Written By: Missy Johnston
Family Fun on Yacht Charter
Thanksgiving is a time devoted to family, friends, and giving thanks. But you can really amp up the entire holiday—and make it an experience of a lifetime—by booking a Caribbean yacht cruise getaway for Thanksgiving 2022 or the weeks afterward! There is still time, and we can make it the best vacation you’ve ever had.
Written by Missy Johnston
On Deck Amenities on Luxury Yacht Charter
The luxury travel market is saturated with advertisements for history-themed vacation opportunities. One can fly to and take guided tours at destinations you choose. Or one can take a cruise ship to explore historical sites with many other passengers. But what these travel packages do not offer is the opportunity to make your historical exploration vacation your own private dream historic vacation, customized to see exactly that which you want to see, and from the standpoint of your historic bent. With a customized historical-themed luxury yacht cruise, you can immerse yourself in an area, moving the entire time on your own private charter at your pace, with your own hotel and private Chef.
Written by Missy Johnston
On Deck Amenities on Luxury Yacht Charter
If the white sand beaches of Greece or the bustling nightlife of Nassau in the Bahamas sound appealing, start planning now for your next vacation. Before booking an airline ticket and arranging for a private car to transport you once you land, ask yourself:
Do you want the same old vacation you’ve always taken? Or would you like to experience something new?
Written by Missy Johnston
Many of your vacations may consist of flying to a global destination and staying in a luxury hotel. It’s wonderful to know you can visit any city you want and book any entertainment you’re interested in, with very few exceptions. However, if you have never taken a private yacht vacation, you might be surprised to find out that this can be an even better option than a luxury hotel or resort vacation.
Here are some of the reasons why we think private luxury yacht charters are better than any other type of vacation!
Written by Missy Johnston
When it comes to creating private yacht charter itineraries, you make the decisions based on what you want to see and do. The schedule, the destinations, the adventures—they’re all up to you. We’ve put together this list of our favorite itineraries to give you a taste of adventures around the world that can only be experienced on a private yacht charter. These itineraries give you the chance to see things that other people only dream about and visit places about which other people have never even heard! Plus, yacht charter itineraries are never set in stone. If a particular anchorage or port just wows you and you want to stay longer, just mention this to the captain, and the itinerary can be changed right then and there to accommodate your wishes.
Juneau, Alaska
For those seeking natural adventure and pristine landscapes, one of our Alaska yacht charters is just for you. One of our favorite itineraries is cruising on board a private yacht from Juneau to Sitka.
Alaska has become a popular cruising spot in recent years, but because the land and waters of Alaska encompass such a sprawling space, you can still be just as remote as you desire. On the yacht, you’ll be far away from the chaos and noise of modern day life. Simply sit back and enjoy the majestic landscapes and unique wild, marine and bird life.
South Sawyer Glacier- Tracy Arm
After departing Juneau, cruise up Tracy Arm, a classic fjord surrounded by breathtaking glaciers and mountains. Marvel at the Twin Sawyer Glaciers, when a huge crack in the face of the glacier suddenly occurs and a huge sheet of ice breaks off into the waters below. This happens approximately every hour, so you are sure to see these tidewater glaciers calving signaled by the loud cracking sound just before parts of the glacier face drop into the seas below. The impressive display can be seen only from water, so it makes an ideal addition to private yacht charter itineraries in Alaska. Stop halfway through your charter at Admiralty Island. On this primitive island, the bears outnumber the people. Nearly 1,600 brown bears call the island home! The native Tlingít people even call the island “fortress of the bears.”
Alaska Humpback Whales Bubble Net Feeding
While underway to Sitka, there will always be pods of humpback whales to watch bubble net feeding. This remarkable sight occurs when a group of humpbacks blow bubbles from their noses in order to make a net-like circle that catches their prey. Whales bubble net feeding cannot be seen from a cruise ship—only from a private charter yacht, and Alaska is one of the few places where this whale dance occurs
Naples and Mount Vesuvius
On a luxury yacht charter in Italy, a great yacht charter itinerary is cruising along the beautiful coastline and through the islands from Rome to Naples. The crystal clear blue waters and stunning natural scenery are amazing.
Explore the Pontine Islands, the gorgeous archipelago that once served as the resort playground of the Romans. These are “secret” islands rarely heard of outside the circle of Italy’s wealthiest citizens. Here are ancient volcanic rock formations, spectacular caves, and even a tunnel from one side of Ponza Island to the other dug by the Romans that you too can walk through today.
Positano town – scenic Amalfi coast of Italy
Further south, after visiting Ischia and Capri islands, enjoy the 34-mile-long Amalfi Coast, with its rugged shores and small fishing villages tucked into the shoreline. This area features the breathtaking town of Positano, a cliffside village that’s filled with pastel-colored buildings, is home to the famous and filled with little walking streets lined with chic shops and boutiques. There are beautiful beaches that are easily accessible by private yacht.
