| Sailing the deep, blue waters of an ocean on | | | | example, actually rely on passengers to help |
| holiday is a dream come true for many. But, | | | | with the process of sailing. If working |
| some prefer to do so on a much smaller scale | | | | doesn't sound fun to you, it's a good idea to |
| than most cruise ships allow. More rugged and | | | | know the expectations in advance. |
| especially private, yacht charter trips are a | | | | |
| great alternative for vacationers. | | | | Before booking a charter trip, check the |
| | | | following things: |
| The key to finding a great yacht charter | | | | |
| trip, however, is doing some homework. The | | | | * Prices. Shop them. |
| following are some steps to consider before | | | | |
| booking a trip or planning a vacation: | | | | * Inclusions. Will you have to pay extra for |
| | | | food? Port of call trips? Fishing gear and |
| * Destination. This is paramount. If you | | | | lures? Make sure you understand everything |
| don't know where you want to go, it will be | | | | that's included in the price and what is not. |
| hard to find a charter. Locations where you | | | | |
| can find yacht charter trips include Alaska, | | | | * What to pack or bring. A charter is not a |
| the Caribbean, Florida, California, Europe. | | | | huge cruise line. The trip may require you to |
| Pretty much anywhere there's water, you'll | | | | actively get involved in the sailing process. |
| find a charter company available. | | | | If so, you may want to pack accordingly. |
| | | | Captain's attire for a working trip just |
| * Purpose of the trip. Do you simply want to | | | | won't do. |
| sail away your vacation in a relaxing setting | | | | |
| or do some serious sight-seeing and fishing, | | | | * Amenities on the boat. If it's a basic |
| too? The purpose of the trip will help make | | | | boat, stripped down of all life's little |
| it easier for you to find the right charter. | | | | luxuries, you will want to know this. It may |
| | | | not be the trip for you if a family will be |
| * Overnight stay or not? Are you looking for | | | | coming along. |
| a two-week charter or a single day out on a | | | | |
| fishing boat. This is vital information to | | | | * Safety record, years of experience. You |
| have in advance. | | | | want to go on a charter with a captain who |
| | | | knows his or her stuff and the area in which |
| * Number of people. A charter boat captain | | | | you'll be sailing. This is especially so in |
| will have a set number of people he or she | | | | areas with treacherous waters, but applies |
| can allow on board. The number will determine | | | | anywhere as things can and do happen. |
| availability of the ship and is vital for | | | | |
| booking a trip. | | | | A yacht charter cruise is a great idea for a |
| | | | vacation that's a little different than an |
| Once you know where you want to go, who you | | | | ordinary cruise. Keep in mind, however, the |
| want to bring and what you hope to do, the | | | | little extras on a regular cruise are not |
| search for a good charter will become much | | | | likely to be present and you may, in fact, |
| easier. Look for charter companies in the | | | | find yourself doing a little sailing, too. |
| areas you'd like to visit and do shop prices | | | | These are perfect vacations for those who |
| and features. It's important to know what's | | | | want to get away from it all without doing it |
| included in a package and what's expected of | | | | with 1,000 other people. |
| passengers. Some sailing charters, for | | | | |