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 Pacific Northwest - Big Eagle

The 172-foot motoryacht Big Eagle, is spending her summer in the Pacific Northwest and still has some openings available, July 15-26 and after August 5, 2008.



What a way to chill out!

Contact us... Paradise Connections Yacht Charters: CLICK HERE

Charter Yacht STORM PETREL - Comments / Charter Review

Here are comments we recently received from a couple we had aboard the Charter Yacht STORM PETREL in the Virgin Islands.

Charter dates = APRIL 21-28, 2008
Yacht = STORM PETREL

Sheila and Bob,

Our vacation was everything that we had hoped for and more.  Storm Petrel was exactly what we were looking for.  Captain Phil and Laura made us feel right at home onboard.  The boat was clean and comfortable.  We were able to use as much water as we wanted throughout the week thanks to the huge tankage on Storm Petrel.  Stern showers were frequent with heated water.  Captain Phil and Laura offered us many options for daily activities and destinations.  The food onboard was plentiful and excellent.  Laura cooked to our tastes wonderfully. 

We requested sailing and boat handling instruction during our vacation, and Captain Phil proved to be an excellent instructor.  He was positive and encouraging.  He never yelled at us.  We were doing all the boat handling by the end of the second day.  Captain Phil also taught us how to windsurf.  Our hosts took us to a variety of great snorkeling spots every day.  It pays to be on a boat with people who know the islands like the back of their hands.  We went places that bareboats aren’t allowed to go.  We were truly sad to say goodbye to our hosts on Storm Petrel.

Paradise Connections was very professional throughout the process of booking our vacation.  All of our questions were answered in a timely manner, and everything was handled professionally.  I do thank you for your services.  Paradise Connections is an upstanding company that instilled us with the confidence to pull the trigger on our dream vacation.  The resulting vacation was fantastic.

Storm Petrel is a Robert's designed, 44-foot Offshore 44 sloop. Phil Levine is the captain and owner of Storm Petrel. His chef/crew is his girlfriend, Laura. Storm Petrel has a queen cabin aft and a V-berth cabin forward. They have an 11-foot dinghy with 15HP motor, windsurfer, hammock, snorkel equipment. Alcoholic beverages are not included in their rates, but will stock with your preferences at cost.

STORM PETREL's online brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to assist you with your sailing vacation: CLICK HERE

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

Charter Catamaran GENESIS in the Grenadines year round

GENESIS is a 47-foot Catana Catamaran based in the Grenadines.



Genesis, owned and crewed by husband/wife team Petr & Stacy Stejskal, is a very special charter yacht for one couple. The entire starboard hull is dedicated to guests, creating a spacious, private, king-bedded suite with an oversized head and shower. Many hatches and full A/C guarantee comfort year round.



Captain Stejskal made his way from landlocked Czechoslovakia to the Maritime Academy of the Ukraine and earned a Master’s Degree in Marine Engineering. After years traveling the world as an Engineer Officer on merchant ships, he moved to the United States and started his career in yachting in the early 90’s. Petr speaks fluent English, Czech and Russian and holds a USCG license.

Stacy is from the rolling hills of North Carolina. While studying Marine Biology she spent her summers cooking on sailboats in the Bahamas and learned how to catch, clean and cook the “Catch of the Day” – Caribbean style. She has fourteen years experience cooking on a private yacht and looks forward to tempting your taste buds with exotic and intriguing Caribbean flavors.

Come, ‘leave your worries in our wake’ and enjoy stress-free sailing as Petr and Stacy show you the beautiful Grenadines, the Jewels of the Caribbean. Life can be simple - just bring your appetite and don’t forget your flip flops.

Genesis is based in the Grenadines year round...

RATE (all inclusive, except bar/beverages, cruising fees):

• Summer 2008: $7,900/wk for 2 guests
• Winter 2009: $8,900/wk for 2 guests
• Christmas & New Years weeks: $9,900/wk for 2 guests

View Genesis' brochure: CLICK HERE
Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more info: CLICK HERE

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

Charter Yacht AMNERIS returns to charter after refit

Gleaming with fresh Awlgrip and new teak decks, the charter yacht AMNERIS, a 75-foot Alden / Palmer Johnson ketch, has finished her refit and is now available for charter in the Caribbean and will be sailing up north to charter in New England for Summer 2008.



