By Felipe Jay
If you like to travel the world by sea, and perhaps see it from aboard a luxury cruise ship, you might want to read what I have to say about sailboat charters before booking your next cruise.
Freedom and intimacy
Unlike a cruise ship package where you have a general itinerary to follow, chartering a sailboat gives you the freedom to choose where to go, when to go, and how long you stay in a specific place. On a cruise ship you’ll visit that giant port where the vendors are anxiously awaiting your arrival. On a sailing charter, you may visit locales with only a few people living there, or perhaps where you are the only person on the entire island. So, whether you want to sail the Bahamas, the Caribbean, or the South Pacific, it is always your call. The itinerary for sailboat charters consists of 2 timed events; the time/date to leave the charter base and the time/date to return to the base. Fill in the rest as you go.
Good bye Buffets & Hello Tailor-fit Dining
For crewed sailboat chartering, the chef is going to ask you firsthand what food you like and dislike so you only get to eat what you desire. Say goodbye to standing in long lines before you get to the buffet table only to see dishes you don’t really like to eat, and dining in a cruise ship’s restaurants may add on to your bill. On the other hand, sailboat charters can always stop by a local restaurant as you request, which definitely costs way cheaper than cruise ship bistros. Did I mention that you also don’t have to adjust your time to the cruise ship’s eating hours because your requested dishes will be served to you when you want them?
On a sail charter, you and your crew get to plan your meal. There are more opportunities to enjoy the flavors of the region in local restaurants, engage with local fresh food vendors, purchase fish fresh from local fisherman, etc.
Unlimited Cocktails
Some cruise ships or your tour operator will give you wine and you may get a few free ones while you dine aboard, but with sailboat charters, you can inform the crew of your cocktail preferences or you can even bring some yourself. You and your companions can enjoy bottles of your favourite liquor or wine without worrying about a high bill.
Privacy
On a Cruise ship you will share the journey with thousands of people you don’t know. While many find it good to meet lots of new people, others like their private experience. If you’re this type of person, then you should really consider sailboat chartering. What better way to sail the world than with people close to your heart? Hmmm… You must be thinking of sailboat chartering as the most romantic way to spend your honeymoon. Well, I couldn’t agree more!
Control
This is somehow linked to the first reason why sailboat charters are better than a cruise ship. You don’t wait when the ship tells you that you can snorkel or dive. You decide your pace. So, you find Grand Cayman’s water inviting? Then you can jump and dive as you please, even in your birthday suit!
So the next time you consider a vacation cruise, FORGET ABOUT IT! Instead, consider an intimate, fun, and exciting sailing vacation. Guaranteed, you’ll be back for more.
