Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are the most frequently asked questions we have received throughout the years. If none of these answers address your concerns, feel free to contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Crewed charter

What is crewed charter?
A crewed charter allows you to sit back and enjoy the ride. A captain, a chef and as many crewmembers you will need depending on the size of the yacht you have chartered are provided for you.

Every member of the crew are highly trained professionals. They have nothing but your safety and comfort in mind. Each member of the crew is available for all of your wants and desires. As your captain navigates your journey other members of the crew make sure all of your needs are being met.

Before your incredible journey begins you decide the itinerary with the captain and discuss your menu with your own personal professional chef.

During your journey if you decide you would like to take a turn at the wheel the captain will be more than happy to oblige or you can just sit back and be treated like a VIP. Everything will be taken care of from the provisions, cleaning and cooking. The only responsibility you have is to have a good time.

Your Crewed Charter Includes
  • Service of skipper and chef/hostess
  • Running cost of yacht
  • Linen and bath towels
  • All meals, snacks and fruits
  • Coffee, tea, soft drinks and iced water
  • RIB dinghy with outboard engine
  • Snorkeling equipment


Food and Drinks
Your personal, professional chef will tailor your daily menu based on your individual tastes and dietary needs. The galley of the yacht will be stocked with items you have previously requested. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions there is no need to worry. We can accommodate all of these needs. Providing special menus for your decadent desires is our pleasure, such as chocolate, special wines or any other indulgence you can imagine.

All of this is determined before you charter your dream yacht. It is requested that you complete a questionnaire before your voyage asking about your culinary preferences and any special dietary restrictions you may have. We ask your preferred beverages, newspapers, even flowers or any special requests. It is important to provide us with any medical concerns you may need attending to while on your journey as well as any allergies. You are also encouraged to tell us about any sporting and entertainment requests we may have. The more detailed information you provide, the more we can be sure to meet all of your needs and desires, making your charter journey the ultimate vacation experience. To ensure this, we must get to know you.


Itinerary
Crewed charters are different from prepackaged tours or a cruise ship. Crewed charters have a flexible itinerary meaning if you want to stay an extra night in a quiet harbor the captain can change your itinerary to make sure specific desires and needs. Flexibility is a part of your every day journey. Every day you can speak with your captain and advise them if any changes need to be made to your itinerary for that specific day.


Scuba Diving
If the charter yacht you have chosen does not advertise a scuba diving facility don’t worry, your adventure may still be possible. In almost all cases, it is possible to arrange for a local shore-based diving company to meet all of your scuba diving needs. They will also bring all the necessary equipment needed to take you and your guests on a memorable scuba diving trip.
Bareboat Charter

What is bareboat charter?
Unlike the crewed charter a barefoot charter is a boat that you rent and do the sailing, which means you are the crew and the skipper. Depending on the country, you will need to show certification or some kind of boating experience before you are allowed to do a barefoot charter.

If desired, you can also hire a bareboat yacht with a captain and chef/hostess. Just ask our experts for the details and we will be happy to make that happen.

Bareboat Charter Includes
  • Use of yacht and navigation equipment including sea charts
  • RIB dinghy with outboard engine
  • Bed linen and towels
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Safety equipment
  • Service guarantee in case of emergency
  • Masks & snorkels
  • Charter kit

Sailing qualification
A boating license is required for a bareboat charter in Thailand. We strongly advise that you take your sailing certificates along with you for your safety in case you come in contact with customs or the police in Thailand.

As far as your qualifications go, you may already be qualified to skipper a bareboat yacht. This will be determined once you send us your sailing resume. Our experts will go over this and advise you what you are currently approved to charter.


Where can I get water and fuel?
You will get information regarding obtaining water and fuel during your chart briefing. You can pick up water and fuel at a number of locations around Phuket. The main locations are: Ao Po Marina, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi Done, Koh Lipe and Ao Chalong. Fuel top up is not a normal occurrence during your journey as we strongly recommend that you fuel your boat back at the base. By doing this you avoid picking up contaminated fuel at unspecified locations. We also strongly discourage you from drinking the boat water unless it is boiled first. Your best option would be to purchase bottled water for daily consumption before your departure.


How strong are the tides?
Navigation of the tides is often done by line of sight. The tidal range can exceed 8 feet. This can create swift tidal currents in narrow channels. If you encounter high tides it is vitally important for you to keep a careful eye on the chart and GPS because of the numerous coral reefs you will encounter. Rest assured, during your Phuket bareboat vacation there are many sailors within reach of your journey who are highly confident in their skills of basic coastal navigation.


