A private yacht charter is a wonderful way to spend a honeymoon or vacation. Instead of hustling through crowded, austere airports, you will be luxuriating on the sunny deck of your own personal boat! Rather than riding a giant party ship with hundreds of people, you will be having the time of your life with just a few of your closest friends. While you’ll need to decide who to bring, what sort of boat to get and when to leave, the hardest decision you will have to make is where to go first.

A Mediterranean private yacht charter vacation can take you to Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Spain, France and Italy. These destinations are culturally rich with beautiful beaches, historic architecture and savory regional cuisine.

Generally, travelers will come during the summer months of July and August when the days are warm and sunny and the breezes are light, although the weather is still seasonal from April to October, and the crowds are thinner. Charter boats traveling to the Mediterranean include power boats, luxury yachts, catamaran, sailboats and the bareboat charter.

• A private yacht charter is a wonderful way to spend a honeymoon or vacation.
• Travelers come to the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas for the white sandy beaches.
• In the Bahamas, you can feast on spicy cuisine, fish on beautiful beaches, snorkel underwater grottos.

For those chilly winter months, why not take a private yacht charter to the warm Caribbean waters? Travelers come to the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas for the white sandy beaches, the pleasant trade winds, turquoise waters, West Indian cuisine and fun activities year-round.

There are more than 100 Virgin Islands, offering a plethora of coves for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, surfing, marine-life watching and lounging. On the shores, you will enjoy dancing, frozen blender drinks, crafts from local artisans and the dramatic mountain peak topography.

In the Bahamas, you can feast on spicy cuisine, fish on beautiful beaches, snorkel underwater grottos, gaze upon a habitat of 60,000 flamingos, star gaze the midnight skies, dance in nightclubs and splash around at the world-renowned Atlantis water-park and culture center.

A sailing charter in the Cayman Islands will whisk you away to the famous Seven Mile Beach (one of the best in the world!), the historic Pedro St. James castle, scuba diving shipwrecks in Cayman Brac, bird watching the rare red-footed Booby on Little Cayman and partaking in the museums and shops of George Town. Nothing beats the winter blues like a Caribbean yacht excursion!

The Indian Ocean has a lot to offer a private yacht charter. Luxury yacht charters in the Maldives are a rare, exotic winter adventure. Clear-water lagoons, coastal coves brimming with ecological diversity and colorful coral gardens bring many that love to snorkel here. The Seychelles are referred to as “the jewels of the Indian Ocean” and offer more than a hundred islands to explore.

The Coco Islands hide black parrots and giant tortoises in misty forests, while simultaneously offering warm tropical lagoons and white sand beaches. The pleasant trade winds are best during the winter and summer months. History buffs will be amazed at the pirate graves, leper hospital ruins and colonial plantation houses. Creole food and French influences also make the Indian Ocean private yacht charters intriguing.

David Hackert, president of Prestige Yacht Charters, says nothing beats boat charter trips when it comes to celebrating your special day, whether it is a birthday, an anniversary or a wedding. “Think about the weddings you have attended in the past. You celebrated, danced and went home,” he explains. “A wedding on a yacht, however, could offer panoramic views, imposing skylines or even an exploration of serene inlets and coves. It would be an occasion your guests would remember for the rest of their lives.” There are many decisions to make when it comes to selecting from the diverse pool of luxury yachts but the benefits far exceed the initial effort.

Do you want to be a skipper? This is one of the first decisions to make when considering a boat charter. If the answer is “yes,” then be prepared to hand over your boating resume to the charter company, which includes several years of experience sailing the size and type of boat you intend to charter. At www.ebare.com, you can take an assessment to see if you are ready for smooth sailing and to see what your options are if you are not quite prepared. You may need to take a few boating and safety courses before being allowed to hold supreme power aboard your private yacht.

• A wedding on a yacht could offer panoramic views.
• Smaller boats, sailboats and off-season trips all offer deep discounts.
• The cost of boat charters is entirely up to you.

On the day of your charter, some companies may take you out on a demo cruise, where you will demonstrate your knowledge. If you flunk the demo, then the company will place a captain aboard your vessel. If, on the other hand, you pass your demo, then congratulations! You will be commanding your first bareboat charter.

