Charter Motoryacht McGregor this season

We received a newsletter from Tim & Julie of McGregor this morning... Here it is: (click the image to make it larger)



View MacGregor's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com/

Catamaran AMARYLLIS - Early season discount

The charter catamaran AMARYLLIS, a 45-foot Privilege catamaran, is offering an early season special!

AMARYLLIS is offering a $750 discount for 7-night (or more) yacht charters taking place before December 15, 2008. Currently open for Thanksgiving!



Laura and Bruce, owner-operators of Amaryllis recently sent us this announcement:

AMARYLLIS is ideal for two couples or families of four. Our all-inclusive rate is $10,000. With 20 years experience sailing in the VI, we know we can provide our guests with the vacation they've dreamed of, whether they are first time visitors to the VI or repeat charterers looking to revisit favorite spots and discover new ones. We offer the best in food and drink and a variety of water sports including snorkeling, wind-surfing, kayaking, tubing (for the kids) and a complementary rendezvous dive.

We are looking forward to visiting Amaryllis when we sail up to the Virgin Islands at the end of this month, and of course, at the St. Thomas charter yacht show, too. Bruce is from Seattle so we'll have lots to talk about on that front :)

Charter Catamaran AMARYLLIS offers FREE dive

The charter catamaran Amaryllis, a 45-foot Privilege, is offering a dive promotion for their 2008/9 charter season.



From Bruce & Laura, owner-operators of Amaryllis:

As a promotion for the 2008/2009 season we will be offering our guests a free rendezvous dive. We love rendezvous diving because our diving-certified guests get to go for a two-tank dive with professionals who can give them a first-rate diving experience and we can attend to our non-diving guests, taking them to a beach or snorkel spot or secluded anchorage. It's win-win for everyone. No sitting on a mooring at a rolly dive site waiting for divers. Everyone gets full attention and a day tailored to their interests.

AMARYLLIS is a 45-foot, Privilege catamaran that accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 cabins.

View their online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

MAROLANGA - Additional charter comments

We posted comments from the Wilcox family charter a few days ago (see the post a bit down the page) but then we asked Steve for comments about Sasha the cat, and also about his kids...

"I meant to mention Sasha in the other message. He was remarkably well behaved and a delight to have as a member of the crew! The boys were never bored and were worn out by bedtime! Sleeping on the trampolines under the stars was the best! Attached are a few pics!
- Steve"

Sasha is a super ship's cat!






Marcella & Gus with the Wilcox kids


Marcella & Gus with the parents.

Thanks again Gus & Marcella for another happy charter. We know we can always depend on you!

View Marolanga's online brochures: CLICK HERE and HERE TOO

Contact Paradise Connections for more information on chartering and to book Marolanga: CLICK HERE

Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com/
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SHINING STAR Lower charter rates for new season

The charter motoryacht Shining Star, has lowered their rates for the new charter season, and up to two kids under the age of 12 can come along for free.



SHINING STAR is a fully air conditioned, 58-foot DeFever motor yacht which accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins with ensuite heads; two with full Queen berths, and the other with a Queen V-berth (not bunks as shown in layout diagram).

Shining Star has a 15-foot dinghy with a 60HP 4-stroke motor, waterskis, tube, wakeboard, two-person kayak, fishing gear, snorkel equipment, etc. Mike is a dive instructor and diving is included in their rates for both certified and non-certified divers.

ALL-INCLUSIVE RATES:

• $10,000/wk for 2 guests
• $11,000/wk for 3 guests
• $12,000/wk for 4 guests
• $13,000/wk for 5 guests
• $14,000/wk for 6 guests

1 or 2 kids under the age of 12 are free. (If it is a 6-person charter with 2 free kids, the crew takes one of the cabins and the kids can have the pull-out Queen in the salon).

SHINING STAR is available for CHRISTMAS and NEW YEARS.

