Frequently Asked Questions

Can we go to the B.V.I.?

At this time, Yacht Whiskey Business cannot conduct charters in the British Virgin Islands. However, we do have other available charter yachts that are in the process of being able to conduct charters in the B.V.I. for the 2022/2023 season. Simply, click on the yacht you are interested in booking and it will have the 'Cruising Grounds' listed.


Can you recommend somewhere to stay on island before the charter?

Our main goal is your satisfaction and what is more satisfying than waking up knowing you’re about to embark on a week-long paradise vacation? All of our charters have the option to sleep aboard the night before your charter. Avoid the stress of having to find a hotel and transportation the day you arrive by staying on the boat the night before. The terms and pricing are unique and will be listed on each of the yacht brochures. 


How early should we get to the airport when we leave at the end of the charter to head home?

During the Holidays, it is recommended to get to the airport 3-4 hours prior. During non-peak times, 2 hours will suffice. Bringing a carry on definitely recommended and due to the fact that you will be on a luxurious yacht in the warm Caribbean, overpacking is not needed.


Can we bring our children?

Of course! Our charters are mostly design for older kids and adults to enjoy, but please feel free to enquire if you will be boarding with children under 5 and we can accommodate!


Do the crew sleep aboard?

Yes, of course! They will be there 24/7 to cater to anything you need if desired. The have their own crew quarters and can adhere to any privacy requests you have. This is beneficial, not only for your overall vacation experience but for your safety as well.


Will I need a U.S. Passport?

No. The USVI is a territory of the United States. You will not need a passport to enter, including when sailing to St. John or St. Croix.


What airport do we fly into? Which marina do we meet at?

You will be flying into Cyril E. King (STT) on St. Thomas, USVI. There are two main marinas we sail out of, both on St. Thomas. Yacht Haven Grande (YHG) in Charlotte Amalie and American Yacht Harbor (AYH) in Red Hook. YHG is closer to the airport and more developed, so that is usually the preference, but if you wanted to come in the night before and explore the local scene, Red Hook has more of a night life and restaurants. The crew can help arrange a taxi to meet you at the airport and take you to the yacht and then throughout the trip the boat will take you ashore using their dinghy/tender.


Can we sleep aboard the night before our charter?

Our main goal is your satisfaction and what is more satisfying than waking up knowing you’re about to embark on a week-long paradise vacation? All of our charters have the option to sleep aboard the night before your charter. Avoid the stress of having to find a hotel and transportation the day you arrive by staying on the boat the night before. The terms and pricing are unique and will be listed on each of the yacht brochures. 


What time should we expect to get on and off the boat?

Charters are 7 nights (8 days), noon boarding to noon disembarkation. Please enquire if you need other arrangements and we will do our best to adhere to your travel schedule.


How customizable is my charter?

Extremely! Each day is totally customized based on what your party likes to do. You will fill out a preference sheet and have a pre-charter phone call with the crew so they can customize menus and itineraries based on your desires. The itinerary can also change on the fly based on weather and your day-to-day preference.


When is the best time to charter in the Virgin Islands?

The weather anytime during the season will confirm our guarantee; a vacation of a lifetime, but there are some months that bring great value. December through May are absolutely beautiful with January through March being exceptional. In the summer, the yachts transit out of the Caribbean Hurricane Belt August thru October to avoid Hurricanes. 


How reliable is internet and cell service on the yachts?

There will be aboard Wi-Fi available, but it is not suitable for HD streaming. You should have cell service everywhere besides some parts of St. John. However, there's not a better place and time to really disconnect!


What facilities will be aboard?

You will have your own cabin with private en-suite facilities (some of the smaller yachts may have shared bathrooms). Yachts come fully equipped with AC, water-makers, some have ice-makers, TV and music entertainment systems, as well as onboard games. 


Are there ATM's there?

Yes, we have ATM's, but no US mainland banks. It is always a good idea to let your bank know you are traveling to avoid and inconveniences. Most of the places you will come encounter with will also accept any major credit card. 


What's the weather like there?

The temperature ranges from the 70's in winter to the 90's in summer. The sea temperature is usually around 80 F. The prevailing winds are the trade winds (from the East). There's a slight wind shift to the North in winter with wind speeds of 15 - 20 knots. In the Summer, the winds shift to east south east and blow 10 - 15 knots. Christmas Winds are stronger winds that may blow for several days at a time, anytime from December through February. Also, there really is no rainy season. We usually have short bursts of showers and blue sky quickly follows with the exception of Hurricane Season. Most of the time, conditions are perfect. Nothing short of paradise!


What are the meal plan options? Can you accommodate my dietary requests?

Most charters are ‘FULL BOARD’ meaning all meals on board the yacht, but we also offer:
• HALF-BOARD OPTION: Includes 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners, happy hour canapes, standard ships bar and snacks. 

• LOCAL FARE OPTION: Includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 6 dinners, happy hour canapes, standard ships bar and snacks. Any onshore meals are additional. We absolutely can abide by your dietary restrictions and desires. Your chef will be able to create a menu to suit everyone in your group. Whether you are Kosher, vegan, or one of your party is gluten or lactose intolerant, your Chef will cater to your group’s individual needs. Our focus is on fresh local ingredients when possible, and all types of diets are expertly catered for.


Should I bring sunscreen?

All of our charter yachts come with an ample amount of island-living supplies, including sunscreen but if you would prefer to bring you own it must be the lotion type and is reef safe. NEVER buy spray on sunscreen or Coppertone products as they will yellow the deck of the boat and make it very slippery. We prohibit the use of these products on our vessels due to the damage they cause. Also, avoid sunscreen with self-tanner or bronzer as those will damage the boat as well. In the USVI, there is a ban on sunscreens containing the Toxic O's that damage reefs.


What should I pack?

Please remember to travel lightly. One soft sided duffle bag is the most you will need. Space is very limited on most sailing vessels, so you will not want to utilized that space with hard-sided or bulky luggage. Most of the time you will be in a swimsuit and cover-up or t-shirt and that is perfectly acceptable during the day at pretty much every place you will want to play or dine. One or two ‘nice’ outfits will be all you will need but avoid denim because it just takes too long to dry. A simple collared shirt for men and sundresses for the ladies is fine Also, please do not use a hairdryer of any other stylers aboard any of our yachts as the electrical systems can not take it.


What do I not need to bring?

ANY amount of illegal drugs on board, which includes marijuana, even if you have a medical marijuana card. This can lead to termination of the charter, confiscation of the boat which is our home & business, and land us all in jail. We will supply you with all the water toys, including snorkel gear. We have fins, masks and snorkels aboard, and you can rent any gear you need down here. We recommend that you bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, as this tends to be the best fitting gear. We provide reef-safe and an environmentally friendly sunscreen in SPF 50 that you are free to use. If you do prefer to bring your own, please consider a sunscreen with mineral ingredients (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) which are less harmful to corals and reef life. Bath & Beach Towels - we provide both for each guest. We will supply a fresh set of towels mid-charter. Eco-Friendly Bath Soap, Shampoo & Conditioner are provided in each shower. Some guests prefer to bring their own which is totally up to you. Whatever you decide to pack, be sure to bring along all of the items that are going to make sure you are comfortable.