Spending a week on a yacht full of strangers may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your dream vacation, but next time you are looking to take a solo trip or with just a companion, a cabin charter is a perfect option! Our very own Carly & Devyn from the LateSail office have shared their recent experience.
BVI
Cabin charter in the BVIs
We booked a cabin charter on a brand new Lagoon 620 sailing from St. Martin to the British Virgin Islands and back at the end of October . There were eight of us on board plus the skipper and hostess who were very friendly and quickly became a part of our group.
We boarded the boat in St. Martin and spend the first part of the evening settling into our cabins and exploring the yacht. We had a nice dinner on board to get to know each other before setting sail overnight to Virgin Gorda.
Cane Garden Bay
Cave exploring at Norman Island
We woke up the next morning in the beautiful waters of BVI! Breakfast every morning was served casually, so everyone could wake up at their leisure and relax. We took in the scenery while the captain cleared us all into customs, a task we were all more than happy to sit out for.
Once the paperwork was all done, we made our first stop at The Caves on Norman Island. Our skipper took us all ashore and then guided us through the caves, which were amazing! We all got plenty of photos and took some time to swim and enjoy the beach before returning to the boat for lunch. Lunch was always a sit-down meal with at least two or three courses. The hostess made beautifully presented meals that everyone on board loved, including varieties of fish, gazpachos, salads and more.
Shopping at Tortola
We sailed on to our anchorage for the night at the Bight, where some of the group went to enjoy the famed floating bar, Willie T’s.
The next morning we stopped at Soper’s Hole on the West End of Tortola to check out the quaint, colorful shops and have a walk around before heading to Jost Van Dyke. We soaked up the gorgeous scenery during our dinner on board and then the whole group went over to Foxy’s for a fun evening at one of BVI’s most popular bars. We all took part in the BVI tradition of downing the painkiller (a popular local drink).
Snorkelling the day away
The next day we made our way to what had to be one of my favorite stops, Sandy Spit. We had the choice of taking a kayak or swimming from the boat over to this tiny, idyllic island with nothing but white sand and palm trees.
That night we moored in Marina Cay, home of one of the famous Pusser’s bars where we enjoyed a cocktail while watching a gorgeous sunset. The following day we enjoyed some more great snorkeling, which never seems to get dull in BVIs! We saw sea turtles and countless colorful fish before spending the night moored in Virgin Gorda, where we got to have a drink and relax on the hammocks at the Bitter End Yacht Club.
The pristine beaches of Anegada
Our final day in BVI was spent on the unique island of Anegada. With its pristine beaches and friendly locals, it was the perfect way to cap off an amazing week in the islands. While others spent the night on board, we opted to join in one of the infamous lobster dinners on the beach. Here you put your order in during the afternoon, and return at dinner time to a candle-lit table in the sand to enjoy the famous local lobster dishes.
Sandy Spit
The benefits of cabin charters
A cabin charter means you can book your own cabin on a luxury crewed yacht, which offers the intimate and comfortable feel of a private yacht with the social aspect of a cruise…all for a great price!
If you have always wanted to spend a vacation on a private luxury yacht, but don’t have the group or the budget, then a cabin charter is a great solution. Many people go by themselves or in a pair, and there were plenty of opportunities for both peace and quiet, or socializing. The group size can vary anywhere from six to 12 people on average, plus your skipper and hostess. While there is a set itinerary that is followed, there is plenty of free time on the boat and during the stops at different locations for you to explore and make the trip your own.
St Martin
Having a local skipper and hostess only added to our experience, as they were able to provide expert advice and knowledge on the area. It will definitely not be our last cabin charter or last trip down to the BVIs!
To find out more about cabin charter deals, contact our expert team on 01227 479 900.
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