Six Top Tips to Ensure your Luxury Yacht Charter is Your Dream Come True

1. Give your Charter Broker (us!) as much Information as possible

Everyone wants something different out of a vacation and with the right information we can help you choose the right yacht that gives you just what you desire.  The choices are endless ... want a yacht loaded with water toys from jet-skis to windsurfers and more ...easy. Need high speed internet and an office to keep in touch ... can do. Looking for a "well-being" vacation with a fitness centre and rejuvenating spa treatments ... simple.  Just wanting to switch off, there is always a perfect position on a sunpad with a good book and a sea breeze. We can provide a selection of yachts to choose from that can fulfil your preferences.

If it’s a family charter then we can offer a selection of charter yachts that suit families with children and babies – yachts that are child friendly, crews who go that extra mile and can adapt to the changing needs of children, personalising the itinerary, the choice of activities, as well as the cuisine onboard and facilities to ensure the younger set are safe, comfortable and perfectly pampered, just like their parents!

Alternatively if you are looking to try out some new water sports activities then we can ensure that you have the professional crew trained to give you personalized instruction in sailing, diving, kayaking, windsurfing and more.

The calibre and skillset of the crew is also crucial to your charter experience. Their five-star personal service completes the enjoyment, privacy and relaxation of you and your party, so choosing the right charter crew will ensure your vacation runs smoothly and with plenty of fun for all!  Every year our team inspects over 400 yachts in destinations all around the world so we have a huge knowledge base to share with you.

And if you can give us an idea of your budget then we are far more likely to be able to offer you a suitable selection of yachts that in the process of finding the ideal one.

2. Determine and Approximate Budget

If you can give us an idea of the budget you have allocated for your charter then we are far better equipped to provide the most appropriate selection of yachts for you to choose from, to ensure you can make the right choice right from the start.

3. The Right Yacht

Choosing the right luxury yacht is paramount to having the perfect charter. There are so many variables to consider. One important issue is to think ahead about how many guests you plan to have and what kind of trip this is – family, friends, a mixture, or a romantic getaway for two? Whatever the style of vacation desired, there's a private crewed yacht to match your requirements.  Giving your Charter Broker as much information as possible in advance will help make finding the right yacht easier.

On most crewed charter yachts, the maximum number of charter guests allowed by law is 12. If you have a larger party, we will do our best to find you a yacht that is registered to handle more than 12 guests, i.e., SOLAS classed.

We also need to know the number of cabins and beds required. Some mega yachts have planned space for supernumeraries not counted as guests such as a nanny, a nurse, security guard, trainer or a personal assistant.

Once you have provided as much detail as possible to us then we can offer a selection of luxury yachts for you to consider. Every superyacht has its own special features, catering to slightly different needs, with different accommodation configurations, socialising and entertaining areas and onboard facilities.

From sumptuous and opulent to modern and minimalist, from brand new to old classics, there are different designs of yachts and different interior styles.  We can help you find the one that suits your tastes.

4. Decide on a Destination and Date

While you can go almost anywhere on your travel wish list on a luxury superyacht charter, it's recommended to be open to the best professional advice.  You know that charter times are seasonal with larger yachts moving from summer in the Mediterranean (June – September)  to winter in the Caribbean ( November – March) and back annually. However within those general cruising areas some itineraries will give you a much better experience than others at certain times.  Your Charter Broker’s knowledge is very important. For example, in Greece we usually recommend chartering in the more sheltered Ionian Islands during July & August as opposed to the Cyclades Islands which can be exposed to gale force Meltemi winds during these months.

If you have a specific date and destination in mind, especially if this is a special event or in high season, make sure you book well in advance. 

There are also other areas that you may never have considered, such as the Aeolian Islands and Sicily, which may be not so populated in the Mediterranean Summer as coastline destinations like Naples and Amalfi, the Balearic islands of Spain, the windward islands of the Caribbean, or even as far afield as Tahiti with its idyllic turquoise lagoons

5. Be Specific for your Crew

Prior to your charter we will ask you and your guests to complete a preference form. This itemises any dietary requirements or food allergies so your chef can create a personalised menu and stock the galley with suitable ingredients. If there is one piece of advice we would give it is to provide as much detailed and specific information about your likes and dislikes as possible here. In some destinations it can be difficult to purchase additional specialised food items once you have set sail and being honest and detailed early, will ensure that each meal is tailor-made to perfection.

And it is not just all about the food. On your Preference Sheet you will also be asked about your dreams and aspirations for your charter. Again, the more specifics you can provide, for example, whether anyone in your group has a special occasion to celebrate or there are any particular places you would like to visit the more likely your charter will become that vacation of a lifetime.

In addition, it is important that the information about your likes and dislikes is conveyed to your crew as early as possible so they have time to organise everything well in advance of your charter. Your crew are dedicated professionals, and they want to be able to provide five-star service at all times and being well informed about your requests is the key.

6. Be Flexible, and enjoy the Impromptu

One of the great benefits of chartering your own private crewed yacht is the total flexibility it offers, cruising through your destination, visiting seaside towns and villages and changing anchorages at your own pace, under the guidance of your Captain with his/her local knowledge.

We can offer a sample itinerary in advance of the popular highlights of the cruising area, to ensure you have some local knowledge in advance. However your itinerary is flexible to your needs and wishes, and once on board with your Captain’s guidance and recommendations, you can change your plans as the mood takes. If you find somewhere you like, then you may wish to linger longer. Your Captain has the final say, and always taking safety into account.

Contact us at Luxury Charter Group for further information about your private luxury charter and we’ll assist you to plan that unforgettable dream vacation that memories are made of  … for all the right reasons!