Yacht charters in America: Which airlines offer pre-flight Covid-19 testing?
Airlines across the United States are making it safer and easier to return to life as normal and to charter in the Caribbean & Bahamas this winter season by offering testing for Covid-19 with a turn-around of less than 72 hours.
Health companies have paired with airlines to ensure that travellers can take an FDA-approved test at home (mail-in kits) or in-person (rapid testing at approved airports) and receive the result before making the flight, clearing fellow passengers as well.
A luxury yacht charter provides a way to visit incredible remote beaches, snorkel and dive sites, and just enjoy life in the sunshine without ever having to set foot in the cities or mingle with other holidaymakers: Supplies can be delivered to the docks so that crew can maintain the yacht’s social distancing bubble, keeping vulnerable guests safe throughout the trip.
Find out which tests are available for the various airlines and their current costs, and be sure to get the correct test for the country or countries you intend to visit.
United*
https://www.united.com/en/us
United was the first airline to introduce testing and passengers hoping to fly to Hawaii can now take a test at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with email confirmation received a week beforehand.
Test: Rapid tests administered in-person by SFO, or Drive-up testing by booked appointment
Cost/Results Turnaround: $250/15 minutes approx., or $110/20-30 minutes approx.
Rapid tests at SFO, administered by GoHealth, cost $250, and results take about 15 minutes. Drive-up testing at a United facility near the airport, meanwhile, takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs $110. Travellers with a direct flight from San Francisco to Hawaii who want to secure testing should receive an email from United one week before their scheduled flight, or they can call United directly.
American Airlines*
https://www.aa.com/
LetsGetChecked and CareNow are providing Covid-19 testing to Hawaii, Costa Rica and the Caribbean. A video call with a medical professional at LetsGetChecked allows charter guests to complete the test at home, and the group should order their kits at least five working days beforehand, and add another hour onto their check-in time.
In-person testing is only available in the Dallas-Fort Worth area within 72 hours of departure.
Test: At-home (LetsGetChecked), or In-person (CareNow) at facility/airport
Cost/Results Turnaround: $129/48 hours, or $150 (clinic) $249 (airport)/72 hours maximum
Hawaiian Airlines*
https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/
Hawaiian Airlines is providing two testing possibilities – a health-care professional monitored at-home test from Vault Health or a drive-through option with a more expensive same-day service at the Los Angeles and San Francisco airports.
Test: At-home, or Drive-through
Cost/Results Turnaround: $150/24 hours (within reaching lab), or $90 ($150 premium)/36 hours
Hawaiian Airlines is offering two testing options for its passengers beginning Thursday.
Drive-through appointments at the San Francisco and Los Angeles international airports guarantee a result within 36 hours and cost $90, with a $150 “premium day-of-travel” option also available. At-home mail-in saliva collection kits by Vault Health (also $150) include prepaid shipping and guarantee results within 24 hours of a kit’s arrival at a lab. That process is monitored by a health-care professional via Zoom.
JetBlue*
https://www.jetblue.com/
JetBlue has also partnered with Vault Health to provide at-home tests with results within 72 hours at the most. These tests can be ordered on the Vault Health website.
Test: At-home
Cost/Results Turnaround: $143/72 hours maximum
Get inspiration for your own Caribbean charter winter getaway in destinations such as the US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
*IMPORTANT!
Please, check for the latest Coronaviru/Covid-19 pandemic-related requirements and updates with the airlines and destinations directly before your departure, as conditions and rules change frequently.
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Unforgettable Maldives charters with luxury cruise yacht RITRELLA for large groups
Head to the Maldives luxury yacht charter grounds for your second summer and relish the ability to roam far and wide with luxury yacht RITRELLA.
Luxury yacht RITRELLA is designed for indulgence in paradise, and after hours of walking along white sand shores in remote archipelagos, or swimming with manta rays over thriving, diverse reefs, the onboard spa massage services will remove tension and ease overworked muscles for an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
Life outdoors is particularly celebrated and guests have an abundance of outdoor space to stretch out and relax with a good book in the shade, or soak up the sunshine and admire the views from the foredeck saltwater spa pool and sunbeds.
