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Charter Season: 7 of the World’s Best Yachting Locations

From the French Riviera to the British Virgin Islands, Luxury Defined explores seven glamorous yachting destinations around the globe

Does anything even approach the romance, adventure, and freedom of cruising the Seven Seas in a luxury yacht? The vessel is built to enhance, embrace, and refine every aspect of life at sea. The best designs emphasize space, fixtures, finishes—and creature comforts.  

The superyacht dials all that up to 11 by maximizing livability with such amenities as swimming pools, personal watercraft (a minisub , anyone?), satellite links, private chefs, outdoor entertainment decks, cinemas, even helipads.    

For any sea traveler, though, the best leg of any voyage is the voyage home . This edition of Luxury Defined showcases the world’s most livable yachting destinations, and the homes that equal—or even exceed—superyacht luxury.  Welcome home, sailor, home from the sea.  

1. The French Riviera  

Perhaps the most glamorous seaside destination in Europe, the French Riviera , or Côte d’Azur, draws the sailor and sunseeker alike. Picture-postcard villages and chic beach resorts line the coast from the cosmopolitan glitz of Saint-Tropez and Cannes to the unspoiled beauty of Port-Cros.  

The winter resort city of Nice, with its ample sunshine, white sand beaches, and special events such as the Cannes Film Festival attract a who’s who of international glitterati. West along the coastline, past the jet-set destination of Saint-Tropez, the island of Porquerolles awaits, with a peaceful escape from the bustle of the mainland.  

2. Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy  

Sardinia’s Emerald Coast is a playground for the jet set, and its dramatic, unspoiled coastline and luxury marinas draw yacht folk from all over. The marine grottoes of Cala Gonone and the rock formations of Capo Testa, shaped by centuries of sea winds, are favorite attractions.  

While the quaint towns of Carloforte and Castelsardo provide local color, the exclusive Yacht Club Costa Smeralda offers dining, a clubhouse, and spa services. Sailors can explore the tiny islands of the Maddalena archipelago or the white sandy beaches and rocky cliffs along the Gallura coast. Tranquil sunset viewing turns to fine dining and sizzling nightlife in the exclusive restaurants, clubs, and discos of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo.  

3. The Greek Islands

Surrounded by its “wine-dark” seas and thousands of islands, ancient Greece prospered with a maritime culture that became the cradle of Western civilization.  

There is plenty left to explore, from the natural beauty of its uninhabited isles to the beaches and cosmopolitan nightlife that have made islands such as Mykonos into global destinations. Yachters can stop for an archaeological exploration on Rhodes or Delos, a night on the tiles in the tavernas of Athens, to the nightclub scene of Mykonos, Corfu, and Crete, the largest of the Greek islands.  

The adventure starts in the ancient seaport of Piraeus, in southwestern Athens. Zea Marina is one of the finest, full-service marinas in the Mediterranean, offering 670 berths for vessels up to 492 feet.  

4. The Bahamas  

The 700 islands of The Bahamas begin at Bimini, just 45 miles off the coast of Miami, and stretch 500 miles southwest to the islands of Great Inagua and Little Inagua, neighboring the Turks and Caicos Islands.  

The Bahamas were made famous by Ian Fleming (the islands featured in the James Bond spy thrillers Casino Royale , Thunderball , The Spy Who Loved Me , Never Say Never Again , and License to Kill ). But they’ve been a haven for sailors and swashbucklers since the 18th century.  

They’re a paradise below the waterline, too, for sport fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Palm-lined beaches, nature preserves, world-class golf courses, and colorful Colonial-style villas welcome seafarers ashore.  

5. The Florida Keys  

The Florida Keys arc southwest from Virginia Key in the Atlantic Ocean (just south of Miami Beach) to Loggerhead Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote seven-island archipelago in the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles off Key West. The islands are easy to navigate. Cruising in the Keys can mean a leisurely and scenic sail through the shallow interconnected basins of Florida Bay or a more adventurous trip out on the open waters of the Atlantic.    

But it’s not all plain sailing. Mariners can drop anchor in a coral cove to swim, snorkel, or fish, or drop anchor in Islamorada, the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.”  Of course, a trip to the Keys is not complete without a visit to continental America’s southernmost city, Key West, otherwise known as the Conch Republic—a place described as “close to perfect and far from normal,” where flip-flops are the official footwear and every day the sunset is applauded.  

6. The British Virgin Islands  

One of the world’s great sailing destinations, the BVI comprises four main islands—Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, and Virgin Gorda. There are 50 more islands and cays, including Necker Island (Sir Richard Branson’s private paradise) and Salt Island, home of the wreck of the RMS Rhone, and hundreds of tiny palm-lined islets, sandbars, and rocky outcroppings to navigate, bounded by the beautiful Sir Francis Drake Channel, named after the Elizabethan admiral.   

There are countless draws for mariners: calm currents, steady trade winds, and protected bays. It’s a treasure trove, quite literally—some say it’s buried on Norman Island at the southern tip of the archipelago, made famous by Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island . Today, The Bight, one of the BVI’s most popular (and beautiful) anchorages, enchants seafarers with its sea caves, wreck-diving, and the infamous Willy T floating pirate bar and restaurant.   

7. Bermuda  

Bermuda has been the crossroads of the North Atlantic voyage since the town of St. George’s was settled by shipwrecked sailors in 1609. Between March and November each year, racing yachts from around the globe arrive in the harbors of St. George’s and Hamilton parishes to compete in regattas organized by Bermuda’s many sailing clubs. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the island’s temperate climate is a year-round draw for leisure travelers, who come to cruise the island’s Great Sound and soak up the sun and local culture. The warm waters are ideal for scuba diving, whether it’s to explore marine wildlife habitats or historic shipwrecks that dot the reefs around Bermuda’s perimeter.

Still exploring the Seven Seas? Set sail for luxury yachting homes here .  

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Top 20 Cruising Destinations for Your Bucket List

• By Cruising World Editors
• Updated: January 29, 2024

Wondering what the best sailing destinations in the world are? Whether you’re planning a sailing charter vacation or a journey on your own boat, these 20 sailing destinations are part of many sailor’s bucket lists. From the isles of Greece to Australia’s Whitsunday Islands, the colorful Caribbean to dramatic Patagonia, these locations offer something for everyone.

Windward Islands

Tropical rainforests, barrier reefs, secluded anchorages: In the Windward Islands, you’ll get a taste of all that the Caribbean has to offer, and plenty of fine trade-wind sailing to boot. For sailors, there are multiple choices for your Windward Islands adventures, and from any of them, you can choose to make your sailing vacation as laid-back or as challenging as you’d like.

Leeward Islands

The Leeward Islands are full of cruising hot spots, with much to offer to sailors, making passing through the Caribbean. lush scenery, vibrant reefs and a laid-back vibe make for the ultimate sailing destination.

Lesser Antilles

The Lesser Antilles, in the Eastern Caribbean, are among the best charter destinations on the planet. Why? Diversity and conditions. The winds, seas and harbors in the Lesser Antilles are nearly ideal 99 percent of the time, and landfalls are perfectly spaced. In many of the most popular chartering waters, destinations are 30 to 40 miles apart — or less. This means you can get up at a reasonable hour, have a thrilling sail, and still manage to clear customs by happy hour.

Cuba is one of those mysterious destinations for US-based cruisers: close, intriguing, but seemingly out of reach. In 2017, when regulations were a bit more relaxed for cruisers, Cruising World hosted a rally to the island nation. The verdict? Cuba is everything we expected, and so much more.

USA, Canada and Atlantic

The islands of the Bahamas are a cruiser’s playground — clear water, colorful communities and great sailing. The Bahamas offer endless islands to sail between and explore; from the Abacos to the Exumas, each island is unique.

Intracoastal Waterway

Those with a mast height under 64 feet can also take advantage of the beauty and convenience of the Intracoastal Waterway on their trip north or south through the East Coast. While navigating the ICW requires lots of motoring, when conditions are good, the sailing is spectacular.

Southern New England

Cruising through Long Island Sound, anchoring in the Great Salt Pond of Block Island, exploring the coast of Cape Cod – there are endless opportunities to enjoy a romp through Southern New England.

The Great Lakes

Some of the best freshwater cruising in the world, the Great Lakes offer endless opportunities for exploration. Each lake offers unique cruising grounds, ports and conditions, from uncharted rocky inlets on the Canadian shores, to bustling cities.

For as long as ocean-going sailors have been sailing the North Atlantic, Bermuda has been the crossroads and a popular race destination. But Bermuda is so much more than just a waypoint—it’s also a wonderful cruising destination.

Nova Scotia

Packed with geologic and cultural history, the beautifully quiet coast of Nova Scotia is a nature lovers dream. Spruce trees, granite, grasses, sea, seals and terns, there is no shortage of excitement here.

Greece Isles

The sailing can be challenging, but the landfalls — full of history, diverse towns and tasty cuisine — are worth it. Greece boasts thousands of islands, spread across an enormous geographical area stretching from the Aegean to the Ionian sea. Four of Greece’s five island groups are prime cruising areas: the Cyclades, the Saronic Islands, the Ionian Islands and the Dodecanese. Each group has its own unique character and charm, making each one worth exploring.

South Pacific

Cruising yachts from all over the world come to Fiji to anchor in the crystal-clear waters of the South Pacific. This Pacific crossroads is a refreshing break, with world-class snorkeling, beach combing and hiking.

Smack dab in the middle of the South Pacific, the remote and untamed Marquesas are an unforgettable sailing stop – if you can get there. The topography of these young islands ­reflects the dawn of time; the exquisite drama of the islands’ violent, volcanic origins has not yet been smoothed and worn, with towering peaks rising above anchorages.

Tasmania offers world class cruising, friendly, welcoming people, and a rich sailing history. The beautiful anchorages are uncrowded and private, and the sailing is world class. Just ask anyone who has ever sailed a Sydney Hobart Race.

Whitsunday Islands

Pristine white sand beaches begging for footprints; the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park just waiting to be snorkeled; and our charter catamaran tugging on her mooring lines, ready to set sail. Who could resist such a tempting welcome from the Whitsunday Islands? Not us.

Southeast Asia

Phang Nga Bay

Towering rock sculptures rise out of the water in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay, providing a surreal backdrop for cruising. Anchor among the hongs and hope into a dinghy for an unforgettable experience exploring hidden caves and uncovering secrets from the 10,000 year history of the bay.

From the blustery southeaster that can blow 45-60 knots for days on end, the “table cloth” on Table Mountain, to the waterfront with all its great seafaring tales and bars and the beaches of the suburb of Clifton, Cape Town has it all. The weather is like Southern California; you can stay active in the great outdoors year round.

