6 min read · USVI Term Charters · Updated Jun 8, 2026
If you've ever searched for a Caribbean vacation that isn't a cruise ship and isn't a resort, you've probably come across the words "term charter." It's the industry shorthand for the most personal way to experience the islands: a multi-night, fully-crewed yacht charter where the boat, the crew, the chef, and the itinerary all belong to you for the length of your stay.
The simplest definition
A term charter is a private booking of a yacht — usually a sailing catamaran in the Virgin Islands — for a set number of nights, typically four to seven. The boat is yours, the crew is yours, and the route bends to the trip you actually want to take. There are no other guests aboard. There is no shared schedule. The captain plans the sailing around the weather and the things you said you wanted to see.
What's included
On a fully-crewed term charter aboard Stella Blue, your rate covers the yacht itself, captain and chef, all meals prepared onboard, a stocked bar within your preferences, fuel for the standard sailing area, water sports gear (snorkels, paddleboards, floats), bed linens and towels, and the day-to-day planning. You arrive with a duffel and good intentions; everything else is handled.
Why people choose this over a resort
Resorts are stationary. A term charter lets you wake up at a quiet cay, snorkel before breakfast, sail to lunch at a floating taco stand, and end the day anchored under a sky with no light pollution. You see five or six anchorages in a week instead of one beach. And the experience is private — no buffet lines, no resort schedule, no neighbors in the next chair.
Who it's for
Couples celebrating something. Small families who want one shared experience instead of split activities. Two couples traveling together. Friends booking a milestone trip. The boat sleeps up to six guests comfortably, which keeps the experience intimate and the crew attentive.
How to start
Reach out with your dates, group size, and any preferences (celebrations, dietary needs, sailing experience). We'll come back with availability, a sample itinerary, and pricing — and we'll spend as much time on the planning call as you need.
Frequently asked
Common questions from guests
How long is a typical term charter?
Most term charters in the USVI run 4 to 7 nights. Shorter than four nights and you spend most of the trip on the bookend logistics; longer than seven and you've usually circled back through the best anchorages.
Is a term charter the same as a bareboat charter?
No. A bareboat charter means you skipper the boat yourself. A term charter aboard Stella Blue is fully crewed — there is a captain and chef onboard, and you don't need any sailing experience.
What's included in the rate?
The yacht, captain and chef, all meals prepared onboard, a stocked bar built around your preferences, fuel for the standard sailing area, water-sports gear (snorkels, paddleboards, floats), bed linens and towels, and the day-to-day planning.
How many people does the boat sleep?
Stella Blue sleeps up to six guests comfortably. Smaller groups (couples, two couples, a small family) are the most common configuration.
Keep reading
USVI Term Charters
USVI Term Charter Guide: What to Expect Aboard a Crewed Catamaran
From boarding to disembarking — a day-by-day look at what life looks like on a Virgin Islands term charter.
St. John Boat Trips
St. John Boat Trips vs. Multi-Night Term Charters: Which Is Right for You?
Half-day, full-day, or multi-night? A clear comparison to help you choose the right Virgin Islands experience.
USVI Term Charters
The Complete Guide to Chartering a Catamaran in the US Virgin Islands
Crewed vs. bareboat, day vs. term, cost, timing, the booking process, and the questions you'll wish you'd asked — a captain's full walk-through.