We continue to work with a number of Yachting Companies and Charter Agents in the UK and Europe, so for a number of reasons we do not put our week charter prices on the website but our special ‘inclusive’ packages and day charter prices are available. One of the reasons is the varying conversion rate between the £ & €, and another is that we think that by liaising with potential clients individually we can then offer you a better deal.
We aim to be price competitive with companies offering a similar standard of yacht and service on Corfu, but we won’t be beaten on our “inclusive package” of Skipper, Hostess / Crew and Food & Refreshments
We would invite you to either contact us directly for a quotation, or when you have prices from other companies offering a comparable package (have a look at what’s included and isn’t) for us to then discuss matching or bettering that quotation.
If you require further information or a quotation, please go to our Contact Page, where you can either e-mail us direct or telephone us.
Booking a Second Week – Adding a 2nd or further weeks will entitle you to a further £250 off per week.
Don’t leave it too late, and remember flights are also much cheaper the earlier you book.
Contact me now to arrange your Charter.
Our speciality is that when booking with us, you are guaranteed, the yacht you will be on, who the Skipper & Hostess are, and the continued quality Charters we have been providing for over 7 years.
We offer a fully crewed yacht with very competitive inclusive packages, these may or may not have been your initial requirements but are very good reasons why you may choose to book with us.
Most other charter companies charge approx. €150 per day for a Skipper and approx. €110 per day for a Hostess, and you are also responsible for supplying their food and drink on board and to take them out or give them money for their evening meals, you can imagine this would add up.
We on the other hand provide you and our daytime culinary delights and do not expect to be taken out for evening meals every night, but of course we would be more than happy to join you, if invited.
Step 1 – Contact me to make your booking
Please contact me by: E-mail rqueen@sky.com, or alternatively feel free to give me a call on:
Telephone ; UK +44 7770 731 800 Greece +30 6949150093 to discuss your booking;
Step 2 – Confirmation
Confirmation of your booking will be despatched to you within 7 days of receiving your deposit together with an invoice for any balance due for payment 10 weeks prior to your holiday.
Step 3 – What Next
Now you have done the difficult part so you can now start to dream about your sailing holiday.
You may find the information on FAQ’s, Essential Information useful but if you have any other questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
“We look forward to meeting you aboard Icarus for a holiday experience to remember”.
10th Anniversary Offers 2019:
One Week “Inclusive” Crewed Yacht Charters
Last year’s prices + an additional £250 off if booking before end of May 2019
All Drinks included and we will arrange Airport Transfers to and from Gouvia Marina
We still have a couple of weeks early JUNE which is a great time of year, lovely weather, not too hot and of course great sailing weather.
We can take you to the fabulous Island of Paxos, visiting the stunning bay of Lakka, quayside in Gaios and secluded beaches on the island of anti-Paxos which are idyllic at this quieter time of the year.
For comprehensive details, please read the ‘What’s included’ section
on our Sailing Holidays page .
For comprehensive details, please read the
“What’s Included section’ on our Sailing Holidays page
For comprehensive details, please read the
‘Costs & What’s Included’ section on our Day Charters page
For comprehensive details please see the ‘What’s included in your Honeymoon Package’ section on our All inclusive Honeymoon Week Charters page
For comprehensive details please see the ‘Wedding Receptions Aboard Icarus section’ section on our All inclusive Honeymoon Week Charters page
For comprehensive details please see the ‘Engagements, Proposals, Birthdays, Anniversaries or a ‘Special’ Day Out section’ at the bottom of our All inclusive Honeymoon Week Charters page
I have never done any sailing before, is this a problem?
No, this is the main reason for booking a Skippered/Crewed holiday with us . We aim to make our holidays accessible to everyone.
The skipper and crew can sail the yacht, but of course we are always happy for guests to join in as much or as little as they wish. Obviously you do need a certain amount of physical mobility, if anchored you should be able to get in and out of the inflatable dinghy and also cross the gang plank from the yacht to the shore.
I do have some experience in sailing – will I be allowed to sail the yacht?
Yes. we are always happy and encourage our guests to join in, take the helm, trim the sails or any other role on Icarus. You are more than welcome to take as active a part as you like, and as a previously qualified RYA Cruising Instructor I will be happy to guide and assist you while you sail.
