Private Boat Charter vs Commercial Cruise Liners
Private Boat Charter vs Commercial Cruise Liners. Discover the differences between cruise liners and private yacht charters and why you should book a private yacht charter for your next vacation!
We have all seen cruise liners, whether in your home town or on vacation. For many years the cruise liner industry dominated the maritime world with their package deals and "everything you need on the boat" style marketing. Cruise Liners have been around since the early 1900s but became popular in the 1960s where up to 7000 guests can be onboard. This opened up, what used to be, an elitist market.Differences between a private boat charter and a commercial cruise liner
Itinerary
Cruise liners are very good at having a set itinerary. You know where you will be on what day, and at what port and at what time. Due to the size, and with the number of guests on board, it is imperative that they stick to a schedule (yes they leave people behind if they are not on board!) Cruise liners are absolutely huge, often referred to as 'death' by sailors sailing past them and can pretty much go through any weather (within reason) allowing them to stick to their schedule.
Now, I don't know about you, but I'd say I stick to a holiday itinerary about 40% of the time. I always discover locations that were not on the list and more often than not want to stay and explore more. With a private yacht charter, this gives you the flexibility to do so. The best thing is, if you have hired a yacht with a skipper, they act as your personal tour guide. The skipper will want to know what you are interested in - do you want shops/towns or do you want quiet anchorages and food onboard. If you book through us, we can help create your own personal itinerary with your preferences in mind. We travel to the destinations so we can assist you! On your valuable week off from work, do you really want your week to be so structured to the last minute? The answer is probably no...
Comfort and atmosphere
Cruise liners, similarly referred to as a hotel on water, really does equate to what you pay for. The interior rooms are like a small motel, while the suites offer a more luxurious vibe which comes with a hefty price tag - similar to a suite in a hotel. Having said this on a yachting vacation, regardless of it being a private charter or a cruise, you won't really spend a lot of time in the bedroom. However, you will spend a lot of your time on the decks. If this is on a private charter, there is no better place to hang out than on your private flybridge, aft deck space or the front (bow) of the boat. On a cruise liner, you have the inside entertainment areas and outside areas such as the swimming pool - the main difference is is that this is shared with 7000 people. The seating works just like a hotel -first come first serve with 8 am sprints needed to ensure you get a place around the pool.
Food and drink
There are roughly 7000+ guests on one cruise ship, so expect mass-produced food designed for the many, not the few. Now if that's your cup of tea, or if the food doesn't particularly interest you then no problem, a cruise could be for you! If the food on vacation is an important element for you and your guests then read on... Chefs on cruise ships are unable to head on down to the local market in the morning to purchase the catch of the day or go snaring for your lobster starter for the evening ahead. If you, however, want personalized meals, made with local, fresh produce, created in a local, authentic way then a private charter is for you. Your own private onboard chef will have received your preference sheets and created a bespoke menu based on your dietary requirements, likes, dislikes, allergies, etc. Why would you ever opt for anything less?! Depending on what charter type you have booked, an onboard chef will come with the yacht along with the other crew.
Price of a private yacht and a cruise liner
Roughly speaking, you are looking roughly between $750 (very budget option) - $2,800 (5* option per person), 7 days, for a cruise liner. If you are going away with family, this could in excess of $21,690 before you even start to factor in the extortionate dinner prices, and excursions.
For $7,000 you can charter a 2022 Catamaran with a skipper in high season and have the yacht to yourselves. Of course, there are other costs to factor in but as a whole, when wanting to have a vacation on the water with the family, a private charter is more often than not, a better choice economically compared to a cruise liner.
For more information on chartering costs please look here.
Example price comparison between a private boat charter and a cruise liner
Private BVI Crewed Catamaran |
Popular Caribbean Cruiseliner |
|
Price per Week (High Season) |
$27,000 (ALTESSE | 4 Cabin Lagoon 560) |
$21,690.00 (4 Sea View Cabins – 8 guests) ($2711 / week / Person) |
Gourmet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners |
Included |
$5320+ ($95+ / Day / Person) |
Drinks |
Included |
$1,400 ($50 / Day / Person) |
Daily Watersports |
Included |
Swimming and some ‘surf’ options available |
Excursions (The Baths, Jost Van Dyke) |
Included |
$2,000+ excursions are not included |
Transfers |
Included |
$150+ |
Total |
$27,000 (Plus Gratuity) |
$30,750+ (Plus Gratuity) |
Private Charter Types
- 5 + 2 Cabins Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 16.8 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From $20000 to $35000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"No better way to explore the stunning Bahamian waters than by chartering this impressive Bali 5.4!"
- 6 + 1 Cabins Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 14.75 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 12
- From $10410 to $21735 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The Lagoon 50 is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious bareboat catamarans, perfect for cruising around the breathtaking Bahamian waters."
- Sunseeker 115 Sports Yacht Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 34.53 m
- Year: 2014
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €110000 to €115000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"LADY VOLANTIS is a stunning luxury yacht for an exceptional cruising experience on the French Riviera, with an enthusiastic crew that fits the job!"
- Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 12 m
- Year: 2018
- Cabins: 2
- Berths: 4
- From $14500 to $15500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Memorable charters for small groups and families!"
- 3+2 Cabins Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 12.5 m
- Year: 2018
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 8
- From €6646 to €8553 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The brand new Lagoon 42 available in the Balearics!"
