Allison’s Favourites at the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2014

Yesterday saw the closing of the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2014, another great year according to our Charter Director Allison Cecilio in Fort Lauderdale. The show featured favourites winning over others with their fantastic crews and inventive chefs, along with some very welcome newcomers to the US charter market. As the show drew to a close Allison has reflected on her top recommendations for winter in Florida and the Bahamas, and summer sun in New England.

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Allison’s first favourite was a popular choice with all the brokers at the show. DA BUBBA is 100′ Hargrave yacht, with elegant and stylish interior combined with extensive water sports list to truly mix relaxation and thrill-seeking. Allison highly recommends this yacht already due to her sterling crew and the fact she’s still offering free delivery to a location of your choice in the Bahamas for Spring Break charters!

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Previous guests have left flawless reviews and commended their crew on their keen eye for safety and fun, perfect for family groups. An impressive buffet showcasing vegan options, including curried pumpkin bisque and vegetable spring rolls with ponzu dip, really highlighted the talent of the chef onboard for Allison.

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Allison’s next favourite was the much anticipated return of GRAVITAS. The 52 metre Feadship has undergone an extensive re-fit with her new owners and is in pristine “as-new” condition inside and out, whilst still offering the trusted quality of a classic Feadship build. The crew are already well-known and are led by the reputable force of Roy and Stephanie Hodges who have a rich and full charter history and exemplary feedback from guests throughout their career. GRAVITAS will spend April in the Bahamas before heading towards to New England for the summer holidays.

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To keep up with the latest industry news and reviews follow us on Twitter, and for more information on chartering throughout the US, Bahamas and Caribbean contact our expert broker team in Fort Lauderdale.

Palm Beach International Boat Show 2014!

With more than $1 billion worth of yachts water toys on show, the 29th Palm Beach International Boat Show is the place to be for yacht enthusiasts this March. Allison, one of the newest members of the Boatbookings team and a senior charter broker, specialising in American charters, will certainly not be missing out. She is particularly excited about seeing some of her favourite yachts taking stage amongst the worlds’ finest example of yacht building.

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VIVEREa stunning Azimut 116 will certainly be turning heads. Designed in Italy, with beautiful lines and a striking blue hull, she really is wonderfully elegant.

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From the first glance, you will find that her interior is similarly impressive. Indulgently furnished with rich mahogany and plush sofas, the salon is refined and luxurious. With natural light streaming in through large windows to create a light and airy atmosphere, this is a wonderfully relaxing space to relax and get away from it all.

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Above deck you are spoilt for choice. With plenty of areas to relax and soak up some rays, as well as a jacuzzi and drinks bar, each of your guests can settle down in their favourite spot and enjoy an unforgettable charter off the coast of Florida.

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Toys and water sports are of course a highlight on any charter and some of the newest and coolest technology is to be found in Florida this week. Not the least of these will be the Quadski. Featured just a couple of weeks ago in Top Gear when Jeremy Clarkson raced against Richard Hammond’s Alfa Romeo 4C, this revolutionary transforming quad bike / jet ski will be sure to draw a crowd.

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Allison has also been impressed by the breath-taking KATYA. With such an embarrassment of luxury available on board, it’s no hard to understand why. Spread over 4 decks and lavishly finished throughout, once you step aboard you will never want to leave.

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Feel like James Bond as you sip a martini in the classically cool sky lounge bar or enjoy a relaxing evening with a film in the supremely comfortable salon.

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Above deck admire the beautiful Caribbean sea around the Bahamas while you dine al fresco in one of a number of spots or feel like a rock star while you sun yourself in the jacuzzi. The choices are endless and you would be doing well to discover all of KATYA‘s treasures in a week.

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See it all for yourself this weekend at the boat show or if you miss out, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Boatbookings team here.

The Top 3 Locations To Celebrate The Fourth Of July On Board Your Luxury Yacht Charter

FIREWORKSFourth of July, or more commonly known as Independence Day, is a national holiday in the United States celebrating the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, from the United Kingdom. It is a time for celebrating and across the United States families and friends come together to enjoy this momentous occasion. Fireworks, parades, barbeques, carnivals, concerts and speeches take place up and down the country and there is no better place to view these marvelous celebrations than on board a luxury yacht of your choice. Below, we shall list the top 3 places to watch the Fourth of July celebrations.

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is one of the best spots to watch an Independence Day celebration in the country. The city of Boston is steeped in rich tradition since the Fourth of July celebrations originated here. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular brings 200,000 spectators to the banks of the Charles River for an array of excellent musical acts and artistic performances. The annual free outdoor event will begin at 6pm, with the firework spectacle ending at 10pm.

SINCERITYCharter SINCERITY, a custom 95 crewed sailing yacht accommodating up to 4 guests in 2 cabins. Witness the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on board this luxury sailing yacht this July.

The Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Display is a spectacular occasion, full of glitz and glamor. Every year guests are treated to performances from world class acts and solo singers, not to mention the famous firework display that lights up the Hudson River in New York. This year sees the likes of Usher, Mariah Carey, Tim Mcgraw and TV presenter Nick Cannon showcasing their talents to the masses. More than 40,000 fireworks will light up the sky, synchronized to a hand picked score.

