If you are thinking of booking a cruise ship vacation, read this first!
There are many types of cruises around the world, with various themes and itineraries for a variety of travelers. Cruise ships have many benefits and amenities, from welcome parties and dance clubs to zip lining and rock climbing. However, the size and commercial-operation of cruise ships result in less privacy and service. If you desire a unique, exclusive, and luxurious water experience that is associated with the rich and famous and a symbol of affluence, charter a yacht. Your mind, body, and soul will thank me later!
To Charter A Yacht or To Book A Cruise . . . that is the question!
1. Intimacy & Exclusivity
With capacities reaching the thousands, cruises do not possess the finer sense of intimacy and exclusivity. And let’s be honest . . . anyone can purchase a cruise vacation from groupon or a discount travel site. On the flip side, yachts appeal to a different audience, and host an average capacity of 6 – 12 guests. This allows for a special experience with friends, family, and other small groups.
2. Gourmet Cuisine & Premium Liquor
Although food-inclusive, cruise meals may not cater to your personal tastes nor account for your dietary needs, allergies, or restrictions. If special requests are made, there is no guarantee that you will be accommodated because the food is mass-produced. Furthermore, a cocktail can range from $5 to $21; wine and champagne from $6 to $10; beer from $5 to $7; soft drinks from $2 to $5; and bottled water from $2 to $5. Many cruises do offer drink packages, but they range from $65 to $99 daily, with 18% – 20% gratuity.
A chartered yacht has absolutely no limitations. Before your trip, you will be given a provision sheet to complete for customization of your meals. Your chef will even contact you to discuss your preferences, ensuring their five-star cuisine is made to your liking. Also, the bar is stocked with your premium liquor and beverages, which are included, so drink your cares away!
Credit to photographer, Jerome Kelagopian
3. Activities
The amount of activities available on a cruise ship is truly undeniable. Award-winning travel blogger, The Blonde Abroad (@theblondeabroad), refers to cruises as “floating cities,” and what a perfect way to describe them. There is never a dull moment with a spin class, a facial treatment, a brisk walk on the treadmill, or a surf on a simulated wave.
Although yacht charters do not offer thezse various activities, they do include water sports equipment, such as kayaks, snorkeling gear, fishing tackle, floats, noodles, stand-up paddle boards, water skis, and knee boards. You can do these activities at any time because the water is consistently accessible. Jump in the water and start snorkeling at 7:57 AM alongside a barracuda and go kayaking at 5:36 PM. There are no restrictions or time constraints. Also, yachts allow you to explore non-tourist areas and quaint islands and beaches. These areas are not accessible to cruise ships because of their massive sizes.
4. Price
You can book a 5-day cruise to 3 Caribbean ports easily for $899. And while that is quite economical, let’s add about $500 in liquor and beverages, about $100 for a Wi-Fi package, and $100 for water sports, totaling about $1,699 per person. That’s not bad at all! Check out more about sag harbor boat rental.
Nonetheless, for high-end clients, they are willing to pay double or triple to avoid the stress of a complicated checkout bill at the end of an otherwise leisurely vacation. In addition, the value and benefits of having state-of-the-art accommodations on yachts with personal service are incomparable and attention-getting! Think about it . . . when is the last time you heard someone say “I’m going on a cruise this summer” or seen their social media filled with cruise pictures? Now compare that with hearing someone say, “Oh yea . . . I chartered a yacht next week in the Caribbean” or scrolled down your timeline and saw multiple yacht pictures.