FREQUENTLY ASKED CHARTER QUESTIONS
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Yes, you will need it to enter the Bahamas.
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Your charter is a customizable adventure:
Designed to Reflect Your Preferences: Every day of your charter is an open opportunity, shaped by your specific tastes. The desires of your group lead the way, ensuring each moment is crafted around what you enjoy most.
Tailored Planning: Before you embark, you will fill out a preference sheet and have a discussion with our crew. This essential feedback helps us tailor menus and plans that perfectly match your expectations.
Adaptable Itineraries: Given the unpredictability of nature and shifts in your daily preferences, our itineraries remain flexible. They can be adjusted as quickly as changes in the weather or your mood, ensuring your experience adapts to your current interests.
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Our charters usually run for 7 nights (8 days), with boarding at 3pm and disembarkation also at 3pm. If you require different arrangements, please let us know, and we will strive to accommodate your travel plans.
While a 7-night charter offers a wonderful experience, for those with a flexible budget, we strongly recommend a 10-night charter for a more luxurious and in-depth journey. The additional nights allow for a more relaxed pace and more time spent in each location, significantly enhancing the quality of your voyage. Opting for a 10-night charter is the perfect choice for those desiring a bit more indulgence in their luxury adventure.
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Certainly! Our charters are primarily tailored for older children and adults, but if you're planning to bring children under 5, please let us know and we can make the necessary accommodations!
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Yes, our crew is onboard and available to attend to all your needs. They have separate crew quarters and will respect any privacy requests you have. This arrangement enhances your vacation experience and ensures your safety throughout your stay.
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Each cabin aboard Midori features private en-suite bathrooms, or "heads" as they are known on board, designed to accommodate up to two guests per cabin. The yacht is fully equipped with air conditioning in all interior spaces. Guests can control the temperature in their cabins with individual thermostats and electric fans. Each cabin also includes electrical outlets, and lighting controls.
The bathrooms are well-appointed with electric flush freshwater toilets, sinks, vanity and storage cabinets, and full hot water showers. Every cabin offers a closet and additional storage drawers, ensuring that we provide all the modern conveniences and comforts for a pleasant stay.
For entertainment, a large flat-screen TV in the salon and cabins is perfect for family movie nights, complemented by a high-quality sound system for an immersive experience. For quieter moments, guests can enjoy a selection of engaging books and fun board and table games.
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We supply environmentally friendly SPF 50 sunscreen for your use, but you are welcome to bring your own provided it is lotion-based and reef-safe. Please refrain from bringing spray-on sunscreens or Coppertone products, as they can discolor the boat's deck and create slippery conditions. These products are prohibited on our vessels due to the damage they cause. Additionally, avoid sunscreens containing self-tanners or bronzers, as these can stain fabrics and also damage the boat.
Please do not bring sunscreens containing certain chemicals, often referred to as the "Toxic O’s," which are harmful to coral reefs.
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We suggest packing light to enhance your enjoyment. Choose a soft-sided duffel bag over hard luggage for ease of storage and a more relaxed experience aboard. Here’s a handy packing list to guide you:
Clothing: Four to five shirts, four to five pairs of shorts or dresses, and three or four swimsuits. Don’t forget beach cover-ups to protect against the strong Caribbean sun.
Footwear: Bring two pairs of shoes—flip flops and your choice of hiking shoes, tennis shoes, or water shoes, ideal for exploring scenic hikes ashore. Remember, you’ll likely be barefoot most of the time!
Essentials: A phone or camera with a charger (we provide travel adapters onboard), a hat, and sunglasses to shield you from the sun.
Health: Seasickness remedies if susceptibility is a concern within your group.
Finances: Bring cash for buying souvenirs and enjoying cocktails ashore, as ATMs may be scarce once we set sail.
Travel Documents: Ensure you have your passports ready.
Personal Items: Pack any necessary personal cosmetic and toiletry items.
Attitude: Bring an easy-going, fun, and adventurous spirit to make the most of your sailing experience!
This list should help streamline your packing process, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable and memorable charter experience.