Charter JUSTINE, a Guy Couach 97 crewed charter yacht JUSTINEaccommodating up to 8 guests in 5 cabins. JUSTINE is a professionally crewed luxury charter yacht that serves elite corporate groups and luxury lifestyle enthusiasts. It is ideal for charters around New York City and along the Hudson River.

Experience a vibrant and flamboyant Fourth of July celebration from on board your luxury yacht along Miami Beach. 'Fire on the Fourth' celebrates Independence Day in tremendous fashion, with live performances from Fred Thomas, South Florida Symphony Orchestra Quartet and DJ Maximus3000. The firework display commences at 9pm and lasts for a whole hour.

TIGERS_EYECharter TIGERS EYE, a luxury yacht that is supremely elegant and warmly welcoming. Sophisticated decor, sumptuous cuisine and an expert crew provide a superb chartering experience. Marvel at the fourth of July celebrations from on board this luxury yacht.

At www.boatbookings.com, we are here to help you plan your perfect luxury yachting holiday. We have a team of highly skilled professionals who are extremely knowledgeable in their destinations and will be able to help you bring together the yacht, the crew and all the other aspects that make your charter special.

Charter a Luxury Yacht in Newport, Rhode Island

Well known as one of America’s hottest Summer destinations, Newport has always been one of the biggest yachting destinations on the East Coast. It is also extremely well known for the Newport Mansions, Newport is located 61 miles (98km) from Boston. Nearby, the commercial hotspot of Thames Street, bustling with restaurants, shops and bars. Frequently inundated with national and international tourists, we highly recommend chartering out of Newport.

If you’re thinking of chartering in Newport, Rhode Island, why not have a look at NORTHERN LIGHTS, a stunning Westship 132. She has 5 sumptuous cabins accommodating for 10 guests. She is fantastically well appointed, with lots of water toys to enjoy and plenty of additional entertainment equipment. She has a fabulous jacuzzi on her deck, where guests can enjoy a drink or two in the luxury that NORTHERN LIGHTS provides.

Looking to charter a yacht? Head to www.boatbookings.com, the leading online yacht charter broker, or email us at [email protected] and one of our Charter Specialists will get back to you shortly.

Watch this space for the latest industry show releases, news and gossip in the yachting world. If you liked the content on this page and our previous posts, please become a fan and like our Facebook page to receive up to date information on our publications.

10 Simple Steps to Luxury Yacht Charter!

Chartering a luxury catamaran, motor or sailing yacht has never been so simple, thanks to our dedicated team of charter brokers who will help you plan the trip of a lifetime anywhere in the world. Here at Boatbookings, we pride ourselves on customer service and we will not stop until we find you the perfect yacht. There are 10 simple steps from turning a dream into a reality.

Step 1 – Most importantly, guests must decide where they would like to start their charter and what sort of yacht they would like. We offer charters from all around the world, including the United States, the Caribbean, French & Italian Riviera’s and the Far East. We have access to a vast amount of motorboats, sailboats and catamarans in each of these destinations.

The natural beauty of the BVI

Step 2 – Once you have decided where and how you want to travel, contact us. Please enquire via our website or send an email to [email protected]. Once we have received your enquiry, one of our brokers will assist you and start searching for suitable yachts.

Step 3 – We ask guests to provide the following information, so that we can gain a clearer idea of what you really want. Are you looking for a bareboat or a crewed charter? Are your dates flexible and how long would you like to charter for? Do you have a  particular budget in mind for your charter? If you are looking for a sailboat, please be aware that you must start on a Saturday for a weeks duration.

 

The stunning VanDutch 40, PURE DUTCH

Step 4 – Once we have received this information, our brokers will then start the search for possible yachts that meet your criteria. We will then find which yachts are available for your charter dates and propose at least three options which are suitable for you to review and compare.

Step 5 – Once you have reviewed and compared the yachts that you have been sent, our broker will then arrange the charter for you. For example, you have chosen to charter M/Y MOSKING, a stunning Mangusta 108 from Antibes, France for 4 days.

M/Y MOSKING, Mangusta 108 Luxury Motor Yacht

 

 

Step 6 – Our broker would then reserve this for you and start preparing the charter agreement and invoice. Once all the paperwork has been signed and the invoice has been paid by either bank transfer or credit card, we can start to make some final itinerary plans.

Step 7 – Our broker will arrange all the meeting details, can arrange restaurant reservations and help to organise an itinerary. For example, guests wills depart from Antibes and spend one day cruising slowly towards Monaco, enjoying a long lunch in St Jean Cap Ferrat. Then guests could head towards Portofino and along the Italian Riviera before heading back to Antibes.

The magnificent Italian Riviera town of Portofino

Step 8 – We will send a preference sheet to you to note down all the provisions you would like on the yacht. This can cover anything from champagne and wine, to food and flowers. All provisions will be bought before you step foot onboard and therefore ready for you to enjoy immediately.

Step 9 – The final meeting place and timings will be sent for your embarkation. You will be given the captains details for any last minute requests or discussions on itinerary.

The end to a perfect day onboard a Luxury Yacht

 

 

Step 10 – Guests will board and start their charter. The crew will do everything that they can to make sure that you have a successful charter. They will be able to arrange any emergency provisions and last minute restaurant reservations, leaving guests to relax fully and enjoy the natural beauty that is the French and Italian Riviera.