View Shining Star's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more information: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com
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Drumbeat News - First Grandchild - UPDATE

We received an email today from Vince and Linda, owner-operators of the charter yacht Drumbeat.

They became first-time grandparents on Monday... CONGRATULATIONS!

Here's a photo with Vince and his new grandchild... More details later!

UPDATE: It's a girl! Emily Brooke, weighing in at 8-lb. 2-oz
Linda says that they are trying their best to spoil her before they return to the Virgin Islands in October.



Drumbeat is one of our favorite charter yachts. Drumbeat is a 72/65-foot Irwin with a crew of three: Owner-Operators Vince & Linda, and their popular crewmember, Kirk! Vince is a dive instructor and offers 5 dives/week including gear, also for "Resort" divers.

You can see our other posts by typing "Drumbeat" in the search box above, or click this link:
http://allaboutyachtcharters.blogspot.com/search?q=drumbeat

View Drumbeat's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections to charter Drumbeat: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Remember, you saw it here first :)
.

Catamaran MAROLANGA - Guests Charter Comments

This morning we received a lovely email from a family we had aboard the catamaran MAROLANGA this summer (July 2008). Here are their charter comments:

Hi Guys!

Hard to believe it has been 2 months since our trip! We are all still telling friends what a total blast it was. A totally unique vacation experience! The boat was comfortable and Gus and Marcella were wonderful hosts. Very accommodating in every respect. They made every day fun and exciting and the food was awesome. They showed us all the best places and we went where the bigger ship can't, exactly what we wanted.

With their extensive experience in the area, they knew all the best spots. Gus is a very competent and experienced sailor and he made us feel very safe the entire time. Every day was tailored to just what we wanted to do. There was plenty to do for all of us, even if we wanted to do nothing!

We would, without reservation, highly recommend the boat and crew to anyone considering this trip. There are lots of choices available to be sure but we can't imagine having a better time! Gus and Marcella are totally committed to their guests having a great time and they deliver. We plan on doing this again in the coming years.

Thanks for all your help in planning the trip too. The whole process was easy. All we had to do was show up at the marina and the rest was taken care of. How great!

Thanks for everything!

Steve, Barat, Matthew and Mark

MAROLANGA is one of our favorite charter yachts. Gus & Marcella are such a warm couple. They make you feel very comfortable and welcome aboard their home, Marolanga. And Sasha, the ship's Persian cat, completes the family feeling.

Unfortunately (for you!) Marolanga is already booked for Thanksgiving 2008, and this Christmas and New Years, too. They are currently open for Easter and possibly for your kids' spring break depending on dates. Contact us for availability!

View Marolanga's online brochures: CLICK HERE and HERE TOO

Contact Paradise Connections for more information on chartering and to book Marolanga: CLICK HERE

Visit our website: http://www.paradiseconnections.com/
.

Charter SHINING STAR has a Special Discount SEPT 2008

The motor yacht SHINING STAR has had a cancellation and would like to offer that week at a special discounted rate.



Book a full-week, 7-night all-inclusive charter September 24 - October 1, 2008, for only $9,000. That is a $5000 savings from their normal 4-person rate of $14,000.

Shining Star is an air conditioned, 58-foot DeFever motor yacht, and has two guest cabins with Queen berths and ensuite heads.

View SHINING STAR's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for more information: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

For those of you with a larger budget and a larger party, perhaps you'd like to consider TITAN... 30,000 euro discount for charters in September 2008. See post below, or CLICK HERE.

Learn to Sail in the Virgin Islands aboard ISLANDER

Islander, a 46-foot Irwin staysail ketch, just wrote to us to announce that Charlie is now a certified ASA Sailing Instructor.



Charlie can now certify students in basic, cruising, bareboat, and navigation. He loves teaching and he's been busy giving sailing lessons this summer in New York.

Patti also mentioned that Islander's interior has been completely redecorated and that they now have an iPod/MP3 interface so guests can bring their own music and have it broadcast through Islander's sound system.

