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.

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

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!

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.

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.

Posted on March 6, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

Cannes Film Festival – Top Offer on Top Drawer Luxury

When the world’s most celebrated and glamorous descend upon the French Riviera, blend in seamlessly on PARAMOUR; 43 metres of pure luxury and elegance that will wow friends, family and passers-by alike.

When you feel like escaping the city’s party atmosphere, Paramour’s interior is no less impressive than her exterior. Elegantly designed throughout with wood linings and plush furniture, you’ll be able to relax in supreme comfort. Both the Salon and the Sky Lounge are spacious and peaceful, providing the ideal space to entertain or to enjoy your favourite films or music whilst the welcoming crew of 9 tend to your every need. All of the 6 staterooms are similarly supremely elegant with wonderfully inviting beds and spoiling, marble-lined en suite bathrooms.

During the day, sink into the jacuzzi and soak up the sun with a cocktail from the adjacent bar or watch the world go by from the on deck dining area.

When the urge for something more active takes you, there is exercise equipment on board with weights and yoga mats, whilst a full array of scuba gear, water skis, fishing gear and water toys imaginable allow you and your family to enjoy the Mediterranean until your hearts are content.air blower

All of this luxury comes at surprisingly affordable rates with the owners having secured and paid for your berth, allowing you just to sit back and relax in the place to be and to be seen in May 2014. Available between 19th and 25th May, contact us for more information on chartering PARAMOUR.

Posted on March 3, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

2 Boys In a Boat – Only hours until the end of their Atlantic Crossing!

It’s been a while since Boatbookings have written about Jamie and Luke, two intrepid young men who are currently crossing the Atlantic as team 2 Boys In A Boat. Armed with nothing but dehydrated food and a rowing boat, they are set to become the youngest pair ever to complete the crossing! The boys have been rowing continuously in 2 hour windows, for 12 hours through the day and night, come rain or shine. They have faced a mountain of setbacks – including a few injuries too gruesome to mention – not to mention waves that could easily have been casted as extras in ‘The Perfect Storm”. They are now just 55 nautical miles from Antigua – the finish line of the Talisker Whisky Challenge – the world’s hardest rowing competition which in 2006 saw Olympic rowing champions Ben Fogle and James Cracknell finish in 2nd place. During the event, no outside support is allowed and no extra supplies such as food and water are given to the teams. In an interview with the BBC, Luke said, “The days have all just blurred into one. I haven’t sat down with my knees below my hips and I haven’t eaten a meal with a knife and fork. It is uncomfortable a lot of the time but being so close to finish we don’t really care” They’ve raised over £185000 for Breast Cancer Care – well above their £150000 target – we wish them the best of luck for the final push! Do you fancy visiting Antigua yourself without the hardship of 2 Boys In A Boat? Contact us here at Boatbookings or submit an enquiry form to find a luxury yacht charter suitable for you!

Posted on January 27, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

The Wolf of Yacht Street – NAOMI’s Little Sister

If you’ve been to see The Wolf of Wall Street recently you’ll have experienced the lavish lifestyle of Jordan Belfort. A fantastic film based on the true story of the American dream, the rise of a wealthy stockbroker who lives the high life and then falls into crime, corruption and dodgy deals. Like any millionaire Belfort, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, enjoys fast cars, first class flying and of course luxury yachts.

Named after the love of his life Naomi (Nadine in reality), the film features a 44.8 metre Intermarine super yacht known in the real world as LADY M. Belfort is seen onboard in the beautiful Italian Riviera town of Portofino, surrounded by his deck jacuzzi and lavish flowers.

If you’re looking to live the luxury lifestyle of Jordan Belfort, we too have a fantastic Intermarine creation for you. BALAJU is the pinnacle of luxury yacht charters in the Mediterranean. Sprawling deck spaces resemble a Floridian beach house, whilst inside sumptuous furniture with splashes of colour creates an energising but comfortable space to relax and unwind. She’s currently cruising the Caribbean basin, but will be back on the Rivieras for the summer season so you too can live the Portofino dream of Jordan Belfort.Keep up to date with all the hottest yachting news by following our Twitter account.

Posted on January 24, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

The Most Beautifully Executed Interior Design Ever – SEALYON

When you think of a super yacht interior, you think of uncompromising luxury and tailored design. It all begins with a wish list – outside space, jacuzzi, swimming pool, entertainment systems, tenders and toys. Whilst some compromise, SEALYON has been executed meticulously and beautifully to create breathtaking interior and exterior space throughout.

Outside, the amount of space on her sun decks is unparalleled. A rotating sunbed, mist machine, ample seating and a large dining area would be enough you might think but heading forward and up another level you have more space to relax and unwind under the sun. This includes sumptuous sun-beds and an over-sized jacuzzi accommodating all 12 guests if you so desire.

The top deck is without doubt the highlight of this stunning super yacht, but heading down the other two sprawling decks provide shady protection from the sun. Heading inside, you’re greeted by award winning design which incorporates 1930s glamour and contemporary chic. This creates glistening surfaces that make the already vast spaces seem even bigger, however social spaces are still made to feel cosy due to beautiful dark geometric furniture.

Moving round the boat the shimmering mirrored surfaces continue, leading to your fully-equipped rosewood office, private gym and large media space with its 103 inch plasma screen. The 6 beautifully assigned staterooms all have a bang-on trend theme of warm dark chic, offering sumptuously inviting contemporary king beds. Their marble covered ensuite bathrooms spoil guests with space and relaxing beauty. All this magnificently designed by hailed interior designers Candy & Candy.

SEALYON is currently available for charter in the Bahamas, heading back to the Caribbean in March and the ever-popular French Riviera for summer. Her crew of 16, along with her stunning design guarantee an unforgettable experience for even the most discerning charterer.

Posted on January 20, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