Travel Tips

What to Look for In a Luxury Crewed Charter

One of the most appealing attributes of a crewed yacht charter as a vacation option is the first-class service you can expect to receive. A luxury crewed charter vacation should provide the utmost in personal service, premier accommodations, and a unique customized experience, with the promise of memories that will last a lifetime. With our professional, attentive and fun crew, every hour in paradise is yours to spend swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing at your own unhurried pace.

√         Experienced Professional Captain

Captain Glenn has spent the last 10 years crewing and captaining both sailing and power yachts in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Caribbean and the Pacific.  Glenn is a US Coast Guard certified 100 Ton Master and has worked for the Moorings as well as delivering yachts up and down the Eastern Seaboard and the Caribbean.  He has owned and chartered a Beneteau 510 named Rusty Nail II and has crewed and captained on several sailboats before finding Caribbean Dream.

Glenn is also a PADI Dive Master and has spent many hours beneath the surface of the Caribbean and is very knowledgeable about all of the best snorkel and dive spots and would love nothing more than to jump into the warm, inviting water and show you a world that not many know exists.

Now, on Caribbean Dream, Glenn brings all of his professional experience to help make your vacation the experience of a lifetime.

√         Gourmet Chef

Chef Angela Smith has been cooking professionally since she was 14.  Angela completed her chef training in Culinary, Pastry and Restaurant Management in Houston, Texas and owned and operated her own catering and special events company for 14 years in the Houston area.  She was named “One of the best up and coming chefs in Hawaii” by Castle and Cooke.  Caribbean Dream allows Angela to combine two of her passions, cooking and being on the water and her love of both comes through in every meal.

√         Wealth of Local Knowledge

Both your professional captain and your gourmet chef are highly experienced sailors who know the islands well. They have extensive sailing experience throughout the Caribbean. Captain Glenn has been a professional charter captain in the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands on many different types of boats for many years. Glenn and Angela sail the yacht and act as your concierge to facilitate everything from arranging scuba diving excursions, introducing you to a remote beach to advising you and arranging tours for the day. They are your personal hosts dedicated to making your sailing adventure an indulgence for the senses.

√         Luxury Accommodations with Air Conditioning, Entertainment Centers and En-Suite Baths

Caribbean Dream is a Leopard 47 catamaran, specifically built for crewed charter vacations, and is second to none in elegance and beauty. Air-conditioning, expansive entertainment areas, private staterooms with en suite bathrooms, and every creature comfort and amenity make the yacht a floating private resort that takes you from one gorgeous destination to the next in style and unparalleled comfort.

√         The Newest and Best Equipment

• 13’ Center Console Dinghy with 40 HP Engine
• Icemaker
• Water maker
• Underwater Viewing Lights
• Music Speakers at the Front of the Yacht
• Hard-top Bimini with Custom Lighting

Be sure to consider Caribbean Dream’s extra equipment.   Having a fast roomy dinghy that can carry all guests and their bags provides you so much flexibility on where to anchor …. You can get anywhere you need to with Caribbean Dream’s center console dinghy – and quickly! The onboard icemaker ensures you always have a cold drink even when the stores run out of ice (it happens, it’s the islands!) With Caribbean Dream’s onboard water maker, you don’t waste your valuable vacation time at the marina filling up with water. We added cool underwater viewing lights so you can watch the fish – and other ocean critters! – frolic after dark. And music speakers at the front of the boat mean that you can hear your favorite tunes no matter where you are. Caribbean Dream’s hard-top bimini provides more coverage from the sun – for those who want it – and more area to sunbathe – for those who want to! It provides more room in the cockpit and better visibility to the beautiful surroundings outside the cockpit. Plus, it allowed us to add extra lights for those late evening card games!  All these extra special touches give you the ability to enjoy your perfect vacation, your way.

√         Well-maintained Yacht

Glenn and Angela live on Caribbean Dream full-time, and they care for her as if she were their own (which she is). Caribbean Dream has often been called the best maintained boat in the charter fleets. Glenn is particularly focused on maintaining the yacht for safety and performance. Your every expectation for comfort, cleanliness and luxury will be met, and exceeded, by Caribbean Dream and her crew.

If you compare Caribbean Dream to other choices, you will find that she is the perfect choice for your perfect sailing vacation.

FAQs

What is the difference between a crewed charter and a bareboat charter?
A luxury crewed charter is an all inclusive vacation which includes a Captain and Chef. All meals, snacks and drinks are included, prepared for you by our talented chef, and can be customized to your tastes and requirements.

A bareboat charter is a boat you “rent” on which you provision, cook, clean, sail and Captain yourself.

What city or island do I fly to, and how do I get to the boat?
The preferred airport is EIS – Beef Island, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Depending on your arrival date and time, we may be able to have Caribbean Dream waiting for you just steps away in Trellis Bay. Or,  you will enjoy a scenic taxi ride to Village Cay Marina in Road Town, the capital of Tortola. Alternatively, you may fly into STT – St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. We will either pick you up in Red Hook, or have you take a quick ferry ride and meet you in Soper’s Hole on the West End of Tortola. Once you decide your vacation dates, we will help you make all the best travel arrangements – no worries!

