New charter clients who are planning their vacation in the Caribbean need to look carefully at this post: Caribbean BVI charters – what’s included and what isn’t.
Caribbean crewed charters that is booked under what what is commonly referred to as a “Caribbean Terms” contract, is generally inclusive of all meals, snacks and beverages and use of the water toys that are part of the yacht’s normal inventory.
This is quite a complex issue since different owners place different stipulations in their contracts and are dependent on where you are picked up and dropped off and other technical considerations. Generally speaking however the following is true, unless otherwise specifically noted in the rate sheet for each individual boat:
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Use of the vessel and the crew and fuel (except for fuel used for the a/c running all night)
- All meals, snacks and beverages
- BVI taxes if you are being picked up in the BVI. Individual boat’s rate sheet on the brochure will tell you if the charter rate includes taxes or not.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Airfares and Ferry tickets (if applicable)
- Land transportation and transfers (Taxis) to and from hotels or airports
- Crew’s gratuity (This is not mandatory, but it is customary at between 10% and 15% of the charter rate, dependent upon service, same as a restaurant tip)
- BVI taxes, if you are being picked up in St. Thomas and will be entering the BVI on the yacht.
- SCUBA Diving: If the boat you choose offers on-board diving, it is usually charged separately on a per dive basis.
- Rental of water-sports equipment that is not normally in ships inventory, the boat brochure will usually have a list of watertoys for each specific boat.
- Premium beverages and fine wines not normally in ships inventory
- Excessive alcoholic consumption
- Shore-side excursions and transportation on land.
- Marina or resort dockage, if requested by the client
- Phone and WiFi, unless specifically noted on the rate sheet.
- Air Conditioning: some boats have an extra charge for the use of the on-board a/c since this uses a lot of fuel with the generator running all night. Fuel in the islands is very expensive and so is fresh water.
WHAT ARE AND HOW MUCH ARE THE BVI CRUISING TAXES AND PARK FEES?
- Cruising tax: flat fee of $35 to $45 for a week, for a larger motor yacht it’s closer to $100 flat fee for a week.
- National Park fee of $4.00 per person per day
- VISAR contribution of $1.00 per day.
- Overtime fees for Customs and immigration personnel if you arrive and check in on a weekend, estimate an additional $50 flat fee.
- Moorings balls, if used, are charged at cost, usually about $20 per night, depending on the location. If you do not use a mooring ball and the captain uses the anchor, there is no charge.
Find out more about the intricacies of charters from the staff with over 30 years experience.
i find the facts about the parking fees intreaging as you dont normaly see them online. it is very helpful and i never conciderparking when i plan