How To Plan A Yacht Cruise

W hether you're looking for a leisurely cruise around some of the most beautiful waters in the world or an adrenaline-pumping excursion full of wind and waves, planning a yacht cruise can be exciting and overwhelming. 

Imagine waking up to the music of waves crashing against the hull of your yacht and the sun shining down on you, beckoning you to begin your day. You stroll out onto the deck, taking in the stunning view before you, and decide that today is the day to explore that little cove you've been eyeing. 

We'll walk you through everything you need to consider when planning a yacht cruise, from picking the right destination to finding the perfect vessel for your needs. So, grab a coffee, put your feet up, and start planning the yacht cruise of your dreams!

Sorting Preferences

What's better than a day in the water? A few more days in the water! If you're someone who loves being on the water, then a yacht cruise is probably right up your alley. But with so many breathtaking destinations to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Do you want to sail around the Mediterranean Sea, explore the Caribbean islands, or cruise along the coast of America?

You'll want to take certain factors into account when picking your destination. For example, what time of year do you want to go? If you're looking to abscond the cold weather, then a cruise in the Caribbean might be a good option. Or, if you're hoping to see some fantastic fall foliage, then a cruise along the New England coast might be more your speed.

Take A Poll With Whoever Is Traveling Along

A peaceful, rejuvenating yacht cruise vs. an adrenaline-driven fiery yacht cruise? It sounds like a mindless decision, but it's not always that black and white.

If you're planning a yacht cruise with family or friends, it's important to consider everyone's preferences and needs. After all, you'll be spending a lot of time on the yacht together, so you'll want to ensure that everyone is comfy and having a good time.

To get started, sit down with your travel companions and discuss what kind of cruise you're all looking for. Do you want to spend your days mellowing out on the deck, taking in the scenery? Or would you rather be exploring new places and participating in activities?

Can't Ignore The Infrastructure

Your yacht will be your home away from home for the duration of your cruise, so it's essential to pick one that has everything you need to make your trip comfortable and enjoyable.

When looking at different yachts, pay attention to the size of the vessel, the number of staterooms and bathrooms, and onboard amenities. The largest sailing yacht is 142.8 meters in length with a beam of 24.99 meters. If you're scheming on spending a lot of time cooking and entertaining onboard, you'll want to make sure that the yacht has a well-equipped kitchen. 

And if you're bringing young children along on your trip, you might want to look for a vessel with a playroom or other kid-friendly spaces. Unless, of course, you want to carry that tiny joey on your trip.

How Many Miles Will You Cover?

Sailing between 80 and 400 nautical miles per week is possible. If you're cruising for 80 NM, you can spend the initial hours taking in the sights and sounds of the coastline. You can even drop anchor in a sheltered cove to enjoy some time onshore. And for the rest of the remaining hours, how about some romance or scuba diving?

Whereas, if you're eager to go beyond the coastline, you can plan to sail for 400 NM in a week. This way, you'll have time to explore different islands and anchorages. You'll likely experience some pleasant yachting, witness plenty of scenic views, and have time to enjoy some water sports in between some unavoidable sea sickness and difficulty in sleeping on the rocking boat.

Before planning a yacht cruise, please keep in mind that you must factor in the amount of time you have, your budget, the size of your party, and what everyone wants to do. We assume you already know you'll have to check for the high tides and weather conditions and have a comprehensive understanding of yacht handling. And finally, don't forget to factor in the cost of the charter, which can range from a few hundred to some thousand dollars each day.