It’s Better in the Bahamas.” Test it out! Everyone can enjoy a Bahamas yacht charter vacation IF we follow the guidelines listed above.
This has been an unsettling year for everyone. You owe it to yourself, friends, and loved ones to appreciate and enjoy the holidays. Relax and reflect upon all that we have, and do. Take time to smell the roses and to express gratitude. Show yourself some love and plan a well-earned vacation. Push away the stress,k and leave the fatigue behind. Welcome mindfulness and wellness. Make memories and celebrate another year of togetherness. Please stay safe, follow the rules, and take Covid-19 prevention seriously. Regardless, please have a WONDERFUL holiday. Love, Jana
Newly built Benetti motor yachtCHECKMATE, fresh from her inaugural stint in the summer 2013 Mediterranean yacht charter market, has arrived in Fort Lauderdale, in preparation for the upcoming winter season.
VIRGIN ISLANDS YACHT CHARTER
Unlike similar-sized yachts that relocate to the Caribbean to offer Virgin Island yacht charter vacations, M/Y CHECKMATE will be based in Nassau and seek Bahamas yacht charter bookings through May, 2014.
BENETTI VISION 145
Launched earlier this year in Italy, she is the 15th vessel built in the fabled shipyard’s Vision series of semi-custom yachts. The Benetti Vision 145 yacht CHECKMATE now joins the many Benetti yacht charter vessels currently in service, such as motor yacht MINE GAMES, and James Bond yacht, DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER .
ACCOMMODATIONS
Five guest staterooms are available onboard. For instance, a master cabin on the main deck, featuring a King bed. In addition, ensuite baths featuring his and hers bathrooms. Next, below deck are four spacious cabins with accommodations for 8 additional passengers. These cabins contain two Pullman berths, suitable for small children.
FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
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.
Her owner then plans to send her north next summer. Specifically, to participate in the New England Martha’s Vineyard yacht charter market.
RATE
Weekly rates begin at $200,000 per week, plus all expenses.
We just had a remarkable time on catamaran SURPRISE for three weeks…! Crossing the Gulf Stream, going to the ‘Stranded Naked Party’ and then winning three races at Regatta-Time-in-Abaco. Amazing! High adventure, good fishing, idyllic ports-of-call, delicious food, superb hosts, and a gorgeous yacht – a total escape into the unique joys of the crewed catamaran charters cruising life! Thank You.
J.H.
ABOUT THE YACHT
Sail catamaran SURPRISE is a 48′ yacht with accommodations for 4 to 6 guests. Currently accepting Florida yacht charters and Bahama yacht charters for the summer and Fall of 2011, her weekly rates are:
2/$8,500
4/$9,950
6/$10,950(family)
Rates are all inclusive with standard ships bar, and good for Bahamas or South Florida charters. Children 10 and under sail free, limit 2 per charter!
Should we believe the reports? If so, there’s trouble in Paradis for Captain Jack Sparrow.
JOHNNY DEPP AND VANESSA PARADIS
People Magazine reports Hollywood A-lister Johnny Depp is in hot water. He and his love of 14 years, singer Vanessa Paradis, are calling it quits. According to People, Depp, 48, and the Chanel model, 39, have not been in public together for more than a year.
CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW, YACHT OWNER
To the movie-going public, Depp is a star. He is best known for his role as Captain Jack Sparrow. The pirate is the central protagonist of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise. In the yachting industry, the actor is more familiar. For instance, he is the celebrity owner of a charteryacht often cruising the Bahamas.
This week’s office water-cooler question: will the split lead Depp to rename hisBahama yacht charters motor yacht, VaJoLiRoJa?
Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradise on yacht VaJoLiRoJa
BOAT NAME
The boat’s clever name comes from combining the first few letters of each family member’s name, partner Vanessa Paradis, Johnny, and their kids, Lily-Rose and Jack.
JOLLY ROGER
If Johnny drops Vanessa, can we assume the multi-syllabic boat name will shed its current first syllable – leaving us with JoLiRoJa? We kind of like that – if you say it fast enough it sounds like, “Jolly Roger” — a perfect name for this 156 foot yacht of distinctive character.
VAJOLIROJA
But wait, what if it’s Vanessa forcing Johnny to, “Walk the plank?” If she keeps custody of the yacht, the new name could be VaJoLiRoJa. Has a nice sound to it – kinda rolls off the tongue…
PROPOSED YACHT NAME
Perhaps the best name for the yacht is RANSOM, as in Depp’s reported $300 gross profit sharing booty from Disney’s Pirates movie franchise.
