Helpful tips for preparing your charter:
Arrival: Please advise the crew your flight details or tail number if private. A uniformed crew member will meet your flight with ground transportation.
Berthing: Berthing arrangements during peak periods, especially in the most popular marinas in the Mediterranean, can be very difficult. We will, in collaboration with the yacht's captain, try our best to organize your requested berths if you let us know in advance. Nothing is guaranteed and some marinas only confirm bookings a few days before arrival.
Cabin Assignments: You may wish to assign cabins in advance to allow the crew to deliver luggage to the appropriate cabin and escort the guests. This will ease the settling in of the charter party. Advise your Merrill-Stevens charter broker and we will inform the Captain.
Camera: Don’t forget a camera! If you shoot with a digital camera, we are able to check with the crew of a particular vessel to determine if their onboard computer system supports your memory card format.
Certificates (use of watertoys and diving equipment): If you intend to use the powered watertoys on board (jetskis, waverunners, etc) please check with us to determine whether a small watercraft certificate is required within the contracted cruising area. Utilization of the yacht's dive equipment is only permitted under special circumstances. Rendez-vous diving (i.e. private arrangements with local diving schools) is the most common practice during a charter. Please be sure to bring your diving credentials with you.
Children: Although many yachts offer a range of amenities for children, we recommend that you bring a small selection of their favorite entertainment items with you. Children DVDs in different languages are usually available. Children are the responsibility of the Charterer. The crew will provide the necessary equipment and guidelines to guarantee the safety of all guests and children during the charter.
Clothing: Chances are you will need less clothing than you think. You may spend considerable time in swimsuits (bring several), shorts and casual resort clothing. Be sure to bring a loose fitting cover-up. Bring a T-shirt to wear while snorkeling to prevent sun burn. A light jacket or sweater may come in handy on deck in the evening or while in air conditioning. Ladies may want to bring casual cotton dresses or resort attire for dinner. Men may find casual slacks appropriate for dining ashore. If you are chartering in the Caribbean, coat and tie are generally not required in the restaurants and resorts, although the more upscale spots ask that men wear long pants and a collared shirt.
Communications: You can be reached on charter via the yacht’s cellular and/or SAT phones. Communications charges are to the Charterer’s account. We recommend having a worldwide GSM phone, check with your cellular carrier for coverage in the areas you are visiting.
Crew gratuity: Crew gratuity is at your discretion. The customary practice is to tip between 5 and 15% to the captain for distribution among the crew. Should you not wish to travel with large amounts of cash, a wire transfer for the agreed amount can be arranged with the captain.
Electronic appliances: If you wish to bring electronic appliances, we suggest that you inform your Merrill-Stevens charter broker in advance, so that they can check with the crew about compatibility with the yacht's electrical system.
Eye Wear: Bring sunglasses and a spare pair of prescription glasses or contacts.
Insurance: Details of the yachts’ insurance provisions will be laid out in your charter agreement. It is recommended that you carry independent insurance for personal effects whilst on board or ashore and for any Medical or Accident expenses incurred other than as covered under the Yachts’ insurance.
Luggage: We request that you limit the number of roller bags. Depending on the size of the yacht you are chartering, carry-ons and duffel bags are preferred as they are much easier to stow.
Medications: Bring adequate supplies of prescription or other medication.
Motion sickness: Accupressure or electric impulse wrist bands reportedly work very well for many people, with no side effects. Available at your local yacht chandlery or online at West Marine. (www.westmarine.com/ search on seasickness). Ground ginger capsules (available at Health Food Stores) and Tryptone (available at dive shops) are also reported to be effective.
Number of guests: Your charter contract reflects the maximum number of guests allowed to sleep and cruise on board. International maritime law restricts yachts from carrying more than 12 passengers at sea without special registration. Dockside parties with larger groups can be arranged in advance with the approval of captain and owner.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on board, unless a special approval has been obtained from the owner and captain and this approval has been reflected in the charter agreement.
Shoes: We go barefoot aboard the yacht; boat shoes, slip-on sneakers, or thong sandals work well for going ashore.
Smoking: The vast majority of yachts will allow smoking only on the outside deck areas. Smoking inside is prohibited and constitutes a safety hazard.
Sun Protection: Adequate sun protection is a MUST, even if you never burn - the tropical sun is strong! A selection of lotions with varying SPF will be provided on board. If you prefer to bring your own, please bring varieties without PABA or heavy oils, to avoid staining cushions and decks. Don’t forget hat or visor, and sunglasses. You may want to include a (white) lightweight, long sleeved shirt and loose fitting cotton slacks as additional protection.
Travel Documents: Valid passports and entry visas (when required) must be carried by all members of the charter party.
Thank you for booking your charter with us. Feel free to contact us anytime .
We are here to provide service when you need it.