There is a great variety of water toys to get guests out among open waters and impressive reefs such as Anemone Thila and Maaya Thila, where octopi roam. The collection consists of:
- 1 x Yamaha 3-seater jet ski
- 2 x canoes
- 2 x paddleboards
- 1 x dinghy
- surfing kit
- fishing gear
- snorkelling equipment, and
- Scuba diving equipment
To fill the evenings, there are plenty of board games, a cinema setup and a DJ station to party the night away under the stars.
The accommodation sleeps up to 50 adult guests across 25 en-suite cabins: 1 honeymoon suite, 3 deluxe suites, 4 deluxe rooms, 2 superior rooms, 6 superior rooms and 9 standard rooms.
Make luxury yacht RITRELLA yours in the Maldives this winter season and celebrate the New Year with cocktails as colourful as the reef fish.
MORE INFO ON RATES AND AVAILABILITY FOR RITRELLA
Elegant 52m luxury superyacht ANTHEA debuts on Croatia charter market
52m/170.7ft luxury yacht ANTHEA from Radez has joined the beautiful Mediterranean charter grounds in Croatia. Capable of hosting up to 60 guests at dockside events and 20 guests overnight while cruising, she is a great choice for birthdays, event charters and New Year celebrations.
Built in 2020, superyacht ANTHEA is designed for modern charters and boasts an abundance of outdoor space for parties, dining and outdoor living in the sunshine or moonlight. The sundeck has a desirable large Jacuzzi surrounded by sunbeds – the perfect place to nap after a delicious lunch prepared by your own expert chef on board.
Guests looking for a tranquil space to pass the time in reading or conversation have plenty of plush seating on the sheltered upper deck, where couples and smaller groups can sit back and take in the views of favourite charter regions such as Istria, Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast.
Inside, the pristine white surroundings have a laid-back beach club vibe with an upper deck salon that has a bar and piano for hours of entertainment. When guests aren’t playing games on golden sand beaches or sunbathing on the sun loungers, they can watch a film on the projector or savour some time to themselves in the spacious guest accommodation.
M/Y ANTHEA comes with a great collection of water toys to explore along the beautiful coastlines and crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, including:
- 2 x jet skis
- 1 x Seabob F5
- 20 x inflatable canoes
- 6 x Stand-up paddleboards
- 2 x wakeboards
- water skis (adult and child sizes)
- snorkelling equipment, and
- inflatable and towable toys
Even while in transit guests can keep fit with the onboard gym equipment.
The accommodation sleeps up to 20 guests in 10 equally-sized double en-suite cabins placed across the decks. Four of the en-suite cabins are convertible to twins to suit the group composition.
View more images of the wonderful luxury yacht ANTHEA, or learn more about the magnificent destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean charter grounds.
MORE ABOUT CHARTERS WITH ANTHEA & HER RATES
Below Deck Series: Aboard luxury yacht My Seanna – Seasons Six and Eight
Luxury yacht MY SEANNA from Delta Marine is the largest motor yacht to feature in the original Below Deck series, and gave viewers their first look at Tahiti and the wider French Polynesian charter grounds. Season Six was full of high-tension moments with a crewmate overboard, feuds and a firing, while above deck guests indulged in the on board amenities surrounded by paradise.
The Interiors
The lavish interiors from Las Olas Design and Glade Johnson Studio are classic in styling, and a wine cellar and Gran Tour player piano enhance the already rich atmosphere for corporate yacht charters, birthdays, honeymoons and other special celebrations. High quality wooden panelling and furniture is complemented by fittings brushed in 22-carat gold for truly opulent dining and lounging, while the beach club has a more laid-back atmosphere for resting beside the water.
Guests can follow up lively social events and days spent in the sunshine with a couple of hours of comfort in the air conditioned lounge that converts into a cinema, resting weary feet and winding down before a full night’s rest.
