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.
1. Easy planning with a private yacht charter broker
While it’s entirely possible to book a luxury crewed yacht charter through a booking website or a travel agent, the best way to ensure your vacation crosses every “t” and dots every “i” is to work with a private yacht charter broker. An experienced broker provides a completely seamless booking process, removing the typical headaches that can often come with planning a big trip.
Working with a yacht charter broker is the only way to make sure you truly get the vacation of a lifetime. Your yacht charter broker is full service, and will have intimate knowledge of the yacht charter world that a traditional travel agent simply does not have. Brokers have actually visited and cruised in the various charter yacht destinations and can make first-hand recommendations on things to see and do. They have also been on board the charter yachts, for an up close and personal report, so you’re not relying on brochures or outdated pictures when selecting the perfect yacht for your dream trip. A charter broker will also take care of all of the important, yet tedious, details required for a luxury yacht charter trip, such as taxes, contracts, and negotiations. All you have to do is talk to your charter broker about what your ideal vacation looks like, and then your broker will put their expertise to work while you sit back and relax.
2. A personalized yacht charter itinerary
One of the main advantages of a private yacht charter vacation is the ability to create a completely personalized and customized itinerary, catered to the likes and desires of your traveling party. We work with every Charterer in advance to include all of our insider recommendations to make sure every day is filled with as much or as little activity as you prefer. From snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, hiking, shopping, visiting historic sites, and dining—anything is possible, in the exact combinations you desire.
If there are certain activities that require an advanced reservation, whether it be at a high-end restaurant or for a special shore side excursion, we make sure every detail is taken care of ahead of time. However, a prime benefit of a private yacht charter vacation is the flexibility to modify your itinerary. Want to hike another mile or spend another hour snorkeling with the tropical fish and sea turtles? No problem! Just tell your captain and your itinerary is changed. and you’re all set.
3. A dedicated crew
The crew may not be the first image that comes to mind when planning a luxury yacht charter trip, but they are actually one of the most important elements of your vacation. From the moment you step on board, your crew makes all the difference between a good vacation and an unforgettably wonderful one.
We have had the opportunity to work with many different yacht charter crews, so we know what qualities make a top-notch team. Depending on the size of your charter yacht, different crew members will be part of the team. At the very minimum, there will be a captain and a cook, but you may also have a first officer, an engineer, and stewards and stewardesses. We visit with crew members at charter industry shows, so we can get a real sense of what the onboard experience will be like for our clients. If a particular crew doesn’t meet our high standards, then we won’t recommend that yacht to any of our clients..
Your crew is there to pamper you day in and day out. Whether you need an ice-cold drink or want the kids to go out on the water toys, someone will be there to meet your requests. Your crew will even help make memories, creating and participating in themed nights on board. Casino nights on board and treasure hunts on a tropical island are some of our favorites. No request is too small or big when it comes to your crew!
4. Your own private chef
One of the most important crew members, of course, is your chef. Depending on the size and price range of your charter yacht, your cook may be a culinary-trained yacht chef. A sous chef may be added to the crew on board larger yachts to help feed the crew and support your chef. Your private chef is your main source of food during your charter yacht vacation. You are, of course, free to dine ashore at any time, but your chef can meet any request you might have. Charter chefs can accommodate dietary restrictions and picky eaters and if requested, can incorporate the local ingredients and flavors to create truly authentic meals that reflect the culture of your charter destination.
As a former charter yacht chef myself, I understand how important the quality of onboard dining is to the overall enjoyment of your vacation. We sample food at industry trade shows, where charter chefs prepare sample meals for all times of day. We pay attention to both the taste and the presentation when reviewing charter chefs. There are even competitions at these shows, which force chefs to think on their toes. This is a great test of whether a chef can respond to remote locations where access to certain ingredients might be limited. We take every measure to make sure your private charter chef has the skills needed to take you on a culinary trip around the world.
