Finding the Caribbean Holiday that's Right for You: Part 3 - Luxury Crewed Charter

The 41m Valquest - available through YPI (Yachting Partners International)

When money's no object, the most beautiful yachts in the world are at your disposal.  Pay top dollar and expect the best.  Prices start at around $8,000 per week for the whole boat, and can be as much as $700,000 per week plus, dependent on the boat, the number of guest berths and the cruising area.  See below for a typical cost breakdown.

Who Is It For?

Private luxury yacht charters are ideal for those with a big holiday budget looking for a superlative standard of comfort and service.  Perfect for a special family occasion like a honeymoon, anniversary or birthday; for a family or group holiday way out of the ordinary, or a corporate retreat.  No prior experience of sailing or boating is needed.

Your own private island....

What You Can Expect On Board

At this end of the budget, you can expect a very high standard of accommodation, similar to that of a 5 star hotel (or higher!).  Staff have been trained by the owner to provide exemplary service and there will be numerous modern toys and entertainment on board to amuse all the family – this is more like a floating private Villa.

Where You Can Cruise

Luxury superyachts tend to be based close to docking facilities that can handle large vessels, such as the Caribbean bases of Antigua, BVI and St Martin.  You are likely to be directed to join your boat at its base location, however superyachts have a large sailing range and can be moved to a location of your choice in the Caribbean, given advance notice.

Depending on the type of boat (sail or power) your cruising range can be from 100 to several hundred miles a day.  Your booking agent or the Captain will recommend a sailing itinerary to fit with your dreams & schedule.

What's Included*

• Full complement of crew
• Use of on-board facilities
• Berthing costs (check the contract)

What's Not Included*

• Provisioning – food and drink costs
• Fuel (this may be included if the yacht doesn’t make long voyages)
• Other costs such as island tours and travel to and from the boat
• Gratuity - a minimum of 10% of the cost of the charter fee is customary

Estimated Cost Per Head*
It is not possible to book one of these boats by berth so a typical price per head for a party of 4 chartering a yacht costing $40,000 per week are as follows:

Charter = 10,000
Food & Drink = 350
Fuel = 500 (can be less for a sailing boat)
Travelling = 300
Gratuity (15%) = 750

TOTAL = US $11,900

Other Points to Note

You are unlikely to be encouraged to participate in sailing the boat; the crew are paid to do this!  Although they will obviously be pleased to answer any questions you might have.

Photos from International Yacht Charter Group

How to Book

Bookings for private luxury yacht charters tend to be made exclusively through Charter Agents, unless you are lucky enough to know the owner personally!  When evaluating an agent, be sure that the agent is listening to your requirements and demonstrates an understanding of your needs.  Also be sure that he/she makes you aware of all of the costs associated with your charter.

Examples of Agents offering this type of holiday include:

Camper & Nicholson International
Fraser Yachts
Seven Seas Yacht Charter
Burgess Yachts
International Yacht Charter Group

* = Actual costs & inclusions/exclusions depends on your charter contract


Not what you're looking for?  See also:

Freelance Charter
Flotilla Holiday
Bareboat Charter
Sailing School Holiday

Yacht Ibis offers adventure sailing holidays with relaxed tuition for singles, couples or groups & families of up to 5 people.  You can book a single berth or the whole boat and your Captain, Samantha Bartlett can teach the RYA syllabus to Day Skipper Level or ASA to Basic Coastal Cruising standards.