The Exteriors
The champagne-coloured hull of motor yacht MY SEANNA was originally only 48.8m/160ft but was extended to 56.4m/185ft during a refit from 2013 to 2014. The exterior styling from Glade Johnson Design is contemporary and suited to the outdoor lifestyle, offering numerous sunbathing and lounging areas, shaded alfresco dining areas on the sun deck and main deck aft, a large Jacuzzi and a helipad for the convenience of guests coming and going during the charter. At night, the sundeck aft becomes an outdoor cinema where guests can watch a film from the Jacuzzi, sofa or sun loungers with crew providing snacks and refreshments on demand.
Guests who want to remain active while cruising or at anchor have a dance floor and outdoor gym to work up a sweat and work off some of the delectable meals created by the talented on board chef.
The Accommodation
The accommodation sleeps up to 12 guests over 6 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite, 3 VIP staterooms and 2 twin cabins.
The Master suite on the main deck forward is a spacious environment with its own office, lounge and TV entertainment for working and resting in peace away from the main group. The his-and-hers en-suite bathrooms are joined by a shower and spa pool in the centre for the option to get-up-and-go or wallow at the end of an action-packed day.
The primary VIP stateroom on the bridge deck has excellent privacy away from the other guest cabins, and the 180 degree forward views make this a highly coveted cabin. The occupants also have a lounger setting and TV entertainment, plus an aft bathroom and access to the sundeck gym, Jacuzzi and sunbeds.
Two remaining VIP staterooms and twin cabins are placed on the lower deck, and these spacious rooms also come with TV entertainment and their own en-suite bathrooms for complete privacy.
There is a crew of 12 on board for excellent service while maintaining privacy.
The Water Toys
- Superyacht MY SEANNA has a large collection of water toys designed for high-speed thrills and sedate days lounging on the water. The collection includes:
- 2 x Yamaha VX110 Waverunners (3 person)
- 2 x inflatable 2-person kayaks
- 2 x inflatable paddleboards
- 2 x wakeboards
- 1 x custom waterslide
- water skis (including monoskis and adult and child sets)
- fishing gear
- snorkelling equipment, and
- inflatable and towable toys
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MY SEANNA
20% discount on Mediterranean charter with motor yacht IPANEMAS
End the Mediterranean summer season with a 20% discount aboard the 45m Tecnomar motor yacht IPANEMAS throughout October. Launched in 2012 and refitted in 2019, the vessel has 6 cabins, for up to 12 charter guests and a total crew of 9.
Featuring a light and airy interior décor, there are 2 lounges, comprising an open plan main deck salon and formal dining, and upper sky lounge, offering an additional comfortable seating arrangement, casual table and cocktail bar. Throughout the soft furnishings are neutral, while a combination of timeless woods complement the spaces.
The master stateroom is situated on the upper deck forward, while the lower deck has a VIP suite, 2 queen and 2 twin cabins. M/Y IPANEMAS has plenty of outdoor living laid over 3 levels.
Her shaded main deck is ideal for gathering, with a well-suited exterior lounge. The upper aft deck provides alfresco dining and a further sitting area. Head up to the sundeck and enjoy dining, sunning and relaxing in the jacuzzi.
Highlights
- Timeless interior finish
- On deck master cabin
- 2 alfresco dining options
- Array of water toys
- Jacuzzi
- Gym gear
- Zero speed stabilizers
- Wifi
Refitted luxury yacht Katia accepting Mediterranean charters
The beautiful modern 40m/131.3ft luxury yacht KATIA (ex.K) has finished an extensive refit that has personalised her for her new owner, and she will be available for charter in the Mediterranean in 2021.
Built by Palumbo Yachts with an interior from renowned Italian design studio Hot Lab, she already has all the ingredients for successful parties in the Mediterranean sunshine, the eve before you take into account her marvellous foredeck Jacuzzi and sunbathing areas, along with lounges on the main deck aft and down in the beach club.
The light-suffused interiors have a pale earth-toned colour scheme that makes a warm and welcoming environment for charter guests of all ages. The main salon will likely be the first and last place where the whole group gathers together, planning the day over breakfast at the table before resting weary bodies on the sumptuous sofa, watching a film at the end of the day.
There is room for plenty of water toys on board, and the current selection includes a Yamaha jet ski, Seabob and two-person towable toy.
