A Look at Some of the Best Crewed Charter Yachts in the Caribbean

As another Season begins in the Caribbean I thought I would write a bit about some of my favourite crewed yachts out there. I have picked a selection of boats ranging from 45 to 80 Feet, all boats that I personally have been on and Crews that I personally have met (and would recommend!). As it is a favoured chartering ground for many most of these Yachts are based in the British Virgin Islands, some however do charter in the Leeward and Windward Islands (St Maarteen, Antigua, Grenadines etc). Really when it comes down to it though the BVI does have everything to offer, with hundreds of islands in the area you can choose from quiet & secluded anchorages, to busy beach bars and lively restaurants.

Take a look at our suggestions and see what you think:

Viking Dream (Leopard 4700)- An Immaculate and Comfortable Yacht, Viking Dream is personally Owned buy its wonderful Crew Mark and Sally. They are a fun and experienced crew with a love for Chartering and the Islands, a perfect boat for 3 couples or a family Mark & Sally can adapt to either. Their enthusiasm, fun personalities and years of experience will ensure that your vacation in the British Virgin Islands is one that you will never forget.

AdAstra (Lagoon 57)- Bridget and Barry are a seasoned Crew who have been running charters on Ad Astra for 4 years now. With a zest for adventure they love to travel when working and when on vacation, they are sure to have many stories and experiences to share with you. AdAstra is a well kept boat, with many new additions each year. She sleeps 8 people in 3 Queens and 1 Bunk Beds, with a great out side dining area as well as a large salon. Perfect for Couples and Families. In May, Ad Astra will be heading over to the Mediterranean more Adventures so either make the most of then in the Caribbean or try an adventure with them in Corsica and Sardinia this Summer. Bridget and Barry are fun, considerate and always aiming to please. Their love of AdAstra and chartering is shown in the presentation of the Yacht... Chartering with them is a once in a lifetime vacation, you will want to go back again and again!

Pas De Deux (Fountaine Pajot 60) - Rodrigo and Kerry embody everything that is needed to be a fantastic charter crew, they have been in the British Virgin Islands for several years now and after perviously running larger yachts they prefer the more personal aspect of chartering with just 2 crew. Pas De Deux offers an added bit of luxury in the decor of a charter yacht, with Kerry presenting it beautifully, you will find hidden extras such as bath robes and personalised towels that you may not find on all our yachts. Rodrigo and Kerry bring with them their high standards and a personal touch that will not be missed. Pas De Deux offers 3 Queen Cabins, the Master offering a walk around bed and walk in shower. Kerry is a fantastic Chef, and both Kerry and Rodrigo are a relaxed, friendly, fun & at the same time professional couple to be around. A charter with them is truly 1st Class!

Soterion (Lagoon 570) (previously DOUBLE FEATURE) A lovely Yacht, one guest liked her so much he bought her back in 2009! Sleeping 8 guests in 4 Queen Cabins(one with walk in shower), she has a spacious salon & cockpit area. Sasha and Tara have crewed Soterion for the almost 2 years keeping her updated each season. They are a lovely couple who delight in sharing their Caribbean experiences with you.

Avalon (Lagoon 620) is one of the newer boats to the fleet. Launched in 2010 with Paul and Mel who were involved throughout the build process, Avalon has been decorated tastefully throughout, she is fantastically spacious and has a lovely light and airy feel. She sleeps 10 guests and also offers diving. Both Paul and Mel are passionate about sailing and love to share their adventures with their guests. Their love for the islands shines through when they are sailing and showing you around. Mel is an accomplished Chef, always adding to her skills with new courses, she enjoys pushing herself to the next level in her gourmet offerings. Paul is an experienced Captain who is great fun to be around, he is always happy to show you the ropes (literally) or take on the sailing himself. A charter on this stunning new Yacht is sure to impress and Paul and Mel will leave you with memories hard to forget!