Madagascar is a true cruising gem. Its culture is a delightful convergence of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, as evidenced by the gourmet French meals, baked goods, mélange of rum drinks, vibrant materials for both traditional and modern dress, and the combination of French and local Malagasy language.

South America

The Cape Horn archipelago conjures images of heroic voyages through inhospitable landscapes and harsh, raw conditions, the true beauty Chile is that it’s remote enough to be pristine, but not isolated enough that you feel completely cut off from the rest of the world.

Cold, unforgiving and a challenge for even the most seasoned sailor, there isn’t quite any place on earth like Antarctica. Just ask anyone who has been, though, and you’ll find that the journey to the bottom of the world was unforgettable.

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13 Most Practical Boat Liveaboard Places in the US

If you’re considering moving onto your boat full-time, there is a range of practical issues you need to take into account before choosing a permanent liveaboard location in the U.S.. For starters, if you’re hoping to live aboard whilst working, you’ll obviously need to be close enough to commute to your office every day. For those of you who are retried or remote workers, you can count yourselves among the lucky ones and you have a bit more freedom to choose where you want to live.

There are plenty of stunning spots in the U.S. but not all of them are practical for year round living. At the same time, you need to be aware of hidden fees and taxes that different states impose so be sure to research any destination thoroughly before packing your bags and heading across the country. Living aboard can be a fantastic adventure, giving you the freedom to live in beautiful destinations for lower prices than waterside properties and the added bonus of being able to sail away whenever the feeling hits you. This list takes into consideration practicality and adventure because really the two go hand in hand when it comes to living on your boat!

Read on for 13 of the best places to liveaboard in the U.S. to maximise your quality of life and quality of sailing.

On this page:

San francisco bay, california, newport, rhode island, green bay, lake michigan, corpus christi, texas, san juan island, washington, tacoma, washington, lake of the ozarks, missouri, long beach, california, chesapeake bay, maryland, long island, new york, tampa bay, florida, destin, florida, oahu, hawaii.

San Francisco Bay is a paradise for sailing. The sheer variety of conditions and scenery you can find in the bay makes it an ideal destination for anyone who loves a challenge. Whilst the weather is not as warm as others on this list, if you wrap up well when you’re out and make sure your boat is fitted with a good heater, it can make an excellent choice. From the Tiburon Peninsula to Richardson Bay to the Farallones, there is a wide range of conditions and winds to contend with. At the same time, there’s plenty of developed waterfront areas to eat, grab a drink or go shopping.

One of the cheapest places to live aboard in San Francisco Bay is Oyster Point Marina where reports put the monthly cost at $350 plus a live aboard fee of $200. Generally, the harbours get less expensive as you go further inland. Good choices include San Rafael and Vallejo.

For cruising at the weekends there’s plenty of destinations on offer including Angel Island or the Petaluma or Napa Rivers. If you have longer, you could consider sailing south to Half Moon Bay or Monterey. A combination of cheap rates (if you know where to look), varied sailing, and plenty of destinations nearby make San Francisco Bay a top choice for liveaboards.

Perfectly positioned on Aquidneck Island, near the mouth of Narragansett Bay, Newport is known as the sailing capital of the world. Whilst this title is certainly up for debate and there’s plenty of other destinations claiming the same, it’s a really popular destination on the East Coast. The area is blessed with a beautiful shoreline and more than 400 miles of coast dotted with beaches. There are yacht tours and a regatta during the sailing season, which runs from mid-April to late October, and there’s some good liveaboard spots available too.

Newport’s popularity makes it an expensive choice but there are some areas that are more reasonable options. Wickford, on the west side of Newport, has rates starting at around $500 per month for a medium-sized boat with access to the town. Jamestown across the bay is also a less expensive option. Getting across to Newport itself is easy enough and the proximity means you can still enjoy all the city has to offer. If walking is more your idea of a good time, there’s a 3.5 mile cliff walk to sink your teeth (feet?) into.

Green Bay on Lake Michigan is another picturesque and convenient choice for liveaboard hopefuls. Green Bay is separated from the rest of the lake by the Door Peninsula and the Garden Peninsula and the islands between them. The waters around Green Bay have been important for hundreds of years, serving as a key waterway for trading fur and pelts. Its history as a port can be traced back to Native American use before British, French and American traders began building military fortifications to secure their hold on the territory in the early 1800s.

You can get to Green Bay via the Fox River, Sturgeon River and Porte des Mortes. Green Bay is ideal for fishing fans as well as offering a large variety of onshore activities from shopping to eating out to the Green Bay Botanical Garden. Green Bay rates start as low as $150 a month if you’re on a strict budget. Be warned, for this price the space will be basic. For higher prices you can find somewhere nicer - you pay for what you get in this area.

A coastal city on the Gulf Coast of Texas, Corpus Cristi is an affordable and popular option for living aboard, offering the practicality of being close to the city but the romance of life at sea. Sheltered by the Padre and Mustang Islands, the waters are home to sea turtles and migratory birds can be seen flying overhead. At the same time, the waterfront is undergoing increasing amounts of development. It’s known as a safe and laid-back city, making it a popular choice if you’re looking for an easy life.

Texas is a great state for liveaboards as boat taxes are relatively low. You can find slips starting at just $150 per month for smaller boats though prices go up for larger boats of course. One example is a 60-foot slip for $3,000 per year, working out at just $250 per month. Some marinas in Texas allow you to pay annually instead of monthly, which can also save you money long-term.

Stunning views, regular festivals and friendly locals - San Juan Island can offer a lot if you’re looking to liveaboard. San Juan is the second largest island in the archipelago between Vancouver Island in British Columbia and mainland Washington. In spite of this, at only 24 miles long, 9 miles wide and a population of 7,500, it’s definitely a small town spot. Here’s a location where everyone knows everyone.

Visitors are drawn by the woods, the beaches and the impressive views of the Olympic Mountains. For cultural activities, there’s a wide range of galleries and studios on the islands thanks to the large number of artists who call the area home. It is also the best spot in Washington for sailing. Despite the drop in temperatures, it’s suitable for sailing year-round, making it an ideal location if you’re planning to liveaboard for 12 months of the year. The best time to sail is from April to October and in the summer you can see orca wales on their annual migration. Be warned, rates tend to be higher for San Juan than other locations but if you have the budget, it’s worth it.

Tacoma is a practical choice for those looking for reasonably priced slips in Washington. Perched on the Puget Sound, Tacoma’s Commencement Bay offers liveaboards city conveniences combined with great sailing. The Puget Sound itself offers good cruising grounds and you can head north to the San Juan Islands for trips. In the South Sound, there are plenty of state parks to be found and fantastic scenery thanks to Mount Rainier only 42 miles away. This is also handy if you’re looking for adventure activities on dry land. What’s more, Tacoma neighbors Seattle and is close enough that you can head over there whenever you’re looking for a taste of the big city.

Rates for liveaboards vary depending on where you’re looking in Puget Sound. Reports for Tacoma put slips at $500 per month compared to $750 in Seattle. Nearby Bremerton is another good choice for keeping costs fairly low. The great news about this location is that there’s a lot of choices for liveaboard marinas so you can find one that suits your needs, be it an on-site gym, a kitchen, showers or storage facilities.

Coming in top for the most break-taking scenery, the Lake of the Ozarks is a truly stunning place to live. Thankfully, living aboard your boat is also fairly cheap, giving you a much better deal than if you tried to buy or rent a lake-side property. The water levels are fairly stable year round and there is a wide range of marinas to choose from who are happy to accommodate liveaboards. Different marinas offer different amenities with some set up for entertaining, with access to BBQs and bars and others better for a quieter lifestyle. It’s a good idea to tour some of them before you decide where to stay to get a feel for the different atmospheres and what you can expect.

There’s no end to the conveniences on offer in this the Ozarks with dockside cafes and restaurants aplenty, placed at convenient points along the shore. The Lake of the Ozarks is so well set up for liveaboards that you can even get food delivered to your boat! This is the ultimate spot for convenience and practicality, if takeout is your idea of being practical!

A really popular destination for liveaboards, Long Beach offers a large number of liveaboard locations that you can take advantage of. The nearby Channel Islands make a nice destination for sailing trips and you can enjoy other water-based activities like scuba diving and kayaking too. This is a fantastic choice if you want to live in a place where it’s summer all year round.

The only drawback for living aboard in Long Beach is the waitlist for slips. Thanks to a restrictive cap of 10% for liveaboards in each marina, it can be tough to find a free space. There is no fee for putting in a ‘Liveaboard Request’ but you’ll need to be patient. If you have time to spare then the rewards are worth it and it’s a good option for practicality and a high quality of life. However, this destination is not for spur of the moment decisions!

One of the most popular destinations for year-round living, Chesapeake Bay has a lot to offer liveaboards. From rich biodiversity to stunning sailing destinations nearby, there’s a whole range of reasons that this one is on the list. You can choose from a large number of different marinas around the Bay so it’s up to you if you prefer to live near Baltimore, Virginia Beach or anywhere else in the area. At the same time, the Bay offers protection against bad winter weather so it’s a practical choice for all seasons.

Prices can vary depending on where you go and how close you want to stay to urban areas. The starting point is around $300 per month and rates go up from there. For city living on board your boat, you’re going to pay between $5,000 to $8,000 a year here.

Long Island is the perfect choice for living aboard if you’re looking for plenty of destinations to sail to in your free time. You’re at the gateway to New England and can easily head to Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts in less than an hour. Of course, you can’t forget about New York City as well! Have you ever fancied sailing through Manhattan? It’s a challenging but rewarding cruise with plenty of iconic views along the way. Alternatively, head to The Hamptons for an upmarket experience in the destination of choice for wealthy city-dwellers during the summer.

Long Island itself is 100 miles long and 20 miles wide with bays and inlets, extending into the open ocean. This makes it an awesome destination for sailing, sight-seeing and living aboard. Unsurprisingly, prices are more expensive than others on this list at approximately $600 per month for a 40-foot slip.

One of the biggest attractions for living aboard in Florida is the weather. You can’t beat the year long summer climate that makes really comfortable conditions for liveaboards. There’s a whole range of options if you’re looking to live aboard in Florida but Tampa Bay is an affordable choice compared to other locations closer to big cities. You’ll find a wide range of rates reflecting the location you choose.

In Tampa and neighboring St. Petersburg, you should be able to find marinas offering $500 per month for a 40-foot slip and other spots that are lower. The beauty of Tampa is that the waterfront is well developed with food, shopping and leisure options to keep you entertained. This means there’s no commute inland to get somewhere fun. Be warned, insurance can be high in Florida and local laws means there’s hoops you have to jump through in order to live on your boat. If you can take this in your stride than Florida makes a great choice.

