FAQ's | cabin charter

Do I have to be physically fit to do a cabin charter sailing holiday?
No. Our cabin charter sailing holidays do not require you to have a high level of physical fitness and are suitable for any age. However, a moving boat requires you to be steady on your feet and relatively agile. Some of our cabin charters require that you are able to climb off and on the yacht by ladder into the sea for swimming and to access the shore by dinghy. This requires some strength and dexterity.

Is a cabin charter aboard a sailing yacht like a cruise ship holiday?
No. A cabin charter holiday on a sailing yacht differs from a cruise ship experience, as the number of passengers is between 8-20, while cruise ships may have thousands. Yacht cabins are generally smaller and more streamlined and storage space is more limited. Cabin charters are guided by a captain and a crew/program director, so they are much more intimate cultural experiences than cruise ships.

I have never been aboard a yacht and can't sail will this be a problem?
No. Cabin charter holidays are relaxing adventure vacations where you can participate as much or as little as you want with the actual sailing. There are crew members aboard the yacht who are responsible for sailing the yacht, your safety and preparing meals as outlined in your particular trip.

Will I get seasick?
The larger yachts used for our cabin charters are very stable and sail in conditions that do not upset the vast majority of guests. If you are more prone to motion sickness, we recommend that you bring your normal medication with you. Skippers and crew aboard all charters offer numerous methods to help alleviate the feeling of motion sickness.

I want to learn how to sail, will I be able to get involved?
Yes. Skippers on our cabin charters are happy to share their knowledge and willing to help you hone your skills if you want to take a more active sailing role while aboard. It is important to note however, that cabin charter holidays are not sailing courses. If you would like to have a more formal sailing experience then our sailing courses are a great option.

Are cabin charters just for couples?
No. Cabin charters are a mix of singles, couples, groups and families. At the time of booking you can ask about the group dynamic.

Will I pay a single supplement?
On some of our cabin charters single accommodation is available with no single supplement if you share a washroom. Where there are only double cabins aboard, you will pay a single supplement. Full details of single supplements are outlined with the dates and pricing for each cabin charter.

Are there children on a cabin charter holiday?
Children are allowed aboard some of our cabin charters but not all. Please check with our office at the time of booking your trip.

Is there an age restriction for a cabin charter sailing holiday?
No. As long as you are physically active we do not put an upper age limit on our trips. If you are under 18, you will need to be escorted by a parent or guardian.

Will I be with people I don't know?
Yes, unless you are booking the entire yacht for your private group. Crew members aboard all cabin charters are experienced at creating a good group dynamic and creating a relaxed and fun environment for everyone to feel comfortable aboard. Cabin charters are a much more intimate experience than cruise ship holidays and you will leave having made new friends. Where possible, passengers with similar interests and of similar age will be grouped together.

Who are my traveling companions?
For privacy reasons we cannot provide you with the names of your traveling companions. However, in some cases we can let you know the ages, interests, background and expectations of other cabin charter guests who fill in their resumé. These tours appeal to a wide range of travelers, most of whom share an adventurous spirit and a desire to experience new destinations.

What if another guest behaves inappropriately?
It is vitally important to us that all guests enjoy their time aboard. It is rare but if a guest demonstrates inappropriate behavior, the skipper reserves the right to terminate their trip and ask them to disembark immediately or at the next port without any applicable refund or recourse.

Can I bring alcohol aboard?
Each of the cabin charters varies in what they supply in terms of free alcohol, some offer wine with dinner and others for welcome drinks only. Your arrival information you receive when you book will detail for your chosen cabin charter. In general you purchase your own alcohol either from the on stocked bar on the yacht or you can bring your own provisions aboard that you purchase in the islands.  

What shall I do if I have specific dietary requirements?
For any specific dietary requirements you need to advise us in writing at the time of booking giving full details. We will try our best to accommodate your dietary requirements. If we are unable to properly accommodate your particular needs, we will let you know in advance.

Can I do my own thing for dinner in the evening?
Many of our cabin charters include all inclusive meals so dinner tends to be included aboard. Cabin charters in the Mediterranean tend to arrange for dinner ashore at carefully selected local restaurants in order to try fantastic Mediterranean gastronomy. If you do not wish to eat with the group at these restaurants, you can choose to explore and find your own restaurant.

Can my medical situation or disability be accommodated aboard a yacht?
If you have a medical problem or disability which may affect your trip, you must advise us in writing at the time of booking giving full details. If we feel your health and safety or that of other guests could be in danger or we can't accommodate your particular needs aboard, we will let you know in advance.

Will refrigeration be available for medicines?
Yes. There is refrigeration aboard all of our cabin charter yachts. Please request the use of this when boarding.

Will I have internet access?
The yachts do not have their own internet access. At some destination ports you can pick up a wi-fi signal although this is not guaranteed. In some cases coffee shops and restaurants on shore have internet access and will provide you with an access code if you buy a coffee or meal. Blackberry devices work well at many destinations.

What shall I pack?
All yachts have limited storage space so it is best to travel with bags that can fold flat. Sport bags with wheels or a good quality backpack are best for storage purposes aboard. Our comprehensive packing list will help with the essentials for traveling.

Will there be a hot shower aboard?
Yes. All yachts used on our cabin charter sailing vacations will either have shore power, run the engine or generators to heat water. All washrooms have shower facilities. Fresh water showers are also available at the back of yachts for rinsing after swimming.

Do I need to bring linen and towels or a sleeping bag?
No. The luxury yachts used for our cabin charters all have linen and towels provided.

Is food and alcohol included?
Each of our cabin charters varies slightly on what is included. In most cases breakfast, lunch and all beverages are included and in some cases they are fully inclusive including open bar. You will find full details of what is included on the dates and pricing section of each trip.

Will there be ice on board?
Some of our cabin charter yachts have icemakers onboard, in other cases ice can be purchased on shore and stored in ice boxes.

How do the toilets flush on a sailing yacht?
Yachts will have either a standard marine head (manual pump) or have a vacuum flush system. Skippers will provide a yacht briefing upon boarding.

Will there be air-conditioning on the yacht?
Some of the yachts do have air-conditioning; review the details of individual trips for more information.

Is there electricity aboard, how will I charge my camera batteries?
All yachts have marine batteries to operate electrical equipment and most have cigarette lighter adapter for charging camera batteries and small accessories. Some yachts also have inverters, shore power cables and generators to provide electricity aboard.

Can I bring a hairdryer?
Most yachts used for our cabin charter programs have generators aboard providing either 110v or 220v electricity. In some of the cabins you may have sockets available for the use of a hairdryer. On other yachts, there may only be sockets in the central salon area. Skippers will accommodate the use generators where possible but this may not always be possible.

How much shall we tip the crew?
Your captain and crew will work very hard throughout the trip to provide excellent meals, snacks and drinks and offer great guidance - so it is customary to tip. The amount you tip is at your discretion however, 3-5% of the charter fee is appropriate.

Tips are generally given as cash to crew. You can choose the proportions if you would like split your tip between crew members.