Sailing on a Bahamas Yacht Charter? Don’t Forget Your Passport

If it’s the first time you’ve traveled on a Bahamas Yacht Charter or if you haven’t chartered within the last five years than you may want to know that a few of the custom laws have changed. Whether you are traveling by yacht or car outside of the United States you will need to present additional paperwork when returning from nearby countries.

Both Adults and children who are U.S. citizens will be required to show "proof of citizenship," such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or a U.S. passport to enter the country, even if your charter disembarked from a U.S. port such as Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Adults also will need to show government IDs, such as a driver's license.

There will be some leniency for airline travelers coming into South Florida. U.S. citizens coming in from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or some Caribbean countries will not have to provide a passport when returning.

The majority of marinas where charters disembark from typically do require proof of citizenship already from the passengers coming and disembarking. Since the protocols for the marinas haven’t changed much, U.S. officials expect smooth sailing because most U.S. travelers already show proof of citizenship for re-entry by sea as well. Recently the Fort Lauderdale mayor and U.S. coast guard met with Caribbean officials in St. Maarten to see how they can optimize the customs process for the yachting community.

While some business groups worry that the strict rules may disrupt commerce and travel across the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders for travelers coming into the states by car, the yachting industry does not anticipate being heavily affected.

The Travel Industry Association and Travel Business Roundtable have asked the government to have expressed some concerns about travelers having to provide actual birth certificates and have requested to delay the "proof of citizenship" rule, until it has been modified. The groups have asked that U.S. citizens be required to show only a government-issued ID to re-enter by land or sea.

These new rules are part of the country’s plan to implement tighter border security since September 11, 2001 and the recent Presidential race has made it known that the new President Elect in November of 2008 will have to make the issue a top priority. South Florida marine leaders have forecasted that they don’t see any problems in the future because they have been getting the word out to the mariner community for months through Web sites, travel agents and other channels to those entering the United States by sea.

Many cruise companies, including Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines, the world's largest, had been requiring their clients to show proof of citizenship to speed processing. And many boaters have been showing birth certificates to authorities to obtain boater numbers for re-entry.

Chris Oswell, captain of the Lady Nancy, a 112-foot private yacht that frequently visits South Florida, said he has operated for several years on the premise that no one comes aboard for a trip to the United States without a passport or green card. He has mentioned that those who cannot provide the documentation will have to be turned away. Most charterers are notified in advance by their charter agent as to what the preparation requirements are for their voyage.

The Lady Nancy arrives like many yacht charters do from the Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale and clear customs by phoning an 800 number and giving Homeland Security the passengers' names, passport numbers, dates of birth and addresses. The captain gets a clearance number in return. Guests then have 24 hours to go to an Eller Drive office at Port Everglades and show their passports and clearance numbers.

Travelers shouldn't find it hard to comply with new requirements. Proof of citizenship can even include a U.S. passport that has expired, said Zachary Mann, special agent and spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

"We don't expect extensive lines in South Florida because of this rule," Mann said. "And if you don't have the right documents, and you're a U.S. citizen returning, we're not going to keep you out. The processing time for you to enter will just take longer."

A smooth transition will be greatly welcomed in comparison to the law change implemented a few years ago requiring a passport for U.S. citizens flying back from Western Hemisphere countries. So many millions of citizens requested passports that passport offices were overwhelmed. The government had to suspend the rule to clear the backlog before reinstating it.
The passport rule also took a toll on the Caribbean, the world's most tourism-dependent region. Some Americans skipped Caribbean vacations to avert the hassle and cost of obtaining passports. The economies of countries including the Bahamas and Jamaica, who didn’t require a U.S. passport for entry in the past, suffered.

Even Caribbean islands that are part of the United States and excluded from the passport rule, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, felt some of the effects, but U.S. travel to the Caribbean is bouncing back this year.

The current processing time for a U.S. passport application is four to six weeks, down from roughly 12 weeks in mid-2007. Passports may still be expedited for an additional premium or under certain sets of circumstances.

For more information about clearance procedures to the Caribbean or questions about traveling on a yacht charter, talk to your charter broker.

eYachtCharter Review; 72’ Viking Available for Charter in the Bahamas

This month eYachtCharter.com reviews one of its newest additions to the global yacht charter directory, Montrachet. The 2001, 72' Viking is ideal for diving and sport fishing expeditions in the Bahamas, yet its sophisticated interiors create an atmosphere that is also perfect for fine dining and entertaining. This luxury yacht charter vessel possesses all of the features that will  please everyone aboard the charter.

Whether its offshore fishing with the guys or cruising to Bimini on a romantic venture, Montrachet’s diverse features and diligent crew will make your charter vacation a success. One of the most difficult tasks when booking any vacation with a group or family is keeping everyone happy. This is why Montrachet it is the ideal boat to meet your needs for a day or term  Bahamas Yacht Charter .

