What do I bring?

Vacationing on a boat for seven days will be a unique experience for some people.  Since most guest wear bathing suits most days and evenings - you will not need to bring much.  With that said - You will quickly discover space, especially storage space, is a premium.  You will also realize no matter what you bring, it will probably be too much!  So here is a helpful guide.

• No hard suitcases.  Duffel bags only.

• Only shoes with white soles. Please no dark soles.  They will leave marks on the boat. Non-skid athletic or deck shoes are preferred. You may bring sandals to walk on shore. Besides you will be barefooted on the boat. 

• Pack light and reasonably - remember whatever you bring you will probably bring too much.

• The Caribbean sun is hot and direct.  Bring lots of sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a brim hat. If you burn your buns - it will make you very uncomfortable for a few days - USE SUNSCREEN every two hours.

• What few clothes you bring should be light weight and light colored. You will need a beach towel, a couple of pairs of shorts when you go ashore, several swim suits.  A bath towel, wash cloth, hand towel, and linens are furnished for you.

• Don’t forget your digital camera.  A waterproof disposable camera is excellent for underwater shots. We have an underwater digital camera and we will be glad to share underwater and other  pictures with you.  We will even burn you a CD.

• Snorkeling equipment will be provided, but you may bring your own.

• Any prescription drugs you may require.  However, you will need to provide a list of all prescription drugs for the ship’s log. Check to make sure they are not sun sensitive.

• If you wear glasses - an extra pair would be wise.

• Your favorite CD’s.  No tape player is aboard.

• A change of attitude with changes in the latitude!

What about Customs?

While you cruise the Virgin Islands, you will be clearing British Customs once and U.S. Customs twice.

Passports:  Passports are required after January 1, 2007.  If you do not have a passport, you will need apply for one six weeks before your travel.  An official birth certificate (no copies) and a photo identification card will no longer be valid in lieu of a passport.  If you fail to bring a passport you will not be allowed in the British Virgin Islands.

British Customs:  Your port of entry into the British Virgin Islands (BVI) will be West End, Tortola or Jost Van Dyke.  All cruisers must pay a cruising and charter tax upon entering the BVI.  Soul of the Caribbean will cover all of your charter tax and cruising fees if you booked through us.

You may also book through Caribbean Travel Network.  Call 1-800-329-9000 and ask for Lia.   

Points to Remember:  Passports are required. You will go through Customs three times.

• When we enter the British Virgin Islands

• When we re-enter the U.S. at Cruz Bay, St. Johns, U.S.V.I.

• When you board your flight in St. Thomas

• Soul of the Caribbean will provide you with the necessary forms.

• The U.S. & British Virgin Islands have a Zero Tolerance for contraband. If you travel with medicine it must be in a prescription container.

• All custom fees to enter the British Virgin Islands are covered by the Soul of the Caribbean Sailing Company - if booked through us.

• If you plan to get a passport, please do not wait until the last minute. You will need to send your original birth certificate with your passport application. Apply Now! Contact your local post office.

• If you already have a passport please check to make sure it has not expired.

  

How do I make reservations?

Reservations can be made via phone or email.  Once a reservation has been made, Soul of the Caribbean  will send you a contract/Statement of Account. 

A 50% non-refundable deposit is due at booking to confirm a reservation.  The remaining 50% is due no later than 60 days prior to travel.  see cancellation policy

What is your Cancellation Policy?

CANCELLATION POLICY

If you have to cancel your charter, the 50% deposit is non-refundable unless the yacht is re-booked for the same dates. If we are able to rebook the dates the deposit will be refunded less any applicable cancellation fees. If only a portion of your dates is rebooked you will be refunded on a prorated basis. Frequently, your entire charter fee is non-refundable if you cancel with 30 days of your charter. We recommend purchase of trip cancellation insurance for the value of your deposit and airfare. Many companies offer this coverage. and Access America is one They can be reached at 800-284-8300 or online at :

You should look for coverage that covers you if you have to cancel due to death, illness or injury of anyone in the group or an immediate family member without pre-existing conditions penalties (in case you already have a medical condition) and extends to weather such as hurricanes as well.