| Just imagine cruising the tropical seas aboard your | | | | sure all the bases are covered before you leave port. |
| own privately chartered yacht. If this has been a | | | | Some other questions to consider: Where would you |
| dream of yours that you would like to make a reality | | | | like to cruise? How long do you wish to cruise? How |
| it is recommended that you first do some research. | | | | many guests? Will there only be adults or will children |
| As with anything else word of mouth is always the | | | | be aboard also? What type of recreational activities |
| best testament. If you have a business partner, | | | | do you want to partake in? Do you or any of your |
| friend, or family member that has chartered a yacht | | | | guests have special dietary or physical needs? You |
| ask about their experience. | | | | want to choose the ideal yacht and crew to make |
| Count the Costs | | | | exploring distant islands and tropical locations |
| There are a lot of charter companies and a huge | | | | enjoyable and relaxing. |
| variety of yachts available for charter. The prices are | | | | Enjoy Your Cruising Experience |
| widely varied as well. A basic charter fee will include | | | | Now that we have covered the necessary technical |
| the use of the yacht and its equipment, crew salary | | | | information here is what to expect onboard one of |
| and insurance. Additional expenses would depend | | | | these crewed charter yachts. A typical day of |
| upon your destination and number of guests. Some | | | | cruising will include exploring private inlets and bays, |
| of these expenses would include the fuel, water, | | | | swimming, fishing and snorkeling or maybe some |
| dockage, port and cruising taxes, mooring charges, | | | | waterskiing or racing with your friends on a jet ski. |
| shoreside power etc. There may be specific needs | | | | You may decide you just want to relax on a private |
| and requests that may increase your costs as well | | | | beach improving your suntan. For a cultural |
| such as the food, wine, beverages, and flowers. Also, | | | | experience there is always shopping in a quaint island |
| the additional cost of getting to the yacht's location | | | | village or collecting pieces of art from various ports |
| may not be included. | | | | of call. |
| Do Your Research | | | | After a day of water activities you may wish to |
| Most of these crewed charter yachts have websites. | | | | relax in the salon with a refreshing cocktail and |
| The website should have information on the various | | | | freshly prepared appetizers and watch TV or view a |
| yachts they represent. A yacht's specifications and | | | | movie. For the evening meal you will be treated to a |
| equipment will most likely be listed. You should | | | | dinner that may include an international cuisine or |
| charter a yacht that is a substantial ocean going | | | | perhaps, freshly caught fish by yours truly, prepared |
| vessel that can offer a high level of comfort and sea | | | | by a professionally trained chef. You may want to |
| worthiness. The captain's names should be available | | | | dine on the lido deck watching beautiful sunsets. You |
| with their resumes and those of the rest of the | | | | may choose to have your meal served in an |
| crew. Security is an important issue in today's world. | | | | elegantly decorated dining room of your beautiful |
| Inquire what precautions they have taken and what | | | | charter yacht. |
| type of security they provide. Medical situations could | | | | As long as you do your research and plan ahead you |
| arise and you need to know how their company | | | | will not be disappointed with your decision to book a |
| would handle an emergency situation. This should be | | | | crewed charter yacht. |
| an experience of a lifetime so you want to make | | | | |