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Viewing Private Yacht Charter or Cruise Ship - Which to Choose?Private Yacht Charter or Cruise Ship - Which to Choose?
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Most people assume that in order to sail the world's oceans and rivers you have to use one of the major cruise lines. However, there are other options, such as private yachts. Shari Hearn explains how this is possible without breaking the bank. By Shari Hearn The summer cruise season is once again upon us. It is time for cruise lovers everywhere to choose their yearly cruise vacation. Or, for you cruise first-timers, you must finally decide to take the plunge and go on your first cruise. For first-timers and seasoned pros alike, most people assume that in order to sail the world's oceans and rivers you have to sign up with one of the major cruise lines. While cruising with one of the majors is the most common way to sail, there are other options available, such as chartering a private yacht. Before the money alarm bells start going off in your head, it might help to know that in some cases a privately-chartered yacht might make financial sense, particularly if you have a large group of people who will split the cost of the charter. And, charters vary widely in price. For example, you can charter a yacht cruising Florida and the Bahamas in the winter and New England in the summer from $15,500 per week for 6 people. That comes out to just over $2,500 per person. Of course, there are pricier yachts you can charter for $385,000 per week for 12 guests and a crew of 13. A yacht like that comes equipped with fishing equipment, snorkeling equipment, water skis, wave runners, kneeboards, kayaks, gym, and a Jacuzzi. Again, prices vary widely. You may be amazed at what you would find in your price range. Some private yacht charters also offer cheaper deals if you agree to cook your own food rather than have a chef onboard. Benefits of Private Yacht Charters over Major Cruise Lines Privacy: On a major cruise, you have lots of company - over 2,000 passengers on many cruises. With a private yacht charter, it can be just you and under a dozen other people, oftentimes just your friends and family. Besides you and the other passengers, the only other individuals onboard are the yacht crew or staff. This might not only include a captain and other onboard hands, but also a maid or a private chef. Perfect for Small Gatherings: Private yachts are ideal for small business parties, casual business meetings, romantic getaways, honeymoons, weddings, and even family vacations. It is hard to hold a business meeting on a large cruise ship with all the noise and activity going on around you. In addition, a private yacht charter allows you the opportunity to get closer to your loved ones without other people getting in the way. Activities: You may be able to go swimming, scuba diving, or snorkeling right off the yacht. Jumping off the ship and into the ocean is not something that is encouraged on a major cruise ship. Neither is fishing. However, on your own private chartered yacht, that is also an activity that you, your family, and your friends can enjoy. Health Considerations: Every year it seems there is news of some outbreak of something on a major cruise ship. With all the people aboard, it is much easier for infections to be spread around, no matter how hard the crew tries to keep everything clean and disinfected. With the small number of people on a private chartered yacht, you have less chance of coming in contact with pathogens. Benefits of a Major Cruise Line over a Private Chartered Yacht Cost: While you can find a private yacht charter that will not break the bank, a vacation with a major cruise line is still probably cheaper, even for an ocean-view balcony room. And, if you book early enough, you are often offered an upgrade when your cruise date nears. Activities: A major cruise ship offers an incredible number of activities, such as movies, dancing, yoga, and exercise classes. Many have onboard casinos and numerous swimming pools. If you are bored reading or watching the scenery, there's always an activity scheduled. Escape: While taking a vacation on a yacht with 8 other people sounds nice, you may not be able to escape these same people during the day on a private yacht. On a major cruise, there are so many activities that people can go off and do their own thing without always bumping into each other. When deciding between a major cruise ship and private chartered yacht, it helps to sort out what you really want on your vacation. Do you want the opportunity to see beautiful scenery at a minimal cost, or are privacy and being catered to an important consideration for you? If you decide to look into chartering a private yacht, you might wish to go through a yacht charter agent who has knowledge of the different companies offering chartered yachts. Choose an agent who is a member of one of the yacht broker's associations, such as the AYCA, the American Yacht Charter Association, or CYBA, the Charter Yacht Brokers Association. About the Author: Shari Hearn writes about such topics as boating vacations, yacht charters, and whitewater rafting trips. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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