Aeolian Islands, Italy – Stromboli Volcano in View
Add a luxury trip around The Aeolian Islands to the beginning or the end of your Amalfi Coast yacht charter for a look at some of the most fascinating historical sites in the Mediterranean. Or enjoy a charter itinerary just cruising through the Aeolian Islands from the nearby island of Sicily.
Located to the northeast of Sicily, these secret islands take their name from Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds.
Erupting Volcano Stromboli
Be sure to include Stromboli Island where one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mount Stromboli, is located, which has been erupting for nearly 2,500 years. In ancient times, it served as a navigational aid that mariners called the “lighthouse of the Mediterranean.” Today, make the daring hike to the top of the volcano for breathtaking views, especially at dusk.
After Mount Stromboli, head on board your chartered yacht over to Ginostra—a tiny island that can be reached only by boat. There aren’t any cars on the island, only mules. About 40 people live on the island, so it’s perfect if you’d like to take a break from modern life and see some breathtaking views of the coast.
Panerea
Another must-see destination is the island of Panerea. It’s the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, but definitely the most beautiful. Anchor off of the village of San Pietro to explore the luxury shops, intricate gardens, and cultural markers. With no street lights at night, here the locals, who could be anyone from someone whose family has lived there for generations to one of the wealthy enjoying relaxing in hidden splendor, have to walk from place to place at night on foot paths holding lanterns to light the way. To relax, visit one of Panerea’s picturesque beaches, or if a little night life is in order, head out to Panarea’s one nightclub at Hotel Raya, and dance by the light of the erupting volcano on nearby Stromboli Island.
Gocek Bay
Enjoy the views of the Turquoise Coast as you travel the Aegean Sea between Gocek and Kekova, Turkey. You’ll be treated to Turkey’s beautiful teal colored water, limestone cliffs, and coastline coves.
Before stepping on board, stop in Kusadasi to see the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Only five percent of the ancient city has been unearthed, but the section spans one and a half miles of structures and artifacts that give you a glimpse into what life was like in the 10th century BC. While you’re there, take a stroll down the marble road. It’s exactly as it sounds: a 2,000-year-old street made from massive blocks of marble.
Excavated streets of Ephesus, Turkey
Plan to visit Ölüdeniz, too. For thrill-seekers, this location offers the world’s best paragliding. For those who like things a little more tame, ask for your chartered yacht to cruise to the Butterfly Valley. This area’s pristine beach and towering cliffs are accessible only by boat.
Kekova Sunken City
As the last destination on your itinerary, Kekova will not disappoint. You can cruise over the remains of Simena, an ancient city that was part of the Lycian Empire. It was a popular sea-trading port until a large earthquake struck in the 2nd century BC., sinking much of the city below water. Today you can snorkel over the city remains, where amphorea litter the bottom, along with broken roof tiles.
The city sank and now the area is referred to as Kekova Bay and Kekova Island. The ruins of the city are easy to spot through the clear Mediterranean waters, but the only way to get there is by private boat.
Port Denarau
Your dreams of cerulean waters, colorful coral, and palm-lined beaches come true in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. These gems of the South Pacific are so picturesque that Hollywood travels to the island paradise to shoot movies and TV shows. Survivor has filmed nearly 10 seasons in the Mamanuca Islands and the blockbuster Cast Away was filmed there, too.
The Mamanucas encompass 32 islands off the coast of Nadi and the Yasawa Islands, and 15 volcanic masses, which extend to the north. The Yasawa Islands are further away from the mainland, so they feel a little more remote.
Many of the most beautiful areas in these islands are underwater. Cruise on board your charter yacht to a prime diving location or snorkel with the sharks and manta rays.
Participate in a Sevu Sevu Ceremony in Fiji
When your private yacht arrives at a village in Fiji, there will be a Sevu Sevu ceremony. This is one of the ancient traditions that make the Fijian people truly special. Through the ceremony, permission is requested by your Captain of the village elders to anchor in the village harbor. When permission is granted, which usually occurs, waka, the roots of the kava plant, should be given as a present to the village elders for the anchoring privilege.
Flores Island, Indonesia
Indonesia is comprised of more than 18,000 islands. Although Bali may be the best-known destination, we always recommend a yacht charter itinerary through the Eastern Flores Archipelago.
Flores means “flowers” in Portuguese and this island really delivers. The landscape is covered with lush foliage, towering volcanoes, and other untouched natural wonders.
The island is also well-known for its textile-weaving villages. The women of Flores have produced extraordinary Ikat textiles for many generations, handing down the knowledge to all of their daughters. They grow their own cotton, make their own natural dyes, dye the threads, and weave the cloth on handmade looms into various time honored patterns.
Ikat Textile Weaving
These villages can only be reached by boat. Chartering a private yacht gives you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the cultural traditions of the women of Flores, how Ikat textiles have been handmade in this area for years, and the opportunity to purchase a beautiful handwoven Ikat dyed textile from the very hands of the weaver.