The 72’ Viking is not just your typical one-dimensional sportfish. The vessel is 19 feet high and drafts downward to only about 4.5 feet of water. The luxury yacht has 4 cabins that could easily suit up to 6 adults and four children plus captain and crew and has been cared for with meticulous detail. This versatile yacht is also available for sale at  $1.6 million.

This vessel can meet any group’s needs with a luxurious salon for very close friends and family. Aside from Montrachet being immaculate, the experienced crew is unparalleled. By booking a yacht charter aboard Montrachet your chef and captain will be able to transform your charter into a memorable experience.

The vessel is currently docked in Nassau and can cater to all sport fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving needs. The yacht’s max speed is up to 28 knots. While Montrachet is on the market, the crew and captain will remain with the boat. The vessel may be comissioned for day charters at the rate of $4,500.00 per day or for term charters throughout the Bahamas. Past yacht charterers have been extremely impressed by Montrachet’s yachting experience and fun loving crew. The vessel has a great reputation and will be able to show you the Bahamas like you've never seen before.

 For more information about eYachtCharter.com’s review or to book a yacht charter aboard Montrachet please visit eYachtCharter.com and contact the listing agent located at the bottom of its official listing. View Detailed Listing...

Bahamas Yacht Charter; Top Bahamian Marinas to Dock Your Yacht

It is already October and we are on the cusp of the Bahamian Yachting Season. The Bahamas is truly one of the most care-free escapes on the globe. While the lifestyle in the islands seems to move along at a slower pace than the hustle bustle of U.S. cities such as LA or New York, luxury and hospitality are never compromised. If you plan on heading South for the winter you should book your luxury yacht charter now. Here are my top picks for dockage spots that should definitely make their way into your Bahamas Yacht Charter itinerary. These spectacular “yacht spots” will have you moments away from luxurious spas, adventurous diving spots and exquisite dining. Full Service Marinas in the Bahamas provide first class amenities that enhance the charter experience for both the guests and crew.

The Bluff House, The Abaco's

This multi-million dollar marina completed its construction and renovation back in 2004. The 40-slip marina has been distinguished as the finest full service marina in the Abaco's and no details have been overlooked. The entrance channel has been professionally dredged for easy entry and there are Texaco fuels and lubricants available on site.

These exquisite docks have been decked with over 12,000 square feet of a Brazilian teak called Ipe. The marina has an angled design which allows each vessel to have its own deck space for privacy. The Bluff House marine facility offers fuel, electricity and water hookups. There is also a clean laundry and full service bathing quarters for convenience. For an angler, the Abaco’s is a prime location for adventurous Bone Fishing. There are tenders and guides available on the island to facilitate a great experience.

Atlantis Resort and Marina, Paradise Island

The Atlantis Marina itself would probably be just like any ordinary marina if it weren’t for the rave reviews of its dock master and deckhand staff who truly transform the docking and provisioning protocols into first class service. It is said by many, that the staff located at the Atlantis Marina are one of the resort's best assets. Many travel to the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island but few receive the unparalleled experience that is provided aboard a luxury yacht charter. Berthing at this marina has major perks with spectacular entertainment and attractions just moments away from the dock. Whether you are looking to dive and Jet Ski in the turquoise blue waters or view the unique marine life at the Atlantis Aquarium, this resort offers a vacation adventure that is second to none. Book early if you plan to arrive at Atlantis aboard a mega-yacht because this marina is booked year round.

Grand Bahama Yacht Club, Grand Bahama Island

When I think about the Grand Bahama Yacht Club, an understated elegance comes to mind. This exclusive yacht club’s reputation has spread like wildfire through phenomenal reviews. Its reputation has put this yacht club on the map as a luxury travel destination. The marina offers 150 slips which may accommodate vessels up to 175 ft with all concrete docks. Fuel services are available. There are high speed pumps that deliver triple-filtered fuel. In addition to being able to stay aboard your luxury yacht there are special rates offered at the Pelican Bay Hotel. A complimentary water shuttle is available to bring guests to the five star rated Ferry House Restaurant which has received several great reviews from some of South Florda’s toughest food critics. If you are seeking a more casual dining experience there is a pool bar and grill open for lunch and dinner. The two level swimming pool facilities allow adults to swim 25 meter laps while children may enjoy the separate children’s pool. There are also clean, modern laundry and shower facilities on site.

One of the advantages of arriving to the Bahamas aboard a luxury yacht charter as apposed to a major cruise line is that the marina is located near the Bahamas port of entry which offer expedited customs and immigration services. Complimentary shuttle service is available between the marina and Port Lucaya Marketplace.

In addition to the marina facilities, challenging golf courses and indulgent spas are all within a small radius of this luxury marina. This resort has also made its mark in the luxury marine real estate market with elegant and innovative million dollar boat houses. Whatever your pleasure may be, the Grand Bahama Yacht Club has every amenity known to man. If you are considering a Bahamas Yacht Charter, Grand Bahama Island should definitely be part of the trip.