Staying with Florida, Destin is another blissful choice for would-be liveaboards who are looking for a relaxed, subtropical lifestyle. Destin’s beaches are one of the biggest draws for this location, as well as the number of barrier islands to explore. Located on the Panhandle of Florida, Destin is a paradise for leisure activities. The bay and Intracoastal Waterway is perfect for sailing beginners but getting out to the east Pass and the Gulf of Mexico is where the real fun begins. Tides, swells and cross-currents make it a challenging and exciting sailing destination.

The popularity of this destination makes Destin a more expensive choice. You will most likely have to go on a wait-list before you can find a slip. On the other hand, Florida is one of the states with the lowest taxes on boats so that can work in your favour. What’s more, Panama City is within easy reach of Destin for a weekend or head to Choctawhatchee Bay and discover the inland waterways and islands of the Santa Rosa Sound.

Hawaii is an awesome spot for sailing and the island of Maui is considered to be one of the best in the U.S. but Oahu island has a lot to offer liveaboard hopefuls. Honolulu may seem like an obvious choice but there are other options elsewhere on the island that offer practical alternatives. As with other sought-after locations, many of the liveaboard marinas on Oahu have long wait lists and it can be hard to find spaces for permanent stays. Some of the most popular options, including Haleiwa Harbour on the North Shore have wait times of up to 20 years! This is because it’s the only safe harbour on this shore.

If you can find a space, Hawaii life is worth it. From snorkelling to diving, the island life is truly tempting. In the summer months, you can sail to Waimea Bay and anchor on the sand for a romantic getaway. Thanks to the conditions, you can sail year-round and the infamous Hawaiian winds give you plenty to work with, ensuring you’ll never get bored.

Now the only question is, which destination will you choose?

lee rawlings

ahoy do you know list of low price live a boards in south florida, miami to port st lucie area

Katherine Lindell

Thinking about living aboard your boat in Hawaii? Don’t even go there. Hawaii is considered to be one of the worst sailing destinations in the country if not is the entire world. The entire boating scene in Hawaii is tightly controlled by the division of boating and ocean recreation, well known here to be corrupt and dysfunctional under the leadership of a certain Edward underwood, himself A stunning example of compromised agenda. You are currently not allowed to live anywhere in the state of Hawaii on board your vessel. And because the state’s government is so incredibly corrupt we don’t see this changing anytime soon.

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The Best Yacht Charters You Can Book Around the World

Whether you’re looking for seven decks of entertainment, a family-friendly trip, or a diving-focused Caribbean voyage, you’ll find it here.

There are few experiences as luxurious and awe-inspiring as a yacht charter . You can explore the world at your leisure, spend quality time with friends and family in an intimate setting, and the service is second to none. We've rounded up the most exceptional new yacht charters to book around the world. They're sure to inspire your next voyage, whether you want to relax along the Amalfi Coast or explore remote corners of the globe.

In the yachting world, Loon is known for an exceptional array of water toys — perhaps the best in her class. There's a FunAir inflatable slide that goes from the third deck straight into the ocean, an in-water pool, and a luxurious 43-foot Everglades tender. You can hop on paddleboards, sea kayaks, Waverunners, or a Seabob to explore nearby islands and coves.

The adventurous can try kite surfing or Lift e-Foil surfboards, which seems effortless when you watch the crew fly past, but is actually quite challenging. Loon is also a scuba diver's dream. The crew has several master divers and dive instructors who can take you out each morning, and they have all of the equipment you need onboard. They can also certify new divers during the trip.

The 180-foot yacht has a staggering 1,100 gross tons of living space, elegant design, and an amiable and attentive crew. Loon has two master staterooms, including a unique one on the upper deck. It has wraparound windows that offer unparalleled views of the surroundings. There are two salons, including one with recliners and a projector for movie night, plenty of spaces for dining alfresco, and an oversized infinity-edge Jacuzzi with a wet bar nearby. Fancy a workout? Loon has a treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine, and free weights in the beach club. You'll be hard-pressed to find better workout views than this.

The crew is absolutely lovely and specializes in setting up unique experiences. You might have a pizza night on board, a barbecue on a private beach, or sundowners at the Instagram-famous Loon Bar. The crew will even take you to a picture-perfect sandbar and serve you drinks as you loll in the warm water.

Loon is available for charter from IYC in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda during the winter months and in the Mediterranean in the summer months. Rates begin at $325,000 a week plus expenses.

Nansen Explorer

For the ultimate Antarctica adventure, you can't beat a voyage aboard Nansen Explorer . This former research vessel has all of the technical features needed to safely explore one of the world's most remote and dramatic landscapes and, thanks to a retrofit in 2021, an ultra-luxe interior design that wouldn't look out of place in St. Tropez. For exploration, Nansen Explorer has an Ice-1A classed 236-foot hull and an ice-experienced captain and bridge team, which means she can go deeper into the ice than other polar-classed superyachts. There's a heli-deck with onboard fueling capabilities, so you can see the vast landscape from the sky, or even go heli-skiing. There are plenty of toys that allow you to get up close and personal with wildlife and nature, including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, dive equipment, and Zodiacs.

The interiors are so stylish, modern, and well-appointed that you'll forget you're in the middle of Antarctica rather than at a swanky hotel. The ship originally accommodated 60 passengers, but now it holds just 12 guests in seven cabins, including an owner's suite and a VIP suite. Each cabin has large windows that showcase the stunning vistas outside the ship. The sumptuous Scandanavian-inspired decor features shades of grey and white, which reflect the surrounding environment. There's a cozy lounge with a bar and a fireplace, perfect for warming up after an excursion to see penguins or whales.

Nansen Explorer is available for charter from Plan South America in Antarctica. Rates begin at $340,000 a week and are all-inclusive.

Yachting in French Polynesia is always a blissful experience, but Dardanella takes relaxation to the next level with bespoke, wellness-focused charters planned by onboard wellbeing facilitator Ayumi Gallagher. The wellness experience is all-encompassing, including fresh, detoxifying food, mindfulness workshops, yoga sessions, Pilates, meditation, and massages alongside traditional yacht activities, like diving, surfing, and tender safaris exploring the pristine waters and nature of French Polynesia. The captain is also a qualified marine biologist and ecologist, so he's the perfect person to show you this unique environment. There are two dive instructors, 12 sets of dive gear, a Nitrox dive compressor, and underwater photography equipment, so you can capture the beauty underwater, too. As an expedition yacht, Dardanella is well-suited for exploring remote destinations. The 121-foot yacht was refit in 2018 and has five luxurious cabins.

Dardanella is available for charter from 37south in French Polynesia. Rates begin at $100,000 a week plus expenses.

With seven decks, there's something for everyone aboard Wheels . This massive yet elegant yacht measures 249 feet, weighs almost 2,000 gross tons, and has lots of standout amenities including a spacious cinema for eight guests, a huge aquarium, massage room with a dedicated onboard masseuse, air-conditioned gym, and the main salon converts to a disco complete with lights and a smoke machine for those late-night dance parties. The split-level master suite has panoramic views, a study, and plenty of space, and there are four spacious guest suites on the main deck. Outside, there are plenty of relaxation areas, including sunpads, a hot tub, several dining areas and bars, and an enviable water sports area with two Jet Skis, four wave runners, three seabobs, a luxurious tender, and plenty more toys. The crew is very active and can teach you to wakeboard, kitesurf, sail the new Hobie cat catamaran, or scuba dive. They can also lead yoga and fitness classes.

Wheels is available for charter from Fraser Yachts in the Caribbean. Rates begin at $680,000 a week plus expenses.

Inside the €775,000-a-Week Superyacht That Was the Talk of Monaco Yacht Show

It's not uncommon for yacht charterers to "upgrade" their yachts year after year, chasing newer and bigger boats, which is makes Big Sky 's number of repeat bookings even more impressive. The 157-foot yacht has been a charter favorite since 2010, and she recently underwent a refit leaving her in immaculate condition. Big Sky can accommodate 10 guests in five staterooms, including a full-beam master that spans the width of the yacht, and there's plenty of room onboard to relax, including the main salon with large windows and a state-of-the-art TV system. The sky lounge is perfect for entertaining — it has an onyx bar and sliding windows that make you feel as if you are outside. Of course, if you do want to relax outdoors, there are three teak decks with space for dining and a large sundeck with a Jacuzzi, sun pads, couches, and a bar.

Big Sky is available for charter from Northrop & Johnson in the Bahamas. Rates begin at $180,000 a week plus expenses.

This glamorous new superyacht caused quite a stir when she debuted at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2021. It's rare for a brand-new superyacht of this size to be available immediately for charter, so book your trip on Tatiana early. This 263-foot yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests, who are guaranteed impeccable service from the 20 crew members. She has a great selection of water accoutrements and a stunning design with a large amount of interior space, including a deck dedicated to the owner's suite. There are also two VIP staterooms, four double cabins, and a twin cabin. While away any rainy days in the movie room or shooting some pool. Tatiana also has a fabulous beach club with a large bathing platform, bar, and outdoor lounge.

Tatiana is available for charter from IYC in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda during the winter months and in the Mediterranean in the summer months. Rates begin at €775,000 a week plus expenses.

Nour El Nil Meroe

Step back in time aboard Nour El Nil Meroe , a traditionally inspired Egyptian yacht full of modern amenities and luxurious design. Meroe is available for charter through Black Tomato, a top luxury travel company known for its expertly curated trips with exclusive experiences and a focus on local culture. Meroe is styled like a classic dahabiya boat, with authentic decor featuring whitewashed walls and linens alongside Parisian decor details. The VIP cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Nile — we can't think of a more fabulous way to have breakfast in bed — while the other cabins have large windows. The shaded roof terrace has plenty of spots for lounging and dining alfresco, and there's a cheery indoor salon with red-and-white striped decor and cozy couches. On your charter, you'll slowly sail down the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan. You can charter just the yacht voyage or book the Ultimate Egypt trip , which includes adventures on land as well as the yacht charter (think: private tours of the pyramids, exploring temples, or taking a jeep safari around Siwa).

El Nil and the Ultimate Egypt trip can be booked through Black Tomato . Rates begin at $5,800 a person.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

One of 2022's most anticipated travel launches is the new The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection . While this is technically a small-ship cruise, every element has been designed to make you feel as if you are aboard a superyacht. The fleet will ultimately have three custom-built yachts, each with 149 suites. However, in 2022, the collection will launch with their first luxury vessel: Evrima . The suites all have private terraces, which isn't something you can expect aboard even the largest superyacht. And of course, the amenities are incredible. It has a beautiful spa, stunning marina terrace (set up like a yacht beach club), an infinity-edge pool, a large gym, and plenty of entertainment. The dining options are seemingly endless, including the main restaurant, the Evrima Room, S.E.A., which features a menu by acclaimed chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, Talaat Nam, a Southeast Asian spot, and several casual options.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's inaugural voyage is set for May 2022 and pricing is dependent on the itinerary. Learn more about the trips here .

