What qualification do I need for a crewed or skippered charter?
There are no special qualifications required for a crewed or skippered yacht charter – all you have to do is relax! If there are any water-sports you want to include on your trip (i.e. - scuba diving), then you will need to present the proper license or qualifications. However, swimming and snorkeling is always available at any time of the day – and there are no qualifications needed for that!
What is the standard crew gratuity?
The standard gratuity is around 10% and 15% of the charter fee for the captain to distribute among the crew. According to the 2009 MYBA Captain guidelines: "Gratuities are left at the Charterer's discretion.” Tips are always greatly appreciated for exceptional service. We at Island Cruises make sure our crew and members of staff are motivated and conscious of the needs of the passengers. They do not become millionaires with type of work, so something additional is generous and always welcomed. “However, it is important to understand that a Charterer is under no obligation to leave a gratuity and at no time should a gratuity be solicited, either verbally or in written form when settling the final account." (MYBA Captain Guidelines)
If I decide to book a charter, how much is the deposit?
A 50% deposit is due upon signing the charter agreement. The balance is normally due 30-60 days before the start of the charter. Please note that charters that are organized much closer to the date of tour may require different terms of payment. In the case of a short notice charter or day charter, 100% is due upon booking.
I have a special diet. Can I specify the food and wine to be served on board?
The chefs that Island Cruises provide for the yachts are very flexible. They can cater your meals to meet your dietary restrictions. A few weeks before you start sailing charter, we will ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire concerning all the special needs for each meal.
Is there a special dress code?
Most of the yachts have a strict "no shoes" policy due to the scuffing and scratching shoes can inflict on the decking. However, you can bring slippers or wear inside the cabin only. Otherwise, the dress code is quite informal; we want our guests to feel as comfortable on board one of our yachts as they would in their own home.
Can I celebrate a special occasion on board?
Island Cruises would be honored to help organize any special occasion for you or another party while on board. Just inform us prior to booking so that we can make the necessary arrangements for you.
Is there a separate crew quarter?
Depending on the type of yacht you charter, there may be options for separate crew quarters. Some of the smaller yachts may not be designed for crew rooms; however, several of the larger yachts have this option.
Am I permitted to use the yacht's scuba equipment?
Island Cruises have yachts that are equipped for diving expeditions. However, this is a separate option and is not included in the original charter price. If diving is something you would like to include on your sailing holiday, feel free to check our website for price details or contact us at Island Cruises for more details. You can make bookings for fun dives if you already have a diving license or you can do a scuba diving course with an experienced instructor if time permits.
What is the electrical current on board?
Generally 12V DC, but most yachts have 220-240Volt - 50Hz outlets, but check with us as you may need a plug adaptor too.
pick up at bangkok airport?
A pick up from Bkk Airport is not possible but we can arrange the tickets to the south of Thailand.
How far is Koh Tao from the Mainland?
About 72 km
What means 'Balance Payment'?
Balance payment is the remaining amount of money one needs to pay at the latest one month prior to yacht charter start date. The amount of balance payment is usually 50% or 70% of the total charter fee, depending on advance payment.
What is an 'Advance Payment'?
Advance payment (sometimes termed deposit or down payment) is the amount of money one needs to pay upon making a reservation to secure the yacht. The amount of advance payment is usually 50% or sometimes 30% of the total charter fee.
What is 'Crewed Charter'?
Under crewed charter you will find all the boats which have as minimum requirement a compulsory engineer or skipper. For many of these boats are package deals including skipper, chef/hostess, catering etc. at very competitive prices available.
What is 'Bareboat Charter'?
A bareboat charter is an arrangement for the chartering or hiring of a ship or boat, whereby no crew or provisions are included as part of the agreement; instead, the people who rent the vessel from the owner are responsible for taking care of such things. At Island Cruises you will only find those yachts in this category which you are allowed to take out by yourself, without compulsory marine engineer or skipper, necessary qualifications and experience provided.
Hi, My wife & I are interested in finding out more about the "Join In" option you have
Please have a look at the following link for a description and price example: Ang Thong Safari with join in option
Are there credentials that people must have in order to 'Join In' on the charter?
There are no credentials that people must have to be a part of the ‘Join In’ options. Once a deposit has been made, their space has been reserved on the charter.
Do the managers of Island Cruises make the final decision on the additional couple joining in on the charter if there are several applicants? Or do the original people who booked have a say?
Island Cruises operates on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. Again, once the payment has been transferred, they have been reserved a space on one of our yachts.
If we feel that the other individuals applying to 'Join In' are not compatible with us, can we select another individual or pair?
Unfortunately, Island Cruises cannot deny paying customers on the basis that there may not be exactly compatible. Remember, that the people who are a part of the ‘Join In’ option are just as enthusiastic about sailing and exploring as your party is!
In addition to the 7% VAT, are there any other hidden costs for the charter?
There are no hidden costs for the charter. Should you want additional features for your charter, the other costs will be clearly presented to you.
Should there be any cancelations, what are the rules regarding
costs and the other charter passengers?
For cancellations, the following fees apply:
• For more than 12 weeks before the charter date, you will pay 30% of the total charter fee.
• For between 12 and 8 weeks before the charter date, you will pay 50% of the total charter fee.
• For between 8 and 4 weeks before charter date, you will pay 80% of the total charter fee.
• Within 4 weeks of the charter date, you will pay 100% of charter fee.
Now, due to these fees listed above, we will still do the charter with you with no additional costs if the other party cancels.
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