- Sunseeker 28m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 28.15 m
- Year: 2014 (2021 Refit)
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €52500 to €57500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Captain Arthur will show you the highlights of Cannes, Monaco and St Tropez on a modern motor yacht with stabilisers and unrivalled layouts for family fun!"
- Sunseeker 86 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 27 m
- Year: 2009 (2015 Refit)
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €30000 to €35000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Charter THE BEST WAY today and have a memorable cruise in Croatia while bathing in its stunning views and exciting port towns!"
- Guy Couach 37m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 37 m
- Year: 2010 (2017 Refit)
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 12
- From €105000 to €115000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Not just sophistication and style, DRAGON's selection of water toys is amongst the best!"
- Sunseeker 86 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 26.3 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €57500 to €67500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"One of the finest Sunseeker yachts on the charter market, sleek and stylish lines define SEAWATER II."
- Sunseeker 40m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 40.05 m
- Year: 2014 (2021 Refit)
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 12
- From €160000 to €180000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"THUMPER will take you on a luxury yachting adventure on the French Riviera, led by an experienced captain and his wonderful crew!"
- Sunseeker 131 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 40.05 m
- Year: 2018
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €150000 to €180000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"This artistically furnished Sunseeker, complete with a jacuzzi and wet bar is the most luxurious way to experience the stunning French Riviera."
- Princess Y85 Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 26 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €55000 to €59000 per week
- Palmer Johnson 52m Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 52.4 m
- Year: 2010
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 12
- From $250000 to $275000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The truly recognisable yacht has so many unique and amazing features, she is an opportunity not to be missed!"
- Sunseeker 116 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 35.6 m
- Year: 2016
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €135000 to €142500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The newest Sunseeker 116 yacht with the finest deck spaces in her class cruising the French Riviera with an outstanding crew."
- Lagoon 560 Luxury Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 17.07 m
- Year: 2016
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $22000 to $26000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The gentle waves of the Bahamas are calling you on the Lagoon catamaran WHISPERS II."
- Riva Opera 80 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 23.96 m
- Year: 2001 (Refit 2019)
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 9
- From €23000 to €33500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"ZIA CANAIA is led by one of the most experienced captain and crew in southern Italy. Enjoy the delights of the Amalfi Coast on this stylish Riva!"
- Sunseeker Predator 92 Sport Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 28.16 m
- Year: 2011
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €8200 to €8800 per day
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Hear the jazzy sound of the Balearic Sea on the Sunseeker JAX OF IBIZA!"
- Pearl 78 Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht
- Length: 23.93 m
- Year: 2018
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $45000 to $50000 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The OMNIA crew is always ready to serve the best of the bests in your Bahamas cruise!"
- 2023 Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 0 m
- Year:
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 10
- From €5500 to €14500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Step onboard the Lagoon 46 on your luxury charter in Croatia."
- 4 + 2 Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 0 m
- Year:
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 10
- From $5500 to $14500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Step onboard the Lagoon 46 on your luxury charter in BVI."
- 4 cabins (4 double) Bareboat Sailing Yacht
- Length: 13.94 m
- Year: 2019
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 4
- From €3698 to €5691 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"This family-friendly Oceanis 45 is suitable for adventurous charters around the breathtaking Aeolian islands."
- 6 Cabins (5 Double + 1 Single) Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 13.94 m
- Year: 2023
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 12
- From €5500 to €14900 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 has an incredible flybridge, creating the perfect environment for large group and family charters."
- 6 Cabins (4 Double + 2 Single) Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 13.99 m
- Year: 2023
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 12
- From €5250 to €15500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The Lagoon 46 bareboat catamaran is great for luxurious sailing in the Adriatic Sea."
- Bali 4.8 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 14 m
- Year: 2022
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From $22500 to $25500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The Bali 4.8 HARMONY is a wonderful option for those seeking to relax in the stunning BVI islands."
- 6 Cabins (6 Doubles) Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 14.75 m
- Year: 2023
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 12
- From €8800 to €16100 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The new Lagoon 51 will set the new standard in luxury catamarans for years to come."
- Lagoon 51 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 14.75 m
- Year: 2024
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €9090 to €18090 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"FICHETTO will establish a new benchmark for catamaran sailing in Sicily."
- Bali 4.8 Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 14.88 m
- Year: 2023
- Cabins: 6
- Berths: 12
- From €9090 to €22540 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"BASMA offers spacious indoor facilities and extensive outdoor spaces, making her an ideal choice for sun-seeking activities while cruising Greece."
- 5 Cabins (4 Double + 1 Twin Bunks) Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 14.88 m
- Year: 2020
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From $9090 to $22540 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The large outdoor spaces and rigid front cockpit make this catamaran perfect for relaxing on deck and soaking up the Bahamian sun."
- 5 Cabins Bareboat Catamaran
- Length: 14.88 m
- Year: 2023
- Cabins: 5
- Berths: 10
- From €9090 to €22540 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"The Bali 4.8's extensive outdoor spaces and spacious indoor facilities are perfect for on-the-water living and sun-seeking activities while cruising the Amalfi Coast."
- Sunreef 50 Crewed Catamaran
- Length: 15 m
- Year: 2023
- Cabins: 4
- Berths: 8
- From €21000 to €30500 per week
BOATBOOKINGS SAYS:
"Ignite your passion for sailing through the Croatian waters on ZARA!"