DC4MS

Private Escapes has an 80 foot yacht in the British Virgin Islands that is staffed with a captain, dive master, and chef.

La Buscadora Presented by Private Escapes

willmyclubmakeit

can anyone provide a review of a trip on this yacht?

Jetmikey

Is there an additional daily fee for using this yacht?

willmyclubmakeit

yes and significant. See prior threads discussing such.

DC4MS

I would love to hear from someone who has taken a trip on this yacht. Chartering a yacht like this without club membership is very expensive.

Kagehitokiri

yes, same as quintess and ER (the world).

DHH does not charge fees, only expenses.

dont know about solstice.

Bourne

Weekly rates for Ultimate Escapes members are: $11,500 (six people); $12,500 (seven people); $13,500 (eight people). Note that a 10–15% gratuity is customary and that some additional fees may also apply. Pricing and terms are specified in a separate Charter Agreement.

Weekly rates for all other guests are: $23,000 (six people); $24,000 (seven people); $25,000 (eight people). Note that a 10–15% gratuity is customary and that some additional fees may also apply. Pricing and terms are specified in a separate Charter Agreement.

Sandman

I don't believe Solstice charges a fee, but both DHH and Solstice charge for gas, which is very expensive from what I understand. The UE yacht fees are high, but they include typical gas for the week as well as all food and drink.

I haven't been but plan on it in '09!

Kagehitokiri

gotcha, so

* UE, quintess, ER = fee

* DHH, solstice = expenses

DHH has sailing yachts as well, so less fuel expenses

TarheelTraveler

I'm not sure if anyone caught this from the website update, but you can add A&K to the list with a yacht.

I don't think the additional charges (if any) have been worked out quite yet.

Kagehitokiri

oh right i noticed "yacht" somewhere, do you know any other details?

its not in the press release, but its under the "A&K difference" heading that they reference "luxury homes, european villas, european boutique hotels, a yacht and tours to 106 countries."

IMHO it does not sound like theyre referring to any of the "ships" they charter for their cruises, like in the galapagos, antarctic, etc.

TarheelTraveler

It should be a very nice yacht, Members do have additional info., but I wouldn't want to post anything that's not on the website yet. A&K has been very methodical and strategic in merging and setting up the club so I wouldn't want to jump the gun with anything.

DC Skeptic

The trip was amazing. The crew is fantastic; Mike is a great captain, Spencer is an awesome chef (the food will amaze you meal after meal), and Jeri-Lynn is a great steward. Most pampered, relaxing vacation I have had. One of the highlights was that if you wanted to do something, you just did it. Want to dive? Capt Mike loads the tanks into the launch and takes you; no waiting or fussing around. Same for about any activity. BVI are beautiful, snorkeling and diving are awesome (be sure to dive the HMS Rhone wreck). Willy T's a party must. I had never done such a trip and thought it was about motoring around. Its not; its about finding a nice mooring and chilling out. The price as a club member is a great deal. Just remember, tip is on rack rates not club rates. But you will want to tip well anyway because you will have had such a good time.

Kagehitokiri

thanks a lot for the report. :thumbsup:

what was quality of furnishings (or whatever you call it on a boat) like?

and overall condition of boat?

IIRC it seemed a little old to me, in pictures.
(IMHO, no professional opinion etc)

DC Skeptic

Condition of the furnishings was good but all of our group agreed that the decorating choices were not up to PE's usual aesthetically pleasing standards. I believe PE did an overhaul of furnishings, decor etc. when they bought the boat. And yes, the boat is old (read the history on the website; it is fascinating) but it is in beautifully restored shape. My only caution would be to make sure Captain Mike is at the helm before you go. My review is based on his being there. You spend a lot of close quarters time with the crew, and particularly the captain who eats meals with you, so you really need to like him. We all did.

Kagehitokiri

at least it sounds like boat is maintained well.

glad to have a confirmation on the decor.