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Articles How to choose the perfect charter yacht

The yacht you choose to charter can make or break your experience. Take a look at the factors determining whether a yacht is right for you.

Chartering a yacht is a unique holiday experience. Like your own private portable hotel, you have a dedicated Captain and crew on-hand to take you where you want to go and ensure your experience is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. It’s the ultimate luxury vacation.

But the destination is only half of what makes a charter so exhilarating. Whilst the itinerary and location are of course crucial to the overall experience, the yacht you choose to charter can make or break your experience.

The power of an exceptional yacht is inarguable. From its exterior styling to interior decor, onboard amenities, entertainment systems, cabins and even water toys – having the perfect yacht can take your vacation to the next level.

But much like hotels, not every charter yacht is made to fit your specific requirements. Whilst some favour sportiness and industry-leading performance, others prioritise sumptuous furnishings, opulent design and first-class comfort.

What determines whether a yacht is right for you will be dependent on a variety of factors.

What is the 'perfect charter yacht'?

To understand what would be your perfect charter yacht, first your broker must understand you. Your wants. Your needs. Your preferences. Your dream vacation. Everything that will influence how you will use the yacht during your charter experience.

Your broker will likely ask you various questions, including:

  • Where are you wanting to explore?
  • How many guests are you planning to host?
  • Are you bringing children or pets?
  • What would you consider to be must-haves on a yacht?
  • What about the nice-to-haves?
  • How much time are you likely to spend on the yacht during your charter?
  • How long are you wishing to charter the yacht for?
  • What is your budget?

Answering these questions will help paint a clearer picture of what you are looking for, and from here your broker can match you with a suitable yacht that fits your vision of perfection.

Our charter brokers are constantly visiting yachts around the world, and share an internal central database with other brokers that detail the character and features of the yachts – meaning they can easily match you with a yacht that fits your needs.

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Defining your needs

The first step to finding your dream charter yacht: define your needs. Working alongside an experienced charter broker, you need to set out your requirements, needs and desires for the charter.

Are you chartering for a corporate event, meaning you will need ample space for socialisation, parties and gatherings? Or are you seeking an intimate family getaway with your nearest and dearest?

It usually goes without saying that the larger the group, the larger the yacht required. But the perfect charter yacht isn’t just determined by size. Depending how you intend to use the yacht, you will need different onboard facilities to satisfy you and your guests.

From state-of-the-art entertainment like cinema rooms, spas, wellness centres and water toys to high-performing tenders for island-hopping and exploration – however you intend to spend your charter, your broker will ensure that your perfect yacht has everything needed on board to make your vision a reality.

With children on board, you will likely need a more extensive array of entertainment facilities available, but older groups may be more content with plenty of lounging space and the opportunity to explore their favourite destinations.

ODYSSEA aerial watertoys

Charter Experiences: A Yacht For every Occasion

To show you what is possible and inspire your sense of adventure for your next charter, here is just a small taste of the different types of experiences available. From adrenaline-pumping adventures to serene wellness retreats, these are just a few examples of the many experiences your charter consultant can arrange to make your dream holiday a reality:

Select your destination

Are the azure waters of the Whitsundays calling to you? Or have you always dreamt of exploring the rocky coastlines and stunning national parks of North America? Or maybe you yearn to experience the culinary haven that resides in South East Asia?

Wherever you crave to explore, the right charter yacht will transform your travels and ensure a luxurious adventure from start to finish.

But not every yacht is available in the same locations, or at the same time of year. Whilst some are reserved solely for the Greek Islands in the summer season, others are built to roam Antarctica in the height of winter. If you have a specific destination or time of year in mind, be sure to mention this to your broker, as this will impact the list of charter yachts available to you.

Rates: How Much Does it Cost to Charter a Yacht?

Of course, one of the most important factors to consider when planning your yacht charter is price. It’s no secret that renting a yacht is a luxury purchase, but laying out your budget and expectations early will help your charter consultant present you with the yachts best suited to your needs. Weekly rates can start from around EUR 10,000 for smaller yachts, while the average charter for a luxury motor yacht tends to be closer to EUR 150,000. For those seeking the ultimate in opulence, the largest yachts can ask anywhere from EUR 400,000 to over EUR 3 million per week.

In addition to the base charter fee, it’s important to keep in mind other costs like fuel, provisioning, crew gratuities, and local taxes, which can add around 25-30% to the overall cost. By setting clear expectations with your Charter Consultant, they can help ensure that every detail of your luxury adventure is tailored to your budget and preferences.

For a deeper dive into pricing, check out our guide “How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht?“.

The perfect crew for a perfect charter

The yacht. The entertainment. The destination. And perhaps one of the most important elements of your charter: the crew. For the duration of your charter experience, your Captain and crew will be by your side every step of the way. They will arrange your meals, your entertainment, your itinerary and your everyday activities to ensure a luxurious and enjoyable experience.

That’s why ensuring you have the right Captain and crew is essential for a successful charter. Your broker will work hard to match you with a suitable crew to match your needs and your personality, getting to know the crew members and Captain so that you have the best possible fit for your charter.

Secure the charter of your dreams

Once your broker knows where you want to go, and what you are looking for in a charter yacht, they will use their database and extensive network to see what yachts are available that match your criteria.

They will then present you with a selection of yachts that meet your requirements, and it’s up to you to choose the yacht that feels right for you. Maybe it’s the one with the enormous beach club and Jacuzzi, or perhaps it’s the one with a 3D cinema room and onboard spa. Whichever yacht fits your fantasy, the broker will then start conversations with the yacht to book your charter and organise the entire charter experience – from itinerary to food and beverages.

If you are on the search for your perfect charter yacht, click below to see the yachts we currently have available for charter.

Browse yachts for charter

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Need help or advice?

The yachting journey can be complex with many decisions to be made. Get in touch with Ocean Independence, and one of our specialist consultants will help you make the right choices.

As a truly global company with 15 offices worldwide, we’re available 24/7 to help with any enquiries.

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