Captain Alex Frew is very pleased with the work accomplished during a multi-month, half-million dollar refit in Fort Lauderdale. He’s even more pleased to be out of the yard and on his way to St. Martin for a ‘St. Barth’s Bucket’ charter. Here are just a few of the many projects completed:

• New teak decks
• New paint inside and out
• New jet ski
• Many system upgrades
• Major improvement: Responding to broker input, the master cabin now has an extra wide double bed and an extra wide single bed.

Building on AMNERIS’ classic style and strong points – notably her wide decks, huge protected cockpit and spacious main salon - these improvements and added comforts are sure to be appreciated by charterers. The plan is to base in the Grenadines from March through May.

Captain Frew looks forward to welcoming you aboard the polished and gleaming AMNERIS!

RATES: Plus-all expenses

WINTER 2008 - Based in Grenadines through May 2008

• 2 guests: $14,900/wk
• 4 guests: $15,900/wk
• 6 guests: $16,900/wk

SUMMER 2008 - Chartering New England

• 2 guests: $14,900/wk
• 4 guests: $15,900/wk
• 6 guests: $16,900/wk

View AMNERIS' brochure: CLICK HERE
Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more info: CLICK HERE

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

Charter Yacht Wanderer - Little Harbor 62

We are pleased to announce a new yacht to the charter fleet... s/y Wanderer, a Little Harbor 62.



This elegant 62-foot sailing yacht was refitted in 2005 with luxurious appointments and artwork complimenting the warm glow of the teak interior.

Stepping into the spacious salon you find an L-shaped settee to port with a flat screen TV mounted on the bulkhead. To starboard, the polished teak dining table seats six comfortably. The icemaker ensures a steady supply of ice for cocktails while the cockpit fridge keeps cold drinks close at hand.

The ensuite master stateroom, with one queen bed and one single bed, is aft and has its own private companionway from the deck as well as access from the salon.

The two other guest staterooms are forward of the salon. The queen-bedded starboard cabin has ensuite head and vanity and shares a shower with the crew. The port cabin has upper/lower berths and a full en suite bath with shower. Crew accommodations are forward in the double v-berth with its own head.

Wanderer is available for charters in New England this summer (2008).

RATES: Summer 2008 (plus all expenses):

• US$10,500/wk for 2 guesta
• US$12,500/wk for 4 guests
• US$14,500/wk for 6 guests

For more information, contact Paradise Connections: CLICK HERE

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

When a megayacht just isn't enough, try a GIGAyacht

We find this truly amazing... The new "giga" yachts. Megayachts and Superyachts just aren't enough anymore... to be truly outstanding, you now need a Gigayacht.



Wally Yachts, based in Monaco, continues to develop innovative concepts and minimalist luxury their latest being the WallyIsland – a 99 meter (325 feet) "gigayacht".



While Wally Island is not available at this time for charter, we thought you might find it interesting.

Accommodation
6 large suites for 12 guests (can be transformed in 12 separate suites for 24 guests) 1 king size owner’s suite (200 m2 – 2,152 ft2) 20 double cabins for 40 crew members 2 staterooms for captain and officers 6 guest en-suites with bathtub 6 guest en-suites with shower 2 master en-suites (with bathtub) 20 en-suites for crew members 2 en-suites for captain and officers 5 day heads for guests

Tenders and water toys
2 x WallyTenders (13.6 m – 45’) ; 2 x fixed keel sailing boats (8m – 27’); 2 car vans; 6 Jet skis; 2 Lasers

This information and the accompanying images come from the post on GizMag.com, Wally announces new 'floating island' gigayacht: the WallyIsland

See more on the Wally Yachts web site... Wally Island

GETTING TO THE GRENADINES - Advice from Charter Yacht Makayabella

What is the best way to get to the GRENADINES?

Captain John Nicholson of MAKAYABELLA passes along this very helpful information for the easiest way to get to your charter yacht in the Grenadines.

1. Fly to Barbados. There are many flights from the UK and USA.
2. Charter a private plane for the 40 minute flight to any of the Grenadine Islands. A plane with 6 or 8 seats is approximately US$1,200 to $1,300 one way. Cost for a party of 6 is comparable to commercial flights.

Why is this the best way?