Do I need a passport?
Yes, as of December 31, 2006, all citizens traveling to the Caribbean must have a valid and current passport.

What do I bring?
Vacationing on a boat is a unique and laid back experience. Since most guests wear bathing suits most days, you will not require much. Storage space is at a premium. No matter what you bring, it will probably still be too much!

Here are some suggestions:

√         No hard sided suitcases, soft sided suitcases or preferably large duffels are good.

√         Plan on going barefoot on the yacht. Bring sandals/flip flops for the beach, restaurants and bars, and tennies/water shoes if you plan to hike or walk on the rocks (highly recommended at The Baths!)

√         Numerous bathing suits, as you will live in these

√         For dining out, light casual clothes, mostly shorts and button up shirts or sundresses for the ladies. Smart casual is the norm at most fine dining establishments.

√         The Caribbean sun is hot. Bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and hats.

√         Please do not bring suntan oils or spray sunscreens as these items make the boat very slippery. We recommend a 30 or 40 SPF waterproof sunscreen lotion.

√         Any medications you require

√         Travel size toiletries

√         A bath towel, wash cloth, hand towel and linens will be provided by your crew

√         Camera

√         Bring your IPOD with your favorite music. Don’t have one? No worries… the boat has a couple with a wide variety of music.

√         Snorkeling equipment will be provided but you may bring your own

√         An extra pair of glasses if you wear them

√         Passport

What currency is used in the BVI?
US Dollars are used throughout the BVI. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted in most places.

Will my cell phone work in the BVI?
Your cellular phone may work in the Caribbean, Check with your service provider for coverage.

What will the weather and sailing conditions be like?
Local seas are “relaxed” seas and generally in the 3-4 foot range.

Historical Weather (Averages by month):

Month	F Max	F Min	C Max	C Min	Ave Precip (in)	Ave Precip (mm)	Ave Water Temp (F)	Ave Water Temp C	Ave Wind Speed
January	83	75	28	24	3	76	77	25	NE 15-25 kts
February	83	75	28	24	2	50	77	25	E 15-25 kts
March	83	75	28	24	2	50	78	26	E 15-25 kts
April	84	77	29	25	3	76	80	27	E 15-25 kts
May	86	78	30	26	4	101	82	28	SE 15-20 kts
June	88	80	31	27	3	76	83	28	SE 15-20 kts
July	88	80	31	27	3	76	84	29	SE 15-20 kts
August	88	80	31	27	5	127	85	29	SE 15-20 kts
September	88	80	31	27	5	127	84	29	SE 5-15 kts
October	87	80	31	27	4	101	83	28	SE 5-15 kts
November	85	78	29	26	5	127	82	28	NE 5-20 kts
December	83	76	28	24	4	101	80	27	NE 15-25 kts

What kind of activities are there to do?
Caribbean Dream has two kayaks, snorkel equipment, fishing gear and a standup paddleboard. Use of the equipment is included with your charter. Scuba diving can be arranged for a fee. Other activities are; swimming, hiking, shell collecting, beach combing, treasure hunting, enjoying a cold drink at a beach bar, people watching or relaxing in the hammock doing nothing.  Please note: SCUBA diving is for certified divers only.

What extras are payable on top of the charter fee?
It is customary to leave a 15-20% gratuity for the crew. If your cruise involves other countries you are responsible for any customs and immigrations fees. The airport departure tax is $20 pp – payable in USD at the airport.  The ferry departure tax is $5 pp – payable in USD at the ferry dock. We generally anchor or moor but if you request to dock at a marina, those charges are your responsibility.

How do I make reservations?
Contact your favorite charter broker or email us at info@SailCaribbeanDream.com

What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel your charter, the 50% deposit is non refundable unless the yacht is rebooked by another party. If we are able to rebook for the same dates, the deposit will be refunded less a 10% fee. If you need to change your booking dates a fee may be charged. If booking through your favorite charter broker, their cancellation policy will apply.

Does Caribbean Dream have air conditioning?
Yes! Caribbean Dream has air conditioning for your sleeping comfort. Of course, many guests prefer to open up their hatches and listen to the gentle sea sounds at night. Each stateroom is equipped with 2 fans and has plenty of ventilation and air flow.

What’s the difference between a 47’ catamaran and a monohull sail boat?
A catamaran is a most excellent choice for a group sailing adventure in the British Virgin Islands. Caribbean Dream has much more interior space than a similar length monohull sailboat, allowing for more privacy and comfort – AND she sails faster! Catamarans are also more stable both sailing and at anchor, largely eliminating the motion sickness some feel on a monohull. More spacious decks on a catamaran provide opportunity for guests to spread out and enjoy areas for swimming, socializing or relaxing on the boat. Caribbean Dream is the natural choice for comfort and fun for your group.