FREQUENTLY ASKED
Questions!
WHAT ARE YOU PAYMENT OPTIONS?
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Payment is able to be paid via PayPal and wire transfer
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WHAT CURRENCY IS USED?
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Payment for your charter is charged in USD.
Currency used on the boat or in local shops, markets or restaurants will be based on which location you choose for your holiday. Remember once you are out sailing, credit card or EFTPOS facilities will be few and far between in most locations so make sure you bring enough spending money in cash.
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Local currencies are:
New Zealand - NZD (New Zealand Dollar)
Fiji - FJD (Fijian Dollar)
Tonga - TOP (Tongan paʻanga)
Caribbean - USD (United States Dollar)*
*Most Caribbean locations accept USD but make sure you check before you leave.
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DO WE TIP OUR CREW?
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Your crew will always appreciate gratuities given. It is up to you how much, the usual tip is 10% to 15%
Payment for your tip can go directly to your charter crew as we love knowing a individual is appreciated directly for good service.
Currency used on most boats is USD or the local currency of the location.
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WHAT SHOULD I PACK ?
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Please use soft sided/sports/backpack type bag if possible this will give you more room in your cabin.
Packing for a week away on a yacht as a vacation:
swimwear x2
sarong x2
tee shirt x4
sweater x1
light rain jacket x1
short x3
cotton or silk dress x2
long pants x1
dress shorts x1
dress shirt casual with collar x1
evening casual tropical dress x1
sunscreen/after sun
insect repellent
hat/Hat (ideally wide brimmed w/chin strap or baseball cap)
Pony tail holder/sunglasses + band
waterproof mobile or camera cover
flip flops/sandals/water shoes
small shampoo + conditioner
small body wash ++ moisturizer
toothpaste + brush + hairbrush
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~Don’t Leave Home Without It ~
PASSPORT (if checking into foreign ports) you require 6 months in date
Cell Phone Cameras - SLR and Go Pro/Lenses
Headphones for the plane Charging Cables for ALL electronics (esp. cameras) Glasses/Contacts/Contacts Case/Saline
Please avoid… Spray Sunscreen (it stains the decks and cushions) Sunscreen containing self tanner or bronzes Spray-on Tans Oil based products
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If doing a EDUCATION VACATION
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add+ extra sweater+wet weather gear+ notebook+logbook +life-jacket if you prefer your own+old clothes for maintenance exercises
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CAN I BRING SURFBOARD/KITE/FISHING GEAR ?
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Yes you can bring your own gear for activities you may need to look at your airline regulations for sports equipment.
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WILL I HAVE INTERNET CONNECTION?
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We rely on island carriers it is very slow, so if you must be connected with high transmission speeds,or the wifi please consider an international plan through your own cellular carrier, which typically costs $10 u.s.d per day. You can set that up with your carrier.
You will find 'occasionally' areas like bars & cafes with wifi for that dose of facebook, instagram, snapchat, twitter etc although it is Island time wifi!
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DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
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Yes, it is strongly advised that you fully insure yourself and check that any others in your travel party are also well covered in the event of flight issues,visas, medical, evacuation if required and activity insurance.
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NOTE. Rate surcharges apply for peak holiday bookings. Christmas & New Year Period, School Holidays, Thanksgiving.
Stays of 5 days or less will incur a 10% surcharge
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Booking Information:
1.Payment & Cancellation Terms:
A 50% deposit of the total invoiced amount is due upon booking, balance is due 45 days prior to departure.
All cancellations must be made in writing.
Your cancellation will be effective 3 working days from when your written cancellation is confirmed from us by an email.
All cancellations are subject to the following charges:
* For cancellation 90 or more days prior to the charter start: $300.00 US currency;
* For cancellation 46 to 89 days prior to charter start date: 50% of charter fee;
* For cancellation 45 days or less, the entire invoice amount shall be non-refundable.
All cancellation service fees are non-refundable and will not be held as a credit towards future charters.
2.The captain has the right to change the route according to the sea and the weather conditions.
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3.Included in a Fully Inclusive charter:
Overnight accommodation aboard the yacht
Captain & Hostess/Chef
All on-board meals for each full day of charter
All non-alcoholic beverages for Fiji/New Zealand cruises
All beverages from Captain Bar for Caribbean/ Tonga cruises
All Locations local fees and permits, fuel,all ordinary expenses related to operating the vessel.
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4.Included in your charter rate are use of the water toys on-board such as kayak, paddle-board, snorkel gear,and on some yachts hammocks, sea biscuit, floating toys, and much more depending upon your vessel chosen.
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5.Included in a Boat and Breakfast Charter:
Overnight accommodation
Captain / (1st Mate if required)
Breakfast each full day of your charter
Full use of water toys on=board your chosen vessel
You provide/provision for all your other meals
Most yachts have a BBQ for your use
Your have full use of the kitchen on-board to prepare meals
You are responsible for clean up after use
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6.Included in your Education Vacation Charter
Overnight accommodation
Captain / (1st Mate if required)/Instructor/Tutor
Each day of your charter you are part of the daily running of vessel you are hands on as crew, everyone on-board works together preparing vessel, cooking, cleaning.you are a part of all activities.
Full use of water toys on-board your chosen vessel
You provision for all you groceries prior to your charter.
Or depending upon vessel and location you can contribute a agreed amount for the food supply for the charter.
Most yachts have a BBQ for your use
Your have full use of the kitchen on-board to prepare meals
You are responsible for clean up after use
BYO (bring your own) beverages
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7.What is not included in all charter type packages:
BVI's/USVI Caribbean may incur further charges if mooring buoys are required
San Blas Islands Caribbean may incur further charges for access to private anchorages or beach access
San Blas Islands Caribbean may incur further charges if you wish to dine on-shore for seafood evening or purchase local fish/lobster from the Kunas.
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8.All fight travel, airport fees,and hotel accommodation and transfers to/from airport or if required ferry to location of your yacht or any third party based activities.
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9.In Most locations LVYC rates are exclusive of tourist taxes if any or VAT/GST.
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10. Please read the FULL Terms of Business prior to booking.
11. Website rates are subject to change
12. Other platforms do operate charters/cruises. from LVYC so there is a possibility of double booking due to platform calendars. Your booking is not confirmed until a cleared deposit is received and notification that you are confirmed has been sent to you by a LVYC consultant directly.
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General Information:
The voltage on board is 110/or 220/volt
Smoking is allowed on deck. Transoms only, please.
La Vie's crew have separate quarters.
Getting Around:
There are taxis and inter-island ferries for your transportation needs to get to the boat.
Guest On-board Guide:
On Board La Vie Yacht Charters fleet, we have a few guidelines set by the captain in regards to your safety and the safety of others, you will be given an introduction and a guided safety tour upon your arrival.
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Food Preferences
On-board La Vie Yacht Charter fleet, we do our best to source locally fresh grown products.Depending upon the charter location meal plans differ according to what is available at the time of the year.
Dietary - PLEASE advise us if you are gluten free/ diabetic/vegan or allergic to any food groups upon your booking. If your are on a fully inclusive charter for meals your chef will cater to your diet as best as they can in the given area/location subject to supplies.
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Concerns whilst on Charter
If you have wifi whilst on your charter you will have communication with your charter consultant if you should need any advice.
After charter feedback or concerns or comments or complaints please ensure you notify your charter consultant as soon as you are able, we are here to help and we appreciate all feedback.
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