Fort Lauderdale has often been referred to as the Venice of the Americas and one of the major Yachting Capitals of the world. The South Florida Yacht Charter industry has drawn millions of dollars of revenue into the region’s economy from the creation of marine industry jobs, a world renowned boat show, and increased tourism.

For vacationers who haven’t fully discovered the benefits between a cruise vacation and a private yacht charter, the cuisine is definitely one of the major differences. While most cruise ships host all you can eat buffets and stringent meal times often compared to a cattle call, the relaxed structure of a personalized yacht itinerary totally justifies the marginal expense differences. With a fully crewed private yacht charter, guests are able to enjoy their own personal chef who prepares exotic gourmet cuisine tailored to their guests’ tastes.

The British Virgin Islands are one of the most popular yachting destinations in the world. The ideal weather from December through May, influences most charterers to choose a sailing yacht for their versatility. Voyage Yacht Charters recently added their Caribbean Sailing fleet to eYachtCharter.com’s luxury yachting directory. Voyage is one of the BVI’s leading charter brokers and has a fleet that will meet the most discerning sailor’s expectations.

Well, back in my January blog about Customs and Immigration in different countries, I said you need to pack your patience...and my trip to Mexico last week proved that I wasn't kidding.

While the group of islands located just south of Cuba has been prone to serious tropical storms and hurricanes, the destructive 2005-hurricane season, Ivan in particular, almost swept the Cayman Islands off of the map. The Caymans’ notoriety as one of the world's leading offshore financial centres has helped bring the economy back to life.

What is a Caribbean Vacation without a few cocktails and some adventure? While cruising on a BVI Yacht Charter offers some of the finest luxuries any vacation can offer, it never hurts to go ashore for some mingling with locals and a little libation. Here is a list of some of some of the best beach bars in the British Virgin Islands. Land HO!!!
ANEGADA

If it’s the first time you’ve traveled on a Bahamas Yacht Charter or you haven’t chartered within the last five years than you may want to know that a few of the customs rules have changed. Whether you are traveling by yacht or car outside of the United States you will need to present additional paperwork when returning from nearby countries.

The December, 2007 issue of South Florida CEO, The Business Magazine of Miami-Dade, Broward and the Palm Beaches, featured an article about Merrill-Stevens' Miami River expansion and the future growth of the company. Merrill-Stevens CEO Fred Kirtland was interviewed for this article written by Jennifer LeClaire.
The Miami-Dade County Commission recently approved plans for a $55 Million expansion of Merrill Stevens Boat Yard that will facilitate yacht re-fits and repairs for luxury mega-yachts.

You are deplaning after a long flight, eager to get to your hotel and your complimentary rum punch when wham…you run into a huge mass in customs and immigration. You’re not going anywhere soon. Sound familiar? While the requiring of US Passports (instead of the birth certificate and drivers license of old) seems to have helped speed things up, if you travel often enough, it is inevitable you will run into a mess somewhere.

I am by no means an expert on getting married in the Caribbean, but since I’ve been married there (twice), I do have some thoughts on the subject.