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.

Unforgettable Florida – Our Managing Director’s Account

Capucine, Managing Director at Boatbookings.com has just returned from an unforgettable trip to Fort Lauderdale. Apart from welcoming our wonderful new US Charter Director Allison Cecilio, she also re-discovered what makes the Floridian coastline the enchanting holiday and charter destination it is. This blog is her account of three key moments that made her fall back in love with Florida!

1. Alligator spotting tour in the Everglades.

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A little bit of drama here as we were skimming in an airboat over the sawgrass swampland, having seen a number of alligators, and our airboat broke down! Now I’m not shy when it comes to an adventure but having been told these six foot alligators could jump three times their length a slight nervousness came about…

Luckily the rescue boat arrived quickly and we all made it back to base! I couldn’t help but think this wouldn’t have happened on a luxury yacht charter, but an incredible experience. With around 1.5 million crocodiles in Florida it’s a must-do trip!

2. Visiting Port Everglades

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One of the largest cruise ship ports in the world, I counted no less than 8 large cruise ships in the port, each one taller than every building around. Quite a spectacular sight! I couldn’t help but think that a cruise is the perfect opportunity to arrive in port and enjoy a private and thoroughly relaxing day out on the sea. Whether you head down to Miami or just enjoy the sights and sounds of Florida a day boat rental allows you to do all this and escape the crowds.

3. The variety on offer!

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Whilst sat in my hotel, I look outside my window to see quite an awe-inspiring sight. It was motor yacht TATS, one of my favourites by Alloy Yachts launched in 2009. Although I was impressed by the yacht, what was most impressive was its proximity to the coast! Fort Lauderdale is America’s own Venice with over 165 miles of navigable intracoastal waterway, meaning you can spend days enjoying the wonderful climate and friendly atmosphere with the option of heading out and enjoying the privacy of the ocean as and when you feel like it! A truly unforgettable vacation experience on offer here.

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Another personal highlight was visiting the newly re-fitted VICTORIA DEL MAR II. A stunning yacht with elegant beach house styling and ample space for al fresco dining for 12 on the expansive sun-deck. The great news is she’s available for charter in Florida and the Bahamas at the moment, and will be heading to the glorious French Riviera for the summer. An option I cannot recommend highly enough!

For more information on chartering in Fort Lauderdale and on the Florida coastline, contact our expert broker team today.