How to choose your charter yacht

From size and style to facilities and crew, the options are limitless.

Knowing where to start, what options are available and what to take into consideration when chartering a superyacht can seem daunting, but our extensive guides of everything from types of yachts to destinations are here to help, so you can relax and savor the experience of creating an unforgettable yacht charter vacation tailor made to you.

Some of the first things to consider when planning are when you want to go and with whom you will be going, as both of these elements will largely shape the needs and expectations of your superyacht charter. Charter seasons vary so choosing where and when you want to go will depend on the sailing conditions and weather and our guide to world-wide charter seasons offer a guide to each area. You may wish to take a cruise along the French Riviera, best experienced from April to September, whilst the cruising grounds of the Caribbean are an ideal winter escape.

The comfort and flexibility of a charter vacation is truly unbeatable, so it is important to take into account everything you wish to do. Whether it is acting out your desert island fantasy on remote islands, soaking up the history and culture of bustling cities, or both, there is an abundance of choice for you and your guests. Event charters are a fantastic way of experiencing the buzz and excitement of events, shows and regattas with the comfort, luxury and spectacular views a superyacht has to offer. A dockside spot at the Monaco Grand Prix with top deck views of the track and cocktails on demand away from the bustling crowds is the only place to be. Check our upcoming events and shows from around the world for inspiration and to add a different dimension to your charter vacation.

Once you have decided with whom you will be spending your luxury charter vacation with, you can then start to consider the best superyacht to cater for the needs of the party, from on-board facilities to layout and accommodation. Each individual superyacht has different configurations of cabins for the number of guests sleeping on board and if there are children travelling with you, you will need to consider not only age restrictions but also how the layout of the cabins will adhere to your personal requirements.

From grand, opulent and sumptuous, to modern, minimalist and cutting edge, superyacht interior designs all vary and it is important to decide what style you are most comfortable with spending the duration of your vacation in. Browse our extensive guide of charter yachts available, complete with reviews, specifications and stunning photographs and see our advice on to how to choose a superyacht, for inspiration. Alternatively, if you have something in mind you can search by yacht name or builder.

If there are certain activities you want to try during your luxury yacht charter vacation, you will need to inquire to what toys, tenders and facilities each superyacht carries on-board. If scuba diving is an integral part of your charter vacation, you may need a crew that includes a certified diving instructor or dive master, depending on your experience, as well as scuba diving equipment stored on-board. The same goes for anything from what tenders are used to get you ashore to different islands to whether you need the superyacht to be helicopter capable.

A fantastic charter crew can really bring the whole experience together with a truly personal service ensuring the pleasure, privacy and relaxation of you and your party. Prior to your charter they will inquire about your expectations, food preferences and any specific requirements to be prepared to offer you an unbeatable service, though it is up to you how much interaction you have with them whilst on board. For a truly memorable itinerary packed full of breathtaking experiences you will need to think about what you want to be doing ashore as well as on-board, and a charter crew is often a fantastic source of information for local activities.

If you are booking a corporate yacht charter, there are certain elements to take into consideration that are different from a luxury charter vacation. Liaise with your charter broker about the best yachts for your needs, considering what you want to achieve, and taking into account any limitations that may apply to the amount of time you can charter a yacht for, and how many people can be on-board. You may need large deck spaces and outdoor bars, or you may need formal meeting and dining areas. You should also look for a crew that is experienced in corporate charter events as they will know how to deal with outside caterers, decorators and musicians as well as serving large amounts of people and working with potentially more restricted budgets.