Do you hate leaving your dog behind when you go on vacation? Why not arrange to travel with your dog? There are several charter yachts that either have a dog or allow dogs on board. Cruising with your pet is less complicated than you might think.
Our clients just returned from "pet-friendly" Catamaran Dreamcatcher sailing in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. On Valentines Day, we checked in with our clients on board Catamaran Dreamcatcher and they said, "Jake and Stephanie are the best host & hostess. Jake is an amazing Captain & Stephanie is an incredible Chef. This trip is a trip to remember..." ❤️
This yacht has three guest cabins that will accommodate up to seven guests: six adults + one child. Dreamcatcher has two wonderful canine mates, Daisy and Roscoe. Guests love to have these playful companions aboard. With advance reservations, the crew welcomes you to bring your friendly Fido on the charter with you. Alternatively, they will board Daisy and Roscoe if necessary.
Here is the client's full review after the charter:
"The trip with Captain Jake and Stephanie was over the top. They are extremely professional and amazing. Each meal was delicious. They provided everything we wanted. They know the area very well. Each location they took us to was perfect. The main point that really stands out is their knowledge of sailing. We hit a strong storm (45 knots). We never felt unsafe because they worked together as a team. I HIGHLY recommend this crew.
You will be hearing from us again as our hope is to repeat this same trip next year and extending it for a full week. Overall this was a fabulous vacation. Working with YachtCharters.Guru on the planning was great. We are definitely going to give you guys a well-deserved review.
Thank you again for all the time and work to give us this perfect vacation.
Can't wait to plan our next trip with you guys" 😊❤️~Jean
Crew Profiles:
CAPTAIN JACOB BONDS
Jake’s affable good nature, easy-going personality and caring demeanor have made him many, lifelong friends. He is an excellent captain and holds a USCG Master Captain 100-ton certification. He is also a true Renaissance man with an astonishing array of skills and talents. As an adult, Jake won many tournaments playing rugby for years with the Highwaymen Rugby. He is a licensed General Contractor and Real Estate Broker in California. Always good with his hands, he is a Master Carpenter/cabinetmaker/furniture maker/boat builder. (He put these skills to great use as a volunteer rebuilding after IRMA in Sint Maarten.) He knows Swedish and deep tissue massage, can play the guitar, ukulele, and piano, and build giant, 6-foot sandcastles. The fun factor on an interactive charter aboard Dreamcatcher is quite high.
Jake was born in Pittsburgh, Penn, raised with his brother outside of Atlanta, GA. and moved to California at age 15. With typical humor, he says that this tri-state upbringing “resulted in a progressive spirit mixed with southern charm.” The Pacific Ocean inspired his first dreams of sailing and living on the sea. He was 16 and his best friend in high school lived on a sailboat in Sausalito, CA. This playful introduction to seamanship quickly became a lifetime passion.
Jake lives by the motto “Be the random acts of kindness.” He cares deeply about the people that come into his life and goes out of his way for them. He wants new friends coming aboard to know; “We live on our boat year-round. We want our guests to feel like it is their home as well while they are with us. We want to welcome them into our lives so they can enjoy what we get to see and do every day.” Welcome to paradise aboard Dreamcatcher!
CHEF STEPHANIE BONDS
Stephanie’s motto is “Live your best life”. For her, that also means making sure that her guests are living their best lives every minute they’re on board DREAMCATCHER. She says, “Most people come on to our boat as a guest, but leave as family. It is important to me to treat each guest like I would a dear friend and to pay attention to their needs. “ Stephanie is a farm girl from Santa Rosa, California. She helped the family raise cows, chickens, sheep, and pigs, and tend a huge, one-acre vegetable garden. She had 20 acres of land, trees and a creek to romp in with her brother and sister. There were many family outings to nearby beaches, lakes, and rivers. Love was everywhere.
As soon as she could hold a spoon Stephanie was a kitchen helper. She learned to cook true farm-to-table meals from a young age. She says, “I was always in the kitchen alongside my Nona, Mom, and Dad, preparing meals, learning how to make fresh pasta and sauces, and canning fruits and vegetables." That is exactly what she brings to the menu aboard DREAMCATCHER: fresh, local, high-quality, homemade from scratch. Guests’ favorites include Spicy curry chicken with sweet coconut rice and braised beef short ribs in rich red wine ragu with pureed potatoes.
Her friends, both old and new, describe her as a loyal, sweet, kind, and a great cook. For guests interested in recipes and tips, she’s always happy to share. Stephanie says, “Seeing people enjoy the foods I prepare is the greatest gift. I love communicating to people how much they mean to me through food.” While her food is superb, she is also an excellent first mate, delightful hostess and patient teacher for those who need a bit of instruction with the water toys and gear. Charter DREAMCATCHER and discover more than a tropical paradise, discover new friends.
Advice: Here are some tips from Catamaran Dreamcatcher's management team about traveling with man’s best friend. Many thanks to Select Yachts for their advice on how to travel on a crewed charter yacht with a pet. They love their fur babies too!
Tell your charter broker that you intend to travel with your dog. Select a yacht that allows your dog aboard. Confirm that the airline will accept your dog. Make a reservation. Get the required documents from your vet. Bring necessary supplies, including adequate pet food.
For dog lovers, Fido is part of the family.
"With careful advance planning, there’s no reason to leave him at home. Bringing your dog on charter is a simple process, as long as you’re well prepared."