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The 6 Best Places to Charter a Boat or Yacht in the U.S.

If you’re itching to get back on the water with a charter, why not consider destinations you can visit without a passport? United States charter destinations provide some of the best boating and angling in the world. This blog post will review some of the top spots to charter a boat or yacht in the U.S.

Where Should You Charter a Boat or Yacht in the U.S.?

1. pacific northwest.

The San Juan Islands are a part of the San Juan Archipelago in the Salish Sea between the U.S. and Canada. Of the 450 islands, fewer than one-sixth are permanently inhabited, and thousands of coves where you can drop the hook and take in the abundant sea and wildlife. Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is an easy first stop with its excellent restaurants, bars, and art galleries. Orcas Island and the historic Rosario Resort and Moran Mansion museum are worth a visit, as is Roche Harbor, where the 1886 Hotel Haro is on the National Register of Historic Sites. Sail out onto the Haro Strait, a playground for pods of orcas, or head to Deception Pass, which separates Whidbey and Fidalgo islands. There are many charter companies in Anacortes and Bellingham, but the season is short, and July to September get busy. In fact, during a travel boom, they’re likely already booked, so consider the shoulder seasons of June or October. You won’t be able to sail to Victoria, Canada, but there’s much to see and do without ever leaving the U.S.

2. Great Lakes/Lake Michigan

The great lakes are a freshwater sailing and angling paradise and offer thousands of miles of coastline to explore. Lake Michigan is a popular summer destination chock full of beaches, historic lighthouses, and waterfront towns with great eateries.

The calm waters of Grand Traverse Bay are popular, as is Mackinac Island, where the traffic is limited to foot, bike, horse, and carriage. Reservations at the island’s only marina should be made in advance or jump down to Beaver Island, where crowds are rare. Check out Door County on the lake’s western shore, which hosts the June Lighthouse Festival and 4th of July fireworks in Egg Harbor. Although you can enjoy a five-month sailing season here, it tends to get cold on the water at night, so always check the weather before departure and dress appropriately. Summers get crowded, so consider late spring or early fall to book a boat and avoid the crowds.

3. Northeast

The Northeast is a vast boating territory, so a quick summary can’t do it justice, but there are beautiful areas to go boating along the country’s long coastline from New York to Maine. You can day charter around New York and take in the city’s skyline or visit the spectacular harbors and coves of Rhode Island, including the city of Newport that breathes all things sailing. Maine offers 3,500 miles of stunning, rocky coastline and 4,600 islands to explore by sail or motorboat.

Again, because this is a northern destination, plan on summer crowds and book with local companies early. Available charters include everything from bareboat charters to crewed yacht charters, so you can do it any way that makes you comfortable. Don’t forget to buy a fishing license before your trip. Or, if you’re not into angling, go ashore for some of the best seafood in the world.

4. Chesapeake

Exploring all the nooks and crannies of Chesapeake Bay’s 11,000 miles of shoreline could take a lifetime, but you can take it one week at a time for years to come. Whether you’re looking to charter a yacht or a fishing charter, there’s a wide variety of experiences to pursue ton America’s largest estuary.

The historic town of Annapolis is an excellent place to start since charter operations abound. Visit the Naval Academy while there, and then head to the charming town of St. Michaels with its spectacular nautical museum on the Eastern Shore.

Other Bay highlights are Solomons Island and Oxford to the south or some urban cruising around downtown Baltimore to the north. Angling for rockfish or crabbing is a way of life on the Chesapeake, so hiring an experienced fishing charter here won’t disappoint you.

April to early November are good times to visit but plan ahead because weather and conditions can change quickly, especially early and late in the season. The Bay is immense, and it’s better to set a realistic itinerary and take it in bite-sized chunks.

5. Southeast Florida

Florida and boating go hand-in-hand! Whether you’re looking to go bone fishing in the Florida Keys, take in the Miami skyline on Biscayne Bay from the deck of a hired motor yacht, or sail around Key West and visit Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, you’ll have many boat rental choices. In the Sunshine State, there are more boats and boat captains for hire than just about anywhere.

Although the season is year-round in Florida, during August and September, there’s a real possibility of a hurricane, so if you book, consider buying trip insurance.

6. The U.S. and the Spanish Virgin Islands

If nothing short of a Caribbean outing will do, remember that there are U.S. territories in the area, including the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John) as well as the Spanish Virgins to the east of Puerto Rico. St. Thomas is an easy sail to Cruz Bay (nicknamed Love City) on St. John Island. To swim with rays and turtles, go around the corner to the spectacular Maho Beach at Francis Bay or visit Skinny Legs bar on the island’s western side.

The pristine Islands of Culebra and Vieques are part of the Spanish Virgins and offer unspoiled beauty. Look to the city of Fajardo for charter bases, or if you’re out on an extended charter, you may be able to sail here from St. Thomas.

Official hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, but the two months most likely to produce a sizable storm are August and September. So, if you’re considering this sailing destination, consider visiting after hurricane season!

Conclusion: Charter a Boat in the U.S. for Your Next Vacation

As you can see, you don’t have to go far for a boating adventure or yachting vacation in the U.S. By checking out the locations mentioned in this post; you can find a charter that will take your breath away. 

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YACHT VACATIONS & SAILING HOLIDAYS - TOP YACHTING AND SAILING ITINERARIES

Top yacht vacation destinations, the best season for yachting, sailing itineraries and routes.

We recommend the most popular Yacht Vacation Destinations and the best places to sail all over the world. You will find information on the climate, sailing conditions and attractions for each sailing destination. Explore the most beautiful sailing itineraries around the globe and get inspired where you book your next yacht charter vacation!

Most Popular Pre-selected Yacht Vacation Hot Spots

Caribbean - top 10, mediterranean - most popular.

What is the best time of the year to go on a yacht vacation? You can go anytime! We would like to show you the best places to sail and inspire you where to go for holiday on a boat in summer & winter.

Top Sailing Destinations for January, February & March

At the beginning of the year the sailing season is well under way in The Bahamas, The Caribbean, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia. It is also possible to sail in the subtropical climate of the Canary Islands during this time. Very popular sailing destinations for this time of the year are:

Hot Spots for Yacht Vacation Rental in April & May

Mediterranean countries experience long summers and the sailing season often begins in April. Perfect conditions for relaxing sailing trip can be found in: Turkey, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, The Balearic Islands, Croatia, Corsica, Sardinia and Malta. Spring is also a wonderful time to go on a yacht charter vacation in: Thailand, Malaysia, The Caribbean, The Seychelles and The Canary Islands.

Best Places to Sail in Summer - Yachting in June, July & August

Mediterranean destinations are at their finest places to be on a yacht during the summer months. Even places in the North and the Baltic Sea such as: France, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland or the North Sea can be pleasant for a Yacht Vacation at this time of the year.

Best Places for Sailing in September & October

September and October can be excellent months to experience the beauty of Mediterranean and Southern European countries, the weather is warm, and some may find the temperatures more comfortable than during midsummer. For yacht vacation rental in september and october we recommend: Turkey, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, The Balearic Islands, Croatia, Corsica, Sardinia, Malta and The Canary Islands.

Best Winter Sailing Destinations - Yachting in November & December

While November and December can be the coldest, darkest months of the year over in Europe, plenty of countries nearer to the equator have higher temperatures and calm seas. It is possible to sail in Thailand, Malaysia and The Seychelles during November, and sailing season in The Caribbean and The Bahamas begins in December after the hurricane season. Australia and New Zealand also begin to experience good sailing weather at this time.

CARIBBEAN - SAILING ITINERARIES AND ROUTE SUGGESTIONS

SAILING ROUTE SUGGESTIONS AND ITINERARIES FOR THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

SAILING ITINERARIES AND ROUTE SUGGESTIONS - MEDITERRANEAN

SAILING ITINERARIES AND ROUTES FOR THE PACIFIC OCEAN

INDIAN OCEAN - ANDAMAN SEA SAILING ROUTES AND ITINERARIES

The choices are endless for you to find the perfect hired boat for just a few hours as a day charter, a couple days as a time charter, or a charter for weeks on the water in order to experience the special feeling of livng on a boat. Hire a yacht for a party or event, host some networking opportunities, sail for sport without any limits, have a relaxing holiday, or have a completely private experience – the choice is yours.

Business people or successful young entrepreneurs may prefer to travel at higher speeds and therefore to charter one of many motorboats available for a fun daytrip or to experience the luxury of a mega yacht with a skipper, crew and all the extras for an unforgettable week or two at sea.

A regatta sailor might want to hire a catamaran and experience sailing with friends for the first time, working the sails and dinghy a bit like in the America’s Cup, with hard wind blowing and testing out a higher Beaufort scale. A friend of nature may want a more relaxing holiday, in which case chartering a houseboat with a partner vacation season could be the way to go. With calmer waters, this sort of holiday is also perfect for an entire family including small children. This is a popular online rental because houseboats often require no boating license for the driver. As of a few years ago, houseboat charters throughout Europe have been largely allowed without a boat license, which has made sailing holidays with children even more popular. For the sailing enthusiast who has all different types of sailing licenses, booking a sailboat on a Riviera will test your abilities and challenge you to sail your hardest. If you don’t find the right boat in our search and booking engine for immediate hire for your sailing cruise, wedding at sea, or other event on the water, you can easily book by emailing Yachtico.com or by calling the 24-hour support line. You wouldn’t believe what all we can accomplish. Just contact us with your special requests! We have experts worldwide who have enough experience to make your wishes for your holiday be realized.  

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Where to Register Your Yacht Offshore: the Ultimate Guide

Dateline: Belgrade, Serbia

For the person who has successfully opened an offshore bank account , got a second passport and is living the lifestyle of their dreams traveling the world, the time has come to move on to the next level of flag theory.  This new level is one where the focus shifts from acquisitions that are largely for diversification purposes toward purchases meant purely to improve your lifestyle – like boating.

For many who reach this stage, the next step is to combine travel and leisure by investing in the purchase of a yacht.

Unlike buying a new car – or even a house – buying a yacht is an investment of an international nature, and deciding upon the best country for yacht registration is a decision for which you need professional advice so you do not expose your assets to unnecessary taxes and liabilities. If you go into the process uneducated, your exciting new purchase might just become nothing more than a hole in the water into which you pour unnecessary amounts of money.

As with other international strategies, the country in which you register your yacht can have an enormous effect on the amount of money you will be able to save, as well as your freedom of travel. Some countries keep you from freely traveling to other jurisdictions, others charge high tax percentages or registration fees, and others do none of those things.

