Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a passport?Not for chartering in the USVI (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix), or the Spanish VI (mainly Puerto Rico, Culebra, Culebrita, Vieques). Both the USVI and the Spanish VI are U.S. Territories and traveling to either are like traveling to any other states for Americans. Only government issued identification is required (driver’s license, state ID card, or passport, if you have one).
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When is the best time to visit the Virgin Islands?Anytime except during hurricane season (August-October). The average temperature in the Virgin Islands is about 85°F degrees year-round, rarely falling below 80°F or exceeding 88°F.
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Is the Makin’ Memories charter vacation all-inclusive?Yes! Your luxury vacation includes a daily full breakfast, lunch, appetizer, dinner, dessert, snacks, plus full open bar all day and night. You also have 2 additional vacation packages to choose from (both include daily appetizers, snacks and full open bar all day and night) i. Half-Board package - includes 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners ii. Local Fare package – includes 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
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What airport do we fly into?For the USVI, you will be flying into Cyril E. King (STT) on St. Thomas. For the Spanish VI, you will be flying into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico (IATA code: SJU)
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How long does it take to get from the airport to the yacht?We typically meet charter guests at Yacht Haven Grande Marina, which is 3.6 miles from the airport, about a 15 minute drive. Note: when departing it is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before your flight departure time.
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Do we need to make arrangements for transport from the airport to the yacht?No. We are happy to arrange for transport from the airport to the yacht. However, there are many taxis always located at the airport exit, which are usually cheaper than private transport arrangements.
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Can you suggest somewhere to stay on St. Thomas the night before our charter?We offer a Sleep Aboard option the night before your charter starts. This allows you to stay aboard the yacht the night before your charter starts. i. Check-in is at 4:00 p.m. and includes cocktails and a light snack, plus a continental breakfast in the morning. Dinner is not included. Guests enjoy this option because it avoids checking in and out of a hotel, packing and unpacking hassles, and your charter starts earlier as we typically set sail for our first destination after breakfast.
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What time do the charters begin and end?Charters begin and end at noon.
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Is there WiFi aboard the yacht?Absolutely! The boat is equipped with Starlink, which provides WiFi almost everywhere in the Virgin Islands and Caribbean.
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What should I pack for my yacht vacation?a. Collapsible luggage (e.g. duffel bag, large backpack, etc.) b. Your favorite music if you’d like to connect to our many different Bluetooth speakers c. 2-3 of your favorite bathing suits d. Comfortable sandals or shoes for excursions ashore e. UV swim shirts/shorts for extra protection from the sun (we have special Makin’ Memories UV shirts for sale, if you are interested) f. Sun protection hat – preferably one that will stay on in the wind g. Light clothing as the temps are typically in the mid-80’s. Note – the Virgin Islands is very casual – shorts, shirt, sundress, flip flops, sandals are acceptable attire at even the top restaurants.
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Anything I shouldn’t pack for my vacation?Yes, spray tan products – professional or over-the-counter products (they can make floors VERY slippery and can permanently stain boats) You do not need to pack any of the following as they are all available for your convenience aboard Makin’ Memories: i. *Sunscreen – we have a full array and supply of reef safe sunscreen ii. *Shampoo/conditioner/body wash/body lotion – we have plenty of reef safe products for everyone iii. Beach and bath towels, linens iv. Insect repellant v. Water bottles – each person is assigned their own water bottle for the duration of your stay aboard Makin’ Memories *All of our sunscreens and body products are from Stream2Sea
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Are bathrobes and slippers provided?No, they are not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own!
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What games do you have available for guests to use?We have quite an array of games for guests to choose from: i. Multiple decks of playing cards (4) ii. Cribbage iii. Battleship iv. Clue v. Poker vi. Chess vii. Uno viii. Backgammon ix. Pictionary Air x. Sequence xi. Relative Insanity xii. Moose Master xiii. Flash xiv. Left Right Center xv. Pass the Pigs
Sample USVI Itinerary
Day 1) Pick Up at Yacht Haven travel to Magen’s Bay
Magen’s Bay has a beautiful white sandy beach complete with a beach bar and restaurant. This is a great spot for the inflatable hotdog pulled behind the dinghy, Navbow underwater scooter and great snorkeling.
Day 2) Magen’s Bay travel to Cruz Bay
Cruz bay is an excellent snorkeling spot. We usually pick this location to bring guests ashore for the St John experience. There are many beachside restaurants and bars, a local brewery, rum tasting and island shopping.
Day 3) Cruz Bay travel to Maho Bay
After Cruz Bay we head towards more remote locations with beautiful white sandy beaches and amazing snorkeling experiences. Maho also offers a unique experience at Maho Crossroads with a laidback beachy food and drink vibe with unique items for sale.
Day 4) Maho Bay travel to Waterlemon Cay
Waterlemon Cay is considered one of the best locations for snorkeling on St. John. It boasts a reef with clear turquoise water and tons of sea life. Here you can go ashore for a casual hike to the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins.
Day 5) Waterlemon Cay travel to Little Lameshur
Little Lameshur is another small remote location with excellent snorkeling. Here you have an opportunity to hike to the ancient Taino petroglyphs. The hike is a bit challenging, approximately 3 hours round trip and fairly steep, but provides stunning views.
Day 6) Little Lameshur travel to Hassel Island
Hassel Island has a storied past as the British occupied Hassel Island during the Napoleonic wars. The island has been used as a coaling station and for ship repair. Today it’s a great spot for snorkeling and relaxing in the Caribbean sun.
Day 7) Hassel Island disembark
The U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands aren't just a string of stunning islands bathed in turquoise waters, they're a vibrant tapestry woven with rich history, diverse cultures, and endless possibilities for adventure. Imagine strolling through the colorful Danish towns of St. Thomas, shopping for duty-free treasures, then diving into the crystal-clear depths teeming with colorful fish. On St. John, hike through the emerald embrace of Virgin Islands National Park, discovering secluded beaches accessible only by trail, each a picture of perfect paradise.
St. Croix, the largest island, pulsates with a slower rhythm, offering historic sugar plantations whisper tales of the past, while the Cruzan rum flows freely and the local cuisine tantalizes your taste buds. Beyond the postcard-perfect beaches, the warmth of the Virgin Islands people shines through. Their infectious smiles and welcoming spirit draw you in, making you feel like part of the island family. It's this unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and genuine hospitality that makes the U.S. Virgin Islands not just a place to visit, but a place to truly experience the magic of the Caribbean.