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On Arrival

Life in the virgin islands is laid back and that is part of the pleasure. The idea is to relax and not let inconveniences upset you. Remember you are on Island time, so the locals will move at a slower pace and service may take longer than you are used to in restaurants and airports. Carry your valuables, medications, toiletries and a swim suit in your hand luggage in case your suitcase is delayed. As to where the yacht will await you be sure you know before you leave home. Taxi drivers are familiar with marina locations - and rates are posted at the airports. The boat can provide you with the name of a reputable taxi company and call them on your behalf to arrange for your pick up at the airport. You should board no sooner than the agreed time on contract normally noon. If your arrival is delayed let the Captain know by calling the relevant number depending on where your pick up is.

PAYMENTS & PROOFS
Cash and Credit cards are accepted aboard for payment of :
- Boat store gifts purchased
- Dive Fees
- Crew Gratuity
- Alcohol surcharges
- Additional Dockage if at charter's request
Credit Cards are not accepted for charter fee payments
Personal checks are only accepted in an emergency
Travelers checks are not preferred
There are ATM's available but these are limited and access is dependant upon your sailing schedule.

LUGGAGE
Space is limited on a boat so bring soft sided luggage or duffle bags which can be stowed easily. T-shirts & shorts are the usual uniform of the day when you are not in swimwear and only a few clothing changes are really required. Clothing should be kept to the minimum when packing. You will be in swim attire most of the time. It is advised to bring a long sleeved and full length cover up that's light and cool to wear to prevent sun burn especially if fair skinned. Evenings can be cool especially out on the water so a light sweater will come in handy. Temps range from 85-90F during the day and 75-80F at night. Eating out is normally casual attire. Shoes are not allowed on the boat. One pair of flip flops or sandals is all that is required ashore. If you need To wear shoes aboard they must have clean white soles, be non slippery and only worn on the boat so you will need a second pair of foot ware for shore.

SUN LOTIONS
The tropical sun can be very damaging to the skin, so bring protective lotion that does not stain Towels, bedding cockpit cushions and decks. Sea & ski, Coppertone and Clinique lotions are non staining.Pre-sun and Bain de soleil are very damaging and oils and sprays in general are forbidden on board. After sun lotion with Aloe Vera is advised. A wide brimmed hat or visor and sunglasses will help shade you. A lycra swim shirt is a good idea as well.

MEDICATIONS
Bring any medications required with you as access to pharmacies on the islands are limited. Sunscreens and bug spray are recommended. DO NOT bring illicit drugs, your captain will terminate the charter without refund if brought aboard.

BEACH EQUIPMENT
Unless you wish to use your own snorkeling gear there is no need to pack these as they are provided on the boat along with towels. Scuba equipment is also available on board but if you have your own regulators or any special equipment, you are welcome to bring it aboard.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU
On your arrival you will be welcomed by the Captain and crew who will show you around the boat and let you settle into your cabins with a welcome aboard drink in hand. The Captain will explain some do's and don'ts and ask about your special interests for the cruise. This is your chance to plot the course for where you want to go and what you want to do. The Captain has extensive knowledge of the islands and will be able to give you lots of ideas and help of places to see and entertainment to join in, including taking the helm and trimming the sails if you wish. Remember though, the captain is responsible for the yacht and those aboard, and has the final word in all decisions.

GOING ASHORE
Activities on shore such as dining out under the stars with feet in the sand eating freshly caught lobster can be arranged. Such excursions are, of course, at your own discretion and will not be deducted from your charter fee.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Each cabin has a hairdryer which is the same as the boats voltage, please use these and not your own.

PROVISIONS
You will have received or should have received a food and drink preference sheet to be filled in with regard to all members of the charter. This is to allow the chef to plan your meals on the information provided including any strong dislikes or food allergies indicated. All food and drink requirements for your charter have to be provisioned ahead of your charter start date so be sure to have returned your preferences 45 days before the charter start date. The yacht stocks a "shelf" wines and spirits which is included in the charter fee, ( please ask for more detail if required) Special requests or premiums liquors can be put aboard, at an additional cost,and per request in advance. For safety, all soft drinks and beers will not be in glass bottles. This may affect sourcing a particular choice you require but the crew will endeavor to provide you with your choices.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Your Captain and mate are a couple. They operate the yacht for the owner. In any case you are quests in their home. You will savor your own quiet time staring up at the starry night sky or reading a book. The crew will appreciate being allowed such times too - after all they will probably be the first ones up and last to go to bed at night, working hard to please you. If you come to think of the crew as friends ( and you probably will) tipping may seem awkward at the charter's end. But tips constitute a major part of their working capital, and if you have enjoyed their efforts, they'll appreciate your letting them know in this way. Industry standards are a tip of 15 to 20% of the total charter fee, the same as going to a fine dining restaurant in the U.S. Putting your gratuity in an envelope with a note of thanks at the end of the charter is a nice way to avoid any awkwardness. Tipping in the islands for restaurant, taxi services is a customary 15-20%.