Choose Your Flag Wisely

When buying a yacht,  the choice of yacht flags is one of the most important decisions you have to make because it can have a direct effect on your privacy, taxes, and your exposure to liability. Just as you would create a corporate structure to protect your other assets, you should do the same when it comes to yacht registration.

For this reason, many boat owners opt to register their yacht in places like the Cayman Islands to avoid the onerous taxes and regulations of the United States and other western governments. Panama , with its favorable registration policies, is the largest ship registry in the world  with over 9,000 ships flying its flag.

However, it’s also very important to do your due diligence in selecting a country for yacht registration by working with a professional. Once your vessel is registered in a country, all of the country’s laws will apply to your boat. Many countries that have attractive tax structures have other issues that you’ll want to avoid, such as laws that require you to hire a crew completely composed of nationals from that country.

You will also want to register your yacht in a country that is well respected by the US and the EU. If you choose a country with a bad reputation, it can limit where you are allowed to travel, or at the very least, make you subject to more detentions and inspections.

The flag state has the responsibility to enforce regulations over vessels registered under its flag, so yacht registration under countries on the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU) on Port State Control’s black or gray list will come under more scrutiny in inspections. Because of this, a large majority of yachts are flagged in British Overseas Territories, known as the ‘Red Ensign Group’ — including Bermuda, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man.

These countries have acceptable safety regulations for travel in EU countries, while also having more attractive tax structures than the UK. In fact, company tax is set at 0% in the Channel Islands , the Isle of Man, the Cayman Islands, and Bermuda .

This is particularly useful for those who wish to spend time in European Union waters, as vessels owned or used by EU residents are subject to the EU’s Value Added Tax (VAT). Private yacht registration with a non-EU flag allows an owner to operate under a “temporary importation structure” which allows for 18 months free of these taxes or customs duties. After the 18 months are over, the boat owner can re-apply for this status.

Bearing this in mind, let’s take a look at some of my favorite countries for yacht registration.

1.The Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry is a favorite among people who own both pleasure and commercial yachts worldwide. This ship registry has been at the Port of George Town, Cayman Islands since 1903. There are two other ports in the Cayman Islands as well: The Creek in Canyon Brac and Bloody Bay in Little Cayman.

The Merchant Shipping Law, which was revised in 2016, is the governing legislation for all boats registered in the Cayman Islands. The law offers many different types of yacht registration, including full registration, interim registration, provisional registration, a ship under construction registration, and demise charter/bareboat registration. An owner who is having a vessel built might find this convenient so he or she can register it as a boat under construction and then change to full yacht registration later.

As I mentioned above, the Cayman Islands is a part of the Red Ensign Group. This means that getting your yacht registration in the Cayman Islands flags your vessels as a British Ship, granting it protection by the British Royal Navy.

Because time is crucial for so many people, the Cayman Islands Ship Registry (CISR) can also expedite the registration process for those who need to be registered immediately if they pay their expedition fee. In addition, the CISR has representative offices in Fort Lauderdale, London, Cannes, Athens, Tokyo, and Singapore where you can have ship registry certificates issued immediately if needed.

Yachts that are registered with the Cayman Islands as pleasure yachts and are not engaged in trade are granted a License to Cruise the water of the United States which will allow them to enter, depart, and cruise within U.S. waters. These vessels will only need to report to U.S. customs when entering the country or changing customs districts.

Assuming you meet all of the required qualifications, there are no restrictions or rules concerning the nationality of the master or the crew of your ship.   In addition to the Cayman Islands being a tax neutral environment, the jurisdiction provides vessel owners with banking facilities and directorship services.

Overall, vessels registered in the Cayman Islands benefit from all the privileges of the British flag, while simultaneously having the tax-free and confidentiality perks of the Cayman Islands.

2. The Netherlands

Many people consider Holland to be an ideal location for yacht registration because the country is flexible and straightforward, whereas most other European countries follow stricter rules and regulations. The registration process is fast compared to that of other countries and requirements are minimal.

To register under the Dutch flag, the process is easiest if you are either an EU citizen, Swiss, Norwegian, or own a company registered in the EU.

One of the main advantages of the Netherlands is that you can be registered under the Dutch flag in as little as three days. That is why Holland is typically preferred over countries like Italy, France, and Spain where there is a longboat registration process in addition to high registration fees. A lot of yacht owners solve this problem by registering under the Dutch flag. Taxes and registration requirements in the Netherlands are minimal, allowing the whole process to be completed in three days, assuming you meet the necessary criteria.

Boat owners do not have to be of Dutch nationality, nor do they have to have a residence in the country. The only documents you must have are an ID card or passport and you must provide proof of ownership of your boat. Because so little documentation is needed, renewing your yacht registration is also a fairly simple process.

The process is easiest, however, for people who are Dutch, Swiss, Norwegian or have a company based in the EU. If you are not Dutch, Swiss, or Norwegian, and if you do not have a company registered in the EU, you can still register by paying a fee to have a United Kingdom Ltd. set up in your name.

The Ltd. will cost you 349 EUR upfront and 249 EUR every year after that. Once the Ltd. is set up, you’ll receive your registration within three to five days. The documentation needed is still the same. It only costs about 299 EUR for yacht registration in Holland if you are an EU citizen. It costs 648 EUR for non-EU citizens and your registration license can be delivered overnight anywhere in the world. Those prices include everything from the taxes to the mandatory Dutch address and all the costs for shipping and consultation.

There is also no requirement to have your boat inspected, making the vessel documentation process even simpler.

 Types of yacht registration under the Dutch flag:

     1.  Light registration

Light yacht registration is for people who want fast and easy registration for navigating EU waters. With light registration, you can only sail European Union waters and the length of your yacht may not exceed 24m.

    2.  Global registration

Global yacht registration is for yachts that will navigate outside of European Union waters, sail worldwide, or be engaged in commercial chartering. People with Global registration can sail worldwide. Global registration is also available to Swiss or Norwegian persons regardless of whether or not they have a company in the EU.

 3. The Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands ship registry was formed in 1988. In 2001, it was expanded to allow those with commercial and private yachts to register as well, which has made the Marshall Islands a popular place to register over the last sixteen years.

The jurisdiction has also gained a lot of recognition over the years by having regional offices in major maritime cities around the world, allowing them to provide same day service to anyone, regardless of the location or time zone in which they reside.

The Marshall Islands Registry is the third-largest in the world and you can register under a one or three-year program.

You must be a Marshall Islands citizen, national, or qualified foreign maritime entity to register in the Marshall Islands. The terms “citizen” and “national” refer to Marshall Islands corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and associations of individuals. (You can easily complete the process to have a Marshall Islands company registered in your name so you can register your ship there.)

Assuming you complete all the necessary documents and meet all requirements, you can have your ship registered within 24 hours; you can also register your yacht as a ‘ship under construction’ if needed. You can obtain a U.S. cruising permit as a boat registered in the Marshall Islands and commercially compliant yachts can charter in Europe. In other words, you are not confined to the waters of the Marshall Islands alone, which is convenient for those who want to see more of the world.

As long as you meet proper flag requirements, yachts measuring 18m or longer that weigh less than 500 gross tons can be chartered out for up to 84 days as a private yacht limited charter (PYLC).

In addition to being white-listed under Paris and Tokyo’s MoUs, the Marshall Islands also meets the flag criteria for a low-risk ship under the Paris New Inspection Regime. Additionally, the Marshall Islands has been a part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Qualship 21 roster for 11 consecutive years.

The Marshall Islands Registry is low tax and respected worldwide; the country is a presidential republic in free association with the United States and enjoys similar benefits to its British Overseas Territory counterparts making it a great jurisdiction for yacht registration.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia. The country’s ship registry ranks 10th in the world with a gross tonnage of over 21 million pounds.

A ship can be registered in Cyprus if more than 50% of the shares of the registering company are owned by a Cypriot or if your company is registered in the Republic of Cyprus. An offshore company can also be registered in Cyprus if the company’s control is in the hands of Cypriots.

The Republic of Cyprus can easily register your company under their flag so you can register your yacht there. The costs of yacht registration and management are the lowest in Europe , making the jurisdiction an ideal, convenient place for many owners to register their ship.

There are many tax benefits that come with yacht registration under the Cyprus flag. An owner whose ship is registered in Cyprus is fully exempt from income taxes from operations in international waters. Additionally, no tax is payable for the wages of the crew that operates in international waters. No tax is payable on any dividend received from a shipping company in Cyprus.

Cyprus has maritime offices around the world, allowing them to work with anyone anywhere at any time. Some of their main offices are located in New York, London, Rotterdam, Piraeus, Brussels, and Hamburg. Upon registering in one of these offices, you will have the benefits of flying an EU flag, which is respected worldwide. According to the  EU registry, “Sailing under EU flags demonstrates strength and represents a strong reputation.”

Like some of the other countries I have mentioned, Cyprus has been white-listed among the Paris and Tokyo MoUs, meaning it is a high-quality flag with low risk compared to many other countries who have been gray or black-listed.

It should also be noted that Cyprus is excluded from the “list of targeted flag states,” which is kept by the U.S. Coast Guard. Cyprus’s absence from the list means that inspections of the yacht with a Cypriot flag are kept to a minimum and they will experience no unnecessary delays when entering and leaving ports.

Types of yacht registration:

Cyprus offers three types of registration, including provisional registration, permanent registration, and parallel (bareboat) registration.

       1. Provisional remains in effect for 6 months; after expiration, it can only be renewed once more for 3 more months.

       2. Permanent Yacht Registration  goes into effect 6 to 9 months from the date your yacht was provisionally registered.

      3. For Parallel / Bareboat Registration  your ship must hoist the Cyprus flag and “Limassol” must be marked as your port of registry. Parallel-in lasts for two years and is renewable. For parallel-out registration, your ship must hoist the foreign flag rather than the Cyprus flag and your port of registry must be the port of the foreign country. Parallel-out lasts for three years and is also renewable.

Liberia is the oldest democracy in Africa and one of the first offshore, zero tax jurisdictions. The Liberian ship registry is a favorite among owners of large vessels; the country has the second-largest registry in the world and makes up 12% of registered ships worldwide.

One of the perks of The Liberian Yacht Registration is that it is open to any ship-owner in the world and there are absolutely no restrictions on the nationality of your crew or country of construction. This makes Liberia appealing to many ship-owners who either cannot register somewhere because of their nationality or can only register by paying an additional fee.

Liberia has been white-listed on the Paris and Tokyo MoUs and has also been approved by the International Maritime Organization AND the U.S. Coast Guard. This, combined with the country’s other features, means that the Liberian Registry is known as “the world’s largest quality registry, renowned for excellence, efficiency, safety and innovative service”.

The following types of vessels can be registered in Liberia:

Vessels under construction, new buildings, vessels being transferred from other flags, offshore vessels, vessels in lay-up, and vessels involved in international, coastal, or domestic trading. You may also have a dual flag if your ship is bareboat registered.