Which of these top destinations will you choose for your fabulous yacht charter?? No matter which you choose, you’ll be greeted by stunning blue waters, incredible natural scenery, great food and on board service, and an overall outstanding experience. Let Northrop-Johnson Yacht Charters help you arrange the charter of a lifetime for your next cruising vacation. Contact us to learn more about the luxurious extraordinary experiences we offer all over the world.
Written by Missy Johnston
Vacations are some of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences of our lives. We often spend a lot of time deciding on the perfect destination, and then there are the myriad of questions of where to stay, where to eat, and what we can see and do for the best vacation of our lives. And how much time and energy does this take? This is not the case with a vacation on a luxury crewed yacht charter, where your yacht is your hotel, your crew includes a chef, and daily activities evolve as your charter yacht cruises along a spectacular customized yacht charter itinerary arranged just for you.
We take care of you throughout the entire process—from selecting the best private yacht for your vacation to crafting a fully customized itinerary—and everything about the experience is focused on the most spectacular vacation for you, making things as easy as possible for you and your guests. Whether you’re thinking about planning your first or fifth luxury yacht charter vacation, take a look at our list of the ten best things about this exceptional experience. Get ready to sit back, relax, and let us take care of you every step of the way.
Written by Missy Johnston
Cocktails on a Private Beach
“Being waited on hand and foot, with the beautiful water around me, my own private chef preparing exactly what I wanted to eat and drink . . . everything I desired was right there at my fingertips. It’s the ultimate escape.”
These are actual words spoken by one of our clients after she returned from her private yacht charter vacation, and they perfectly sum up everything we aim to offer—a luxury pampered vacation. And who doesn’t want to be pampered? In fact, right now, we all need some extra TLC. So, here it is—the top ten ways to spoil yourself on a luxury yacht charter vacation. We also included our pro tips and insider information for you to start planning the vacation of a lifetime.
Written by Missy Johnston
Yacht Charter Lifestyle
One of the things our clients love the most about a private yacht charter vacation is that it affords the opportunity to social distance as much or as little as you want, while offering up luxury amenities and five-star service. There is simply no better way to travel and explore the world!
A private yacht charter vacation has so much to offer any time of year as this is the ideal trip that offers the ultimate in personalization, social distancing, and (perhaps most importantly) luxury! Let’s take a closer look at why a luxury yacht charter is the best type of vacation to plan, then see exactly what awaits you onboard with an exclusive look at some of the charter yachts available in three of our favorite destinations.
Written by Missy Johnston
Luxury Yacht Charter Dining
One of the many benefits of a private yacht charter vacation is experiencing the wonderful local cuisine and specialties of the area in which the charter is taking place. While many of us are staying socially distant and may be hesitant to enjoy restaurant dining due to COVID, everything is full steam ahead in the yacht charter world.
Wondering how to stay safe on a yacht charter and still enjoy the regional cuisine? Your private chef will create an explosion of all of the local flavors right on board, bringing the local cuisine from land or sea to your private yacht dining table. Or your yacht crew can create a pop-up private ”restaurant” with one table just for you with private yacht crew service on a secluded beach.
Private Beach Dinner
Experience lovely fresh local foods that may not be available in your own at-home, local grocery store. Your chef can shop the local markets and craft a delicious meal featuring local cuisine right on board your private yacht that brings the region to life via a custom-tailored menu. Even those with special dietary restrictions or allergies can still experience the local flavors, thanks to a private onboard charter chef who can make the necessary—and delicious—accommodations.
Fine dining, casual family meals, wine pairings, and interactive dining experiences—it is all available as part of the yacht charter cuisine experience. Get ready to work up an appetite as we take a closer look at all that dining on a yacht charter has to offer in various worldwide yacht charter cruising locations. Here is a selection of some of our favorite destinations where a local culinary experience can always be a highlight of a yacht charter trip.
Luxury Yachts in Secluded Harbor
Vacationing has changed this year due to the novel COVID-19 pandemic. Luxury travel during COVID-19, however, is still possible by private yacht charter, where you decide who to vacation with and you decide on the itinerary. Whether you stay remote, spend time ashore, or a combination of both is up to your discretion. A yacht charter vacation is a terrific trip to take for privacy, luxury, and fun. While private yacht charters have adopted all of the changes needed for COVID-19 including cleaning and operating protocols, the crew can also usually be COVID-19 tested before any charter, if requested. One thing remains constant about private yacht charter vacations—the opportunity to vacation in whatever manner you would like, all designed around your choices within your comfort zone.
A private yacht charter is the perfect vacation to remain socially distant. Enjoy new scenery daily, while onboard your own private floating full service “hotel and restaurant.” The private crew is there to help make each charter a special experience. Enjoy water fun, drinks, excellent cuisine, stateroom service, and anything else needed so you don’t have to lift a finger. It is, after all, your vacation. Below we share three reasons why taking a private yacht charter vacation could just be the best way to vacation during the coronavirus.