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The Details
What's Included
Seven nights aboard DreamWeaver comprise the standard cruise, beginning with appetizers and dinner on day one and ending with a light breakfast on day eight. Additional days can be added if the schedule allows.
All meals and snacks aboard DreamWeaver are included. Three dinners during the week are eaten ashore at restaurants and are paid for by the guests. An abundance of pure drinking water is provided. Other beverages like sodas, beer, wine and spirits are ordered by guests on a beverage order form prior to the start of the trip, at additional cost. Guests are also able to state their diet preferences prior to their retreat.
DreamWeaver provides all the linens and towels, snorkel gear, a hookah diving system for qualified divers. There is also a library of music, DVDs and books to supplement those you choose to bring. DreamWeaver has telephone and email service which is charged to guests at cost based on individual usage. Each guest can schedule massage therapy from Sharon, a licensed therapist at the rate of $60 an hour.
Also included is a high quality DVD video of the cruise, presented to guests upon departure.
The crewed charter is a service-intensive business and a 10-15% crew gratuity is customary at the discretion of the guests.
Rates and Value
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2 Guests
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3 Guests
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4 Guests
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5 Guests
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6 Guests
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Total cost for 7 nights |
6,000 |
7,000 |
8,000 |
9,000 |
10,000 |
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Cost per guest |
3,000 |
2,333 |
2,000 |
1,800 |
1,667 |
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Total cost per additional
day |
800 |
950 |
1,100 |
1,250 |
1,400 |
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Cost per guest per additional day |
400 |
317 |
275 |
250 |
233 |
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You will find these rates to be very competitive. By comparison, crewed charters in the Caribbean on similar vessels are $2,000 - 4,000 more per week during the high season. If you want to sail during hurricane season, you can get special price breaks elsewhere. DreamWeaver does not sail during hurricane season (June to October).
Resorts in the Grenadines are small and intimate. The all inclusive prices for our favorite three average $4,000 to $5,000 per week per couple plus beverages and tip. So, whether you compare DreamWeaver with sailing or resort vacations, we are confident that we offer the best luxury value available in the beautiful islands of the Grenadines.
DreamWeaver is designed for up to 6 guests plus crew to cruise in comfort and privacy. An additional guest can be accommodated in the convertible double bed in the salon, which is a great solution for a child or teen.
If you do not have a cruising group and want to book only a cabin, we can put you in touch with others who have a similar circumstance. Please contact us with your request.
Terms
A nonrefundable deposit of 50% will secure the week of your choice (please email us or call us at 800-315-1634 to see what dates are available). At 60 days prior to the start date the remaining 50% deposit is due. If cancellation is a concern, trip cancellation insurance can be purchased through your travel agent. Failure to make any scheduled payment when due will cancel the reservation with DreamWeaver and the reserved dates will be released. In the event of cancellation, one half of the amount paid can be applied to a future retreat. For your convenience, payments can be made through our secure transaction site.
Travel and Connections
On the beginning day of your cruise, it is recommended that you schedule your arrival in San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) to catch the afternoon Caribbean Sun flight to St. Vincent (SVD) or the American Eagle flight to Canouan Island (CIW), where, after you clear customs, we will have a taxi waiting to bring you to DreamWeaver. San Juan is serviced by all major airlines. It is further recommended that your entire party meet in San Juan before flying together to the Grenadines. Due to several time zone changes, guests traveling from Western and some Midwestern cities may need to reach a gateway city to Puerto Rico the previous night. The return to your home at the end of the cruise is usually accomplished in a day, beginning with a morning flight back to San Juan.
We recommend that you check with Judy at Caribbean Travel at 800-327-5540. Mention DreamWeaver or reference #1121 to qualify for any available discounts on AA and other airlines due to their volume of business. She can also arrange for trip cancellation insurance, if that is of concern to you.
To St. Vincent or Canouan Island?
Charters can start from one of these two locations. St. Vincent is serviced by Caribbean Sun with a direct flight from Puerto Rico. If you want to spend a day or two exploring the rainforest, waterfalls or volcano, we suggest that you stay at Young Island. This is also where you will board DreamWeaver for your sailing retreat. If you do not choose to spend any additional time in the islands, this is the still the best place to begin and end your sailing retreat.
Cruises can also begin at the island of Canouan, which is serviced by American Eagle with a direct flight from Puerto Rico. Raffles is a five-star resort with the country's only golf course. If you choose to stay a night or two here, you will board DreamWeaver at the Raffles dock. Our links page will provide more information on these resorts.
The higher cost of airfare to remote islands like the Grenadines surprises some guests when it is compared to the cost of flying to large resort destinations like Nassau or Cancun, or to crowded charter boat destinations like the British Virgin Islands. The Grenadines lie an additional 500 miles to the southeast of Puerto Rico (and the BVI). Since they are far away and less traveled, economies of scale govern the airlines pricing policies. We will probably not see the cost of air travel to the Grenadines drop significantly until we also see the transformation of these islands into another resort Mecca. So, we encourage you to book early and use frequent flyer miles whenever possible.
Packing
Our perception is that guests tend to over-pack for their cruise. Cabins have limited stowage, so for your own comfort and convenience we recommend that you pack in bags that are carry-on size or that can nest together. Daytime air and water temperatures are in the 80's and there is always a breeze. But the sun is intense at twelve degrees north latitude and even more so with the water reflection. Evening temperatures are in the 70's, our idea of perfect, with long sleeves sometimes needed for star gazing on the breezy deck. Dress during the day is usually beachwear. In honor of the local culture we ask guests to wear street clothes in towns; shorts, t-shirts and sandals are fine. For evening dress your group may elect to bring some casually elegant apparel. Keep in mind that you will arrive ashore by dingy. Most restaurants welcome men in shorts but trousers are requested by the resort on PSV. Bring a credit card for restaurants and boutique purchases and bring some cash for the airport departure tax ($16), some vendors and the optional crew tip.
The US dollar is accepted in the Grenadines, though change will be given in the local currency, EC dollars (Eastern Caribbean). An EC dollar is equal to 37 cents US. DreamWeaver's cabins have 110v outlets with a hair dryer provided. Clothes may be hand-washed aboard to wear more than once. Consider accepting the captain's challenge to arrive with only carry-on luggage, since any checked luggage that is delayed may not catch up with you until the end of the cruise. At least carry on a swim suit, t-shirt, shorts and toiletries, including sunscreen. Indoor tanning sessions prior to the cruise helps prevent burning of fair skin, but sunscreen is still required. Feel free to bring your favorite tea, java, chocolate, and any special treats that you don't want to leave home without. Remember your passport!
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