What is the weather like in Greece?
The weather in Greece is generally very pleasant and warm. A typical summer day has light winds in the morning, building from around mid-day, ideal for afternoon sailing. The wind usually eases off in the evening.
Typical Temperatures at 12.00 noon are around:
Do I need any special sailing clothes?
During high season the weather is warm day and night and you shouldn’t need anything other than a light jumper.
For those travelling at either end of the season, it is still warm during the day, but cooler at night and long trousers and a fleece or jacket for the evenings is recommended.
Specialist sailing clothing should not be needed – although if you have a lightweight waterproof we would suggest you bring it with you, in case of the occasional shower.
It is advisable to bring a pair of deck shoes or trainers with light coloured non marking soles that will give you grip on the teak decks whilst sailing.
Bed-linen and towels?
We provide all bed-linen, one bath and hand towel per week and we can also supply one beach towel.
Do I need to bring snorkels/fins?
We have a selection of snorkel gear on board, although you can bring your favourite set from home. If you can bring your own goggles though for swimming.
Will I be able to use my hairdryer on board?
Each cabin has a 220v socket which can be used to power a hairdryer when we have shore power. We do have a hairdryer available on board. We also have a 12v hairdryer but they are really not very powerful.
Will I be able to charge my phone and camera on board?
Phones, cameras and most other electronic equipment can be charged on board, using a mains charger if we have shorepower or a 12v car charger specific to your appliance which you should bring with you.
Most restaurants/tavernas that we visit will allow you to charge your appliance whilst eating or drinking there.
Which airport do I need to fly to?
Our nearest airport is Corfu, which is only 15 minutes from Gouvia Marina. Pick ups from other places in the vicinity of our cruising area may be possible. Please contact us for more information.
Can Celebration Charters arrange transfers for me?
We can arrange transfers from and to Corfu airport, using local taxis which is approx 20 euros.
What time can I board the yacht?
Your Yacht embarkation time is normally at 5pm to allow time between charters for cleaning, maintenance and provisioning.
If you arrive earlier you may be able to get onboard during the afternoon if the yacht is ready but unfortunately we are not able to guarantee an early embarkation before 5pm. You will be able to drop your luggage off though and there are plenty of bars and cafes and also a swimming pool within the Marina.
What time must I leave the yacht on the last day?
Guests normally depart at 0900 on Saturday morning or on the arranged day of departure.
Check-out at 0900 allows the crew to clean, prepare and maintain the yacht ready for the new guests.
There are good facilities available within the Marina, including showers and changing rooms, restaurants/bars & swimming pool.
It is extremely rare for people to become seasick on board. The main reason for this is because we have carefully selected our sailing areas for its flat water, minimising the motion of the boat.
If you are concerned it may be worth bringing some over the counter sea sickness remedies, (such as Stugeron), or travel wrist bands (available from most large chemists) for your own peace of mind.
Mobile phone reception is now very good, but on some islands the reception can be a little patchy due to surrounding hills.
How do I pay for my holiday?
Payments to Celebration Charters can be made by bank transfer. We ask for 30% of the total price upon booking and the balance of the cost 10 weeks before commencing your holiday.
How are Celebration Charters US Dollar and Euro rates calculated?
Celebration Charters holidays are priced in Sterling (UK £) or Euros. We will always quote you the exact price at the time whether it’s in £s or Euros.
How much will mooring fees cost?
The charges for the town quays and islands are included in your holiday package, there is only a cost if clients wish to stop at Marinas other than Gouvia, Corfu.
How much will dining out cost me?
As a rough guide, dining out in Greece will cost around €15-20pp for two courses and local wine in a village taverna.
Ordering seafood will increase the cost of a meal, always check if it is fixed or charged by the kilo. Also local wine is very reasonable but bottles of imported wines will increase the cost of a meal substantially.
Will I be able to pay for meals by credit card/are cash machines available?
Most of the restaurants in the islands still prefer to be paid in cash and credit cards are still not widely accepted. We would suggest bringing a reasonable amount of local currency (euros) with you.