The memories from a family yacht vacation last a lifetime. But how long does it take to get to our favorite cruising destinations?
EASTER AND SPRING BREAK
Whether flying commercial or private, it can be tedius. It can be a long, sometimes grueling endeavor to get to the Caribbean, for instance, if you are going for Easter or Spring break.
CLOSE TO HOME
Is there an alternative closer to home – a destination that offers warm waters, plenty of sunshine, and a chance to reconnect with family and friends, away from the crowded tourist traps? The answer is, “Yes” and it’s less than an hour away from mainland USA – it’s the Bahamas.
In the time that it take for commuters in Miami to drive to their jobs in Fort Lauderdale, you can catch a flight from South Florida to this tropical paradise.
THE BAHAMAS
The 16 major islands that make up the Bahamas are an exquisite mix of breathtaking natural beauty. Blinding white sand beaches curl around the edges of almost every island, and the shallow waters reflect a turquoise hue found in few places around the world.
VIRGIN ISLANDS
Unlike the crowded anchorages visited in the Caribbean’s Virgin Islands, you can cruise for days in the Bahamas, without seeing more than a handful of people. Many of the islands are sparsely populated, while the only inhabitants on some islands are large iguanas and friendly wild pigs that will swim out to your boat to beg for treats!
GOOMBAY AND BAHAMIAN LIFESTYLE
If you do come across the human residents, you will encounter genial, native Bahamians, known for their laid-back attitude, along with the vibrant Goombay/Calypso island culture. Life is a celebration to these warm people, and hardly a week goes by without a parade or festival, celebrating their English colonial heritage and deep religious traditions.The recreational opportunities are endless as the Bahamas are a true sportsman’s paradise. Outdoor activities include championship golf and tennis on the larger islands, while the smaller Keys feature long stretches of beaches, alluring underwater caves for diving, and coves where you can freely swim among dolphins and scores of fish.
A tropical paradise, close to home – what more could you ask for this Spring?
AVAILABLE YACHTS
During April and May, 1-800 Yacht Charters has over a dozen yachts in position for Bahama yacht charters, both large like 157′ yacht SCOTT FREE suitable for 12 guests, to smaller vessels like the 85′ yacht ANDIAMOwith room for 4 to 6 passengers.
Best of all, there are plenty of EASTER specials available for last-minute getaways.
Tourism ads claim, “It’s Better in the Bahamas.” The crew and owner of Sunreef 62 sail catamaran SPARROW believe it is true. They are ready to have you join them there!
THE DISCOUNT
To increase interest in Bahama yacht charters, catamaran SPARROW is offering a $2000 discount. This fare is off of regular rates for any charters in March, 2011 in the Bahamas.
In addition to this, the team at 1-800 Yacht Charters is offering an additional $2000 discount for any charters on Sunreef 62 catamaran SPARROW in the Bahamas in March.
This brings the total savings to $4000 . This equates to a discount of nearly 18% off of catamaran Sparrow’s regular rate of $23,000 per week!
THE RATE DETAILS
Rates in the Bahamas are all-inclusive except for special requests, for instance, wines, champagne, special alcoholic drinks, excessive alcohol consumption. In addition to this are air fares, transfers airport/yacht/airport, dockage fees if any, use of communications onboard, and crew gratuity. These things are what you expect on any vacation.
Included in your charter price is fuel for 4 hours of engine operations.
Discounted charters must take place in March, 2011 and must be for a minimum of 7 nights.
THE BAHAMAS
Just 50 miles from Florida, the Bahamas form an archipelago that extends over 500 miles of the warmest and clearest water in the world.
The Bahamas offers some of the most gorgeous and sheltered yachting grounds in the world. Islands and cays are interspersed among brilliant white beaches and coves. Within sight, the Bahamas chain includes Eleuthra, the Abacos, Exuma, Nassau, the Berry Islands, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, Cat Island, and all of the Bahamian Cays.
THE CATAMARAN
Sunreef 62 SPARROW offers a unique experience to her guests. Charterers indulge in the elegance of a yacht and savor the adventures of sailing. This sailing yacht comfortably accommodates up to 8 adult guests. All 4 staterooms feature ensuite bathrooms.