Next you will need to decide whether you want to go through a yacht broker or a boat charters company. A yacht broker is like a personal travel agent paid a commission by various charter companies at no extra expense to you. This trained professional will have an in-depth knowledge of various crews, chefs, ships, companies and destinations to assemble a grand sailing vacation.

You can find knowledgeable brokers through the American Yacht Charter Association, the Charter Yacht Brokers Association or international groups, like the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association or the British Columbia Yacht Brokers Association. If you decide to go with an experienced charter company which has packages already put together, then be sure they have at least 10 years of experience, client testimonials, new yachts, a wide choice of amenities and a friendly staff.

The cost of boat charters is entirely up to you. Many beginners choose to hop aboard sailing yachts with a handful of other couples to offset the cost. Affordable trips can also be taken in a flotilla fleet, which offers a good middle-ground for relatively inexperienced sailors who still crave the privacy of their own boat.

Smaller boats, sailboats and off-season trips all offer deep discounts. Choosing an all-inclusive sailing vacation is a good way to prevent overspending on port stops, food or other unanticipated expenses. As you travel more and more, you will soon be ready to command your own boat, sail on luxury yacht charters or throw an extravagant party aboard a crewed yacht charter!

Cruise vacations are a fun way to see many different exotic locations, involve the whole family and really relax and enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, there’s also a dark side to cruise vacations.

To keep you and your family safe, keep reading for essential tips on cruise safety tips that will teach you how to stay healthy and secure while on board.

1. Always Be Aware

Generally, cruise ships are safe and secure contained environments. Because of this, we’re more likely to let our guard down. But, just because the life is good and the weather is warm does not mean you shouldn’t always be aware of others and your surroundings.

Particularly on large ships, don’t traverse dark passageways, leave your drink alone or allow yourself to get in a situation that feels uncomfortable or wrong.

2. Use the Safe

Like hotels, all cruise ships will have an on-board safe. First, leave your expensive jewelry and designer watches at home. Second, use the safe to store passports and extra cash.

Most cruise ships have smaller, lightweight safes in the cabin that are fine for storing small electronics and tip cash, but they are easily picked or bypassed.

3. Watch Your Diet and Water

Typically, the food and water on a cruise shape is safe. However, when you’re on-shore always drink bottled water and try to eat at clean, upscale restaurants. You don’t want to ruin your beautiful cruise adventure with a bout of dysentery.

4. Be Careful with Alcohol

Booze can really flow on a cruise ship, particularly an all-inclusive sailing adventure. Remember, alcohol compromises your facilities and your judgment. You are not only surrounded by strangers, but you’re also on-board a moving vessel that’s traveling at 20 knots.

5. Set a Gambling Budget

Keep yourself and your wallet safe by setting a firm gambling budget, and remember that thieves cruise too. If you’re ahead, cash your winnings occasionally and have them escorted to the ship’s safe, and never – ever – carry large sums of money, winnings or not, around with you.

6. Be Aware of the Crew

Cruise lines carefully screen their employees, and cruise ship employees are hardworking and honest. However, you should always bear in mind that most cruise ship companies have a strict policy about not allowing crew members to interact with passengers outside their duties. If a crew member invites you back to their cabin, say no firmly but politely and report it to the cruise director.

Overall, cruise ships are safe. However, you should always be aware of the presence of others and your surroundings.

Christmas cruises are an easy way to host a full family vacation without losing the spirit of the holidays. Most holiday cruise vacations offer decorations, holiday-centric events and meals that allow you to focus on your family and not the strain of hosting guests, cooking dinner and planning activities.

To learn about the basics of holiday cruise vacations, keep reading for great tips on how to book a Christmas cruise and save money.

Book Early

As Christmas cruising grows in popularity, cruise lines are adding more ships, but they can’t always keep up with the demand, so book early. If you’re planning to cruise with a large entourage like a full, extended family, you may need to book as early as six months to a year in advance.

By booking early you’ll get greater cabin selection and possible early-bird discounts that can save you money.

Look For Kid-Friendly Options

If you’re traveling with children this Christmas, look for a sailing that’s geared toward families with kids. These boats will not only be fully decorated for the Christmas season, but they’ll most likely have a Santa on board along with kid-friendly, Christmas activities.

If you’re traveling with teenagers or older children, a Disney cruise may not be for you. Look for a cruise option that hosts activities that appeal to all age groups. Today, cruise ships offer everything from on-board surfing to rock climbing. If you’re curious about what the ship specifically offers for the holidays, don’t hesitate to call the cruise line directly to ask.