The first step is to learn the requirements of your proposed charter itinerary for bringing your dog into a foreign country(s). Begin the necessary application process far in advance. Be aware that in many popular charter regions your itinerary may fall under the jurisdiction of multiple nations. Check with the embassies of the destination countries as to specific requirements that must be met.
The easiest way is on the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Pet Travel page. There’s a drop-down menu.
If your not destination is not listed you will need to contact the foreign embassy or consulate for that country.
Once you’ve confirmed your destination, you can work with your charter broker to book the pet-friendly yacht that’s right for you. While most charter yachts that accept dogs check that box on their e-brochures, it never hurts to ask, especially if traveling with a small dog.
When booking your flights, be certain to confirm each flight for your dog. Check with all airlines about their rules. Only small dogs are allowed in the cabin and must be stowed in special carriers under the seat. Many overseas flights don’t allow pets as carry-ons. Dogs traveling in baggage or cargo must travel in sturdy containers with enough room to turn around normally while standing, to stand and sit, and to lie in a natural position.
Consider your dog’s comfort.
Purchase flights with fewest layovers. Pick departure and arrival times to avoid extreme heat or cold. For example, plan a night-time arrival to a hot destination. Leave sedatives at home. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) discourages the use of sedatives or tranquilizers in animals traveling because they could cause harm to the animal while in flight. Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog medications. Feed your pet a light meal 2 hours before getting to the airport. Walk your pet before leaving home and again before checking in.
Take your dog to the vet to get a health certificate, update necessary vaccinations and for disease testing. Depending on the country, this can be required as much as six months in advance.
All countries require basic vaccinations and official proof of your dog’s good health. Some countries require their own, specific health certificate, other countries require the US-origin international health certificate APHIS FORM 7001 (“United States Interstate & International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals”).
Health requirements and certificates may change at any time, so it is important that you check for the most current regulations.
Bring your pup’s paperwork back with you. The United States Customs and Immigration checks your pet’s documents whether your pet is a first-time traveler to the United States or is returning from an international trip.
Provision in Advance for Your Dog.
Bring food your dog is used to eating, enough to last through your charter along with any prescribed medications. Don't forget a collar, harness, identification tags, and a leash. You may want to pack some comfort items such as a favorite toy, small pet bed, blanket or shirt that smells of you. Piddle pads will be needed for times you will need to leave your pet aboard. A canine flotation device is also recommended.
Are you undecided about where to vacation? Which charter yacht is right for you? Get expert advice from Yacht Charters Guru charter brokers. We’ve been there. We know the ropes.
Including a land segment? Pet-friendly Hotels of 2019:
Our top picks:
Kimpton Hotels (all): No fees or restrictions on the number of pets, no weight limit. “If it can fit through the door it’s allowed in.”
Loews Hotels (all): Fees vary by property, no weight limit, two pets per room limit, up-to-date vaccinations required.
At the following properties, acceptance, fees, the number of pets and weight restrictions vary:
Ritz-Carlton Hotels (some)
Mandarin Oriental Hotels (some)
Hotel Indigo (all)
W Hotels (some)
Dreamcatcher, Lagoon 47, accommodates up to 7 Guests, US Virgin Islands
Contact us for more info on these pet-loving charter yachts below:
Paradigm Shift, St. Francis 50, US Virgin Islands
*Has a dog on board but doesn't allow guest pets.
Allende, Fountaine Pajot 44', 6 Guests, British Virgin Islands
*Has a dog on board but doesn't allow guest pets.
About Us:
We're former Owners & Captain of the Award-winning 72' yacht Three Moons for 18 years. With over 300 charters in our logbook, we currently represent privately crewed Caribbean sailing luxury yacht charters as professional CYBA yacht charter brokers. Recently, we interviewed over 120 catamarans, motor yachts, sailboats, and professional crews. We're happy to promote these yachts offering modern conveniences & unlimited pleasure.
What should you expect from a luxury crewed yacht charter in the Caribbean? It's "ALL about you, ALL the time" onboard a privately crewed charter boat! It's surprisingly affordable too! Far away from overcrowded cruise ships, all-inclusive charter yachts allow you to explore some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive areas and delight in the natural, unspoiled beauty of secluded islands, hidden coves, and secret dive sites. Sail to a nearby island every day & snorkel around your own private beaches; enjoy your favorite cocktail while watching the sunset on your own private yacht; indulge yourself with 5-star gourmet cuisine that is prepared with Caribbean flair and served in the most beautiful surroundings you could ever imagine. We love matching the right crew & yacht with you!
6 Reasons Why We Are Qualified:
1. As Members of the Charter Yacht Brokers Association, we maintain contact with the yachts to keep abreast of the very latest information on crew/yacht conditions and new yachts entering the arena.
2. We stay on top of local and Federal Government to keep informed about changes in our industry, as well as involving ourselves with the changes in the environment in which we offer charters.
3 We engage in open dialogue with local publications to help keep the government and the public aware of this important industry in our islands.
4. We attend multiple charter yacht industry shows in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, go aboard each of the yachts, meet the crews, attend association meetings and seminars. We'll happily share our notes about changes to the boats and crews and confirm any newly added features and upgrades as well as re-fits to the boat’s decor like new carpets, interior and exterior soft goods & fun new water-toys.
5. As a seasoned charter yacht Owner & Crew, we have access to the "inner circle" and know all the insider facts.
6. We've developed a longtime friendship with vendors of services such as local taxi drivers, ferry companies, good places to stay on land, great restaurants and much more.
Learn more at www.YachtCharters.Guru
Our service is completely FREE to you!
