Charter Smarter Newsletter | March 27, 2025
Inside Ocean Vibes: Where the Crew Feels Like Family & the Yacht Feels Like a Floating Five-Star Resort
Picture this: You’re barefoot, mimosa in hand, the Caribbean breeze dancing through your hair, and a slight tan starting to show. You just woke up in a luxury stateroom aboard a 74’ Sunreef yacht, and the smell of homemade cinnamon rolls is floating in from the galley. No, this isn’t a dream—it’s a typical morning on Ocean Vibes.
Let’s just say… you’re in very good hands.
The Yacht: Ocean Vibes, 2020 74' Sunreef Sailing Catamaran
This isn’t your average charter—it’s a full-blown floating resort. Ocean Vibes is a 2020 74’ Sunreef catamaran designed with indoor-outdoor living in mind and every square inch dialed in for comfort and luxury. The yacht features:
Four king ensuite staterooms
Expansive flybridge with panoramic views
A chef’s galley with premium appliances
Multiple indoor and outdoor lounging spaces
High-speed Starlink WiFi
Onboard diving and kiteboarding instruction available
Whether you’re sunbathing on the flybridge, sipping coffee on the aft deck, or napping in your private cabin with the ocean breeze rolling in, Ocean Vibes was built to be your sanctuary at sea.
The Crew: Three All-Stars, One Dream Team
The yacht is stunning, but it’s the crew that makes the experience unforgettable. With years of experience and a true passion for hospitality, the Ocean Vibes crew has mastered the art of laid-back luxury.
CAPTAIN MAX
Your island guide, safety expert, and all-around great human. Calm and personable, he knows the best anchorages, hidden beaches, and secret snorkel spots to make each day unique.
CHEF ELISE
A culinary powerhouse with an eye for beauty and a love for bold flavors. A graduate of a prestigious 8-week culinary intensive, and the winner of the 2024 Local-licious Culinary Contest for Best Entrée, she brings passion, precision, and creativity to every dish. From homemade pastries to vibrant international dinners, Elise’s food is as memorable as the views.
STEWARDESS SUSANNA
Susanna ties it all together with an eye for detail and a warm, intuitive style of service. Whether it’s your favorite cocktail appearing right when you need it or beach towels always fluffed and ready, Emma is quietly one step ahead—so you can fully relax.
What Sets Ocean Vibes Apart
Ocean Vibes isn’t just a luxury catamaran—it’s a mood. It’s the sound of champagne toasts at sunset, the smell of cinnamon and sea salt in the morning, and the feeling of true freedom as you sail between islands with a crew that genuinely cares.
Whether you're booking for a honeymoon, family escape, birthday celebration, or just to treat yourself to a week of total bliss—this yacht delivers.
Special Offer: Save 15% on Your Dream Charter
If you've been waiting for a sign to book Ocean Vibes, this is it.
For a limited time, we're offering 15% off all charters aboard Ocean Vibes that are booked and completed by July 31, 2025. This offer applies to 6-night minimum charters and can’t be combined with other promotions—so if you're looking for the best time to lock in your week aboard this award-winning yacht, it's now.
Availability is limited, so don’t wait to secure your dates.
Explore the yacht here:
Ocean Vibes 74' Sunreef Listing
Want help planning your trip? Reach out to our team anytime at bookings@chartersmarter.com or call (844) 204-9846.
Catch the Vibe in Motion
Want a quick peek at life on board? We just posted a new reel showcasing Ocean Vibes in all its glory—from the food to the fun to those iconic Caribbean views. Watch now and feel the escape: Watch the Reel on Instagram
Your Charter Matchmakers: Meet the Team Turning Vacation Dreams Into Reality
Before you’re sipping cocktails on the deck, diving into turquoise waters, or watching the sunset from your floating villa, there’s a little planning to do. And with so many yachts, islands, and itinerary options to choose from, having the right person in your corner makes all the difference.
At Charter Smarter, our charter specialists aren’t just booking trips—they’re building experiences. Each member of the team brings years of hands-on knowledge, island expertise, and a real understanding of what makes a vacation unforgettable. They've lived it. They’ve crewed it. And now, they’re here to help you enjoy it.
Let’s introduce the team behind the magic—real people who love what they do and genuinely care about helping you find the perfect fit for your time on the water.