Arrive One Day Early

Depending from where your ship departs, you may need to fly or drive to your port of departure. If you’re traveling with a family or a large group or if you’re all rendezvousing in your departure port city, arrive a day early. December can be a stormy month with storm delays and highway traffic, so don’t get left behind this Christmas.

Have a Point Person

If you’re booking as an extended family, make sure you have one very patient point person in charge of all the details from collecting money to distributing itineraries. Having one responsible family member be in charge of the details keeps all the information in one place and creates less confusion.

Stick to Small Presents

Cruise ships are big, but the cabins are small. Either opt for one small present each or open your presents before or after you depart.

Finally, have fun.

Themed cruises are cruise vacations that focus on a specific customer, a specific theme like a type of music or a skill like gourmet cooking or painting.

Essentially theme cruises allow passengers with similar tastes to enjoy a relatively all-inclusive vacation that tailors specifically to their interests.

To learn about the different types of theme cruises from family themed vacations to adults-only themes, keep reading for great tips on how to find the best theme cruise ship for you.

Theme Cruises for Families

Theme cruises for families are typically centered on a theme that appeals to children. Popular themes include pirates, undersea adventure or popular animated characters.

For example, Disney Cruise Lines offers a number of ships and sailings that are designed for the whole family. Much like a trip to Disney World or Disney Land, kids are greeted by their favorite characters, can go see a full, live-action performance and can indulge in activities that focus on their favorite Disney films and television series.

Typically, most theme cruises for families also offer activities for adults. They’re a great opportunity for the whole family to actively enjoy a safe vacation that allows for quality together-time, but also much-needed private relaxation.

Theme Cruises for Couples

Most cruise lines offer specific sailings that are targeted directly toward couples who are looking for a private and romantic getaway or a quiet cruise for a wedding or anniversary.

Most often these romantically-themed cruises include couples’ dining tables rather than large, group dining, romantic touches like champagne on arrival and extra room service, spa packages that include treats such as couples’ massages and also age restrictions.

Typically, age-restricted cruises only allow unmarried passengers over the age of 25 or married passengers over the age of 21. Check with your individual cruise line’s age restriction policies before booking.

Singles’ Cruises

Some cruises are targeted specifically toward single travelers. They often include social mixers, activities designed to get passengers interacting with one another and group dining.

Singles’ cruises can be a great way to meet new people.

Skill Cruises

In addition to the above cruises, many lines offer cruises that are geared specifically toward painters, golfers, athletes, aspiring chefs, wine lovers, bicyclists, runners and many more. Typically, these cruises offer classes, workshops and shore excursions that appeal directly to those interests.

If you have the inclination to take a cruise and prefer general commonality among the passengers, a themed cruise adventure might be right up your alley!

Despite the brochure’s claims, most cruises – whether with Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruises, Holland America or just about any other cruise line – are not all-inclusive. So, as a responsible traveler, you need to set a budget that goes beyond your basic cost of passage. The question is, what are those extra costs?

To learn about the additional expenses that come along with a cruise vacation, keep reading to find out how you can budget for shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, service tips, rounds of golf and much-deserved spa treatments.

Shore Excursions

Typically, most cruises do not include the price of shore excursions. When budgeting for your cruise, add several hundred dollars to participate in popular shore activities like scuba diving, guided town tours, paragliding, sea kayaking, golf and more.

Typically, you can go online or refer to the cruise line’s brochure to get an idea of the shore excursions available on your trip and how much they cost.

Often, you can book your shore trips in advance of the your time at sea, but try to set a bit of your budget aside for the whimsy – you may decide halfway through your cruise that, yes, you do want to try horseback riding after all.

Drinks and snacks

Check in advance what your cruise does and does not include in “all-inclusive.” Typically, meals are included but not specialty drinks or snacks.

Again, every cruise line is different, with some offering assigned and monitored dining while others include 24-hour buffets and alcoholic beverages.

Tips

If you’re unsure of whom to tip and how much, then simply call the cruise line and ask them what’s expected of passengers. On most ships the steward or cruise director will make announcements about tips, including tip etiquette.

Typically, you’ll be able to include a tip when signing a bill for drinks or service. You’re also able to include a service tip either as a flat day fee on top of your on-board account or at the end of the cruise in the form of cash in an envelope, given to either your steward or cruise director.

