| The summer cruise season is once again upon us. | | | | You may be able to go swimming, scuba diving or |
| Time for cruise lovers everywhere to choose their | | | | snorkeling right off the yacht. Jumping off the ship |
| yearly cruise vacation. Or, for you cruise first-timers, | | | | and into the ocean is not something that's |
| to decide to finally take the plunge and go on your | | | | encouraged on a major cruise ship. Neither is fishing. |
| first cruise. | | | | But, on your own private chartered yacht, that is |
| For first-timers and seasoned pros alike, most people | | | | also an activity you, your family and friends can |
| assume that in order to sail the world's oceans and | | | | enjoy. |
| rivers you have to sign up with one of the major | | | | Health Considerations: |
| cruise lines. While cruising with one of the majors is | | | | Every year it seems there's news of some outbreak |
| the most common way to sail, there are other | | | | of something on a major cruise ship. With all the |
| options available, such as chartering a private yacht. | | | | people aboard, it's much easier for infections to be |
| Before the money alarm bells start going off in your | | | | spread around, no matter how hard the crew tries to |
| head, it might help to know that in some cases a | | | | keep everything clean and disinfected. With the small |
| privately-chartered yacht might make financial sense, | | | | number of people on a private chartered yacht, you |
| particularly if you have a larger group of people who | | | | have less chance of coming in contact with |
| will split the cost of the charter. And, charters vary | | | | pathogens. |
| widely in price. For example, you can charter a yacht | | | | Benefits of a Major Cruise Line over a Private |
| cruising Florida and the Bahamas in the winter and | | | | Chartered Yacht |
| New England in the summer from $15,500 per week | | | | Cost: |
| for 6 people. That comes out to just over $2,500 | | | | While you can find a private yacht charter that won't |
| per person. Of course, there are pricier yachts you | | | | break the bank, a vacation with a major cruise line is |
| can charter for $385,000 per week for 12 guests and | | | | still probably cheaper, even for an ocean-view |
| a crew of 13. A yacht like that comes equipped with | | | | balcony room. And, if you book early enough, you're |
| fishing equipment, snorkeling equipment, water skis, 3 | | | | often offered an upgrade when your cruise date |
| waverunners, kneeboards, 2 kayaks, gym and a | | | | nears. |
| Jacuzzi. Again, prices vary widely. You may be | | | | Activities: |
| amazed at what you'd find in your price range. Some | | | | A major cruise ship offers an incredible amount of |
| private yacht charters also offer cheaper deals if you | | | | activities, such as movies, dancing, yoga, exercise |
| agree to cook your own food rather than have a | | | | classes. Many have onboard casinos and numerous |
| chef onboard. | | | | swimming pools. If you're bored reading or watching |
| Benefits of Private Yacht Charter over Major Cruise | | | | the scenery, there's always an activity scheduled. |
| Line | | | | Escape: |
| Privacy: | | | | While taking a vacation on a yacht with 8 other |
| On a major cruise you have lots of company. Over | | | | people sounds nice, you may not be able to escape |
| 2,000 passengers on many cruises. With a private | | | | these same people during the day on a private yacht. |
| yacht charter it can be just you and under a dozen | | | | On a major cruise there are so many activities that |
| other people, often times just your friends and | | | | people can go off and do their own thing without |
| family. Besides you and the other passengers, the | | | | always bumping into each other. |
| only other individuals onboard would be the yacht | | | | When deciding between a major cruise ship and |
| crew or staff. This might not only include a captain | | | | private chartered yacht it helps to sort out what you |
| and other onboard hands, but it may also include a | | | | really want on your vacation. Do you want the |
| maid or a private chef. | | | | opportunity to see beautiful scenery at a minimal |
| Perfect for Small Gatherings: | | | | cost, or are privacy and being catered to an |
| Private yachts are ideal for small business parties, | | | | important consideration for you? |
| casual business meetings, romantic getaways, | | | | Should you decide to look into chartering a private |
| honeymoons, weddings, and even family vacations. | | | | yacht, you might wish to go through a yacht charter |
| It's hard to hold a business meeting on a large cruise | | | | agent who has knowledge of the different |
| ship with all the noise and activity going on around | | | | companies offering chartered yachts. Choose an |
| you. And, a private yacht charter allows you the | | | | agent who is a member of one of the yacht broker's |
| opportunity to get closer to your loved ones without | | | | associations, such as the AYCA, the American Yacht |
| other people getting in the way. | | | | Charter Association, or CYBA, the Charter Yacht |
| Activities: | | | | Brokers Association. |