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anjolain · 15-10-2017, 10:49

We got an answer from DYC regarding our upcoming charter in Jan 2018:
"For departures between 01/01 & 30/04/2018 in St Martin or Tortola, they can change DYC destination for a departure before 30/06/2018.
If more expensive, they have to pay the difference. If cheaper no refund. If they cancel, contractual cancellation terms apply."

So our first option would be postponing our charter with one year, but DYC basically offers us either a cheaper boat (a 2012 model) from Antiqua (price about 700 € cheaper without a refund option) or cancellation (then they keep our deposit of about 900 €). I would like to know if other charter companies offer a postponing possibility to later than 30/06/2018?

leboyd · 16-10-2017, 07:11

When you say, “Postponing the charter for one year” do you mean DYC is allowing the full prepaid amount to be used for a charter next year?

Our charter with DYC was to start on Oct 7 out of St. Martin. The only option we were offered was to reroute to another location but before Dec 17 (if I remember correctly). Since we were fully paid because it was less than 60 days, we *think* we forfeited the cruise fee because we could not get our schedule to match their offered locations and dates.

As an aside, trip insurance for being cancelled at your destination doesn’t cover this. Irma hit St. Martin on Sept 6. The insurance (CSA) has a 30 day period after the storm that they will cover. Since our trip was to finish (and start) after the 30 days, they declined the claim.

So, we would be interested in whether DYC offered a postponement for one year.

anjolain · 16-10-2017, 11:25

We are currently discussing with DYC (via our agent) about the possibility to change our charter to Jan 2019. We haven't yet received an answer from DYC.

So at the moment the latest info is that we can change DYC destination for a departure before 30/06/2018

Spear06 · 19-10-2017, 09:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cdreamin

Thanks Dr. Sea however the issue isn't the Lagoon 450, Wife and I are all in. The issue is convincing the other 2 couples to stay on with the original plan. If they are out then we can't afford the boat with just 2 couples. We would then need to change plans to a much smaller vessel or cancel entirely. What I am looking for is CURRENT information and or images which could help convince everyone to proceed.

Check out some of the other charter companies for info on the islands as well. BVI yacht Charters for instance has posted about status of the BVIs on their website (blog I think) and on FB page.

There are some bars/restaurants that will be back up and running. Others will take time. For instance Soggy Dollar in JVD is open. You might get a drink from a cooler instead of a full bar setup as these businesses rebuild, but it will still be cold and refreshing. Will it be the same as before Irma, no. Will it be an amazing time in a beautiful place where you get to help people and enjoy yourselves, absolutely. It will be like the BVIs of a decade ago, a bit simpler but still amazing.

Charter companies in BVI reported a huge amount of bookings at the Annapolis Boat Show in Oct. there is support and demand to return to the islands.

You can also check out travel talk online. (Google is your friend.)

BoomerTC · 28-10-2017, 14:51

My girlfriend and I were scheduled on Conch for 12 days in Dec but were notified that the boat is no more. We looked around and rebooked with DYC. They are putting us on a new Dufor 412 so things could be worse!

We decided to stick with BVI for two reasons, changing flights to Grenada or most anywhere else was going to cost $1,700, and we wanted to support the local BVI economy. No, the scenery might not be quite as nice as it normally is but it should be a lot less crowded.

**GordMay** · 29-10-2017, 05:13

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Boomer.

jimfj · 29-11-2017, 09:50

Has anyone heard any more on the subject or actually been there since the last post?

I am contemplating a July or August charter there and am curious if there are any updates?

Flagman101 · 01-12-2017, 13:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cdreamin

Thanks Dr. Sea however the issue isn't the Lagoon 450, Wife and I are all in. The issue is convincing the other 2 couples to stay on with the original plan. If they are out then we can't afford the boat with just 2 couples. We would then need to change plans to a much smaller vessel or cancel entirely. What I am looking for is CURRENT information and or images which could help convince everyone to proceed.

What my contacts there tell me.
Most grocery stores are open to business.
Many of the beach side bars are open.
The Willy T is still up on the beach. The Pirate is open
Nature has recovered and beaches are beautiful.
Saba and Bitter end still a far from recovery but Liverick bay is open.
The bats are ok

What are your objectives on this trip. If it's relaxing on the boat and beaches and snorkelling, you should be fine. But if you wanted to see the Willy T, Saba Rock, Bitter end and all the famous spots, some are closed for repairs.
Did you ask DYC to change destinations?
Martinique is very nice and plenty to do and see on the Island without crossing to St-Lucia. The Grenadines are awesome.