The latter method is less frequent. The average amount is about $10-$15 per day per passenger, but that can depend on the ship and level of service.

Extra Activities like Golf and Spas

Cruise ships are becoming more elaborate, including new amenities like driving ranges and spa facilities. When budgeting for a cruise vacation, set some money aside for extras like a facial or a bucket of balls at the driving range.

And while you’re considering extra activities on-board the ship, remember that you want to work within your budget, but you also don’t want to deprive yourself.

Finding a real cruise bargain or even just a high quality cruise that fits within your budget is a combination of good planning, timing and a splash of good fortune.

Also, what counts as a “special,” “good buy,” or “great deal” is a matter of perception, differing for most individuals depending on their budget, cruise ship experience and the amenities they expect to receive.

The Price Range is Broad

Remember, like any product, you often get what you pay for with cruises. That doesn’t mean there aren’t good deals to be found.

But much like the hotel markets, cruise ships will range from top-of-the-line deluxe ships with five-star restaurants and all-inclusive amenities to outdated boats with basic rooms and cafeteria-style buffets.

Because of this discrepancy in accommodations, food and facilities, cruises can range in price from less than $100 per day for a person to over $1000 a day.

You may think you’re getting the deal of your life and soon find yourself in an inside cabin with no windows, sailing on a boat that charges you $8 for a glass of soda and doesn’t even have a pool.

Take Time to Get Accurate Knowledge

First time cruise buyers should either consult directly with an experienced travel agent or be willing to invest a lot of time reading online customer reviews and consulting with friends about ships and lines to look for, and those to avoid.

The easiest way to stay on budget or find great deals is to either be incredibly flexible or thoroughly planned. The first option of total flexibility allows you to look on discount travel web sites for either last-minute deals or unexpected specials.

If the destination and dates are of little importance to you, this can be a great way to pick up a fantastic discount.

Staying Within Your Budget

Your second option is to choose a cruise destination, set a maximum travel budget and start surfing the web sites of cruise lines that interest you. Most cruise line companies will advertise their weekly or daily specials directly on their web sites, allowing you to quickly scan for deals that fit your timeline, wants and cabin requirements.

Another way to save money is to opt for an inside cabin on an upscale cruise. Admittedly, your room will most likely be small and windowless, but if you book on a luxury cruise with a wide range of amenities, you’ll be spending the majority of your time outside your cabin anyway. You’ll also have more of your budget available for treats like shore excursions and spa treatments.

Along with the glamour and fun associated with cruise travel comes a real need to be aware of your personal health and safety. If you’re concerned about health and safety issues on board a cruise ship, keep reading for great tips on how to stay well during your next cruise vacation.

1. Check a Boat’s Report Card

The Vessel Sanitation Program operates through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Their job is to inspect ships regularly. They look for cleanliness issues, food storage facilities, food preparation methods, water sanitation, hygiene, pest control and a ship’s disease prevention methods.

After the Vessel Sanitation Program inspects a ship, they issue a report card. That report card is then made available on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention web site. So, before you book your next cruise, research and read your proposed ship’s report card and check their score.

2. Visit Your Doctor Before You Depart

Make an appointment with your family doctor at least a few weeks before you’re scheduled to depart. Be sure you have all necessary vaccinations that will be required, an extra supply of your medication and, if you have specific health problems, a copy of your medical chart.

For cruise vacationers who need a yellow fever vaccination, you may want to plan farther in advance to book a vaccination at a local public health or travel clinic.

3. Be Diligent About Germs

Remember that a cruise ship is an enclosed space holding a lot of people. Germs and disease can spread quickly on board a ship, so take precautions like always keep your shoes or a pair of flip-flops on at all times, use hand sanitizer regularly (carry some in your pocket) and wash your hands often.

4. Watch What You Eat and Drink

Cruise ships are typically safe for water and food, but if you’re planning on any shore excursions, only drink bottled water and try to only eat at reputable and “safe” restaurants. You don’t want your cruise adventure tarnished by a bout of food poisoning.

5. Put Your Children’s Safety First

If you’re booking a cruise with your children, even a “kid’s cruise,” always be aware of the cruise line’s policies regarding child safety. Ask them about how they screen their child care employees, whether or not all crew are required to have first aid certification and – even if you’re cruising with the best – always be aware of where your children are on board at all times.