Some UK banks charge considerable conversion fees. Cash machines are not widely available in the islands, but we can advise you where ATM’s are.
Luggage
Yachts have limited space for storing large bulk items such as hard-sided suitcases. Please pack everything in soft holdall bags that can be folded up and placed in a locker, please DO NOT bring suitcases.
Footwear
You need to have non marking soles to walk about the yacht, these can be boat shoes or flat footwear with non marking soles. You will also need a pair of shore shoes; these can be anything you like. However, you will be required to remove shoes at the end of the gangway before returning on board as the yacht has teak decks.
Most first-time sailors arrive with far too many clothes and shoes. Dress codes on the islands are casual – for men, shorts and polo shirts are the usual evening wear; for ladies light summer clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, skirts & light summer dresses.
During the day you will be mostly be in swimwear or light cool clothes.
Laundry
Doing laundry is not possible on the yacht, due to limited supply of water.
Keep Hydrated
You should ensure that you drink plenty of water during the day so that you do not become dehydrated.
Alcohol
You should also be careful about drinking too much alcohol during the day as this will dehydrate you quicker, they say that dehydration rates are 5x greater on water than on land.
Sun / Heat
The sun in Greece is very hot and strong during the summer months.
Bring High Sun Factor
The most common complaints are sunburn, insect bites and tummy upsets. Prevention is better than cure:
Ensure you have adequate Holiday Insurance
In booking this holiday you accept that sailing holidays contain an element of risk, and participation in this activity is your decision. Please ensure you have adequate holiday insurance – see full details in booking conditions.
We do not have “children’s netting” aboard the yacht so it may not be suitable for children under the age of 6. We are happy to receive any enquiries relating to this.
There are no age restrictions for Day Charters.
1.1 Your contract is with Celebration Charters. Upon making your initial reservation you are confirming that you have read and accept the following terms and conditions which constitute the contract between you and Celebration Charters
1.2 The terms of these conditions relate to both the Client and Guests.
2.1 After receiving your confirmation please check immediately for any errors. You should notify any errors to Celebration Charters at rqueen@sky.com within 7 days of receipt, or, if the departure date is less than 14 days from the date of issue, within 48 hours. After this period, the booking confirmation is deemed to have been accepted.
2.2 Information on the client and guests is requested and is necessary to obtain navigation permits for your charter, please return this information by email to rqueen@sky.com This information must be provided 28 days prior to departure. Any delays to your charter as a result of incomplete or inaccurate client / guests details are out of our control and no compensation will be paid. The information supplied forms part of the contract between us.
3.1 The full cost of your charter and payment dates is as detailed in your confirmation of booking.
A deposit/reservation fee of £500 or €600 is required to reserve your booking if made over 6 months prior to your departure.
Once your holiday is 6 months from the date of your charter 30% of the cost will be required, less the reservation fee if paid.
The full amount will be required 10 weeks before departure. If the booking is made within 10 weeks of your departure the full amount of your holiday will be due.
If any payment is not made by the date contained in your confirmation of booking the Company reserves the right to cancel the charter and retain any monies paid being the reservation fee and/or deposit. The Company will also have the discretion to charge a 1% per week surcharge for late payments.
3.2 The price will be as detailed in your confirmation of booking and you will not be subject to any subsequently advertised increased or reduced price.
Minor changes to your charter may be possible provided 14 days notice is given. Any requests for changes (i.e. a name change) must be authorised by the Company and may be subject to a £30 administration fee. Any additional guests will be charged for as per the full published prices. It will be for Celebration Charters to determine what a minor change is for this purpose.
If you wish to change the date or duration of your charter, after making a reservation or booking, we will do what we can to accommodate you and your guests, however, changes may not be possible. The cost of any changes will be the additional charter cost (if any), based on the full published prices and may also be subject to a 2% administration fee.
If you need to cancel your charter for any reason charges will be incurred as detailed below:
All requests for changes must be notified to Celebration Charters by email to rqueen@sky.com
5.1 We reserve the right to make changes, or cancel your charter – this would only be in unforeseen and unusual circumstance beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care is exercised. This could be caused by riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, natural disasters, fire, acute medical problems, accident or adverse weather conditions. Please note that this list is not exhaustive.