Kristi Marquart
Yacht Charter Specialist | Former captain & chef | Charter pro
Kristi brings more than a decade of charter experience—and a seriously cool backstory. She first visited the islands at 14 and was hooked. From there, she worked her way up from first mate to licensed captain, running luxury charters with her husband before transitioning to her current role as a yacht charter specialist. She’s lived on boats, raised a baby on one, and knows every hidden cove worth sailing to.
Thoughtful, calm, and incredibly knowledgeable, Kristi brings a unique perspective that helps guests feel confident and cared for from start to finish.
Contact Kristi:
(844) 204-9846
kristi@chartersmarter.com
Emily Busichio
Yacht Specialist | Grew up on the water | Booking from the bow
Born into a family of charter captains in Tybee Island, GA, Emily’s saltwater roots run deep. After honeymooning on a 40’ catamaran, she and her husband dove headfirst into the charter life—running kiteboarding trips, crewing on Sunreefs, and even crossing the Atlantic. She’s worn just about every hat onboard, from chef to stew, and now uses her experience to help others plan their own incredible journeys.
Currently sailing through the Bahamas on her own boat, Emily blends firsthand know-how with an easygoing, intuitive style that makes planning feel like a breeze.
Contact Emily:
(844) 204-9846
emily@chartersmarter.com
Lauren Heath
Sales Representative | Island enthusiast | People-first planner
Lauren’s the kind of person who remembers your dog’s name, your favorite color, and the fact that you don’t like early flights. With over 12 years of experience in customer service and guest relations, she’s all about the little things that make a big difference. Her love for the Virgin Islands began in 2020 with a yacht charter for her sister’s birthday that blew her away—and now, she helps recreate that same “wow” moment for every guest she works with!
Contact Lauren:
(844) 204-9846
lauren@chartersmarter.com
VIBE with Us: Meet Charter Smarter at the 2025 Virgin Islands Boating Expo
There’s no better place to start planning your dream yacht vacation than in the very heart of paradise—and the 2025 VIBE Show is your chance to do exactly that.
Taking place May 15–18 at Yacht Haven Grande Marina in St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands Boating Expo (VIBE) is more than just a marine event—it’s a celebration of island living, luxury travel, and the charter lifestyle.
Come meet the Charter Smarter sales specialists face-to-face, ask all your questions, and get real-time guidance from people who’ve lived the charter life—and while you're there, take the opportunity to explore a variety of stunning yachts and familiarize yourself with yacht layouts before you book!
Come Hang with the Charter Smarter Team
We’ll be set up at our booth all weekend, and we’d love to meet you! Whether you’re ready to book or just curious about what a yacht vacation might look like for you, we’re here to help—and make it fun. Here’s what you can look forward to when you stop by:
Get Personalized Guidance
Not sure where to start? Wondering which island itinerary fits your vibe? Want help picking the right yacht? Our experienced team will be on-site and ready to talk you through every step of the booking process—with no pressure, just honest insight.
Score $500 Off Your Charter
We’re offering an exclusive $500 discount on any charter booked in person at the show. So yes—you can chat, dream, and save all in one spot.
Learn the Local Secrets
Ask us anything from “what’s the best boat for a family with kids?” to “where do the locals actually go for lunch?” We’re happy to share the details you won’t find in a brochure.
Plan a Little Escape While You’re At It
Even if you’re just in early planning mode, the VIBE Show is the perfect excuse to visit St. Thomas. May is one of the island’s most beautiful months—warm, breezy, and with fewer crowds. So stay a few extra days, check out the beaches (Trunk Bay, anyone? Recently voted one of the best beaches in the world!), and enjoy the laid-back luxury that makes the Virgin Islands so unforgettable.
What to Expect at VIBE 2025
A festive, open-air event with local food, cocktails, and live Caribbean music
Opportunities to chat with charter pros and gather inspiration for your next trip
An unbeatable backdrop of turquoise water, white sand beaches, and palm trees
The chance to book on the spot and lock in your discount
Access to the Charter Smarter team for custom itinerary tips, boat match suggestions, and real-life insights from people who’ve worked on (and lived on) charter yachts themselves
Ready to Join Us?
Use code “chartersmarter” at checkout to get 10% off your VIBE tickets and swing by our booth anytime during the event. Whether you're actively booking or just curious about what a charter could look like, we’d love to meet you and help you start dreaming big!
