FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Do
I need a license or certification to operate the houseboat myself?
How do I make a reservation?
How many people can I have on
board?
How much will fuel cost?
Can I hire a Captain to drive the boat?
What other expenses will there be?
Can I bring
my pet?
Can I bring my hairdryer, curling iron, blender,
etc…?
What means of communication is provided?
What should we to do in case of bad weather?
What is the Cancellation Policy?
Do I need
a license or certification to operate the houseboat myself?
The renter must be a responsible adult, 25 years or older with a valid drivers
license. We will provide hands-on training that includes instruction on the houseboat's
operating systems in addition to navigation and maneuvering.
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How
do I make a reservation?
Call or email Paradise Vacations to check on availability of a houseboat you wish to charter. A $1000
security deposit check is required for each houseboat reservation. Payment in
full is due upon arrival to the departure date. Upon receiving your deposit,
you will be mailed a Reservation Confirmation, a Paradise Vacations Cruising
Guide, a Definition of a Bareboat Charter, a Charter Agreement, a Skipper Resume,
a Crew Manifest and an Emergency Contact form.
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How many people can
I have on board?
We will inform you of a
houseboat's capacity when you make your reservation, and no more than this number
can ever be on board. This is a U. S. Coast Guard law and they do patrol the cruising
area.
[back to top] How
much will fuel cost?
That depends on how much cruising you do. An average
amount to budget for fuel would be $35-45 per day. Your houseboat will have plenty
of fuel when you leave the dock so you will not have to refuel during your vacation.
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Can
I hire a Captain to drive the boat?
Yes, we would be happy to provide
you with the names of Captains if you would like to hire one at your expense.
[back to top] What
other expenses will there be?
Sales tax in Lee County, Florida is 6%
and general running expenses may include fuel/egnerator usage fees, dockage fees if you stay overnight
at a marina, and daily fees if you hire a captain. It is also appropriate to offer
a tip (up to $5, depending on their effort) to a marina employee who helps you
secure your lines as you bring your boat into a slip.
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Can
I bring my pet?
Life on a boat can be difficult for a pet, primarily
due to their own physical needs. Because you may not be near shore as those needs
arrive, prior approval is required.
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Can
I bring my hairdryer, curling iron, blender, etc…?
Yes, our houseboats
are all equipped with 110-volt power and have generators. As a courtesy to fellow
boaters, we encourage you to turn the generator off by 11PM.
[back
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means of communication is provided?
Our boats are equipped with marine
radios to be used for talking to other boats and marinas. Instructions for their
use will be provided during your orientation. All marinas have coin operated telephones,
and cellular coverage is available throughout the cruising area for personal use.
[back to top] What
should we to do in case of bad weather?
Depending on the time of year,
Florida weather can be variable. Each skipper and crew member must maintain a
close weather watch and always allow sufficient time to reach a secure harbor
before any storm arrives. If severe weather is forecast, you must adjust your
travel itinerary according to the circumstances.
[back
to top] What
is the Cancellation Policy?
You may cancel your reservation at any
time subject to the following guidelines:
If Paradise Vacations can rebook
the boat for the same period of time, you will receive a full refund less a $500
cancellation fee.
If we are unable to rebook the houseboat for the same period
of time and you cancel more than 30 days prior to the departure date, you will
forfeit your $1000 deposit.
If we are unable to rebook the houseboat for
the same period of time and you cancel within 30 days of your departure date,
you will forfeit the entire charter.
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