The Liberian Registry is owned and operated by the United States. Additionally, service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making things very convenient for those wishing to do yacht registration under the Liberian flag. There are over 400 nautical inspectors, so there is always someone available to attend to vessels.

Vessels registered in Liberia are taxed with a fixed fee, which   depends on the tonnage of your ship. The tax is applied yearly, so there should be no surprises. However, t here are no taxes on operations and your profits are not assessed.

The Liberian flag is accepted in many EU countries — the United Kingdom, Germany, and Holland are only a few countries in the European Union that accept the Liberian flag. In addition, Liberia is highly rated for safety and accident prevention, which makes this country even more attractive for your yacht registration.

Liberia is recognized every year for having high standards. The country has an above-average performance in safety and accident prevention as well as in independent statistical reports. Liberia also has a network of 100 security inspectors to inspect ships when necessary; this is something that was implemented post-9/11.

According to information provided by the Liberian Registry website, “The “Maritime Services Award” is for exceptional achievement or contribution to any service sector of the America’s maritime industry by a company, individual, or organization. According to Lloyd’s List criteria for this award, “The winner must be able to demonstrate how they have set themselves apart, going above and beyond best practice to offer the shipping industry something exceptional.”

The Maltese ship registry is the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world; it is one of the most popular countries in the world for pleasure yacht registration. The country has EU compliant legislation, clear laws relating to yacht mortgages, low registration costs and is well respected across the globe.

Malta became a member of the European Union in 2004, so yacht registration here comes with the perks of sailing an EU flag, including protection by the British Royal Navy. Like the other countries I’ve mentioned, Malta has been white-listed, providing ship-owners with a sense of security when you go through the yacht registration process under the Maltese flag.

If you’re an EU, EEA, or Swiss national, you can hold your vessel in your personal capacity. However, if you’re a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen you must hold your yacht through a Maltese or foreign company.

When it comes to taxes, it is important to note that companies operating commercial yachts out of Malta are exempt from income tax on any income generated by the operation of their yachts. They are also exempt from any VAT tax on the high seas. What   sets Malta apart from many other countries besides tax policy is that there are no restrictions on the nationality of the master, officers, or crew of your ship.

Another perk that Malta shares with Liberia is that there is round-the-clock service, so you can feel safe and secure registering in the country. And, as long as you meet all flag requirements, any type of vessel can be registered — that means pleasure yachts, oil rigs, vessels under construction, and anything in between.

W hen it comes to the age or trading, boats between 10 and 15 years must pass inspection by an authorized inspector within one month of provisional registration and ships over 15 years old must pass inspection before being provisionally registered.

7. The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands is the latest country to join the Red Ensign Group (2014). Now, the British Virgin Islands can register any type of ship and any size. Not only that, yacht registration under the BVI flag grants access to all the ports in the world. There are restrictions with almost all other registries when it comes to this, so the fact that a BVI flag gives you access anywhere sets the country far apart from the rest.

Another advantage that makes the jurisdiction one of the most attractive is that the British Virgin Islands is tax neutral. The islands are outside the scope of the EU value added tax (VAT) laws, meaning that there is no sales tax when purchasing goods or services.

As is the case with the Cayman Islands and Malta, the Red Ensign Group flag grants protection by the British Royal Navy to those vessels registered under the British Virgin Islands flag. Similar to the other countries listed, you can register under the BVI flag even if you are not a citizen and even if you do not own a company there; you will need to register a company in the BVI to do so, but this can be completed in a matter of hours.

When it comes to the registration process, it usually takes two to six months, meaning that it is not as short as some of the other countries, but it’s still not too terribly long.

As I have mentioned in previous articles, the British Virgin Islands has one of the most stable governments and economies in the world, which makes ship owners who register there feel very safe and secure when compared to other countries who have more enemies or corruption within the government.

Panama  is not only a popular place when it comes to offshore banking or getting a second passport, it also holds the largest ship registry in the world, having over 9,000 ships registered under the country’s flag.

Most countries require a minimum amount of weight, but Panama does not. The only exception to this rule is if your ship is older than 20 years, requiring that the ship is inspected in order to be registered.

There is usually some downtime when someone transfers their ship from one flag to another, but that is not the case when you are transferring to Panama. Panama has a very simple transferring process; for example, numerous other countries make you dry dock for inspection and Panama does not. Because their process is so easy, it eliminates the concern that ship and business owners have concerning downtime.

The good news for all the shipping companies, ship owners, and merchant shipping companies is that you can have dual ship registry in Panama, but if you were registered in the other country first, you must have consent from that country to register in Panama, too.

Instead of taking your ship’s size or tonnage into consideration, Panama charges a flat yacht registration fee to keep things simple. If you are not a Panamanian or an owner of a Panamanian business, you’ll pay a flat fee of $1,500 to register your yacht. If you are Panamanian, it costs $1,000 to register your yacht. Once you are registered, you will have access to Panama’s round-the-clock service.

Additionally, once you are assigned provisional yacht registration, you have six months to provide the proper vessel documentation to transfer your provisional yacht registration to permanent registration. Your yacht registration certificate is valid for two years and renewal costs are low.

Many countries require yacht owners to pay taxes when they register their ship, but Panama does not. There are also no taxes on profit that is made through international trade. You do not have to pay taxes on wages for your crew members either. The main reason people choose to register in Panama is this lack of taxes. When registering in Panama, people are legally reducing tax costs and that would not be the case if they were to register in many other jurisdictions.

There is no one best ship registry in the world, but there are many you can choose from to keep your investment safe. Finding the right one for you will depend on what you value when it comes to naval protection, taxes, privacy, and ease of travel.

If you have already registered your vessel, where did you choose to go for your yacht registration and would you recommend it to others? Feel free to comment below.

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Superyacht Training

Best Locations and Seasons to Land a Yacht Job

Yachts normally operate seasonally. During these times, there is plenty of opportunity to find a position aboard a luxury or superyacht, no matter your level of experience. There are several different yachting hubs from where you can launch your career – usually the most beautiful places in the world! To ensure that you secure your spot on deck, it’s important to know where to be and when. 

Can you get a job from home?

The short answer is, no. Crew members are often picked up with very short notice, sometimes even on the same day of applying! The captain of the vessel usually conducts the interview and will want to meet with you in person, so you have to make yourself physically available in these main hiring ports. Book short-term accommodation, as you hopefully won’t be at this location very long before getting a job on a luxury yacht! The process could take a week, if you’re very lucky, but sometimes up to two months – be sure to budget accordingly! Perhaps consider doing other jobs like waitressing on land while you wait for a yacht job.

Top yacht crew hiring ports 

Best for newbies.

The six locations below are the hiring hotspots and will offer far greater access to quality job opportunities for those individuals freshly entering the industry:

• Sails Marina, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Rybovich, West Palm Beach, Florida
• IYCA Port Vauban, Antibes, France
• Port de Palma, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Port Vell, Barcelona, Spain
• Newport, Rhode Island

Second-Tier Yacht Crew Hiring Ports / Locations

The following is a list of what we’ll term “secondary” options for worthwhile hiring ports. Mega-yachts pass through these destinations, but not in vast numbers or as frequently as with the list above. These places, however, have STCW-recognised training schools, or at least some crew-recruitment agencies in the area, so you can get take your STCW certification and register with a placement service before heading to where more boats are located (if you have not already qualified in South Africa):

• St. Martin/St. Maarten in the Caribbean
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Sydney, Australia
• Auckland, New Zealand
• Antigua in the Caribbean
• San Diego, California
• Viareggio, Italy

Third-Tier Yacht Crew Hiring Ports / Locations

While these may not be the key spots for easily finding a position, the destinations below can be considered a third tier. Experienced crew tend to do okay basing themselves here, but we do not recommend them for entry-level job hunters. For some individuals, however, these spots may be the only option due to proximity and the inability to travel far:

• U.K.— London, Southampton, and Dover
• The Netherlands
• The Bahamas
• South Africa

Other ports to consider:

• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Phuket, Thailand
• Galle Harbour, Sri Lanka
• English Harbour, Antigua

The Mediterranean 

Ports: Spain, Italy, France.

The best time to be in the Mediterranean is March/April/May/June. Plenty of ports are extremely accessible during this period as trains constantly run the entire length of the French and Italian Riviera. This means that you could simply go from port to port to meet captains and crew. September, which nears the end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, is also a good time to find employment as an entry-level crew member. We recommend heading to Antibes in the South of France.

Some yachts will be looking for crew to complete the Atlantic crossing from the Mediterranean to the USA or the Caribbean. Yachts are often registered offshore, therefore, working on board a Cayman Islands registered yacht in the USA, is not considered illegal by Maritime Law. You cannot, however, work on US flagged vessels without a legal US Passport, US Working Visa, or Green Card. Chat to us for advice regarding the visa requirements for working on board any of these luxury yachts.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a popular port to find work. Visas for entering the USA have become more challenging to attain, however, so this option isn’t the simplest. Most yachts will go into a Shipyard period once or twice a year for maintenance, which is a great time to look for daywork. This varies, but many yachts will complete their maintenance periods from February – April in the USA.

The Caribbean and Bahama Islands

This is one of the most beautiful routes in the world – understandably making it one of the most popular . Super yachts sail to the Caribbean and Bahamas from December to May, the Northern Hemisphere winter months. Most vessels are based in South Florida, making Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach the places where most people find crew work. We recommend finding ways of boosting your skill set before applying for any positions, as it will help you stand out from the many people keen to land a job on vessels sailing this route. Consider getting a scuba diving licence or growing your knowledge of the local marine life. 

Getting Placed From South African Ports

Getting placed directly from South Africa is a little harder for newbies, as most vessels hire only more experienced crew. Locations of travel from South African ports include: Indian Ocean (Mauritius, Maldives / Seychelles) and South Atlantic (Brazil, Caribbean). Best time for work is December through March and May through July.

Necessary Qualifications

To qualify for work on board a yacht, you will need to complete:

• The STCW Basic Safety Training course, and
• An ENG1 or seafarer medical certificate

To work on a boat cruising the Caribbean it is advisable to have both a Schengen and B1B2 visa as some of the Islands still fall under European and US dependency. It is also highly advisable to have many spare pages in your passport for a Caribbean season as there is immigration control and an entry and exit stamp on your passport for every Island.

Speak to us if you’d like to discuss possible courses that could benefit you ; our academy is internationally accredited. If you’d just like to get an idea whether a yacht job is really for you, consider downloading our ultimate yacht crew handbook that will give you the ins and outs of yacht crew life, with additional tips to help you get that job on a private yacht.