We are looking forward to seeing Charlie, Patti, and BC the cat, this November in the Virgin Islands.

View ISLANDER's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for more info: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

SUMMER 2008 SPECIAL for Shining Star in the Virgin Islands

The motor yacht Shining Star has a brilliant special summer discount that they are offering through the end of August 2008 for week-long, all-inclusive charters in the Virgin Islands.



$10,000 FOR 7 NIGHTS FOR UP TO 4 GUESTS !!!
This is a $4000 savings over their normal rates.

For family charters, 2 additional kids aged 12 and under are free (they would be guests numbers 5 & 6)

View Shining Star's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Catamaran ALEXIS returns to charter December 2008

We have just been informed that the catamaran ALEXIS will be returning to charter this December 2008. Welcome back, Geoff and Bambi!



ALEXIS is a 38-foot owner-operated catamaran that accommodates up to 4 guests in two cabins with a shared head/shower.

Amenities include: 10 ft Caribe dinghy with 15hp outboard, 2-person kayak, windsurfer, floating sun cushions, snorkel gear, disposable underwater cameras, two hammocks, DVD Player and selection of movies, etc.

!!! ALEXIS is currently available for CHRISTMAS and NEW YEARS !!!

RATES for 2008/2009: (BVI cruising fees not included)

• 2 guests: $6,500/wk
• 3 guests: $7,500/wk
• 4 guests: $7,900/wk
• Christmas & New Years: $8,690/wk for up to 4 guests (flat rate for 2-4 people)

View the online brochure for Alexis: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more info: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Yacht ISLAND SKIPPER returns for 2009 charter season

Rob & Michele recently announced that they would be chartering ISLAND SKIPPER again for a short time during the 2009 charter season.

Island Skipper, with former owners Rob & Michele as crew, is one of our most popular charter yachts and we are happy that they are back!

They have opened their calendar from December 16, 2008 through March 20, 2009. Island Skipper already has a New Year's charter booked from Dec. 29 through Jan. 12, but everything else is still open... but we don't expect it to remain that way for very long, once we inform all of our repeat clients :)

Island Skipper is a 52-foot Irwin ketch with a crew of two. Island Skipper is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 guest cabins. The master cabin aft is very spacious and has a Queen berth and a private, ensuite head/shower. The other two guest cabins are forward of the salon and they share a head/shower between them. One cabin is the double V-berth and the other guest cabin has twin upper/lower bunks.

Rob is a PADI Dive Master and Island Skipper offers 5+ dives/week to certified divers for $150/diver/week. Gear is included.

Island Skipper has a 14-foot Twin-V dinghy with 40HP motor, kneeboard, tube, 2-man kayak, snorkel equipment, 35mm underwater camera, 2 floating sun mats, double hammock, TV/DVD in salon, 2 power sea scooters, etc...

2009 RATES: 8-day/ 7-night charter, BVI cruising fees/taxes not included

• 2 guests: $7,000/wk
• 3 guests: $7,600/wk
• 4 guests: $8,750/wk
• 5 guests: $9,350/wk
• 6 guests: $9,750/wk

View Island Skipper's online brochure: CLICK HERE

So, let us hear you say "Yes, we want Island Skipper too! Book'Em Danno!"

Contact Paradise Connections for more info: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

2008 SUMMER SPECIAL for m/y ISLAND VOYAGER

The 93-foot Broward motor yacht Island Voyager has a super special offer for this summer.



For new bookings for charters taking place in the Virgin Islands between July 7th and August 15, 2008, Island Voyager is offering a 25% discount!

THAT'S QUITE A SAVINGS...

Island Voyager has a crew of three, is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins: one King, one Queen, and one with 2 lower Twins (not upper/lower bunks), each with private ensuite heads.

Diving: Laura is a dive instructor and 4 dives/week are included in their rates. More dives are available at an additional rate... inquire.

