WELCOME
ABOARD SANDCASTLE
ARRIVING IN THE ISLANDS
Our first suggestion is to be prepared for a slow pace.
"You're in the islands Mon" and the balmy air, swaying
palm trees, lapping water and casual manner will certainly attest
to this. Don't expect stateside efficiency at the island airport,
nor fast-moving service. The island pace is slow and surprisingly
unpredictable and if you are not prepared for this casual pace,
it may be aggravating. Remember, this is what a cruising vacation
is all about....slow, easy-going, casual timing. If you would
like for us to arrange a taxi to meet you at the airport just
let us know. A greeting of "Good Morning", "Good
Afternoon" or "Good Evening goes along way in
the islands.
WHAT TO BRING
CLOTHES Barefoot elegance and casual, comfortable attire is the
theme on charter and amongst the islands and resorts in general.
Only a few luxury resorts require a collared shirt and pants for
men in the evening or have a no shorts at night rule.
Otherwise, dress is very, very casual and your clothes should
be easy care items. Almost every one of my charter guests told
me that they brought twice as many clothes as they needed, as
they never dreamed they would spend so much time in their bathing
suits. An old saying is, "put out all the clothes you want
to bring then take half of that and you will still have more than
what you need". In the BVIs shorts and T-shirt or a
cover up are always worn over a bathing suit in town.
A suggested list for one person;
- 1 pair of sandals and 1 pair of soft-soled shoes or tennis
shoes for walks
- 2 pair of socks for hiking
- 4 or 5 jerseys or T-shirts
- 4 pairs of shorts
- 2-3 bathing suits
- 1 long sleeve shirt
- 1 long pants (optional)
- 1 or 2 cover-ups
- 1 light sweater or sweat shirt
- Brimmed hat or visor-type that won't blow off in a sailing breeze
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
We provide both bath and beach towels
LUGGAGE
Soft sided luggage is preferred but we have room for all types of luggage.
CDs, ipods
Yes! Feel free to bring any of your favorite tunes! We can hook up your
ipod to our stereo system. We have an extensive music library of Cds and
mini-disks, but it is always fun to listen to something new. Also, you
will find many books onboard to read while relaxing in the hammock.
PHONES
While in the USVI most cell phones will work especially in St Thomas.
Most stateside cellular phones will roam in the British Virgin Islands.
Check with your carrier.
Blackberrys will work in the BVI
EMAIL
We have internet access on board if you would like to check your email
MONEY
The BVIs accepts U.S. dollars, travelers checks and credit cards
in most places. BUT! ATM machines and banks are not located on every island.
Please bring a sufficient amount of cash for the week. Banking conveniences
in the islands are not as easily available as they are Stateside.
SPECIAL MEDICATIONS
Bring all your medications. Even some over-the-counter medications that
are so easy to find at home are difficult to locate in the British Virgin
Islands.
SNORKEL GEAR
Will be provided, but if you need glasses you might want to purchase an
optical mask or let us know ahead of time and we could rent a mask for
you. Most people find wearing contacts with their mask works well.
DOCMENTS
Bring a passport for each member in your party.
OTHER THINGS
Don't forget to bring spare pairs of eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact
lenses.
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