Some of our most frequently asked questions are covered in the text below.
To quickly jump to a specific question, just click on the topics.
Getting Here
To get to the BVI you can fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico and take a shuttle flight to Beef Island Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into St. Thomas and continue your journey by either charter flight or ferry. Once we have all of your travel arrangements we will arrange for our preferred taxi driver to rendezvous with you and transfer you either to the yacht or your hotel. Taxi fares are not included in the cruise fee.
Passports
A passport is the principal requirement for entry into the BVI. If you are a citizen of either the United States or Canada, an authenticated birth certificate, a citizenship certificate or a voter's registration card, along with a photo ID, is sufficient to allow entry into the territory. Visitors from some countries may need a visa, if in doubt please contact us and we will check with the BVI Department of Immigration for you.
Telephone and Fax
We do have a cellular telephone/fax on board the boat which is available for your use at an additional cost. The number may be obtained from the office prior to charter.
Length of a Cruise
Cruise rates are based on a full week charter, eight days, seven nights. However, you can book a charter for any number of days the choice is yours! Also, dependent on availability, you can start your cruise on any day of the week, we do not run to a specific schedule.
Itinerary
We have no fixed itinerary, each cruise is planned with your preferences in mind.
Number of People
Wanderlust has a minimum passenger rate of eight persons, we are happy to take a smaller groups at this rate. The maximum number of guests, including children, is sixteen.
Sailing Experience
You do not have to have any sailing experience to enjoy this holiday. Many clients have never stepped foot on an ocean going yacht before, and are delighted with the level of comfort and service we provide. If you would like to participate in the sailing of the boat you are more than welcome, otherwise sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!
Luggage
As with most yachts we have a limited amount of storage space on board. Therefore, we would ask that you bring soft luggage where possible. If bringing soft luggage proves impossible, we can provide shore storage for hard luggage. Try and pack essential items in your carry on luggage; delayed luggage is not unheard of in these parts.
What to Bring
This is a casual and relaxed vacation. You'll need swimwear, T-shirts, shorts, wraps and perhaps a light cotton jumper or sweatshirt for the evenings. If you wish to dine ashore at one of the hotels or fine restaurants you will need to bring some more formal attire, such as slacks and a shirt with a collar. By
mid charter most of guests comment that they have over packed, and that next time they will bring half as much!
Shoes
We are a "no shoes" boat, so there is no need to purchase a pair of expensive yachting shoes. We would recommend that you bring sandals, sneakers and perhaps some reef shoes. If you prefer to wear shoes on deck we would ask that they have white soles and that they are not worn ashore.
Photographers
Bring plenty of film for your camera, spare batteries are also a good idea. Film and batteries are expensive here and the choice is somewhat limited. Outlets are available for the recharging of video camera batteries. We do carry some regular 35mm film on board.
Special Medications
We would recommend that you bring a plentiful supply of prescription medication with you. There are pharmacies on the islands but your particular prescription may be impossible to maintain.
Sea Sickness
One reason why the BVI's are such a popular destination for sailing holidays is that you get ideal winds without rough seas. The many islands protect us from the open waters beyond. Also, because of the increased stability Wanderlust has as a multi-hull, it is very rare for any of our guests to suffer from sea
sickness. However, if you are particularly prone to motion sickness, we would recommend that you bring over the counter medication with you for the first day.
Sun Tan Lotions
We recommend that you bring a plentiful supply of waterproof sun screen (factor 15 or higher) with you. Even on hazy days the sun in the tropics is very strong. For people with exceptionally pale skin we recommend that you bring a pair of men's pajama bottoms or leggings to wear as a cover up.
Smoking
As with most yachts, in the interests of safety we strictly adhere to a rule of no smoking below deck. We understand that some guests will feel the need to smoke on board, we merely ask that you do so on the aft deck.
Drugs
There is a zero tolerance policy on illegal drugs aboard Wanderlust. If you are found to be in possession of drugs we reserve the right to terminate the cruise immediately, with no refund of money.
Provisioning
Prior to the charter you will receive a food and beverage request form (preference sheet). This allows us to tailor the menu and refreshments (where possible) to your specific preferences.
Linens
Linens are changed every three to four days throughout the charter. Beach towels are provided both on deck and for shore trips.
Children
There is no age limit on board, and children under the age of twelve receive a special rate.
We have a collapsible crib, which can be brought on board. The crib is large enough to sleep a child of up to eighteen months and can be situated on the floor of the parents' cabin. For older children we have the fore peak cabin which has four single bunks, alternatively we have to the two mid cabins which can be fitted with an anti roll out "sling" for safety.
Hurricanes
If you listen to the weather men or the weather channel these days you
would be led to believe that the Virgin Islands are battered by tropical
storms on a regular basis. We have been in the charter business in the
BVI's since 1977 and have only had to cancel one charter due to a tropical
storm.
Tipping
For yacht charter crews, tips can make up a large portion of their pay. By maintaining this expense as a separate item, the charterer can reward a crew that has done a fabulous job and a crew can feel that if they go the extra mile, they have a chance of getting a bonus for their extra efforts. Considering the hours the crew put in, and the variety of activities in which they help you indulge, 15 to 20 percent of the charter fee divided between the crew members would seem to be a good basis on which to work. If you feet the crew had done a good job, 15% is a good tip - by giving an extra bonus you are telling the crew that they were terrific. Adjustments can be made up or down, according to how well you thought you were treated. There is no guest service that is even comparable to that provided on aboard a luxury yacht. The majority of crews pander to their guest’s every whim.
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