Their list of amenities include: 17' Tender w/110hp outboard, Fishing Gear, Beach Games, Snorkel Gear, Water Skis, Kneeboard, 3 Kayaks, Floating Mats, Satellite TV and Radio, Unlimited onboard Internet available through out the BVI's, etc...

RATES for July 7-August 15, 2008:

2 guests: $25,250 NOW ONLY $18,937.50
3 guests: $25,375 NOW ONLY $19,031.25
4 guests: $25,500 NOW ONLY $19,125.00
5 guests: $25,750 NOW ONLY $19,312.50
6 guests: $26,000 NOW ONLY $19,500.00

Currently available for Christmas and New Years!

View ISLAND VOYAGER's online brochures: CLICK HERE and HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more info: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Catamaran REACTION - Same great crew for 2009 season

We were so happy when Ian & Polly wrote to tell us that they will be crewing the 55-foot Lagoon catamaran REACTION for the upcoming 2009 season. They are such a great pair! We always know that they will give their best for their guests.

They have a charter next week and then they are closed until November. Yes, I know it's not even the 4th of July yet, but it is not too soon to book a sailing vacation for next season. Winter will be here before you know it :)

Reaction has a new 15-foot center console dinghy with fresh-water shower! Here's a picture of Polly enjoying her new Caribe...

Ian and Polly are excited about the major refit they have planned for the interior of ReAction this autumn which will include new windows, and new head and wall linings.

Currently (July 2, 2008) ReAction is still available for a CHRISTMAS charter through December 27th. This would be an excellent choice for a family vacation... so don't wait any longer! Talk about it over your July 4th BBQ and pop us an email saying "book'em Danno!"

View ReAction's online brochures: CLICK HERE and HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for more info: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

Airlines New Checked Bag Charges and USVI

I recently read this article in the St. Thomas Source...

Checked Bag Charge May Dry Up Rum Sales, Hit V.I. Economy
by Molly Morris

May 24, 2008 -- American Airlines' new charge for checked baggage could hobble the Virgin Islands economy, which depends on duty-free liquor sales for a substantial part of its revenue. [CLICK HERE FOR MORE]

Another bit I found interesting was:

Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after May 12, 2008, but before June 15, 2008, may check one bag for free and check a second bag for $25 each way. Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after June 15, 2008 will be charged $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag. Carry-on luggage remains the same, with one 40-pound bag at no charge.
There are some exceptions to the charges, such as travelers who purchase full-fare tickets in economy class and those buying business or first class tickets. A complete list can be found in the American Airlines newsletter.

So, book your flights to the Virgin Islands (STT) as soon as possible to keep the cost of your duty-free rum down!

CHARTER YACHT BLU MOON Guest Comments

We just received charter comments from a couple we had aboard the charter yacht BLU MOON in February 2008.

Charter dates = FEBRUARY 3-10, 2008
Yacht = BLU MOON

Hello there!!!

Ben and I had a wonderful time on Blu Moon, we thought the BVI were fabulous and Chris and Julie were really great hosts. They keep an immaculate boat, and Chris is a very good captain, and Julie is a fantastic chef! They both really seem to enjoy what it is they do on the boat, and looked after us very well while we were there. Anything we wanted, it was never too much trouble. They know all the really great spots in the BVI as well, particularly quieter places where you don't get loads of boats.

We had some really fun times, and they had plenty of interesting stories to tell us. One week was the perfect amount of time on the boat, and then we enjoyed a week in St Lucia, where we got engaged!

So all in all, a great trip - so thanks for all your help Bob & Sheila, in finding us the right charter!
Ben and Laura

BLU MOON is a 50-foot Beneteau, owned and operated by Chris & Julie... an excellent team!



BLU MOON still has a couple of weeks open this season... They are currently available for charter in the Virgin Islands April 27 through May 24, 2008. PLUS they have a 10% discount for last minute charters (booked within 21 days before commencement of charter).