HOW TO BOOK A SAILBOAT CHARTER
In conclusion, take advantage of this $4000 discount and come find out for yourself if it truly is Better in the Bahamas! Click https://1800yachtcharters.com/book-now-contact-us/ to reserve your adventure onboard catamaran SPARROW now.
Recently, a customer asked, “Where is St Thomas?” We answered the question in our blog, entitled, “Destination Caribbean: Where is St. Thomas?.”Here, we identify the location of another popular destination. We introduce one of the most family-friendly islands in the Bahamas, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND.
WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
Grand Bahama Island is located in the Caribbean, in the Atlantic Ocean. It is about 190 miles west of Nassau and 55 miles from South Florida. It is also due east of Fort Lauderdale and northeast of Cuba. Atlas and map users users will find the island at coordinates 26°39?N 78°19?W.
EST AND DST
Grand Bahama is the fifth largest island in the Bahamas island chain. The chain has approximately 700 islands and more than 2,000 cays. It is in the Eastern Standard Time zone (EST). Daylight Savings Time (DST) is observed in the summer months from March to November. This is when the time is pushed forward by 1 hour to Eastern Daylight-savings Time (EDT). It shifts back by 1 hour after the summer, and returns to EST.
WHICH AIRPORT TO FLY INTO?
By air, the island’s international airport, Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA), is 35 minutes from Miami. It is 3 hours from New York. It is also 7 hours from Los Angeles. Finally, it is 9 hours across the pond, from London.
LURE OF THE ISLAND
The charms of the island attract visitors from around the world. Many of these visitors arrive on the largest yacht chartervessels. Deep surrounding waters and bordering shallow reefs teeming with tropical fish are an irresistible magnet. It keeps boaters coming back year after year. The islands premier marina is the full-service 115-slipPort Lucaya Marina.
WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO OFFER?
Grand Bahama features lots of excitement. For instance, miles of beautiful beaches, nature preserves, resort hotels, a major casino, nighttime entertainment, an animal shelter full of the Bahamas’ own breed of dog available for adoption (the potcake). It also features warm, tropical, emerald-green seas, and tons of watersports activities.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
A NEAT FACT: WhenChristopher Columbusvisited the island in 1492, he called it Gran Bajamar –‘Great Shallows,‘ from which the name Grand Bahama was derived; however, the name of the island’s capital city, Freeport / Lucaya, is probably better known to the world today than the name of the island, itself.
HOW TO BOOK A YACHT CHARTER
Come explore the Bahamas on some of the newest yachts available for charter HERE
Destinations of yacht charters is a popular and often requested topic.
Our professionals at 1-800 Yacht Charters reviewed 2010’s “hot spots” and checked with various mega yacht owners with yachts in transit to enticing locations around the globe.
The team compiled a list of the top 4 desirable yacht charter destinations for 2011 and the ultimate yachts to rent for the experience. Yesterday, we shared 2 of the 4 top destinations for 2011 with our readers:
2. Australia and New Zealand, onboard super yacht GALAXY.
DESTINATION – BAHAMAS
Today, we present the other two hot spots for the new year!
3. It’s Better in the Bahamas, on BIG ZIP.
Don’t have time to travel half around the world for a luxury mega yacht charter? No worries! The Bahamas offers pristine water and uncrowded beaches, and they are located just an hour away from South Florida.
ABOUT BIG ZIP
There are over 700 islands in the Bahamas. Trinity yacht BIG ZIP is the ideal platform for a week of discovery and exploration there. The vessel features 5 staterooms for a perfect superyacht experience in exclusive surroundings. The yacht’s interior was designed by Evan Marshall. The yacht’s watertoys include a 32 foot Intrepid towed tender, a 21 foot Novurania RIB tender, a 3-person waverunner, and snorkel gear and towable toys. Pricing begins at $190,000 per week.
The 789-mile coast of Croatia is indented with countless coves and inlets, creating one of the finest places to sail on earth. The most famous cruising grounds are in the Dalmatian Islands, which stretch from Dubrovnik northwest to Zadar. Sail boat charters can unveil the charming anchorages, ancient villages, and translucent waters of the islands.
DESTINATION – CROATIA
The sail yacht KOKOMO will spend the summer cruising the coast of Croatia. This sailboat is sleek and elegant, with superlative sailing characteristics without compromise for comfort. Flexible accommodation arrangements allow for up to 12 guests in five staterooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. Her prices begin at € 230,000 per week.
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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