Festiva Sailing...what to do?

Connie · Post by **Connie** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 7:34 pm

Our 35th is coming up in June 2011. We have thought about doing a Festiva Sailing vacation. I got the price today and it will probably be about 6,000.00 per couple.

Although it sounds like a great time. It sounds a little pricey.

I have some concerns.

-Whether I can sleep on a catamaran. The small space, being underneath a boat sleeping.

-I like my feet on the ground and the ability to go where we want to go when we want.

-I know we can to a great trip much cheaper then Festiva.

We've always wanted to do this, but I just can't seem to make the leap. I keep on thinking about what we can do with that money, including day trips to other Isands.

What to do...I need help.

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 10:16 am

I am of no help as your reasons are the same things I remind myself of each time I get the "charter boat" bug.

LysaC · Post by **LysaC** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:07 am

After reading Vicki's sailing TR, I'm all set with sleeping in a sailboat coffin-like bed bunk.

Several times she mentioned trying to sit up in bed and hitting her head and being hot and cold and stuffy and sweaty cuz they depended on a teeny tiny window for ventilation and... good lord the claustrophobia is coming on.

Seriously, sounds like you wouldn't have a good time if you are already stressing about some very basics of sailing- you are on water, you sleep in a tiny bunk, you can't step off the boat onto dryland whenever you want to, it costs a lot.

XOXO · Post by **XOXO** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 11:13 am

PA Girl wrote:I am of no help as your reasons are the same things I remind myself of each time I get the "charter boat" bug.

Connie, I have looked into it too and I can't bite the bullet either. . . . as wonderful as it no doubt would be, we can go to all of those places on day trips and save a lot of money.

Maybe that is cheap on my part? I don't know but 6K is a lot of money and we can have a great time with half or even a third of that budget staying on land.

Gina

2muchsnow · Post by **2muchsnow** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 12:28 pm

I too looked into it, but since the DW is prone to sea sickness, it doesn't look likely. But now it appears that I am on the list they send screaming deals to. So you might be able to snag it for less than 6k.

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 1:48 pm

LysaC wrote:After reading Vicki's sailing TR, I'm all set with sleeping in a sailboat coffin-like bed bunk.

Yes, VickiH and Gromit got me surfing the charter sites again.

And then I recognize my weaknesses - small beds and low ceilings being just one of many ways I am too much of a spoiled sissy to enjoy myself.

Marcia (Mrs. Pete) · Post by **Marcia (Mrs. Pete)** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 3:54 pm

Connie, what is your motivation for wanting to do this? You said: "We've always wanted to do this" but, why? So far, it sounds like something you would absolutely hate. What's the upside to this, for you...maybe that will help us all, help you.

Connie · Post by **Connie** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 4:51 pm

The motivation is just doing something different.

It's just trying to make a decision on what we're going to do. We always like to plan at least a year in advance, so that's why we've been thinking about it.

We're going back and forth about this. When I got a quote of 5000.00, plus what airfare could cost and the tip, it would probably be over 6000.00. After thinking about it, I think it's just way too much.

Then I think, I love being on an Island where we can get in a jeep and go wherever we want is just "us". How many places can you go where you can do that?

I guess I'm trying to find the perfec thing to do for our 35th.

I need some help?

XOXO · Post by **XOXO** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 5:38 pm

Oh! I missed that this is for your 35th! Congratulations!!!

I can't help but I bet there are many here who will have good advice that will help you. I admit--knowing that it is for your 35th changes things for me.

Gina

Connie · Post by **Connie** » Tue Feb 23, 2010 7:25 pm

Thanks XO. Actually we've been together for 40 years. High School Sweethearts, grew up in the same small town and we're best friends.

I'm usually the one that plans vacations. Our 25th was getting re-married in Grand Cayman on the Beach. Our 30th was a trip to STT and STJ.

I love STT and STJ so much, but do I want to go somewhere different? I have no idea.

Do I like AI's? I like Jamaica, but I love having a jeep to get around. How many places can you do that?

I don't like flat land. I love the mountains.

My great Aunt always wanted to take me to STT, but she passed away before she could do that. That's why I always wanted to go to the USVI's and I found my place. I love it there.

Any other suggestions?

b-as-u-r · Post by **b-as-u-r** » Sat Feb 27, 2010 10:24 pm

Connie, I say go for it. You won't know if you love it unless you try it. My husband and I took some sailing lessons 2 years ago and then chartered a catamaran out of STT this past December and we just booked another sailing trip for April. It's so awesome to just be out on the water. I have to say, there were times we actually forced ourself to get off the boat. We were very content just sailing to various islands every day and then hanging on the boat, snorkeling off the back of the boat, dinner on the boat and then sitting on the trampoline and watching the stars. We did enjoy one dinner on Cooper Island on the beach and another at Sydneys on Jost with other boaters. Yes, the sleeping quarters are a bit tight and the mattresses aren't that great but really you spend so little time in your room. There's windows here and there, so it's not all that stuffy. The only bad part is when it rains and you have to close the hatch. The rain usually passes quickly though. The showering, or lack thereof, takes a little getting used to too, but how quickly you get lost in the moment and forget about the comforts. True, it's a little pricier but you're always going to wonder unless you give it a try. Hey you never know, you may just love it and be bareboating on your own in the future. Ali~

XOXO · Post by **XOXO** » Sun Feb 28, 2010 1:25 am

Connie, have you decided on anything?? B-as-u-r you really have made it sound wonderful!

It looks like you really went big for your 25th and 30th--you planned great trips! Knowing that this is for your 35th I take back everything I said in my first post on this thread. I really really really think that you should go for it. I really can't imagine anything else that will compare.

After you book it forget about the money and enjoy planning!!

Gina

loria · Post by **loria** » Sun Feb 28, 2010 11:56 am

is it the space that is detering you? if so, have you considered a different type of boat? if your heart isn't set on sailing (which it might be) then you could look into renting something like a Hatteras that might provide more space for you.

jayseadee · Post by **jayseadee** » Sun Feb 28, 2010 12:12 pm

HI,

Check into some private charters.

My husband is a sailor, but I don't equate cooking and sailing with a restful vacation, so we've gone on private charters with a captain and gourmet chef (owner couple). It allows my husband to partake in as much of the sailing/navigation as he wants and it lets me chill. They wait on us hand and foot - all food, beverages, moorings, housekeeping etc. are included.

We're booked on a 50' Morgan in April (we've sailed with them before) for our 20th anniversary. It was renovated so there is a berth for the owners and a berth for us. Price wise, they run about the same as you're looking at with Festiva.

Worth every penny in our book. The best AI vacation you'll ever take.

XOXO · Post by **XOXO** » Sun Feb 28, 2010 8:25 pm

Congratulations Janet!! I think that will be a great way to celebrate your 20th!

Gina

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