
faq- fully crewed charters
1) Passports: Valid passports are now required for all nationalities coming into the BVI's as well as the US authorities when returning to the states.
2) Emergency contact: BVI Boat 1-284-499-2756, USVI Boat 1-734-716-0678. WIFI access is generally available on the yacht if you would like to bring your laptop.
3) Fly into either STT (St thomas in the USVI) and take the 40 minute ferry over to Roadtown, Tortola, BVI or Fly through SJU (San Juan, Puerto Rico) to EIS (Beef Island, Tortola) For the 2008/2009 season we have now moved onto the dock at Harbourview Marina in the East End of Tortola. There is a limited number of hotel rooms here that are decent, clean, and reasonably priced. Their website is Harbourview Marina. Please see our useful resources page for more details. on the island of Tortola. We also have a specific page on Harbour View Here. If you are coming in by ferry from the USVI you will have to take a cab (approx 15 minutes) at the appropriate time to meet the yacht. If you are coming into the Beef Island airport, it is approximately a 5 minute cab ride. There is a Chinese and a Mexican Restaurant within walking distance, or at the marina. Please make sure you confirm with us your pick up point. We often pick up guests straight on the ferry dock in Roadtown when they are coming in from the USVI
4) Preference sheets to be filled out and received by us at least a month before your sailing dates. You should have a designated organizer in the group to fill these out. Please make sure that we have your arrival and departure details in good time.
General Food Information You fill out the basics and we choose the menu. **NOTE, if you are on a sailing where you have purchased a single cabin, this is the only food preference form that you can fill out.
Specific Food and Beverage Information For those who want to choose exactly what they are having.**Suitable only for groups where the entire group are having the same meals.
Miscellaneous forms that I do not have an online template for yet, including SCUBA Diving Medicals and releases. These can also be filled out on board, except if you have conditions for SCUBA diving that you have to have a signature from the doctor. This is only applicable to those taking any courses onboard.
5) Port of boarding: Harbourview Marina, East End, Tortola. Boarding is anytime after 12 unless special arrangements have been made. If you are arriving on island earlier in the day arrangements can be made to store your luggage for you.
6) Music: We have an IPOD and docking station, feel free to bring yours if you like as well.
7) What to bring and pack: Dress is casual in the islands and on Promenade. Shoes are not worn on board unless you have a specific pair of shoes for only wearing on the yacht. We suggest one pair of sandals for going ashore and a pair of wet shoes for climbing over the rocks and in the water. Storage space is limited and most guests tell us they packed twice as much as they needed. SOFT COLLAPSIBLE LUGGAGE is essential. We recommend 2-3 swimsuits and pairs of shorts, 3-4 light cover ups or tshirts. "Resort casual clothing is only needed IF you are going ashore for dinner to one of the fancier restaurants. In winter season, you may want a light sweater or rain jacket.
8) Sun Tan Lotions: Please, no suntan lotions with PABA or Bronzers in them, they stain our decks and upholstery. Please do not bring any of the spray lotions as they just make the decks slippery.
9) SCUBA and snorkeling gear: Unless you must bring your own gear, consider renting it on the yacht with the new airline regulations. We have plenty. The two items that we recommend are your own well fitting mask and snorkel, and a light wetsuit if you would like.
10) Children are welcome on Promenade, although for younger members we do suggest bringing some age appropriate games or DVD's, and their own well fitting mask, snorkel and lifejacket (for playing in the water). Although the crew will do activities for the children, they are not babysitters and you are responsible for taking care of your own children.
11) Crew Gratuity: Crew gratuity should be brought down in cash or travelers checks and given to your captain at the end of the charter for splitting with the crew. Crew gratuities are not included in the charter fee. The customary amount is 15-20% of the charter fee, but this is completely up to you and how much you enjoyed your charter.
12) Incidentals and SCUBA fees: These can be paid in advance of the charter if you so desire to avoid carrying more cash then you need to. These can also be paid by check, cash or travelers checks at the end of the charter.
