You know you’re a success when the word ‘private’ is attached before something you do. Hiring a private yacht, a private jet, or even a private dining hall in a restaurant. But there is one common factor between all these ‘private’ things. They’re not cheap.
So if you make a mistake and get the wrong thing, it’s going to cost you. I remember when I applied for my Spectrum internet service and accidentally ticked the wrong box. I was overcharged for the service and it took me a month to get it fixed. That was hard enough, I don’t know what I would do if I accidentally booked the wrong yacht!
Pre-Booking Checklist
If you are planning on booking a private yacht then you are in for the experience of a lifetime. But if this is your first time, there are a few things you should consider. If you don’t, you might make a mistake which could prove disastrous. You wouldn’t want to start your vacation by realizing you have made a blunder, would you?
- Which Type Do You Want?
- Do You Know Your Destination?
- How Long Is Your Trip?
- What’s Your Itinerary?
- Do You Have Menu Concerns?
1. Which Type Do You Want?
The first thing you should consider is what type of yacht you want. There are quite a few options. Even more is you consider the size. Mostly it depends on your budget. But know that this is likely the most vital decision. Here are 4 of the major categories:
- Sailboat
Depending on your personal preference and your companionship, you might want to book a sailboat. The feeling of being able to harness the power of the wind is something indescribable. If you are traveling with your significant other and looking for a romantic getaway, this might be it. Without the constant noise of an engine, you can find peace like no other.
- Catamaran
While the sailboat is smaller and more intimate, the catamaran has a lot more space. The design is unique and it offers lots of space indoors as well as outdoors. So if you are planning to enjoy the sun, this might be a better fit. The large deck in the middle of the two hulls is the perfect spot for outdoor activities.
- The Motor Yacht
The motor yacht is the most popular option. it has the speed, space, and comfort. Usually, motor yachts are less than 100 feet in length. Any bigger and you might be in mega yacht territory. The motor yacht usually has an outdoor deck and a separate dining area. With indoor cabins, dining, and relaxation rooms. Some are even fitted with TVs and internet facilities.
- The Mega Yacht
The mega yacht is the largest available of private yachts. If you can’t find a mega yacht to your liking, then you’d better look at cruise-lines. These behemoths start from 100 meters and can stretch to 300 meters. Some of the luxurious ones even have their own gardens, swimming pools, and a 3 motor yacht garage. Those need a crew of nearly 35 people.
2. Do You Know Your Destination?
Choosing your destination before you book the yacht is certainly advisable. You might find it cheaper to hire the yacht closer to your destination. That way you can fly out there and then take the yacht. Additionally, you should also consider the time of year you are planning to travel. The destination might be overly crowded.
3. How Long Is Your Trip?
You should know how long you plan on chartering the yacht for. You will also need to consider if the type of yacht can sustain you for those many days. Because you will need to arrange for supplies. There is food and water reserves, of course. And for the case of motor yachts, there is also the consideration of fuel. You don’t want to get stranded in the middle of your vacation.
4. What’s Your Itinerary?
It is better to work on a broad itinerary before booking. You should know what things you would like to do while at sea. Do you need space on the yacht for water ‘toys’? Do you want to jet-ski? Also, it would help you in narrowing down the kind of yacht you need.
5. Do You Have Menu Concerns?
You need to consider if you have any special dietary needs. Are you a vegan? Would your food supplies be able to last you for your time at sea? Would you need special refrigerators? You should know about all these things before you head over to the booking agent.
Conclusion
Though I enjoyed my last yacht vacation thoroughly, the trip turned out to be more expensive than originally planned. So to make up for the higher cost, I tried to save up elsewhere. I was able to manage my expenses better by putting my utilities and services on hold while I vacationed. I didn’t realize how easy it was to get my TV and internet services paused. All it took was a call to the Frontier customer support helpline. So I would suggest the same to you.
Saving up on little things like that can accumulate to a lot.