What is a by the cabin yacht charter versus a by the boat charter?
You can book a cabin on the Renegade Mermaid, or you can book the entire boat. Both options will take you on a wonderful adventure in a beautiful destination. You do not have to have any sailing experience to do a charter.
When you book by the cabin, you will have your own private cabin and bathroom. (Available for 5 day/4 night stays or longer.) You will share the boat with another individual or couple that has booked the other cabin available. When you book by the boat, you will have access to both cabins available for booking for you and your party. (Available for 3 day/ 2 night stays or longer.)
Who makes up the crew?
Your crew will always include a USCG licensed captain. Typically, there will also be a crew member to assist the captain but not always.
Can I see or talk to my crew before I book or depart?
Yes. We are a small business, and we all have access to email communications. If you need to speak with someone specifically, that is also possible. Just let us know.
Who will be sharing the boat with me in the other cabins?
As well as the crew, there will be other guests who have booked the other cabin just like you.
What is included?
- Meals aboard: Meals are included for breakfast, lunches, snacks and some dinners. This will vary depending on location.
- Drinks: Water, tea, coffee and soft drinks and juices are included in the provisioning.
- Linen: One set of linens, towels and beach towels per cabin per week are provided.
- Water sports: You will have access to snorkeling equipment, a Minicat Guppy inflatable sailboat, a paddleboard, and a SunChill float
- Cleaning: The public areas are cleaned by the crew while on charter, but not the private cabins
- Air-conditioning: Though rarely needed, air conditioning is available. The cabins stay cool with the nightly Caribbean breeze, hatches can be opened and there are small fans in the cabins.
What is not included?
- Flights, optional travel insurance and taxi transfers: We will not have a taxi transfer service available.
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi isn’t available on the boat
- Diving: Scuba diving is not included in our trip. If this is something that interests you, please let us know and if time and itinerary permit, we can spend a day in a place that has a dive shop.
- Gratuity: We suggest between 5-10% of charter cost if you’re happy with the quality of the service
- Alcohol: You are welcome buy/bring your preferred alcoholic beverages on your own. We will have a place to refrigerate and store your drinks.
Can I see sample menus?
Sample menus are not available as we cook based on what we can buy wherever we are. We will ask for a list of your dietary preferences and do our best to prepare meals that you will love.
How are special dietary requirements managed?
Please make us aware of any special dietary requirements you may have. Most of the time we can accommodate, but as some specialty items are not available in all areas of the Caribbean, be prepared to bring specific items of your own with you.
How flexible is the itinerary?
Our itineraries are designed to give you the highlights of a particular area. We want to customize the trip to meet your needs so there is definitely some flexibility to the itinerary within reason and also depending on wind/weather, the length of the charter, etc.
How can I check availability or make a reservation?
Check out our online availability calendar here.
What will be included in the price?
Included in your cabin price is everything that is related to the boat. It pays for your cabin, the captain and crew fees, provisioning on board, mooring fees, park fees, docking fees, fuel, water, cleaning, linens, towels, use of snorkel equipment and any other recreational items aboard.
Do you hold a cabin while I decide?
Yes. We can place a cabin on hold temporarily while you are deciding. We understand there is a lot to think about. Depending on how far out the trip is will determine how long we can hold the cabin but on average we will hold a cabin for a week.
What deposit is required?
You will need to pay a 30% deposit to confirm the booking, 50% 180 days prior to embarkation and the balance is due 45 days prior to embarkation.
How much does a single person pay for sole use of a cabin?
The single occupancy rate is the same as a couple. The cabin can accommodate up to two people but we will not be pairing up customers unless specifically requested. If we are unable to find someone to pair up with a single person, they will be expected to cover the full price of the cabin.
What is the cancellation policy?
We highly recommend you arrange travel insurance in case you need to cancel for an unexpected reason to cover non-refundable deposits. Our cancellation fees are:
- More than 90 days before embarkation: 25% of the charter fee
- 89 – 60 days before embarkation: 50% of the charter fee
- 59 – 30 days before embarkation: 75% of the charter fee
- Fewer than 29 days before embarkation: 100% of the charter fee
Do I need insurance?
Yes, we highly recommend you arrange travel insurance in case you need to cancel for an unexpected reason to cover non-refundable deposits. We also recommend having an emergency medical insurance such as DAN.
Can I choose which cabin I want when I book?
Yes. In the booking area, you can reserve your date under your preferred cabin if the dates are available.
Are there child or age restrictions?
Yes. We are not set up for young children aboard the Renegade Mermaid. Children aged 13 and up are welcome to join us on a SailVenture.
What happens if the weather changes?
The captain/crew may decide to change the itinerary if there is inclement weather.
How do guests get to the shore from the boat?
We have a dinghy that we will use to get to and from shore and the boat.
What is the dress code?
There is no dress code.
What footwear should I wear onboard?
Barefoot is best on board.
Can I use my hairdryer and hair straighteners on board?
These items draw a lot of electricity and therefore the use of them is discouraged.
Can I charge my mobile phone / tablet on board?
Yes. We have U.S. plugs but be sure and bring your charger.
How much cash should I carry?
This is up to you. Most parts of the Caribbean are able to take credit cards but there are occasions where you will buy from vendors on the street that will only take cash. Currency will be based on specific location.
What is the smoking policy on the yachts?
Smoking is only permitted in the very rear of the catamaran with respect given to non-smoking guests.