CHECK IT OUT
Here's a list to check off your preparations to help ensure a carefree cruise:
- Food & beverage preference sheet filled and returned 45 days ahead of time
- Where relatives and associates can reach you in an emergency
- Passport for each member of charter party
- Soft luggage or duffle bags
- Adequate sun protection ( lotion, hat, clothing sunglasses)
- Suitable footwear
- Regular medications and others as required
- Camera
- Credit cards or cash for shopping, drinks / meals ashore other ashore expenses and gratuity

Tips on Planning your Vacation

MEETING POINT. The meeting location and time will be prearranged but the crew will be sure to be in constant contact prior to your arrival to assure the optional meeting time and location.

DOCUMENTS. Passports are required.

CLOTHING. In the Virgin Islands people always dress casually. On board the yacht you will need the minimum of light summer clothing. Guard against packing too many clothes. A few changes of shirts, bathing suits, shorts, sun dresses and underwear is all that is needed. No need to bring any towels as we have everything aboard.

FOOTWEAR. You will find flip-flops/water shoes convenient for walking ashore. Aboard Sea Chateau we will always be barefoot but if you would like to bring a pair of dedicated boat shoes that's fine too.

BAGGAGE. If possible please use fabric roll-up suitcases/bags because they stow easily and thereby free your cabin space. Please remember that we have very limited alternative stowage space for your bags.

MASK & FINS. The yacht is equipped with an assortment of masks, snorkels and fins. If you happen to own a mask it is wise for you to bring it along. This applies especially to scuba divers.

CLIMATE. The weather here is very consistent. The average daytime air temperature is around 83 degrees and during the night it falls a few degrees. The water temperature is roughly the same as air temperature. If it rains it pours and the sun will shine a short time later. Rarely
does it rain or stay overcast for extended periods.

TELEPHONE. Sea Chateau has a cellular telephone which operates in both the BVI's and the USVI's. The number is: 805-423-0624. Please feel free to give it out to anyone in case of emergency. While in the BVI's calls are very expensive and are charged at $4.00 per minute. Most cellulars phones work in the BVI's and if you call your carrier and let them know you will be in the British Virgin Islands, they can let you know the cost and availability. Internet access is also available if you bring your computer, via wireless hotspots, at a small cost. Also, depend -ing on your carrier, if you have a data enabled phone you should be able to get your emails
but be sure to sign up for a international plan.

SUN PROTECTION. When buying sun screens and tanning lotions please stay with the oil free products because the oily ones can make the decks slippery and stain the leather cushions. You also might consider bringing bug spray. Depending on the time of the year and location, we tend to get no-see-ems which bothers some more than others.

ITINERARY. Once you have settled on board we will discuss the suggested itinerary. The final route will depend upon your desires, input and weather constraints. Please remember that you will always be at liberty to make changes while on route. Should you request to be at a Marina during your charter stay, the marina charges will be at your own expense.

MUSIC AND MOVIES. Even though Sea Chateau has a selection of music please feel free to bring CD's of your choice along with any personal MP3 players, which will usually plug right into the yachts entertainment system. We also have satellite radio. In addition, we have a 40' flat screen t.v. and over 300 movies on DVD's. Again, feel free to bring any of your favorites as well as any games you think you might enjoy

ELECTRICITY. The electricity aboard is 110v and you should have no problem in charging you phones, cameras, or any other electronics.

GRATUITY. At the end of the charter a 15%-20% gratuity to the crew is customary. (as in any fine restaurant).If you would like to put this on your credit card, please advise us at the end of the charter and we would be happy to provide you the form. (please be aware that there is a 3% surcharge fee that we incur should you elect to use this service)

SCUBA DIVING. For certified divers Sea Chateau will provide all the equipment needed to scuba dive, excluding wet suits. If you have equipment, please feel free to bring it but it is not necessary, especially weights! Please also bring your dive card certification.

FISHING: Should anyone want to fish a fishing license is required and can be obtained in Road Town. All you will need is a copy of your passport and a $65 application fee. Check out http://www.laststopsports.com/Fishing license.htm and you can order the license in advance.

We hope that this will give a little more insight into what to expect and thereby make your vacation pleasurable and lots of FUN.

We look forward to having you aboard!