TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands in a bind, need advice

sooooo-
we just had 2 of the 6 people in our charter back out. our trip is scheduled for this july.
looking at options for boats again, because the cost of our trip just went up by $800pp.. we have reserved a 44' cat, now are considering downsizing (assuming bviyc will let us) to a monohull.
any thoughts /advice on what to look for/be aware of in a mono v a cat?
I'm a bit worried the ladies won't appreciate the "closeness" of a mono, let alone the "motion of the ocean"

what a pain....
sigh....

The charter company should accommodate you and offer you some other options even if they have to give you a discount on your weekly rate.

Could you find some additional crew members? Kayak.com just came out with a report that the best time to buy plane tix the Carib is only 2-4 weeks in advance. So it's not like it's too late for someone to jump on board.

Before you try to get two more people on board, put it in a call to BVIYC and see if they'll work with you -- they have some great monos that would be perfect for 4 if they have availability. They have a great 46 "DeeDee&Zeus" that has a generator and A/C -- we chartered "Tootsie" from them last May - she's a newer Oceanis41 - great boat - shoreside A/C only - not sure if that would be a dealbreaker for you or not. Call them sooner rather than later if you're wanting to change plans -- they book out pretty far in advance since they're a smaller outfit.

Ouch.. doesn't help this situation, but in the future, always get payment from everyone before booking a boat. Being July though, I imagine you could cancel with a full refund - at least I know with Moorings/Sunsail you could this far out.

So maybe look at options for a smaller cat? Or as already stated, there are some good mono options.

What are the remaining 4 members like ? What is your email address ? Perhaps we will go !!

Yeah, you should have said "show me the money" before booking!

We will be chartering with BVIYC from 6-27 to 7-11 and I asked for a medium sized cat or a large mono and Abbie only had two cats and 1 mono available. So that makes me think they may be able to work with you but...

Technically their terms and conditions state that without the $150 cancellation insurance "once monies have been received the charter is considered non-refundable". With that said, I can't think of a company that would be more willing to work with you.

If things just don't work out I'd be inclined to just eat the extra price and enjoy a nice big boat for four. You might also mention that you know someone on TTOL that would be very interested in upgrading from a 42' Lagoon to your 44' boat but I don't think that helps them out in this case.

Why don't you just get a smaller cat? A 38 will still be plenty big for your crew. We have had 10 on one before and still didn't feel cramped.

See if the Charly II is available. It was affordable for us because it's a bit older and doesn't have air conditioning or a generator but it was roomy and comfortable.

Looking for another couple for your catamaran?
We have been 13 times. Please let me know.

Or you could send me a private message.... If you are interested in picking up a replacement couple.

Regarding "closeness" and "the Motion of the Ocean"
We adopted the saying long ago that
All boats are large enough that you can pretend not to hear what is going on in the other cabins.
Has served us and our guests well.

So sorry to hear your predicament. However let me say a few words on organizing a cruise in the BVI. I have been doing this every summer (last week of July) since 1985. Currently I use the 46' or 48' catamarans from the Moorings. I charge $3000/couple (4 couples) which includes boat, skipper, provisions for breakfast, lunch, happy hour snacks, liquor, mooring fees, SUPs/kayaks, ice, etc. They are responsible for travel, accommodations, dinner ashore each night (we treat the skipper to dinner if he wants to join us). The caveat is that the $3000 is collected before the baot rental and is NONREFUNDABLE. Never had anyone backout. If they do backout they are responsible for filing their space and collecting the fee from their replacement.

10 people on a 38' cat and you didn't feel cramped? My guess is that you must work for Ringling Brothers, Barmum and Bailey and you are able to get in and out of that little car as well!

4-6 people on a small cat is great, and you will have an extra cabin to use for luggage. Those cabins on the tiny cats get very cluttered, really quickly.

Should have prefaced that with we had 5 adults and 5 kids on the 38. Never felt cramped. I don't see why a 38 wouldn't accomodate 6 adults comfortably. Also Horizon has a 2 cabin 2 heads 36 foot Cat that is a great boat for 2 couples.

mayjong,

How many cabins do you need?

The 3 cabin 40 something mono hulls offer quite a bit of privacy for about 1/2 the price of a cat. Forward cabin is most private, and rear cabins are separated by engine compartment.

and while sailing, I have done both and I think monos handle the "motion of the ocean" much better than a cat.

thanks all!
funny thing. after the two guests backed out (they had paid 1/2 the charter fee, non refundable) a different friend, who had originally wanted to go but couldn't make it happen, had a change of plans which opened up the dates for him and his wife! excellent!
thanks again for all the advice

Glad to hear there was a happy ending to your plight. Have a great time!