Hurricane Hole Marina, Paradise Island

In addition to being one of the focal points for the finest mega yachts in the Caribbean , The Hurricane Hole Marina offers one of the most ideal locations on Paradise Island. The marina is within walking distance to restaurants, shopping, championship golf, casinos, nightclubs, and the Atlantis resort.

It is a 90-slip full service marina with all of the bells and whistles. This facility can offer berths for ocean mammoths up to 200 feet in length. Some of the worlds finest Bahamas Yacht Charter Vessels originate from this marina. Hurricane Hole Marina is notorious for hosting some of the regions most exciting boating events including the Bahamas Billfish Championship Tournament. Anglers from around the world come out to compete and enjoy the excitement that this island has to offer.

The sister property to Hurricane Hole Marina is the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort, located just steps from the docks. Boaters can take advantage of affordable room rates and the spectacular service of Paradise Island’s newest waterfront property. There are also Fitness and Spa facilities available to all marina guests. If you don't plan to stay in your staterooms aboard ship there are condo rentals available in the marina which is one of the many features that make this destination so appealing. This marina is attractive to charterers, captains and crew members. Every charter need can be facilitated at this location.

Although the Bahamas Islands are a collective bodies of land that share in the same care-free lifestyle, no island is the same. The beauty of a Bahamas Yacht Charter is that you will be able to personally tour the region and there are magnificent marinas and resorts along the way.

Vacationing On Your Own Terms

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word “Vacation” as a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation. For most of us, this conceptual escape is envisioned in a warm climate with a cool breeze, radiant sunshine, turquoise waters and a refreshing cocktail in hand. This time is dedicated to relaxation or adventure, through the ability to break away from from the real world to an exotic island destination. Numerous vacationers travel to the Bahamas each year for their reprieve from the world. Many travel by private jet, commercial airline or by sea.

Cruise lines are popular forms of travel down to the Bahamas. Cruise lines such as Carnival coordinate cookie cutter vacations with strict itineraries to ports of call like Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. While cruise ships have many amenities such as fitness centers, a pool area, spas and all-inclusive packages, are they meant to be the vacation destination?

But for the innovative vacationers, who want to go to paradise and back via the sea have a unique option to visit exotic destinations for a personalized luxury vacation, otherwise known as a Luxury Yacht Charter. The Bahamas has so much more to offer than just Atlantis, a few waterfalls and a market place, but no cruise ship will ever go off the beat and path to take you there. Remember anywhere that you stop on a cruise, you are on the clock.

The true meaning of a vacation is a reprieve from ordinary life with the freedom to choose your recreation and forms of travel. Yacht Chartering is becoming more common these days. For Yacht owners it has become a way for them to defray exuberant costs for a vessel that they will only use a month or two of the year. For the vacationer, it is a resource for a Luxury Bahamas Vacation on a multi-million dollar mega yacht for a fraction of that cost.

On a Bahamas Yacht Charter you can choose to have a crewed charter or bareboat where you skipper the boat your self. On a crewed charter you will have a captain, chef and stewardess to serve you 24 hours a day, similar to the staff of a cruise line. The majority of skippered yacht charters takes your specifications and prepares a personalized itinerary with just the activities that YOU choose to do, and if something comes up and you want to change your plans or stay on an island for a half hour longer, it’s ok.

For the adventurous vacationer, a sailing yacht or power motor yacht with all of the toys will be the way to go. Some power yachts are fully equipped with Jet Ski’s, tenders to fish from, scuba gear, driving greens and personal gyms. There may not be a rock-climbing wall on your yacht but your personal yacht charter can take you to Long Island and you can then dive into Dean’s Blue Hole, one of the world’s deepest diving blue holes.

With a full tour of the Bahamas you can swim with wild spotted dolphins near Bimini, explore a vast ecosystem in Ben’s Cave on Grand Bahama Island after you take a golf lesson at one of the most renowned golf courses in the world. Shop and explore the authentic market and enjoy the Bahamian culture in Nassau and stop for some libation in Exuma. Go bill fishing in Chub Cay or fight bonefish in the Abacos. After all of that action you can kick back and relax on one of the most tranquil islands, Sugar Loaf in San Salvador, known as the home away from home.

Unfortunately on a cruise there is a set itinerary. While the cruise lines may offer great service they are neglecting the most important luxury, your freedom to vacation on your own terms. So instead of being summoned for meals like cattle calls you can be catered to by a chef, no more cramped cabins because you can spread out in a luxurious stateroom and forget about being rushed to generic tourist traps. Skip the long wait getting through customs and make your vacation worthwhile and try a yacht charter vacation where you and the ones will vacation on your own terms.

While the costs for Group Family Vacation Charters are quite comparable with the total costs of a major cruise line, you can spend a little bit more for an experience that is leaps and bounds away from the ordinary.

For more information about a Bahamas Yacht Charter Vacation visit http://www.eyachtcharter.com/