The versatile accommodation can sleep up to 11 guests in 5 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite, 1 full-beam VIP stateroom that converts into 2 doubles, and 2 twin cabins with one fitted with a Pullman berth.
Secure your dates aboard superyacht KATIA in time for a sensational summer season in the Mediterranean.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT KATIA
36m motor yacht KOKORO hits water at Moonen
The Dutch shipyard Moonen has launched its latest build, the 36m luxury motor yacht KOKORO. KOKORO, meaning ‘heart’ in Japanese, is the perfect name for this vessel with naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design in collaboration with René van der Velden who also created her exterior styling. Studio Indigo created her bespoke interiors that accommodate up to 12 guests in 7 beautifully-appointed staterooms.
Some of the main features of this vessel include a fabulous sun deck with a wet bar to port and a shaded hardtop. In addition, there is a large curving sofa as well as sun loungers to completely relax. A number of dining options add to the complete comfort onboard, with alfresco dining being fabulous for morning coffee or sunset dinners.
The main deck hosts the spacious full-beam master suite with a private ensuite bathroom and a Jacuzzi hot tub. Additional guests suites are located on the lower deck and guest will be served by a professional and skilled crew of seven.
VIEW MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KOKORO HERE.
Sanlorenzo luxury yacht Mon Chateau new to charter in Florida and Bahamas
Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo launched 26.82m/88ft luxury yacht MON CHATEAU earlier this year, and now she’s available for Florida and Bahamas charters over the winter season.
From the moment guests step inside the connection to the outside environment is apparent: The main deck salon boasts a massive floor-to-ceiling window on both sides of the room, flooding the interior with natural light that is further enhanced by the clean and crisp white colour scheme.
Charter guests can start the day with a meal in the forward dining area before spending the morning and afternoon exploring the fantastic beaches and island trails of the Bahamas, snorkelling over colourful reefs with turtle, dolphin and ray encounters all possible. The swim platform and foredeck are both desirable places to spend a lazy afternoon lying back and taking in the surroundings, while the flybridge sets the ambiance for afternoon dining or an evening soiree. As the day draws to a close, families can wind down with a film in the salon before heading to bed.
M/Y MON CHATEAU is designed for up to 12 guests while cruising, and the overnight accommodation sleeps up to 8 guests across 4 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite, 1 VIP stateroom and 2 twin cabins that are convertible to doubles. Guests will be taken care of by the professional crew of 3, who each have years of experience in the luxury yachting industry.
There is a great collection of water toys on board ideal for the clear shallow waters of destinations such as Long Island and the Abacos:
- 1 x Yamaha Waverunner
- 2 x inflatable kayaks
- 2 x inflatable paddle boards
- snorkelling equipment, and
- inflatable and towable toys
See more images of luxury yacht MON CHATEAU and get inspiration for your own winter charter.
MORE ABOUT MON CHATEAU
Charter motor yacht Valere in the Virgin Islands and Leeward Islands
The 25.6m/84ft luxury yacht VALERE (ex.BELLA STELLA) from Azimut is cruising the Virgin Islands and Leeward Islands charter grounds this winter, offering her guests impeccable style, plenty of space and an intimate environment for birthday celebrations, honeymoons and festivities into 2021.
M/Y VALERE has been kept in tip-top condition through regular maintenance, and one of her latest additions is a hot tub for guests to savour starry night skies in complete peace and comfort. From the flybridge to the swim platform there are plenty of spaces onboard to sunbathe or dine alfresco, allowing the group to split up for separate conversations or personal time for reading and hobbies.
Inside, the timeless environment combines striated wooden panelling with cream and white furnishings for a homely environment, and the bar connected to the galley has an excellent selection of spirits to complement a meal at the table or for drinks while watching the latest blockbusters or sports on the widescreen TV.
The accommodation provides for 8-9 guests over 4 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite and 3 double cabins. One of the double cabins can be converted to two twins and also comes with a Pullman berth suitable for a child.
There is a great selection of water toys for exploring the USVIs or the untouched beaches amongst Antigua and Barbuda – contact CharterWorld for more information.
Take a look at more images of luxury yacht VALERE for your own winter Caribbean yacht charter inspiration.