When choosing a charter itinerary, there are several things to consider to ensure you get the best possible experience, at the best possible price, in the best possible conditions.
We asked our charter brokers what factors you should consider.
1. Destination
The destination is of course a crucial factor when planning a charter itinerary.
Evaluate climate trends and weather forecasts for your trip’s location and dates.
Research the local culture, points of interest, customs and language and plan activities that match your interests and those of your guests.
Remi van der Deure, Senior Charter Broker in Antibes adds: “Some destinations (the French Riviera, for example) do not require a long cruise between the various hot spots (Monaco-Cannes: 1h/1h30 min. with a motor yacht).“
2. Budget
Before planning your charter itinerary, consider your budget.
How much are you prepared to spend on your trip?
If you are chartering a fast sports yacht, do you have a rough idea of the hourly fuel costs?
On a large sport yacht like the Mangusta 130 this can be very high (1,200 litres per hour at 2 euros).
This will influence your choice of yacht and the duration of your charter.
3. Guests
The size and age of your guests will determine the size of yacht you need to charter, and probably the daily duration of each trip. You will want to ensure that everyone has enough space to feel comfortable on board for the chosen itinerary.
5. Points of interest, activities
Think about what activities you would like to do during your charter. Whether it’s relaxing on the beach or exploring cultural sites, make sure your itinerary matches your interests and those of your guests.
Some guests want to spend time at anchor relaxing in an unspoilt environment, while others want to do some shopping.
6. Style of charter
Decide if you prefer a more laid-back trip or an action-packed adventure. This will help you determine the type of yacht and itinerary that suits your needs.
7. Yacht type
A comfortable luxury motorsailer will not cover the same distance as a fast Italian sports yacht: plan your itinerary accordingly with the help of your charter broker.
By considering these factors, you can plan the perfect charter itinerary that suits your needs and preferences.
8. Charter broker advice
Remi van der Deure, a charter broker, recounts: “I once had a first-time charterer who didn’t even take the time to fill out their preference sheet for a 115-foot motor yacht in Sardinia. This client ignored all our recommendations and ended up paying a hefty fine at customs for not declaring their cash at the airport. Remember, always listen to the advice of your charter broker – we’re here to help you!“
- Flexibility: be flexible with your itinerary: booking a yacht charter is an exciting adventure, but it’s important to remember that things don’t always go as planned. Yacht charters can be unpredictable due to factors such as weather and unexpected delays. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s important to be flexible with your itinerary and prepared for any changes that may arise.
- Communication: effective communication is the key to planning and booking the perfect yacht charter holiday. When it comes to planning your yacht charter holiday, don’t be afraid to ask your charter company for what you want.
Whether it’s a particular type of cuisine or activity, whether you want to celebrate your birthday, your charter company should be able to accommodate any special requests or needs you may have. Be specific in your requests to ensure that your charter company can deliver on your expectations. Remember: the more you communicate with your charter broker, the better your chances of planning and booking the perfect luxury holiday. - Pre-booking: ensure you get the activities and experiences you want, it’s a good idea to book in advance. This will give you plenty of time to research different options and decide which ones are best for your group. Additionally, booking in advance can help you secure the best deals and availability.
Updated on 14/04/2024
About the author: Remi van der Deure – French Riviera Charter broker.
Hello,
I am the senior Yacht Charter Broker at Charterminute, a well-known yacht charter boutique in Antibes.
I have served in the yacht charter industry for over 15 years and have gained a strong reputation among my clients, as evidenced by consistent 5-star ratings on Google Reviews and TripAdvisor.
My specialty is organizing corporate yacht charters for startups and large companies during popular events like the Cannes Lions Festival, MIPIM, TFWA, and MIPCOM.
I am also proud to be a member of esteemed yacht broker associations, e-MYBA and ECPY, demonstrating my unwavering commitment to providing exceptional yacht charter services and memorable experiences in the French Riviera.
You can contact me directly at +33 (0)662.465.991 or remi@charterminute.com.
