Harmony
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Vacations OverviewMany of our guests are new to chartering. The more information we are able to share with you, the more fun your vacation will be. Choose from the categories below, for everything from required reading to helpful hints. » Your Nr. 1 Decision – Your Broker Company Your Nr. 1 Decision – Your Broker Company The best way to book your charter is with a professional Charter Yacht Broker. Your first decision is to select the correct broker to work with. A yacht charter is basically a short term rental agreement. If the agreement is for the yacht only, without crew services or provisioning, it is called a “bareboat” charter. If the agreement includes the services of a Captain, chef and perhaps additional mates, it is termed a “crewed ” charter. It also may be called a “term” charter which refers to a specified time commitment. While on board, the general activities and movements of the yacht are at your direction. The Captain has the last word in all actual decisions. His first concern will be for the safety and comfort of all the guests. The Captain’s practical knowledge of your cruising area will help you create an itinerary unique to your party’s needs. Your crew contacts you well before the charter starts. They discuss your food preferences, health and activities for your stay aboard. You’ll get to know them even before you arrive and they are available to answer all your questions. Generally, no matter how you book your charter, you will find that it requires a deposit. This deposit is not refundable and can be 50% of the total fee. This means you should be very sure of your dates and the number in your party before you sign a contract. The contract is carefully written to protect all parties. If the yacht cannot perform, all funds are returned. If the guests cancel, the deposits are forfeited. If there is a problem during the charter, the amount would be prorated in an equitable fashion. When you have signed and returned the contracts, a confirmation letter would be sent. Please check the details carefully and advise of any discrepancies. The final payment for the charter is due forty five days (45) before embarkation. How do we get there from here? Yacht Harmony motors the waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Mediterranean and the Bahamas. Each island chain is serviced by a major airline. What do we need for customs & immigration? The Caribbean Islands are all unique with independent requirements for visitors. You should be prepared to present a valid passport when entering and exiting. There may be small fees such as departure taxes to be paid. Immigration officials want to know where you are staying, how long you are staying, and may ask for proof of a return ticket. These are not trick questions, but please answer them carefully. Please do not bring anything illegal such as, guns, knives, drugs etc. A word to divers, spearguns are not allowed in the Caribbean. It is unwise to bring food or commercial goods with you. Customs officials are generally pleasant and efficient and are willing to go the distance to make your entry and departure a pleasant one. Your crew are professionals dedicated to your perfect vacation. In the course of the week they wear many hats. They are there to serve you and guide you safely and comfortably through your charter. They also can be a great source of fun. Chartering is an intimate setting and you would find the crew in tune to your personalities. If you view your crew as service staff, they do that masterfully. If you rely on them for guidance and entertainment, you will have a great time. If you include them in the personality of your week, you would certainly find new friends. It’s all up to you. It doesn’t matter matter where you’re from, the weather in the Caribbean is better. The coolest of winter days might be in the upper 70′s; while the hottest of summer days would be in the upper eighties. The key to the Caribbeans’ weather is that you’re in the tradewinds and you’re surrounded by clear, warm water. The water temps vary from the upper 70′s to mid 80′s and temper all weather in the tropics. Shopping can be your whole day or just a diversion. It’s up to you. The treasures ashore run the whole spectrum, from trinkets and t-shirts to diamonds. What if there is an emergency back home? Your Captain will give all the contact information you will need for your office, family and friends to find you in an emergency. You will never be out of contact during your stay aboard. You may be unavailable but voicemails and e-mails will be waiting for you when you get back. The contact numbers your Captain provides are for true emergencies. If you need closer contact with friends, office or relatives, bring your cell phone and set up a personal contact number for the duration of your stay. If you need to return home in an emergency, your Captain will be able to assist you in travel plans. You can usually be at an airport in a few hours. Yes. Tips are never mandatory. Gratuities are made as an appreciation of excellent service. We are confident that your crew will exceed your expectations. After your stay aboard, you will realize that your crew are more than hardworking, more than just personable, more than professional. Their only additional benefit from their exceptional service is the gratuity. We suggest you consider a gratuity of 10-20% of the total charter fee. What other expenses should we expect? ALL INCLUSIVE CHARTER NON-INCLUSIVE CHARTER NOTE: The Euro / US exchange rate for Mediterranean Cruising |