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To ensure you have everything you need for a seamless sailing experience with us, we recommend packing the following items:
Hydration and Dining: Each guest will receive a personalized stainless steel water bottle labeled with their name upon boarding. We also provide insulated beverage cups that are perfect for keeping your coffee hot and your cocktails chilled.
Snorkeling Equipment: We have fins, masks, and snorkels available on board. For the best fit and comfort, you might prefer to bring your own mask and snorkel.
Sun Protection: While we supply reef-safe, environmentally friendly SPF 50 sunscreen, you're welcome to bring your own. If you do, please choose a mineral-based sunscreen (containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) as it's less harmful to coral and marine life.
Hair Care: Each cabin is equipped with a hair dryer that is compatible with our electrical system.
Towels: We provide both bath and beach towels for each guest, with a fresh set available mid-charter.
Personal Hygiene Products: Soap, shampoo, and conditioner are provided in each shower. You’re welcome to bring your own preferred brands if you wish.
Ensure you pack all personal items that will make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
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Our rates are all-inclusive, covering a wide range of services and amenities to ensure a seamless experience. This includes taxes, cruising permits, licenses, standard onboard supplies, as well as food and beverages as detailed in the charter agreement and our menus. All these elements are included in the price of your charter, allowing you to enjoy a worry-free and comprehensive sailing adventure.
We do also offer an APA package where the provisions are additional to the rate.
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While our rates are comprehensive, there are a few items not included:
Flights, Hotels, and Ground Transportation: These are not covered in our charter fees. However, we have an excellent travel partner who can assist with these arrangements at no additional cost to you.
Food and Drinks Off the Boat: Any meals and beverages consumed ashore are the responsibility of the guests and not included in our charter rates.
Crew Gratuity: A customary gratuity of 15-20% is appreciated but not included and is entirely at the discretion of the charterer. It is customary to present the gratuity to the captain at the end of the charter.
These exclusions help ensure clarity and transparency in planning your charter experience with us.
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You certainly could. If you're prone to motion sickness or unsure how you'll react on the water, it's recommended to bring along some preventative measures. Medications like Dramamine or Scopolamine patches are effective options. Ginger chews are also a great natural alternative that can help manage motion sickness symptoms effectively!
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We recognize that dietary needs can be sensitive and we strive to accommodate them as best as we can.
Our ability to meet specific dietary restrictions may vary depending on the nature of these restrictions and the locations we visit. We encourage you to schedule a call with to discuss your specific dietary needs in detail. This will help us ensure that we can provide the best possible experience tailored to your preferences.
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Initial Reservation: Once your preferred charter dates and cruising area are confirmed, we will secure a working hold for your group, valid for two weeks. During this period, you are expected to sign the charter agreement and make the initial deposit into an escrow account.
Charter Agreement and Deposit: The Charter Yacht Brokers Association Inclusive Charter Agreement, which outlines all terms of the charter, will be prepared electronically and requires signatures from all parties involved. A deposit of 25% of the total charter fee is due at this time, and should be wired into the designated escrow account.
Second Deposit: Six months before your charter, an additional 25% of the charter fee is required, also to be wired into the escrow account.
Guest Preference Sheets: At 60 days prior to the charter, we will send out preference sheets to all guests to fill out. This information is essential for the crew to tailor the service to each guest’s specific needs and preferences.
Final Payment and Final Preparations: 30 days before the charter, the remaining 50% balance of the charter fee is due. This payment should be made via bank wire transfer into the escrow account. Following receipt of the final payment, welcome letters are sent to guests, and if not already submitted, preference sheets are requested. Additionally, the crew will schedule a call with the primary guest to finalize the itinerary, menu, and address any outstanding preferences or changes.
Confirmation and Transportation Coordination: In the week leading up to the charter, the crew will reconfirm all details with the primary guest and arrange for ground transportation from the airport to the marina.
Day of Arrival: On the day of the charter, we maintain constant contact with the primary guest to ensure smooth arrival of all guests and provide a welcoming introduction to your adventure aboard.
This comprehensive process is designed to ensure that all details are addressed, allowing you to enjoy a seamless and personalized charter experience.