1. No connection worries. The chartered plane will wait if the international flight is delayed.
2. Go straight through a transit lounge and on to the plane within 30 minutes of arriving.
3. More flexible ports mean more time on the islands guests want to see . Example: Start in Bequia and return from Union.
4. Customs and immigration are far quicker and easier than St. Vincent.
5. For departure, check in 30 minutes before take-off - NOT 2 HOURS!

Note: Guests must travel with carry-on luggage only. Makayabella will provide all the toiletry items that are no longer allowed on planes - just add it to the preferences.

Web sites for charter flights:

• www.grenadineairways.com
• www.svair.com
• www.mustique.com

We'd like to thank Makayabella this tip!



Makayabella is a 62-foot owner-operated sloop that accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 cabins, each with ensuite heads. Two cabins have double berths, while the other two guest cabins have twin bunks (upper/lower).

View MAKAYABELLA's brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections: CLICK HERE

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

CHARTER YACHT ASHLANA - Last minute discount

Charter the yacht Ashlana (53-foot Little Harbor sloop) before May 15, 2008 in the British Virgin Islands and receive a 10% last minute discount.



Owner/host Tom Hampson and Christie MacConnell have restored Ted Hood’s Little Harbor 53, Robin, to perfection, furnishing the interior with exquisite fabrics, original paintings and beveled glass front cabinets.

Ashlana has accommodations for 4 four guests. The master cabin aft has 2 doubles berths with an ensuite head. And guests #3 and #4 may choose one of the two forward cabins: V berth with 2 lower singles & filler, or port cabin with upper/lower singles. The forward head is shared with the crew.

Ashlana is available for charter in New England during the 2008 summer season.

View ASHLANA's brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for more info: CLICK HERE

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

CHARTER m/y EASTERN STAR - New York Summer 2008

The elegant 85-foot Motor Yacht Eastern Star is now back on her dock in Chelsea Piers (New York) for the 2008 season and is ready for your charter.



Consider Eastern Star for other occasions, too:

• Corporate celebrations & milestones
• Off-site business functions
• Incentive cruises
• Fall foliage cruises
• Holiday celebrations
• Private parties
• Dinner cruises
• Cocktail receptions
• Brunches & lunches

View Eastern Star's brochure: CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections for booking & more info: CLICK HERE

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

Sail Dive Charter Yacht PROMENADE Open week in June 2008

Good news for somebody! Take advantage of this popular week quickly!



Due to a cancellation, our favorite sail / dive trimaran PROMENADE is now available for charter charter June 12-19 2008 (Fathers Day is June 15!).

As noted in the post below, the yacht Promenade is fully booked through the middle of August 2008 so don't hestitate and miss out on this opportunity!

View Promenade's online brochure: CLICK HERE and HERE TOO

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more info: CLICK HERE

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

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

Yacht Promenade Dive Sail the BVI Availability 2008 2009

As our readers know, the charter yacht PROMENADE, a 65-foot trimaran, is one of our favorite boats with an excellent crew. We are always confident that Promenade will provide our clients with a wonderful sailing diving vacation tailored to the desires of the charterers, whether they are a family group with kids, a wild and wacky party group of folks, a bunch of serious divers, a corporate event, etc. Promenade's crew are pros and can handle anything :)

Fancy a quick getaway? Promenade is available for a last minute charter April 26 to May 3rd 2008 for a 6 or 7-night charter. How great would that be!

Otherwise, Promenade is fully booked up through August 10, 2008 but are then open from August 11th to October 25th. There are still cabins available for the BVI Dive Week October 26th through Nov 1st, 2008!!!

We have posted Promenade's calendar here to help you with your vacation planning.



As you can see, it is not too early to make arrangements for next year. Promenade can take up to 10-12 guests. With their flexible accommodations, lots of toys, and onboard diving instructors, no wonder they book up quickly. You've been warned!

View Promenade's brochure : CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for info : CLICK HERE

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

Charter Classic Yacht Romola 2008 Cannes Film Festival

The classic yacht ROMOLA is now available for the 2008 Cannes Film Festival from their ideal location at the Quai St. Pierre

The Classic 1903 Camper-Nicholson Motor Yacht Romola

Tariff 2008: Western Mediterranean Terms

• € 20,000/wk 7-night charter (plus all expenses); or
  
• € 3,500/day (plus all expenses)
  

Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more details: CLICK HERE
View Romola's online brochure: 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