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Some
of our most frequently asked questions are covered in the text
below. To quickly jump to a specific question, just click on the
topic.
Privacy
La Buscadora's spacious living quarters, salons and deck areas
allow guests to enjoy togetherness or privacy at all times. The
crew can join in as much as you like or if you prefer will give
you maximum privacy. The crew is always sensitive to your wishes.
Passports
A passport is the principal requirement for entry into the British
Virgin Islands. If you are a citizen of either the United States
or Canada, an authenticated birth certificate, a citizenship certificate
or a voter's registration card, along with a photo ID, is satisfactory
to allow entry into the territory. Visitors from some countries
may need a visa. If in doubt please contact us and we will
check with the BVI Department of Immigration for you.
Length
of a Cruise
Cruise rates are based on a full week charter, eight days, seven
nights. However, you can book a charter for any number of days
the choice is yours! We highly recommend 10 day cruises, as it's
the perfect amount of time to see the whole of the British Virgin
Islands. We also find most of our guests are really not ready
to go home after 7 days as total relaxation has set in - so treat
yourself and come for 10 days. Also, depending on availability,
you can start your cruise on any day of the week. We do
not run to a specific schedule.
Itinerary
We have no fixed itinerary, each cruise is planned with your preferences
in mind.
Food
and Beverages
Prior to the charter you will receive a food and beverage request
form (preference sheet). This allows us to tailor the menu and
refreshments to your specific preferences.
Yachting
Experience
You do not have to have any boating experience to enjoy this holiday.
Many clients have never stepped foot on a yacht before, and are
delighted with the level of comfort and service we provide. If
you would like to participate in the steering of the vessel you
are more than welcome, otherwise sit back, relax and enjoy the
ride!
Luggage
As with most yachts we have a limited amount of storage space
on board. Therefore, we would ask that you bring soft luggage
where possible. If bringing soft luggage proves impossible, we
can provide shore storage for hard luggage. Try and pack essential
items in your carry on luggage; delayed luggage is not unheard
of in these parts.
What
to Bring
This is a casual and relaxed vacation. You'll need swimwear, T-shirts,
shorts, wraps and perhaps a light cotton jumper or sweatshirt
for the evenings. If you wish to dine ashore at one of the hotels
or fine restaurants you will need to bring some more formal attire,
such as slacks and a shirt with a collar. By mid charter most
of guests comment that they have over packed, and that next time
they will bring half as much! The more times our guests return
the smaller their luggage becomes.
Shoes
We are a "no shoes" boat, so there is no need to purchase a pair
of expensive yachting shoes. We would recommend that you bring
sandals, sneakers and perhaps some reef shoes. If you prefer to
wear shoes on deck we would ask that they have white soles and
that they are not worn ashore.
Photographers
Bring plenty of film for your camera; spare batteries are also
a good idea. Film and batteries are expensive here and the choice
is somewhat limited. Outlets are available for the recharging
of video camera batteries.
Special
Medications
We suggest that you bring a plentiful supply of any prescription
medication with you. There are pharmacies on the islands but your
particular prescription may be impossible to maintain.
Telephone
and Fax
We do have a cellular telephone/fax on board the boat, which is
available for your use at an additional cost.
Sea
Sickness
One reason why the BVI's are such a popular destination for yachting
holidays is that the seas are so calm. The many islands protect
us from the open waters beyond. La Buscadora as a motor yacht
is an incredibly stable and comfortable ride. It is very rare
for any of our guests to suffer from seasickness. However, if
you are particularly prone to motion sickness, we would recommend
that you bring over the counter medication with you for the first
day. An alternative and natural remedy are the pressure point
seasickness bands, which are available in local stores in the
BVI.
Suntan
Lotions
We recommend that you bring a plentiful supply of waterproof sun
screen (factor 15 or higher) with you. Please bring the paba free
kind as paba is very destructive to the varnish and stains the
upholstery. Even on hazy days the sun in the tropics is very strong.
Drugs
There is a zero tolerance policy on illegal drugs aboard La Buscadora.
If you are found to be in possession of drugs we reserve the right
to terminate the cruise immediately, with no refund of money.
Prescription drugs are, of course, fine.
Linens
Linens are changed every three to four days throughout the charter.
Beach towels are provided both on deck and for shore trips.
Children
There is no age limit on board. Over the years we have had 6-month-old
babies on board and toddlers of all ages. The forward cabin, which
has four single bunks, with its own TV and VCR, makes a perfect
cabin for the younger members. Alternatively we have the starboard
cabin.
Hurricanes
If you listen to the weather men or the weather channel these
days you would be led to believe that the Virgin Islands are battered
by tropical storms on a regular basis. We have been in the charter
business in the BVI's since 1985 and have never had to cancel
one charter due to a tropical storm. 2001 brought us a hurricane
free season. With all the very sophisticated weather system-forecasting
agencies we are so well informed these days that are guests always
feel very safe even in the height of the hurricane season!
Smoking
As with most yachts, in the interests of safety we strictly adhere
to a rule of no smoking below deck. Smoking outside is acceptable.
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