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RYA/MCA Online

1. what are the basic requirements you need to be eligible to work in the yachting industry, 2. what is the stcw and why do i need it, 3. what is the eng1 medical certificate, 4. what land based experience will help me find a super yacht job, 5. what are the different departments onboard, 6. what crew training is required for me to work as a junior deckhand.

• Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory
• Yachtmaster/Coastal Practical
• Specialist Super Yacht Training Course (Deck Hand Training Course)
• RYA Power Boat Level II
• RYA Personal Watercraft Course
• RYA Competent Crew Certificate
• RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical Certificates
• VHF Radio Operator’s License

7. What crew training is required for me to work as a junior stewardess?

• Stewardess Course
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• MCA Food Safety Level 2
• RYA Powerboat Level 2

8. How do I book my training courses?

9. how do i get my first job on a yacht, 10. are these courses worth it, or am i just wasting my money, 11. will i get hired for my first job from south africa, 12. what is daywork, 13. what are the best locations to get a yacht job, 14. how much can a motor yacht stewardess or deckhand earn, 15. what are the negatives of working on a yacht, 16. what are the positives of working on a yacht, 17. is working on a super yacht for everyone, 18. what is the minimum age to work on a yacht, 19. is accommodation provided when i am completing my yacht training in cape town.

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The Best 12 Places in the World to Charter a Yacht

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Planning your vacation is always one of the best parts about the vacation itself and if you happen to be taking a sailing trip in the near future, the first thing you have to decide is where you want to go. Are you looking for the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean , complete with palm trees and white sand? Or are you after a more rugged and wild adventure? From the Southwest Pacific to the Mediterranean there are hundreds of amazing places to charter a yacht. Looking at an array of factors we have narrowed the list down to our favorite 12 places to charter a yacht around the world.

In the Southwest Pacific there are 300 stunning islands over a large area of ocean waiting to be explored. These islands are surrounded by an abundance of sea life, spectacular reefs, crystal clear waters and beautiful lagoons. Fiji is also known for having some of the most welcoming people around. The remoteness of Fiji makes exploring these water and islands unlike anything else in the world. Discover the land of amazing beaches, coconut plantations, tropical rainforests and underwater adventures. Experiencing Fiji is easy, as English is widely spoken and it is known to be very safe. If you are looking for those long sandy beaches with palm trees and coral reefs make sure to get to the Mamanuca Islands. If you want to experience the traditional way of life, make sure to head to Yasawa Islands where the amazing scenery and crystal clear lagoons go perfectly with the laid-back lifestyle here.

11. Seychelles Islands

The Seychelles Islands can best be described as paradise on earth with towering granite rocks, swaying giant palm trees and turquoise inlets that are framed with sparkling white sand beaches. These 115 islands lay off the east coast of Africa, just south of the Equator and are absolutely breathtaking. The outer islands are low-laying, mostly coral atolls and sailing is done mainly within the inner islands, all close together which make for easy island hopping. They are blessed to be situated in a balmy, calm part of the Indian Ocean and exploring these secluded islands is a once in a lifetime experience. Mahe is the largest and most developed isle and deserves to be explored at the mountains soar to almost 3,000 feet above sea level and the tropical forests are laced with hiking trails. Picturesque bays and coves line e 44 miles of coastline and boast 65 world-class beaches.

10. Tortola, British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands boast that they have more yachts there than anyone else in the world, reminding everyone that this destination is the perfect place to charter a yacht. What makes this destination so perfect? To start, the consistent trade winds, line-of-site navigations and abundance of sheltered anchorages. The ideal blend of easy deep water island hops is perfect for the whole family. Combine all of this with crystal clear waters, picture perfect beaches, breathtaking rock formations, abundance of on-shore activities and a great selection of dining options, and you can see why so many people love to sail here. Make sure to visit Anegada with its pristine white sand beaches and colonies of pink flamingoes. If you are sailing as a family you won’t want to miss Marina Cay, a flower covered island nestled in the calm, sheltered warm water lagoon that is perfect for young children.

9. Thailand

Thailand is truly an awesome destination for sailors from anywhere in the world. Sandy beaches, towering palm trees, mountain ranges and bright blue sea make for an unforgettable landscape. Chartering a yacht here allows you to find both peace and tranquility while still letting you indulge in the sensational nightlife. Each island will share the same tranquil waters but feature different beaches and amazing landscapes. Head to Phuket if you want to escape the busyness and explore the exotic flora and fauna, hidden coves and bays. Everywhere you go in Thailand expect wonderful food and the warmest of welcomes from the locals. They don’t call this place “The Land of Smiles” without good reason. Warm waters mean plenty of snorkeling and diving throughout the day and we promise a yacht trip here won’t be boring.

8. Sicily, Italy

Sailors are attracted to this part of the Mediterranean for its famous beaches, secluded anchorages and quiet fishing villages. You will want to spend some time in the port of Palermo as this ancient city begs to be explored. Visitors can expect historic squares, impressive cuisine and stunning architecture. Also found in Palermo are an abundance of galleries, museums and opera houses. Don’t miss out on heading to the Aeolian Islands which are located just 35 miles north of Sicily. This chain of volcanic islands offers seas as clear as the Bahamas, exceptional cuisine and breathtaking landscapes. Also plan on visiting Catania where you will have extraordinary views of Mount Etna, as well as Trapani and Marsala.

7. Whitsunday Islands, Australia

The 74 Whitsunday Islands are located along the northeastern coast of Australia, right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Water sports along with snorkeling and diving excursions brings yachters from all over the world to experience these waters. The eight main islands here offer resorts but there are plenty of deserted islands and sandbars to visit as well. Make sure to anchor at Bauer Bay and walk to the top; as you will get the best view of the islands. Blue Pearl Bay is the spot you will want to anchor at if you want great snorkeling and plenty of whale sightings. Make sure you don’t miss Whitehaven Beach, considered one of the best beaches in the world. True to its name this beach offers pure white sand, some of the purest on earth and charms visitors with beautiful sunsets and breathtaking views.

6. French Rivera

This coastal region along the Mediterranean is just packed full of breathtaking beaches and stunning scenery. Full of sunshine all year round, to charter a yacht here will be an experience unlike any other. This area manages to do an incredible job of combining the rugged landscapes with the large cosmopolitan resorts of Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo. For vibrant nightlife and exceptional cuisine, head inland to any of these places. To escape the crowds, yacht down to Port Cros and Porquerolles where the atmosphere is relaxed and gently swaying palm trees is all the action you will see. Historical architecture along this coast combined with white sandy beaches and small marinas make this one of the most fabled places to charter a yacht.

5. Canary Islands, Spain

Located just off the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands are a popular European vacation destination, especially for those looking to take to the seas. Unspoiled nature and favorable winds make this a year round destination. The islands are a mix of different cultures, people, historical influences and warm local hospitality. The best way to explore the islands is to travel to and from them by yacht. The beaches of Gran Canaria are among the favorite of all visitors as well as the bustling nightlife of Tenerife. The island of La Palma is what makes this destination stand out among the rest though, and some visitors here refer to it as the most beautiful place in the world. With sheltered marinas, breathtaking beaches and favorable winds; this is one of the best places to be on the water in the world.

Croatia is one of the Mediterranean’s hidden gems, offering over 1,000 islands and is truly a sailor’s paradise. The Dalmatian Islands are wild, rugged and mostly uninhabited and offer some of the best sailing in the area. Ancient villages steeped in history, pristine beaches and the isolated Kornati archipelago await you here. If you do plan on sailing here and want seclusion, plan on coming from in early spring where you can find your own private little cove. The water in April and May can be warm enough to swim in. If you are looking for exceptional cuisine, wine and culture; head on over to the West and South Istria where the people are proud to offer you these goods. Croatia happens to be a very popular spot for yacht owners who wish to keep their yachts in Europe but not in the EU, as it gives them a tax break.

Turkey boasts over 8,300 kilometers of coastline, four seas and an abundance of coves, inlets, bays, beaches and marinas. Sailing in turkey is amongst the best in the world due to the crystal clear blue waters, the steady winds and the abundance of beautiful beaches and secluded anchorages. Turkey has long since been the meeting point between the Far East and Mediterranean and the culture and cuisine in this country can reflect this. The stretch of Turkish coast line is divided in four different yacht charter areas; each offering their own unique experience. Head up the Ionian Coast if you are looking for the best climate and to discover the shores which brought forth the rich culture of the Ionians or if you feel like discovering mountainous shores head to the West Lycian Coast. Rock tombs make up much of the Easy Lycian Coast and the Carian Coast is the most popular sailing ground.

2. St. Martin

St. Martin has to be one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world and it’s no wonder why as this island is overflowing with beauty. The island is ruled by both French and the Netherlands and you truly get to experience two cultures in one place when you visit. When you charter a yacht here there are plenty of other islands to explore including St Barths, Anguilla and Saba. Expect beautiful deserted beaches full of silky white sand, exceptional waterfront restaurants and exceptional shopping. Explore the waters and learn why Saba is a diver and snorkelers paradise. The enchanting tropical scenery combined with enough nightlife, world-famous beaches and other islands to explore make this the number one Caribbean escape.

Greece boasts over 3,000 islands and islets and truly is one of the best places on earth to charter a yacht. The ancient archeology, stunning natural landscapes and rich culture draws yacht goers from all over the world. Some of the most popular islands to explore include Santorini, Mykonos and Crete. In Santorini you will find white washed houses, striking hillside towns and sunsets to die for. Crete offers visitors exceptional Greek food and the chance to go back thousands of years in history at one of their many archeological sites. Mykonos is where you will find the busyness of the Greek Islands, so head here if you want to experience the epic nightlife and packed main beaches. Sail through the ancient seas here exploring the many islands, both inhabited and not, under the glorious Mediterranean sun.

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50 Best Yachting Towns

• By The Yachting Staff
• Updated: April 22, 2011

Yachting’s 50 Best

For more than six months, we’ve been asking our readers to let us know which towns are their favorites. We start with the premise, of course, that to be one of the world’s great towns, you must be on the water — that’s just a no-brainer. From there, though, we have left the definition of best up to you: You’re the ones who decide whether a town with luxury marina facilities is better than one with room for two visitors to tie up at a town dock for free, whether being world-renowned as a yachting destination is better than being a hidden gem tucked into a sleepy backwater, whether a small town with a boatbuilding tradition trumps being the premier destination for superyachts. Do you like a rugged, rock-strewn shore or palm-lined coasts? A street lined with rollicking waterfront bars and seafood restaurants or one local watering hole that gets its catch of the day from its most regular customer? Is this the town you most like to sail into every summer or the one where you dropped anchor for good a long time ago? Greatness — like beauty — is in the eye of the beholder.

If you’ve been remiss in singing your favorite port’s praises, it’s not too late. You have until June 1, 2011, to have a look at the 50 finalists that readers have already written in to recommend and let us know which strikes you as the very best of the best. YACHTING will visit the winning town to present the award and get a firsthand look at why this town beat out all the others.