What should we expect when we check in?
Upon your arrival you will be greeted by the base manager who will go over the paperwork with you. The base manager will ask for your security deposit and any provision payments that have been requested in advance.

The next step is your individual yacht and charting briefing. Be aware that this process takes up to two hours. At this time all boats are prepared as per the booking for the specified boarding time. The briefing process is mandatory for each individual on every yacht. You will also receive a chart briefing where you learn about the cruising area and any potential hazards you may encounter. The briefing is a way to introduce you to your yacht by learning its systems and rigging. Briefing is a vital step to ensure an enjoyable and safe journey.

It is advisable to send some of the crew to the supermarket for provisions while the briefing is going on. This can save you some valuable time.


Is night sailing allowed?
Night sailing is only permitted when long offshore passages cannot be completed during the daylight hours. Night sailing must be approved in advance by the base manager and departing must be clear of all obstructions at least 30 minutes before sunset and you must arrive at your destination at least 30 minutes after sunrise.


Charts & Pilot book
For your convenience, all of the charts and pilot book you will need for your sailing journey are on board your yacht.
More info

What is the booking process?
Enjoying SweetDreamers charters is made possible in few easy steps:

Choose a boat
Send us your request to check availability
Confirm the charter
Follow the payment procedure

Typically, upon signing a 30% deposit is required and another 30% is due six months before the charter. The remaining balance is due 40 days before embarkation. If you are booking within six months of the charter start date a 50% deposit is required.

Exact payment terms depend on the yacht you wish to charter. On our website for each yacht shown you will see its payment terms and cancellation conditions. During your Web search you only need to use the scrolling option to read specific information on each individual yacht.

Upon receiving your down payment, email confirmation will promptly be sent to you along with an additional info and doucuments which includes:
  • your receipt
  • information about the cruising area
  • your charter kit
  • your boarding details
  • your marina location
  • your crew list
  • your sailing resume
  • your base information including contact details (address, phone number of the base manager or captain)
  • your suggested itinerary

What is the minimum charter duration?
Short trips are only possible on our crewed yachts (day charter 8 hours or 2 days/1 night). Bareboat yachts require a minimum of 3 to 7 days per excursion.


Do you offer one way charters?
Yes. The absolute minimum duration from one way charter is 10 days. This is achievable by sailing from Thailand to Malaysia (and vice versa) on a one way charter. Clients can pick up the yacht from the base at Phuket and sail one way to the base on Langkawi Island in Malaysia or start in Langkawi and finish in Phuket.

Please contact us for more information.


Can you suggest any itineraries or routes?
There are many possible itineraries and they are available to you online. All you need to do is select a boat and charter duration. Once this is done all suggested itineraries for that specific boat will appear.

You can also contact us and we will be more than happy to discuss your cruising plans with you and make specific recommendations. Why not take advantage of our expertise.


Passport & Visa Requirements 
Unless you are a Thai citizen traveling within Thailand you will need a passport for entry into Thailand. Make sure that your passport is valid for your period of travel in Thailand and for six months after your return.

Country entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is imperative that you check the Embassy or Consulate website for the latest visa requirements before you leave for your holiday. SweetDreamers Co., Ltd. cannot be held accountable for any requirement changes.

Contact us if you need further assistance. It is our pleasure to direct you to the proper authorities.


What happens if the yacht breaks down?
If your yacht encounters a problem and you are unable to continue or take your charter rest assured we will be in Phuket to assist you. We will be there as quickly as possible to resolve your specific issue.

We can either provide you with another yacht or refund you fully. We will not rest until the situation is resolved and you are completely satisfied.


When should I secure my charter?
Once you are sure of your exact charter dates it is best to secure your charter as early as possible. This allows us to book your preferred dates and it also gives you plenty of time to organize all the details of your sailing vacation with very little stress.


What if I have to cancel?
If cancellation is necessary the details of what occurs is outlined in your charter agreement. Trip insurance is recommended for all of our clients. Trip and/or travel insurance will cover your group if cancellation is needed due to unforeseen circumstances. It protects you from any loss of cancellation fees.


How much luggage can we bring?
It is advisable to pack light as stowage space is often limited on charter yachts. We also recommend soft luggage for easier storage while on board.

Some yachts are capable of storing your empty luggage elsewhere once you have unpacked, but on some yachts you will have to keep your luggage in your cabin.

Will my cellphone work in Thailand?
Almost all mobile devices will work in Thailand and the reception is great in and throughout Phuket. Your iPhone and iPad will function properly as well. It should be noted that the roaming and data fees can be very significant.

