Will I get seasick?
Everybody
is different, but we find most people have no problem as long
as
they stay well hydrated and on deck while sailing. At anchor,
the
movement is usually very slight and comfortable. Of course we
can
tailor our sailing routes and anchorages according to your comfort
level so that you should not even need to take motion sickness
medication. Nonetheless, if you would feel better having
something "just in case", consult with your doctor or
pharmacist. We suggest everyone bring two Scopalamine (transderm Scop)
wearable patches available with a perscription.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Things
happen and plans change. If you need to cancel, we will
gladly
refund all monies paid less a 15% cancellation fee (and possible broker's fee). If you
purchase trip cancellation insurance from a third party, this fee may
even be covered. Keep in mind that the cancellation fee can be
fully
credited towards a future charter within one year.
How are you
different from a cruise ship?
Total
flexibility and personalized service are the major differences.
Try asking the captain of a cruise ship to stay longer in an
anchorage you really like and you'll understand. With Aloha
your
whole vacation is designed around your desires. We also have
access to areas the big ships can't even approach. You will
experience what it's really like to live on a yacht and travel with the
wind.
How long have you been operating?
We
have been sailing in the Caribbean and Pacific aboard Aloha Malolo for
nine years. During this time, our chartering has been on a
word-of-mouth basis without extra marketing. With Aloha Malolo's
larger
size and up-scale features, we have decided to target a larger audience
thru magazine ads and the internet.
Why do you limit your charters?
Our
main objective is to enjoy the sailing life and have fun with others in
the process. We limit our bookings to avoid feeling "burned
out"
and turning the experience into a chore. A side benefit is
more
time to prepare for each charter. For example, we never book
back-to-back charters because they are too tiring for us and would
prevent giving you our best service.
Do I really need a passport?
Absolutely.
Sorry, there is no way around this.
Do you take children?
Absolutely.
We miss our nephews and nieces to pieces! We will do our best to have
fun things to do and toys to play with aboard. We have a portable DVD
player and Game Boy so that they might entertain themselves and board games for family evenings together.
Can you handle more than 6 guests?
We
could conceivably handle more, in fact there is room for about twelve
if you would like to "sardine in" on the settees and pilot berth, etc.
Certain islands restrict the number of passengers, so check with us
before inviting Cousin Jed and his kinfolk.
Do you offer other
destinations?
The
Caribbean is your oyster in the right
weather
conditions. If we are not scheduled to be in the area where you
want to go, a delivery charge or fuel surcharge may apply. In fact, we
are considering a North Pole to South Pole charter for a non-profit group.
What if I can't swim?
Surprisingly,
many sailors can't swim either. This doesn't stop them from
enjoying life on the water nor should it you. The
experience
of traveling under sail and living afloat can be just as rewarding for
a non-swimmer. We have many forms of buoyant support so that you may
confidently enjoy snorkeling or floating with drink in hand in comfort
and safety. Also, Divemaster Eric has taught more than one would
be guppy to swim.
One of us loves to sail,
but the other isn't sure...
The Caribbean Islands are the perfect place to introduce a hesitant partner to the sport.
With
her long waterline and excellent form stability, Aloha Malolo is the
perfect boat for the avid sailor to enjoy an invigorating sail while
others who are not so sure are protected in the cockpit enjoying a very
steady and flat ride
giving them the opportunity to comfortably ease into this enjoyable and
romantic pastime. We can sail in very protected areas with little
heeling and
gradually progress to more challenging conditions if everyone is
comfortable. Once
anchored,
the fact that the beautiful surroundings can be better appreciated from
a boat will help overcome any further doubts.
Can I be reached while
on board?
We
believe in leaving the "world" behind while on vacation. For
this
reason, our cell-phone is normally off during charters, but available
for outgoing calls at any time. If you feel you must have a
way
of being reached, then our on-board e-mail is the best choice.
Will my cell-phone work?
Maybe,
but coverage can be spotty in certain areas.
Can I drink the water on
board?
The
water on board far surpasses EPA standards. We double filter drinking
water with the same filtering system that the Peace Corps uses in the
remotest countries on this earth.
Will we spend time in
marinas?
We
normally prefer to avoid marinas and usually anchor for the evening.
The
breeze is pleasant, nature's beauty is close at hand and the gentle
movement will rock you to sleep.
How often are sheets and
towels changed?
Sheets
are changed twice a week and towels as needed. Please let us know if you have special requests.
What about hurricanes?
The
official Caribbean hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 1st.
Earlier or later storms are rare but possible and for this reason we
prefer to start our charter season in the southern most part of the Caribbean. We feel this provides for virtually zero
chance of a storm intruding on your vacation.
The incredibly beautiful San Blas Islands are out of the hurricane zone and is in fact the area where we
usually are located during hurricane season.
Why steel?
There
is no stronger or more confidence inspiring hull material than steel
for a boat, and Safety is our foremost concern. Not only double walled
below the waterline and sporting four watertight bulkheads, Aloha
Malolo has bullet resistant lexan ports and 1 1/2 inch thick
marine plywood hatches and companionway doors. Many parents protect
their families with safety conscious minivans and Volvos in spite of
wanting a Porsche and here is your chance to have Porsche performance
in a bulletproof package.
Why is your boat called Aloha Malolo?
This
story is too long for this limited space but we will be happy to "tell
all" when you join us aboard for your dream vacation.
What should I bring?
Bring your favorite CD's and DVD's, suntan lotion, swimming suits. We provide towels including beach towels.
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