5. The most breathtaking views imaginable
We can’t talk about the best things about a luxury crewed yacht charter without talking about the spectacular views from onboard. No matter what your port of call is, every private yacht charter excursion features stunning views for the passengers on board.
From wild birds above, water life below, and gorgeous water all around, the views are sure to please and inspire, everywhere you look. Some of our most memorable views from over the years include the glaciers and humpback whales in Alaska, the indigenous wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, and the welcoming waters of the Caribbean. Of course, we could go on, but rest assured we’ve yet to see any view that disappoints from on board a luxury yacht charter.
6. Access to remote locations
Certain areas, such as Juneau, Alaska, are best accessed via charter yacht, as the capital is surrounded on three sides by the Mendenhall Glacier. So a private yacht charter is sometimes one of the only ways to get to some locations. In many areas, your captain can find secluded beaches and remote cays to anchor. Your group can sunbathe in privacy and enjoy your own slice of paradise for as long as you desire.
Better yet, have your captain pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a perfect meal on the beach, without another soul in sight. It’s hard to imagine something as tranquil and relaxing as this, and it’s something nearly impossible to find on almost any other kind of trip. But it can easily become a reality on a private yacht charter.
7. Reconnect while disconnecting
While most of our luxury charter yachts come equipped with modern-day entertainment amenities, many of our clients use this time as a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect with family and nature. A private yacht charter vacation is the ideal time to spend time with family and close friends, exploring the culture and natural wonder of various ports of call.
We have written many articles highlighting the various activities available in all of our charter yacht destinations, and we can help you plan the perfect trip to please everyone on board. Adventure seekers can plan hikes and water activities, while history enthusiasts can tour local museums. Shopaholics can check out the markets and boutiques in town, and everyone can indulge in the local cuisine. But at the end of the day, everyone can come back together on board and share their experiences while dining on the top deck or perhaps soaking in the onboard jacuzzi. With so many options available to fill your days, everyone can seek out what rejuvenates them, while still finding time to reconnect with each other.
8. Fun for every generation
We have often described a private yacht charter vacation as a family affair. We have booked many trips for extended families, with passengers ranging from toddlers to senior citizens. The wide range of experiences available both on board and ashore make a charter yacht trip the ideal vacation for multi-generational groups.
The more seasoned passengers can tour local wineries and museums and watch the grandkids play in the water on a private beach, while the young adults can snorkel or enjoy water sports for hours. The crew can help keep the little ones entertained with movie nights on board (complete with popcorn, of course) and supervised splashing fun in the water. It’s a great way for everyone to come together and spend quality time without anyone feeling left out or unhappy with their surroundings.
9. Explore multiple ports of call
When planning a typical vacation, you have to choose one city to visit or deal with the hassle of flying from one city to the next. Not so on a private yacht charter! No need to pack your bags. Feel the sun on your face and relax as your captain cruises from one port to the next.
There are so many destinations to choose from, and we have created many suggested itineraries for each location as ideas of what you can do and see. For your actual charter, we will work closely with you to fine-tune your itinerary to make sure it is customized to exactly what you want to see and do during your yacht charter excursion. An added benefit is the ability to decide to change your itinerary on the spot, and perhaps stay in one port longer, or leave a day early from an anchorage, without having to worry about hotel reservations.
10. True luxury living
It goes without saying that the luxury element itself is one of the biggest draws of a private yacht charter vacation, so we’d be remiss if we didn’t include it on our list. From the moment you step on board, the pampering begins. Eat and drink to your heart’s content, enjoy total seclusion and privacy, and plan every day and night according to your desires and whims. Stay remote and on board or go ashore whenever you might like. It is all up to you!
Every charter yacht comes with its own set of amenities including particular water toys. We can help you pick the right one for your destination of choice and number of guests. Why not check out our charter yacht database right now, so you can start dreaming about and planning the trip of a lifetime?
Reach out to us today, so we can make your dream a reality.