A cheaper and easier option to consider is buying a SIM card once you are in Thailand. A SIM card can be purchased in many shops for about 50 Thai Baht. Just ask the information center at the airport or your hotel receptionist. When using a SIM card calls are cheap to make and free to receive.

The only thing you have to consider is whether your own mobile phone is deliberately locked. Many phone providers use this trick to make it impossible to use on rival networks. This problem can be resolved by paying a small price at any phone shop in Thailand or you can purchase a new one for around 600 Baht.


Can we smoke while on board?
Smoking is not permitted inside the yachts. However, the majority of yachts for charter will allow you to smoke on the outside deck.


What is the best time of the year to schedule a charter in Phuket?
Anytime is a good time to charter in Thailand! This is due to the how the waters are situated in the Andaman Sea. Let us explain:

The waters off Phuket’s east coast are situated in a protected swath of the Andaman Sea, ensuring excellent and safe sailing whenever you desire. Phuket has a wet and a dry season, which is based on Phuket’s monsoons that influence the weather and wind directions. Thailand’s west coast, the northeast monsoon is referred to as High Season that begins in November and brings light to moderate northeasterly winds between 10 and 20 knots, producing cooler temperatures and drier conditions.

Between May and November the rainy season begins. This is referred to as the Low Season, which brings showers and thunderstorms that last for a few short hours. The rainy season’s peak happens in the months of September and October. Temperatures are slightly higher than the winter months, but the breeze keeps the temperature on the cooler side, especially felt on a boat. Daytime temperatures average 89°F (32°C) from July all the way through February, and 61°F (16°C) at night. It begins to get hotter in March through June. During the low season anchorages can be very quiet with a small number of yachts making it a perfect time to get away from it all.


Should we bring our children?
There are many activities available for children on a charter. Why not play on the beach, go kayaking, snorkeling and even learn how to water-ski. As you can see, there is plenty to keep them occupied while learning at the same time.

Many crewed yachts have scuba instructors who are happy to run scuba courses during your trip. The crew would be more than happy to get involved to help keep the children entertained. It should be noted; although the crew will be happy to engage with your children they cannot take full responsibility for them.

Children who are under the age of 14 must be under the direct supervision of a parent or the children’s guardian.


Transfer from hotel to the yacht
SweetDreamers can arrange transportation for you and your guests for a small extra charge. The exact charge will depend upon your hotel location.


What amount of tipping is appropriate for crew members?
This all depends on the quality of service you receive. We suggest an average of 5 to 10% of the total charter cost for Crewed Yacht Charters and 10-15% of the daily Skipper fee for Bareboat Charter. This is greatly appreciated as the crew works extremely hard to make your trip as memorable as possible.


What payment methods do you accept?
Visa, MasterCard and American Express
Wire transfer
PayPal


What is APA?
The APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) is for luxury yacht charters only and is a sum of money paid by the charterer to the captain of the yacht which allows the crew to provision the yacht before and during the charter excursion. The captain uses this money to pay all expenses in addition to the charter fee during the charter.

Before the charter, you will be asked to fill-in a Preference Sheet. It details all of your preferences such as food, wine list, itinerary and much more. The preference sheet completed by you is used by every member of the crew to organize your charter and make sure all of your needs and desires are met.

The APA usually corresponds to 15 to 30% of the charter fee and is in addition to the charter fee. This advance fee is usually sufficient enough to run a charter. However, if more than the expected amount of fuel is used during the charter the captain may ask you to re-provision the APA account in order to continue the charter. This may also occur if expensive items are requested during your voyage, such as Champagne. At the end of the charter, the captain will provide you with a detailed report that includes all the receipts in order to justify all the expenses made for you. He will refund you if there are any remaining funds or will ask for the balance due on your account.

Deductions from the APA include:
  • fuel for the yacht, tenders and water toys
  • berthing fees
  • customs charges
  • divers' fees where required
  • food and beverages
  • transfers


Yacht etiquette and small reminders
  • Off shore shoes should not be worn onboard. Deck shoes are permitted, but most guests are more comfortable going barefoot.
  • No pet are allowed onboard, unless previously agreed and permitted by the yacht owner.
  • Cruising distances vary according to your preferences and itinerary. We suggest five hours a day of cruising is sufficient. This way you will get the maximum amount of enjoyment out of your holiday.


This information provided is meant to help you understand the yacht charter process, but in no way replaces the personal and individual advice we at SweetDreamers are happy to offer you.

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