Chartered yachts are becoming increasingly popular for travellers who want a holiday that’s completely tailored to them. There are different ways to charter a yacht, from a bareboat charter without a crew to a fully crewed boat with everything included in the price. Whatever option you choose, there are lots of ways to customise your break, and it’s easy to make special requests before you board. Here are some of the questions that are frequently asked about customising your experience.
How Are Yacht Charter Routes Determined for Themed Voyages?
Your yacht charter route will set the tone for your entire voyage, so it’s important to think carefully about where you want to visit. If you’re planning on a themed voyage, you should pick an itinerary that’ll suit the theme. For example, if you’re heading to Thailand, you may want a Thai theme that explores the cuisine and traditions of the country.
Some things to consider when choosing your yacht charter route include:
- How much time you want to spend at sea versus exploring on land
- Whether you want to pack in the activities or spend more time relaxing
- The kind of weather you’re seeking – weather is not guaranteed, but if you’re looking for sunshine, there are better odds in certain destinations.
- The length of your trip – you will want to make the most of your charter but don’t want to be rushed.
Once you have your yacht charter route, you can think more about how to incorporate your theme. A few weeks before you depart, your yacht charter company will get in touch to discuss the finer details of your voyage. This is when you can make special requests, from activities to themed dinners and parties, so make sure you communicate exactly what you want to your yacht’s head of service.
How Does the Yacht Charter Booking Process Accommodate Guests with Special Medical Needs?
If someone in your party has special medical needs or accessibility requirements, you should ensure you’ve discussed this with the yacht charter company before you make a booking. This is because the company you are renting the boat from will be able to discuss your needs and whether a particular boat is right for you. Some boats are accessible to most people, while others may have narrow staircases or doorways that might be bothersome for those with limited mobility. Always check before committing to a booking.
Another reason why you should discuss special medical needs before making a booking is so that the crew can be made aware. Most yacht crews will have first aid training but little medical knowledge, so plans may need to be put into place in case there’s a medical emergency while you’re at sea.
What are the Options for Corporate or Large Group Yacht Charters?
There are lots of options for people who want to book a charter yacht for a large group. Isabella Yachts has a wide selection of yachts of various sizes, with the largest accommodating 60 passengers for a day charter. This is perfect for groups who want to throw a large corporate event or team-building session or for a large group for a party or wedding.
If you’re looking to book a larger charter yacht, such as a superyacht, it’s worth contacting the charter company directly to discuss your needs. Charter companies will know a lot about their fleet and how many people can be comfortably accommodated, so can make recommendations based on your numbers. Remember, you will also need space for enough crew members to sleep on board, so your charter yacht company will need to calculate the number of crew members needed.
Can Yacht Charters Organise Specialised Activities Such as Scuba Diving Certification or Yoga Retreats?
Yes, there are lots of options for specialised activities when you’re on a yacht charter.
Many yacht crew members are multi-skilled, and usually on board, you’ll find at least one who is a scuba diving expert. If they’re at Divemaster level with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), they may be able to offer you the chance to do qualifications such as the PADI Open Water Diver Course. This includes knowledge development and confined water dives to hone your basic skills before moving on to open water dives. If you’re keen to do PADI qualifications, you should let your yacht charter company know so that they can arrange for instruction. The sooner you make the request, the more likely they’ll be able to schedule someone on board to do your training.
Yoga is a very popular activity on yachts. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced yogi, nothing is better than practising your poses on deck with a spectacular ocean view. If you want to turn your trip into a yoga retreat, look at booking a yacht charter with a yoga instructor on board. That way, you can schedule as many sessions as you like and make the most of your trip. Speak to your yacht charter company, who can add extras from spa treatments and massages to healthy meals, making for a full wellness retreat.
Any other activities you’ve always liked to try? Your yacht charter company will be able to help with your request and plan an itinerary that piques your interest.
What are the Policies on Changes to the Number of Guests after Finalising a Yacht Charter Booking?
Different charter companies will have different policies about making changes after a yacht charter booking is finalised.
You should inform the yacht charter company as soon as possible that you wish to change the number of guests. They will need to check that this doesn’t put you over the number of passengers that can be safely accommodated. They may also need to change the number of crew who are scheduled for your charter. In general, there will usually be an additional fee to pay to amend your booking, as well as extra charges for additional guests to cover things like food and activities.
What Else Can Be Customised on a Yacht Charter?
There are lots of other things that can be customised on a yacht charter to ensure it’s the perfect break for you and your party. Companies will usually send you a questionnaire before your charter with everything from dietary requirements to the type of theme. You can request all sorts of activities on board, from wine tastings to cooking classes, all of which can be factored into your overall itinerary. Once you step on board, the crew are there to deliver your requested and agreed-upon services so you can sit back and focus on your meetings, enjoy your party, or simply gaze at the sunset with a cocktail in hand. Because it’s all organised for you, a yacht charter is one of the most relaxing ways to travel and see the world.
Thinking of chartering a yacht? Take a look at the selection available at Isabella Yachts Phuket, from small day boats to larger yachts for longer voyages. We’re experts in customising yacht charters to give you the perfect break. Simply pick up the phone and call or message us to find out what we can offer you.