So, if you feel like a quick getaway, contact Paradise Connections: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

CHARTER YACHT BLITHE SPIRIT 2, GUEST COMMENTS

We just received comments back from a couple we had aboard the charter yacht BLITHE SPIRIT 2, a 52-foot Irwin ketch, based in the Virgin Islands. Once again, excellent comments... but they are an excellent charter yacht and that's what we expect :)

Bob & Sheila,

Yes, we all had a great time on the Blithe Spirit. Dominique and Michel were wonderful hosts. The boat was great, food wonderful and the BVI's fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip. Dominique and Michel were very attentive without being intrusive. Not knowing what all there was to do, they made excellent suggestions and were great guides. Michel arranged a scuba dive that I will always remember. Michel even tolerated me "helping" setting sail and taking the helm. I felt that if we had wanted to do anything in particular we would have been accommodated but we let them show us the BEVY and were never disappointed.

Thanks Bob & Sheila for all your help in arranging a vacation we will always remember... I still find myself smiling over some thought of that week.Steve & Debbie
[MARCH 15-21, 2008 : BLITHE SPIRIT]

Blithe Spirit is a 52-foot Irwin ketch owned and operated by the French Canadian couple, Michel & Dominique. We love being invited to dinner aboard Blithe Spirit (it's good to be a charter yacht broker living amongst the fleet!) as we enjoy eating their scrumptious food as much as they enjoy creating it. Such warm hospitality, too! I love chocolate mousse and Dominique's is truly wonderful. Michel & Dominique use to have an inn in Quebec that was written up in several cooking and travel magazines... PLUS they also had a cooking program on Canadian TV.


Blithe Spirit accommodates a maximum of 4 guests in two cabins. The master cabin is located aft and is the full width of the boat. It is very spacious, has a Queen-sized bed, and ensuite head/shower. The other guest cabin is the forward V-berth which shares the head with the crew.

Some of the amenities aboard Blithe Spirit are a 12-foot dinghy with 30HP motor, kayak, tube, snorkel gear, floating mats, hammock, TV/DVD in the salon, etc...

They still have some open dates for this season, so inquire!

Affordable, all-inclusive rates (7-night charter) which includes, yacht, crew, all meals & beverages aboard the boat (standard ship's bar, too), BVI cruising fees, all amenities and watersports that the yacht offers...

• 2 guests: $5,800/wk
  
• 3 guests: $6,500/wk
  
• 4 guests: $8,000/wk
  

Currently available for Christmas and New Years... Hurry and book soon as they are a very popular boat/crew. Don't miss out again this year :)

View Blithe Spirit's brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com

CHARTERING IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SUMMER 2008

Looking for a Caribbean summer charter yacht sailing vacation in the Virgin Islands?

The following charter yachts will be available for charter in the Virgin Islands throughout the summer 2008 season:

Click on the name of the boat to view their brochure:

- CONTESSA : 56-foot monohull (6 guests max)

- CORUS (dive master) : 45-foot monohull (2 guests max)

- DRUMBEAT (dive instructor) : 72-foot monohull (8 guests max)

- MAROLANGA : 43-foot catamaran (6 guests max)

- PROMENADE (dive instructor) : 65-foot trimaran (10 guests max, 11/12 inquire)

- SHINING STAR : 54-foot motoryacht (4 guests max)

- TACHYON : 47-foot catamaran (6 guests max)


Also consider:

- REACTION through August 1st
(dive master) : 55-foot catamaran (6 guests max)

- SANDCASTLE through August 4
(dive master) : 72-foot monohull (4 guests max)

- SAYANG through August 1st
55-foot monohull (6 guests max)

- LA DOLCE VITA through September 10th
52-foot monohull (6 guests maximum)


For more information, contact PARADISE CONNECTIONS: click here!

Visit our web site: http://www.paradiseconnections.com