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A guide to luxury yacht charter in 2023

When it comes to the most exclusive ways to travel whilst taking in the beauty of coastlines and the vastness of the sea, it doesn’t get much better than climbing on board a luxury yacht charter for the summer.

By LLM Reporters   |  
The superyacht Inception arrives at Portoferraio. Superyacht Inception is the latest addition to the Edmiston charter fleet
Image Credit: eZeePics Studio/Bigstock.com

Promising the glamour that comes with a high-end, opulent lifestyle as well as convenience and complete privacy, a luxury yacht charter all comes together to make for a seamless and enjoyable trip you’ll never forget.

If you’re yet to invest in your own luxury yacht but are dreaming of a long, hot summer spent sailing the Amalfi Coast, the French Riviera, or somewhere a little more exotic, then chartering a yacht is a great way to make it happen. If you’re considering chartering a high-end yacht in 2023, then here are some things you’ll want to consider to ensure you get the best out of the experience.

Choosing your yacht

yacht charter
Before you make your decision, consider how far you plan to travel on board your yacht charter, and over what sort of time span you’d like to do it. Image credit: vladimir_drozdin/Bigstock.com

The first decision you’ll need to make if you’ve decided you’d like to charter a yacht this summer is what type of yacht you want. They come in many different shapes and sizes, and the right type for you will depend on several factors, including how large a group you intend to travel with and whether there are any specific facilities you deem as non-negotiable.

Whilst a motor yacht is a good choice if you’re travelling alone or with immediate family and friends only, a luxury superyacht, which can accommodate up to 12 passengers comfortably, might be a better option – plus, it will ensure that you get to travel in maximum style with no compromise on all the extra bells and whistles you might have in mind.

Before you make your decision, consider how far you plan to travel on board your yacht charter, and over what sort of time span you’d like to do it. The vessel you choose for sailing the Mediterranean might not be the best option for the Caribbean, and vice versa, and different types of yachts are designed to suit different types of water. While some are created with deep sea adventures in mind, others are better suited to shallow waters, which you may wish to access for activities like snorkelling.

Chat to your chosen provider before selecting your yacht, as they will be able to make a recommendation based on your needs and preferences.

The cost of luxury yacht chartering

aerial view of yachts
Generally speaking, you might pay anywhere from £15,000 to £200,000 dollars per week. Image credit: denbelitsky/Bigstock.com

The cost you can expect to pay for a luxury yacht charter can vary dramatically and is dependent on the type and size of the yacht you choose, as well as the duration of the trip and how far away your final destination is. Generally speaking, you might pay anywhere from £15,000 to £200,000 dollars per week, but this includes everything you need for a truly memorable experience, from the rental itself to the crew and service staff, as well as food, drink and fuel.

Do bear in mind, however, that there are some extra costs outside of this – for example, taxes, gratuities and dockage fees. These can add a significant amount to the total you’ll pay for your yacht charter getaway – in some cases, up to a third of the basic upfront cost.

Arranging your luxury yacht charter

Large modern luxury white yacht
Request a bespoke quote beforehand so that you know how much you can expect to pay before committing. Image credit: Zoran Photographer/Bigstock.com

Once you know what type of yacht you’d like to charter, you’ll need to choose a luxury yacht charter company or broker through which to arrange your rental.

If you already have a clear picture of your needs, then going straight to the charter company is a quick and easy way to go about it, and most companies will allow you to make your booking via their website or over the phone. You can, of course, request a bespoke quote beforehand so that you know how much you can expect to pay before committing, and doing so will allow you to compare with other charter companies to ensure you get the best deal.

If you’re still uncertain about what exactly your needs are and would like some professional guidance, then a broker is a good first port of call. They will be able to help you determine what type of yacht is the best option to suit your holiday or trip, as well as the requirements of your group – as well as helping you to find the best price from a range of charter companies.