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- F r e q u e n t l y
A s k e d Q u e s
t i o n s -
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- How do we plan the trip?
Our goal is to ensure that your time on board Charmer is
spent doing what you want and we will work with you to plan your
charter. Our captain will be in touch with you prior to your charter
to find out what you want to do, discuss planned stops, activities
as well as provisioning based on your preferences. We will do
our best to accommodate any special requests like food, drinks,
etc... especially on weekly charters.
- How far can we go, how many stops can we
make in a week?
Charmer's captain will assist you in deciding on an itinerary
and plan the stops. Charmer normal cruise speed is 22kts (25mph)
which opens many destinations to weekly charters including the
Dry Tortugas and most of the Bahamas while keeping time underway
to a minimum each day so that you can enjoy your destinations
and stops along the way. Normally, 3 to 4 hours underway each
day is as much as you want to do but Charmer can cover
close to 100 miles in that time frame.
- How flexible is the schedule and itinerary?
As flexible as you want it to be! A luxury charter is not a commercial
cruise with 2000 others... you are on your own yacht and decide
where you want to go and how long you want to stay. So if along
the way you decide to stay later in one place or skip another
one, Charmer's captain will be happy to follow your instructions.
- What is included in your "specials"
and what is not?
Our "specials" packages were designed to take the guesswork
out of chartering a luxury motoryacht like Charmer. Our
competitive rates include the yacht, the crew (captain and mate),
drinks and foods as well as fuel. The only things which are not
included are additional dockage at marinas of your choosing during
the charter and gratuity for the crew.
- What kind of activity can we do during
the charter?
Charmer's high performance dinghy is ideal for snorkeling
trips, runs to the beach and sandbars or to take you shore when
anchored out. Its modern four stroke 50hp engine is quiet and
environmentally friendly. Charmer also carries 2 ocean
kayaks, ideal to explore quiet coves, as well as snorkeling gear
and a windsurfer. Those interested in high speed thrills will
enjoy our 2008 Yamaha Waverunner personal watercraft.
Additional activities can be coordinated with local shore based
companies incl. sailing, scuba diving, fishing, tours and excursions,
etc..
- Can we start or end the charter somewhere else besides Miami?
Absolutely! For charters to the Bahamas for instance, should you
want to board the yacht in Nassau, Freeport or other locations,
it can be arranged. We can deliver Charmer to your port
of choice for a minimal fee (typically running expenses to relocate
the yacht).
- What expenses do we need to plan for on
weekly charters?
Fuel, dockage, food and drinks, gratuity (15 to 20% of charter
cost) and additional shore side activities.
- Provisioning for food and drinks will be billed at cost.
- Dockage varies depending on destinations and marinas (anywhere
between $100 a night to $400 a night); options will be discussed
prior to your charter depending on what you want to do and where
you want to stop. In most places, you also have the option of
anchoring out.
- Shore side services (tours, taxis, restaurants, other activities...)
are usually paid by the guests directly.
- Fuel will be billed using the engines
electronic fuel computers at the current cost at our home port
(including our bulk discount). Should we refuel during the charter,
local fuel price will used for that portion of the cost. On average,
Charmer uses 20 gallons an hour at a slow cruise of 10kts
(11mph) and 80 gallons an hour at her 21kts (24mph) normal cruise.
Fuel used in the generators will
be billed at the same price, based on 2 gallon per hour (using
the generator hour meters)
- How do we book?
Charmer is available for booking through Charter Brokers.
When chartering through a broker, they will explain the procedures
and payment requirements. When booking directly, a 50% deposit
is required upon booking with payment in full no later than two
weeks prior to boarding. For weekly charters, a deposit of 30%
of the charter cost is required prior to boarding to cover expenses
(fuel and provisions). This amount may be adjusted for special
itinerary or provisioning requests. At the end of the charter,
unused funds will be refunded.
- What is it like on board, is it really "luxurious"?
Yes it is! In addition to her luxurious appointments, Charmer
is fully air conditioned with redundant systems. We have two 20KW
generators, each capable of running all the systems, twin water
heaters, twin high capacity water pumps and water maker with state
of the art filtration. You will feel like you are in a luxury
resort and won't have to worry about running out of water of electricity!
- What language does the crew speak?
Our crew is fluent in English, Spanish and French.
- What kind of food do you serve on board
Charmer?
Anything you would like as long as you request it before leaving
the dock... As you can imagine it may a little difficult to find
Swiss Apenzeler, fresh trout or your favorite Bordeaux when anchored
in the Bahamas... Even for day charters, we provision at places
like Whole Foods or Fresh Market to ensure you get quality natural
items. We can also prepare special foods for those on gluten free,
dairy free, or sugar free diets.
- What do we need to bring?
For charters to the Bahamas, you must have a valid passport. Please
note that Bahamian customs charge a $300 clearing fee per boat
when arriving in the Bahamas. Upon returning to the US, all passengers
and crew must clear US immigration in person at the closest facility,
typically at the port of Miami.
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