5.2 Changes would be notified as soon as possible. Major changes could include
5.3 If we have to make a major change to your charter, you are entitled to either accept our offer of a replacement or accept a full refund of the money you have paid. For this purpose, “replacement” would mean an alternative date and/or alternative yacht at the discretion of the Company.
5.4 Celebration Charters Ltd. may compensate clients if a yacht is totally disabled during the charter, for more than 48 hours, through no fault of the clients’ (excepting cases due to Force Majuro). (see 5.5 and 5.6) The level of compensation will be at the total discretion of the Company and depend on the circumstances and impact on the charter. The Company will make every effort to limit the likelihood of this eventuality.
5.5 Celebration Charters Ltd. retains the right to substitute another yacht of similar dimensions if the yacht is disabled at any time during the charter. In which case no compensation will be payable.
5.6 Minor changes may be required to your charter and if significant these will be notified to you as soon as possible. Whilst Celebration Charters Ltd will make every effort to limit these changes and/or offer alternatives no compensation will be payable unless they relate to the unavailability of a specifically costed option e.g. use of cruising chute. In which case compensation will be calculated, and paid, based on the cost of the option and the duration of time it is unavailable on a pro-rota basis.
5.7 If changes are required to the itinerary as a result of weather conditions there will be no claim against the Company. These changes will be at the total discretion of the Skipper having full regard for the safety of those on board and the yacht.
5.8 Celebration Charters Ltd will make every effort to accommodate any specific dietary requirements but they may be limited to the availability of food in the cruising area.
6.1 The Skipper will have regard to the safety of the vessel, the crew and guests at all times. It may be necessary to change the itinerary in the interests of safety and the skipper will have full authority to decide this and also decide if any journey being made will be under power or sail. The company will not be liable for illness, accidents or personal injury during the charter.
6.2 The Skipper will have full authority to determine the use of any auxiliary equipment as NOT safe.
6.3 Parents/guardians are responsible for looking after children under the age of 18 at all times. This includes ensuring they wear any appropriate safety equipment at all times.
6.4 If any client causes damage to the yacht, auxiliary items (e.g. dinghy) or equipment as a result of their neglect, irresponsible behaviour or actions taken against the advice of the skipper or crew, they will be responsible for the full cost of repair and any associated costs and any loss of revenue by the Company.
6.5 Whilst on your charter if you or any guest refuses to comply with any instructions of the skipper or crew, relating to safety, we reserve the right in our absolute discretion to terminate without further notice the charter. Upon termination our responsibility to that guest ceases and we shall not be liable for any further costs incurred by the guest. Any residual charter period or payments made will be forfeited.
6.6 Any guests not forming part of the booked party will not be allowed to board the yacht without the prior permission of the Skipper.
7.1 It is a requirement that all guests have current personal holiday travel insurance to cover a sailing holiday and any other activities that may be undertaken including adequate accident and health insurance cover for the duration of the charter. It is advisable that this includes appropriate cancellation cover and it is taken out at the time of making the initial reservation to ensure all guests are covered for cancellations.
7.2 The Company will require evidence of all guests’ insurance cover prior to boarding the yacht.
7.3 Celebration Charters Ltd. has all the necessary third party and public liability insurance underwritten by Lloyds, London.
8.1 The Company will strive to ensure that you have a positive charter experience. In the event that you have a complaint this should be raised the same day to the skipper or crew member so it can be resolved whilst you are on board.
Failure to raise any matters immediately will affect any claim for compensation. If you are still not satisfied you should write to the Company within fourteen days of the last day of the charter. The Company will not consider complaints sent after the fourteen day time limit.
9.1 As at April 2010, no vaccinations are required for British Citizens visiting Greece. All guests are however responsible for ensuring they have any required vaccinations as Celebration Charters Ltd will not be liable for any resultant costs or loss of charter.
For up-to-date information you can visit UK Foreign & Commonwealth Officeor call the British Foreign Advice helpline.
9.2 We would recommend that you carry your EHIC card (previously E111) whilst travelling in Greece and the EU if you are a European resident. You can find a link in the Essential Information section of our website if you require an EHIC card (free).
