Resorts | Villas | Cruises | Yachts

What You Can Expect By Booking With Us

What is the next step after I have completed a reservation?
Immediately after your reservation has been purchased, you will receive an invoice which will outline your reservation details. This confirmation is sent via email for all customers that book their reservation on our website, as well as to those purchasing their vacation with one of our Vacation Consultants, as long as we have been provided with an email address. If we have not been provided with an email address, the invoice will be sent via regular mail within 7-10 days after the reservation is purchased. In all cases, we ask that you carefully review the invoice and acknowledge receipt.

What types of yachts may I choose from?
You may choose from a selection of Power Yachts, Sailing Yachts, Sailing Catamarans/Trimarans, and Motor Sailers. The exact yacht selection will vary per destination, consult your luxury charter specialist.

What is a "charter"?
"Charter" is another term used for a luxury yacht.

Are the rates per person or for the entire yacht?
Rates are for the entire yacht based on a 7 night charter. Some charters may include food or have an option to include the food, ask your luxury yacht specialist for details.

What is the required length of stay?
Normally a 7 night stay is required but this may be flexible with some charters.

Does a weekly rental always start on the same day each week?
You can charter a yacht for departure any day of the week, as long as the yacht is available.

What is "High Rate" and "Low Rate"?
"High Rate" and "Low Rate" are in refernce to "High Season" or "Low Season" rates. Traditionally High Season begins in mid-December and lasts until mid-April. Low Season takes effect mid-April until mid-December. Your charter yacht specialist will reconfirm this upon your inquiry as there are a few exceptions during the holiday season.

Do the yacht charters stay in the same destination year round?
No, most charters relocate from one destination to another depending on the season.

Do all of your yachts include a full crew?
Yes your charter is staffed with a full crew. The number of crew members will vary per charter, but at the minimum will include a captain, first mate and private chef. Please consult your luxury cruise specialist for specific crew members.

What are the chefs duties?
The chef prepares the meals. You may select the menu prior to departure or while on your charter. Your yacht specialist will provide you with a Preference Sheet prior to your departure for all your culinary needs.

When is the crew available?
Your charter crew is available 24 hours a day during your charter.

Are children welcome on the yacht charters?
There are a few charters that have restrictions. More importantly we recommend you let us make a few suggestions. Certain yachts are more child friendly than others.

What is the general rule for tipping the crew?
Gratuity is customary at 10-20% of the base charter rate and is given in cash or Traveler's Checks at the end of the charter to the captain and is split evenly among the crew unless the charterer specifics otherwise. You may escrow a certain sum prior to departure so you don't have to settle this while on vacation.

What do I need to bring on my charter vacation?
Yachts are generally furnished with everything you need including CD players, satellite television, DVD players, games, books, general toiletries, etc. Clients are encouraged to bring their favorite CD's, DVD's, and books etc. Your charter specialist can also prearrange and prestock any of your personal needs.

What is my deposit amount?
"A 50% deposit is due with the signed charter agreement, via check, wire transfer or credit card* (AMEX). The amount due is 50% of the charter fee only, not including the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance, usually calculated at 30% of the base charter rate) or other expenses, unless the yacht is ""Inclusive"" of expenses, 50% of the total is then due. * A 3% convenience fee is charged when using Credit Cards."

When is my final payment due?
The final payment is due 30 days prior to the charter, along with the APA, any delivery fee, security deposit, damage deposit, and sales tax, plus other agreed costs that may be in the contract.

What form of payments are accepted?
Check, wire transfer or credit card, American Express

What does APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) mean?
What does it include?
APA stands for Advanced Provisioning Allowance. It is an amount calculated at 30% of the base charter amount for items not included in the price of the charter. The APA is used for the clients food and beverages, fuel, dockage, and incidentals during their charter. The captain will give the client a detailed accounting at the end of the charter with the receipts. If the yacht is due money, it is settled prior to disembarkation in cash or traveler's checks, unless other arrangements have been made in advance. If the client is due money back, it is handled in the same manner.

What does "inclusive of expenses" and "plus all expenses " mean when booking my charter?
"Inclusive of expenses" refers to the inclusion of additional items other than the yacht rental such as food and beverage, fuel, dockage, etc. "Plus all expenses" refers to the additional items the client must pay for such as food and beverage, fuel, dockage, etc. on top of the charter total. Majority of our yachts, especially smaller sailing and power yachts, offer all inclusive rates that includes all food, beverages and activities offered onboard. Majority of the larger motor yachts operates on a "plus all expenses basis"

When will I receive my charter documents?
Documents will be released upon receipt of full payment and mailed at least 21 days prior to departure. Documents may be requested earlier if Trips of Distinction has received full payment. Airline tickets are issued with documents in accordance with air carrier policies.

How are my documents delivered?
Documents are delivered by Priority Mail if payment is received 30 days prior to departure.

What is a charter security and damage deposit?
Security and damage deposits vary, depending on the vessel or yacht. Your charter specialist will advise you of applicable security and damage deposits at the time of booking. Security and damage deposits are due at the time of final payment.

What are the fees if I have to cancel?
Cancellation fees vary per charter, consult your yacht specialist for exact and complete cancellation details per charter agreement and destination.

What does Trip Protection cover?
Coverage will vary per charter as will the cancellation penalties. Consult you yacht specialist for exact coverage and cancellation penalties. It is the responsibility of the client to arrange insurance coverage and to be familiar with the cancellation penalties for their specific charter.

What is the cost of the Trip Protection?
The cost of insurance will vary per charter and coverage selected. Please consult your yacht specialist for details.

Why should I book my air through you?
Trips of Distinction has negotiated discounted rates with the travel industries premier airlines, passing that value on to you. We offer discounted rates on economy class, business class and first-class air that are not available to the general public or through the airlines themselves.

Will I get mileage plus credit if I book my air with you?
Yes, simply give your luxury cruise specialist your Airline Mileage number and we'll add that to your flight information for you. Consult your cruise specialist for participating airlines.

Can I use my mileage to upgrade my air?
Yes you may use miles to upgrade if the airline you select is a participating carrier. Please consult your cruise specialist for the exact participating airlines.

Proof of Citizenship

What Proof of Citizenship do I need for my vacation?
Do I need a passport? The U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security has announced that U.S. Citizens will soon be required to present a valid passport to exit or re-enter the United States. The requirement will be implemented in stages, as follows:

January 23, 2007: U.S. citizens will now be required to present a valid U.S. passport for all air travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
January 1, 2008: U.S. citizens will now be required to present a valid U.S. passport for all air, sea, and land border crossings.
Please keep in mind that you will need to allow 6-8 weeks for your passport to be processed. For further details regarding the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, as well as further information regarding obtaining a passport, please consult: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
Non-US. citizens should contact the consulates or embassies of the countries visited regarding the proper documentation necessary for travel. We recommend all travelers confirm the entry requirements for all countries prior to departure. The following website may assist you in verifying the required documentation for travel:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html. Please be advised that knowing, securing and bringing the required identification is solely the responsibility of the passengers. We are unable to provide refunds for clients who do not possess the necessary documentation.

How can I obtain a passport?
You may apply for a passport at your local post office. Many cities also have local passport offices. For further information regarding obtaining a passport, please consult: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Please keep in mind that you will need to allow 6-8 weeks for your passport to be processed.

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