Charter Basics

Interior of Synergy Sailing

One of the great things about booking a crewed luxury catamaran charter to explore the Bahamas or St. Vincent and the Grenadines is that you can truly relax and enjoy the experience. You don’t have to worry about all the details—our experienced crew will create an unforgettable vacation tailored to your preferences.

If this is your first time chartering a crewed yacht, you probably have many questions, including yacht etiquette and what to pack. We’ve compiled this information to help make planning for your adventure stress-free. You can also download this handy guide our crew developed.

Packing Do’s and Don’ts

We encourage you to pack light, using soft duffel bags that are easier to store. Swimsuits and casual deck clothes, along with an outfit or two for dining out, are the best options. A light jacket or windbreaker is also a good idea, just in case. Otherwise, bring only what you need. So, what do you need?

Be Sure To Pack:

  • Passports, licenses, and copies of each. If you have prescription medication, make sure it has all details on the bottle, including your name. An under-the-shirt security pouch for documents is also a good idea.
  • We provide reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent, but if you bring your own, please ensure that it doesn’t include chemicals that can damage coral reefs.
  • Quality sunglasses for eye protection, well-fitted sun hats, and UV shirts for swimming and snorkeling.
  • “Dry bags” or Ziploc-style bags for money and electronics.
  • Seasickness pills or patches are recommended, especially for the first couple of days.
  • Electronic devices. Synergy offers WiFi (speeds can vary), and cell phone reception is typically good.

You Can Leave Behind:

Even seasoned travelers sometimes follow the “just-in-case” method of packing for trips. Resist that urge and stick to the essentials. Here are a few things to leave at home:

  • First aid kit. This physician-owned yacht is more outfitted than any competitor, with an EMT first responder first aid kit, automated external defibrillator (AED), and oxygen all onboard.
  • Valuables. There is no need for expensive jewelry or items with significant sentimental value.
  • Linens and towels. We’ve got you covered.
  • Any shoes other than sandals or comfortable walking shoes.
  • Stress and worries.

A Few Things to Remember

An all-inclusive, crewed charter catamaran adventure is unlike any other vacation. Here are a couple of tips for those who aren’t familiar with this type of trip:

  • When you arrive at the yacht, ask the crew’s permission before boarding.
  • We ask that you remove your shoes when on board.
  • Sandy beaches are a wonderful part of the trip, but please rinse off your feet before returning to the yacht.
  • Synergy has ample room for relaxation and enjoying the beautiful surroundings, and keeping the common areas tidy enhances your journey.

Gratuity

It is customary in this industry to tip the crew. The amount you leave is totally at your discretion and should be based on the level of service provided. The suggested gratuity is 20% of your charter.

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