Kings Ransom (Matrix 76)- If you really want to be pampered in luxury then a charter on Kings Ransom is ideal. At 76ft this catamaran sleeps 10, all with ensuite bathrooms and walk in showers, the master cabin being particularily special with wraparound windows and a bath tub! The cockpit is very spacious with a large dining table, on the second deck there is plenty of sunbathing space and a hot tub! Your Crew Emily and Euros bring with them years of experience chartering. Emily is a masterful chef and Euros an accomplished Captain. Joining them to keep the level of service you would expect on a larger yacht like this are 2 further crew. If you want to enjoy that added bit of luxury Kings Ransom is where you will find it. Available not only in the BVI but throughout the Caribbean. Due to a recent cancellation Kings Ransom is now available for Christmas up until 26th December.

If you would like to enquire about any of these Yachts please drop us an Email (info@jkyachtcharters.com).
If you cannot see what you are looking for here try using our Yacht Search Page to take a look at some other yachts or get in touch with us and we will recommend something more suited to your criteria. There are many wonderful yachts and crews out there to choose from, we want to help find the right one for YOU!

JK Yacht Charters, specialising in booking Luxury Crewed Yacht Charters in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Representing 100's of Boats, Crewed & Bareboat, Catamaran, Monohull & Motor Yachts.

http://www.jkyachtcharters.com/

Original article

A Comparison: Cruise Ship Vacation Versus A Crewed Yacht Charter

Considering a vacation on a cruise ship? Consider this: a crewed yacht charter can offer you a private, yachting experience with benefits that you could only dream of on a cruise ship.

Boat-mates

One of the main benefits of choosing a yacht charter is that you get to choose your boat-mates. While you don't get to choose 500 - or in some cases, 2500 - of your closes friends, you do get to select some family or friends to join you on a luxury yacht. Some corporate yachts carry over 100 people, most crewed charters sleep around ten or more individuals. You can choose to bring along family members, friends, neighbors, or even co-workers.

On a cruise, you may select an interior cabin, one with a view, or a suite. You cannot, however, choose who will be in the room next to yours. You may be next door to a shrill talker, a loud snorer, or a nosy ninny. This also applies to those awkward dinner seat arrangements.

On a yacht, you are guaranteed to get that suite. You have free access to a room with a view. The "interior" rooms are not crammed in a windowless hallway with dozens of identical doors. On a yacht, the whole boat is yours. The rooms are custom-designed in luxurious styles. Nothing is mass-produced. Nothing is a replica. On a luxury yacht, you don't just share a suite with your party; the entire boat is your living quarters for the duration of your get-away.

Itinerary

Cruise ships sail to all parts of the world. If you want to go on a cruise, you fly to the port city nearest the destination and board the ship from there. The ship then follows a predetermined route, stopping at various ports to allow the passengers to disembark for dinner or entertainment. You may choose which ship you board, but you can't change where that ship sails.

On a crewed yacht charter, you choose which islands to visit. You choose which restaurants to try. And if you come across a beach that is packed with 500 sunbathing tourists from a cruise ship, you can choose to sail to the opposite side of the island and relax on a secluded beach.

Meals

One of the things that is continually discussed on a cruise are the endless spreads of delicious foods. Certainly a charter yacht can't beat that? Well, yes, actually, it can. On a crewed yacht charter, you will have your very own personal chef. Prior to your vacation, your chef will discuss with you food options, any food allergies, dietary requirements, and so on. Meals are usually based on specialties of the area, and can be customized to your tastes. No more lines. No more missing out on your favorite dish because the hungry Henry in front of you ate it all. You get food that you like on your schedule.

Water Toys

Most yacht charters also come complete with water toys, such as wave runners, water skis, inflatable pull toys, and fishing equipment with boats. Most luxury yachts have a Jacuzzi on board. Some have exercise equipment. All of this without the hundreds of strangers found on cruises.

Laurie Harley writes for Worldwide Boat yacht charter specialist, an independent booking agency for luxury yacht charters around the world. Worldwide Boat represents the world's finest luxury yachts and offers clients an exceptional charter experience in premiere charter destinations.

Original article