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Prepackaged meals in the BVIs, USVIs, Bahamas, Med?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Drifter, May 31, 2025.

  1. Drifter, May 31, 2025
    #1
    Drifter

    Drifter Member

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    Are there any reliable prepackaged meal companies either local or that will ship to the BVIs, USVIs, Bahamas, Med like Hello Fresh or Factor? What are some names of local companies? Are there any regulatory constraints that prohibit certain foods from crossing certain borders?
  2. Pascal, May 31, 2025
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I ve never understood the point of these prepackaged meals… why not buy the food yourself?

    In most places, any food on board is considered shop stores and can be brought in without issues.

    no problem with alcohol coming in the Bahamas either. Shouldn’t be any in the USVI or BVI either.
  3. Capt Ralph, May 31, 2025
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Can you not cook or bill water?
    Survival food is one thing but enjoying life requires real food. Preferably warm with a warm smile. :)
  4. leeky, Jun 1, 2025
    #4
    leeky

    leeky Senior Member

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    Pascal and Capt Ralph, some people live to eat while the rest of us eat to live. As an example, I've been eating "Hungry Man Boneless Fried Chicken" for dinner every night for over 4 years. I'm a picky eater, and I only eat because I have to to stay alive. So, when I find something I like, I stick with it until I tire of it.
  5. Pascal, Jun 1, 2025
    #5
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Somehow I think you re joking. If a warden was to serve fried chicken every day to his inmates, he d have a major riot on his hands :)
  6. Capt J, Jun 1, 2025
    #6
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    How have you NOT had a heart attack yet????

    Yes, most countries do not allow produce, nuts and even some meats to cross borders unless they're treated and such.
  7. Capt Ralph, Jun 1, 2025
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Reads like the BiteMe debate; Anybody have a clue what this means or how it relates to the OP?
  8. Drifter, Jun 1, 2025
    #8
    Drifter

    Drifter Member

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    Hi Pascal and Ralph,
    The reason for asking is we have done Captain and Chef sail cat charters with other adult couples paying for their own fractions but it gets expensive when the kids want to go. The thought is to bare boat with the kids but the wife doesn't want to cook all week for a crowd. We can handle breakfast and lunch on our own but we have different food allergies so it would be nice to know if prepackaged gourmet dinners are available to be shipped to those locations like they are at home. Thank you.
  9. Capt Ralph, Jun 1, 2025
    #9
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Ah, Then Skippy J may have had a thought, just my poor linguistics. That heart attack comment thru me off in Albuquerque.

    You will have problems shipping ahead or bringing foods thru customs without some headaches.
    Maybe contacting the area customs directly could be of help.
    Your charter agent/manager may offer ideas. Supplies and food packages for your diets may already be in the area.

    When we travel, our food and provisions are already on our boat and as most transients, does not leave the boat.

    I kind of think leave the kids behind. Is that not why you escape? :rolleyes:
    Drifter likes this.
  10. Capt J, Jun 2, 2025
    #10
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Go to restaurants? Step up to the plate and grill dinner. Easy to do filet mignons or B/S chicken or pork chops, a grilled veggie and rice or something easy.
  11. Pascal, Jun 2, 2025
    #11
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Shipping to the Bahamas isn’t going to be feasible especially for perishables. Customs delays are very common and shipping services to the family islands are very unreliable.

    USVI should be better, BVIs, no idea…

    as to the med there has to be such services in Europe
    Drifter likes this.
  12. Drifter, Jun 7, 2025
    #12
    Drifter

    Drifter Member

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    I'm surprised these meals are not more established in boating areas. It would make cruising more affordable.
  13. Pascal, Jun 7, 2025
    #13
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I don’t see how it can make cruising more affordable since everything is packaged before shipping vs buying it directly from a grocery store. When we go to the Bahamas there is a lot of stuff that we stock up for the entire trip. All the basics even produce as some things are good for 2 or 3 weeks. For instance buying 2 quarts of heavy cream will be much cheaper than getting 6 small servings in meal kits.
  14. Norseman, Jun 7, 2025
    #14
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    It has been a while but in St. Thomas the Frenchman Reef hotel was the best and I am sure they will cook, pack and deliver gourmet meals to your boat: It is a small island, the Reef is overlooking the Harbor, a delivery guy can get to you in 15 minutes.

    In St, Croix we have (had) a few good hotels with almost gourmet kitchens, same thing, have them cook, prepare and deliver: The Buccaneer is just 15 -20 minutes away from C’Sted harbor at Gallows Bay.

    St. John even better with The Caneel Bay Resort, more distant and no airport for fresh supplies but seafood plenty and other food deliveries by boat from St. Thomas.
  15. Pascal, Jun 7, 2025
    #15
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    lol. Frenchman Reef hotel. That’s where I got married back in 84… haven’t heard that name in years
  16. Norseman, Jun 7, 2025
    #16
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Wow, small world, I got married in 1984 as well (in Alaska) then we moved to the USVIs and lived on a boat there for 3 years.
    Did visit the French hotel a few times, impressive place, hope it still is.
  17. Drifter, Jun 8, 2025
    #17
    Drifter

    Drifter Member

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    Cooking for a crowd is not my wife's idea of a vacation and I'm tired of paying for subpar meals at overpriced restaurants in the VIs. Now add food allergies to the already overpriced menus and the offerings become even more limited. Plus the dinghy logistics for 8. Just seeking a better solution.