Browse our favorite yachting towns using our 50 Best map! Click the location for more information!

Oxford, Maryland

The serene and understated charm of Oxford, Maryland, has captured the attention of boaters for centuries. Once a major Chesapeake port, today it’s home to fine boatyards, flawlessly restored 18th and 19th century homes and a few waitresses who will call you “hon” after taking your order for an authentic lump-meat crab cake at one of the handful of restaurants sprinkled throughout the small village. Several fantastic dining options, from the casual atmosphere of Schooner’s Landing to the more upscale Robert Morris Inn — perched above the Tred Avon River — will ensure you won’t starve. Across the street from the inn is the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, reported to be the oldest ferry in continuous service in North America.

If Oxford’s charms become addictive, requiring a year-round fix, it’s a fine place to put down permanent roots. Future boaters can enroll in the first-class junior sailing programs, several very good private schools are in the area, and there are enough hidden coves and creeks to keep you occupied for an endless number of boating seasons.

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton resident Archie Allen wrote us to point out that “we have a block party every Saturday in the summer. We have a Blackbeard Festival. We have a Bays Days Festival in September to honor the Chesapeake Bay. Hampton is a stopover for snowbirds in the spring and fall. There are shops within walking distance of several marinas. Hampton does not have a boat tax.”

Poole, England

Clive Bartlett writes, “It just has to be Poole, on the U.K.’s south coast. It’s the second largest natural harbor in the world after Sydney, Australia; it has seven major yacht clubs, including one of the world’s oldest, the Royal Motor Yacht Club. Poole has everything for the yachtsman, including a number of great old English pubs!” Oh, why didn’t you say so, Clive? Consider Poole nominated.

Richland, Washington

“The cities of Pasco, Kennewick and Richland sit at the confluence of three rivers. We don’t have to worry about tides. We get 300 days [of sunshine]. We have almost unlimited places to go, and the water we boat on is almost always flat,” writes Mike Lauman.

Seattle, Washington

Venture out on a boat after work on a summer evening and you’ll realize why Seattle is on this list. No humidity, cool temperatures and it stays light late. The diversified culture, happening music and arts scene, an extended boating season and lots of cool boats, all surrounded by a thriving city center, easily make Seattle one of the best yachting towns.

Stuart, Florida

If you automatically think of south Florida as rows of strip malls, then you haven’t been to Stuart. The quaint downtown is fully restored and home to niche shops, galleries and fine dining. Try any of the pasta dishes at Gusto’s and you’ll be smacking your lips the entire walk back to the impeccable public town dock. And the beaches of nearby Hutchinson Island will surely steal away your entire weekend.

Essex, Connecticut

The historic, gentrified streets, bustling marinas, yacht clubs and lush cruising grounds of the Connecticut River valley are enough to force any New York commuter to consider that an extra hour on the train may not be too bad. Grab breakfast at Olive Oyl’s cafe, also a great spot for lunch. On a fall weekend, the old-world charm of the Griswold Inn is a must. Vegans beware: December is the game menu at the Gris.

Sidney, British Columbia, Canada

Our northern neighbors promoted Sidney with vigor. And for good reason. As in most of British Columbia, the only thing topping the welcoming and pleasant attitude of the locals is the off-the-charts scenery. Richard Ludwig wrote, “Without a doubt, the town of Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, is the premier yachting town in the world. If YACHTING magazine visits, you’ll be assured of a red carpet treatment.” Be careful, Richard; we’re the type of guests who will overstay our welcome.

St. Petersburg, Florida

Bill AuCoin writes, “I nominate St. Petersburg- Clearwater. Here’s why: calm water everywhere; boating and services infrastructure; history and geography and climate. Pinellas County has water suitable for every boating taste including power, cruising, sailing, offshore fishing, inshore fishing, scuba diving, water skiing, wakeboarding and PWCs.” Well, OK then, that doesn’t leave much out except the canoe. Good luck, St. Pete.

Anacortes, Washington

A lot of the nominations for Pacific Northwest towns seemed to be written with a reserve that made us suspect they really didn’t want to expose their secret, unspoiled gems. Yet the social nature of most yachtsmen prevailed, and folks from Anacortes, Washington, basically shouted, “Come on down!” Or over, up, whatever. You get the point. One reason Anacortes appeals to our edit panel is its boatbuilding industry, which gives it an even richer, saltier vibe. Mitch Everton writes that Anacortes “is a natural home port for the San Juan Islands. The city itself offers a host of amenities — from a wide range of boating services to an authentic old town. It’s a place that combines great scenery with a vibrant economic base.” And Shane Gibson simply states, “Absolutely hands down, Anacortes, Washington.”****

Islamorada, Florida

Thanks to the financial crisis, Islamorada was saved from overleveraged developers and investment banks that were about to replace salt-worn and funky with tacky and gauche. Many investors had to pull out, so some establishments, like Holiday Isle, were spared. Transient slips are plentiful at the Plantation Yacht Harbor, just north of Islamorada proper. The facility is first-class, and the staff is about as nice and accommodating as you’ll find anywhere. If you’re looking for outstanding fresh fish for dinner, be sure to stop by Uncle’s. The whole yellowtail snapper is awesome. Mangrove Mike’s is a must for breakfast. Don’t forget to take a tour of the backcountry: It offers incredible fishing and breathtaking scenery, especially at sunset.

Tiburon, California

What if you could move to a town where you’d feel like you’re on vacation all the time? And what if that town were only a 30-minute ferry ride to the bustle of downtown San Francisco? Tiburon has all the quaintness and friendliness of a small town, yet it is accessible to the big city when a dose is required. Sam’s Anchor Café is the place to chow down on fresh oysters from the deck on a summer afternoon. Pull your boat up and place an order.

Annapolis, Maryland

About a month before we needed to finalize the count for the 50 Best Yachting Towns, our staff faced a moral crossroad of sorts. There were no votes for the popular yachting hub of Annapolis! Oh, sweet Jesus, we faced the risk of upsetting one of the most vibrant boating communities on the East Coast. We would surely be snubbed at our favorite watering holes, the Boatyard and Davis’ Pub. We considered that Annapolitans may have become a little cocky and simply assumed their town was an automatic nomination. Then the votes started to come in. This historic waterfront town now sits securely in the ranking of our top 50, and for good reason: restaurants galore, numerous marinas and boatyards, and plenty of spots to drop the hook. Spend a week, or spend a lifetime — the choice is yours.

Charlevoix, Michigan

Steve Klein wrote, “Charlevoix offers some of the best boating in the world for anyone with a watercraft, no matter the size, make or model. Downtown — only about 100 yards from the marina — is full of unique people, shops, restaurants and stores that can only be found in Charlevoix, Michigan. Hospitality is unprecedented! Check it out for yourself.” We couldn’t have said it better, Mr. Klein.

Charleston, South Carolina

Four million people a year can’t be wrong. That’s the annual number of visitors to this wonderful Southern charmer. Historic mansions line the harbor, low-hanging oaks are peppered throughout the city, the sound of clanking horseshoes on cobblestone streets echoes through the fragrant air, and all blend together to force you to slow down and enjoy. Beyond the atmosphere and warm locals, Charleston is quickly becoming a yachtsman’s town, with events such as the Charleston Bermuda Race.

Beaufort, North Carolina

Beaufort loves its water: It is home to the North Carolina Maritime Museum, Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research lab. Stroll its tree-lined streets or enjoy fine dining with a view across Taylor’s Creek to Carrot Island, where you may see wild ponies on the beach. Explore Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks, kayak down Taylor’s Creek, and visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum.

Portland, Maine

“Don’t forget Portland!” admonished one of the many entries for this cool city by the sea. Another reminded us that “Portland, Maine, is a great boating location for boats of all sizes. With over 200 islands in Casco Bay, it’s a great place to boat whether you’re looking for a short day trip, or an overnight excursion.”

Key West, Florida

Creating a list of the 50 Best Yachting Towns without including Key West would be akin to Julia Child failing to include her beef bourguignon recipe in Mastering the Art of French Cooking . Our editor-at-large, Jay Coyle, on one of his many visits, wrote, “Its ‘Old Town’ is not a theme park-style model of the past; it is a living, breathing town — a refreshingly laid-back novelty in today’s busy world.” Then he completely went off the grid for three days. Ah, the allure of Key West. Fishing, sailing, people watching, great food — it’s the entire package.

Bocas Del Toro, Panama

A nature lover’s paradise and one of Panama’s most popular tourist spots, Bocas’ 5,000 residents are still way outnumbered by the surrounding wildlife. Enjoy the town’s laid-back vibe and easy access to the region’s nine major islands, 52 keys and roughly 200 tiny islands. There are two marinas for those who want to explore this archipelago’s treasures. And reader Dan Cranney reminded us that “this island archipelago off the Caribbean coast of Panama is one of the few hurricane-free places in the Caribbean.”

Boothbay Harbor, Maine

This Down East harbor town bills itself as “the boating center of New England” and is as pretty as a postcard — in fact, some swear it was the model for Cabot Cove, an utterly idyllic town (except for that absurdly high homicide rate!) that was the setting for the television who-done-it Murder, She Wrote. Head out on a Friendship sloop or a schooner, watch the lobster boat races, or visit nearby Monhegan Island. There are more than a half-dozen marinas within walking distance of Boothbay Harbor.

Cape May, New Jersey

Best known for its fantastic Victorian architecture, Cape May has more to offer than gingerbread trim and turrets. Located at the intersection of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape May has beautiful beaches, fantastic bird-watching and angling action for striped bass, black drum, sea bass, flounder, blues and tuna. Mark Allen also pointed out in his nomination that Cape May is “easily accessed from the Atlantic via the Cape May Inlet, or the Delaware Bay via the Cape May Canal, [and] Cape May’s man-made harbor (100 years old in 2011) offers an ideal stopover almost exactly halfway between Newport and Annapolis.”

Edgartown, Massachusetts

It’s hard not to love Edgartown. The pretty streets were once home to whaling captains, and despite annual summer crowds, there’s an old-fashioned elegance to the place. As reader Brien O’Brien put it in his nomination, “Magnificent anchorages surrounded by brilliant God-made sandy beaches and man-made captains’ houses. In short, with the exception of Somes Sound [see Northeast and Southwest Harbor, Maine] and the Fox Island thoroughfare, Edgartown is the best sailing grounds (and town) on the Eastern Seaboard.”

Greenport, New York

Greenport is on Long Island’s north fork and, as such, in the shadow of its fancier Hampton neighbors on the south fork. But residents like it that way. A salty and unpretentious town, Greenport’s old whaling history accounts for its pretty architecture, but its vibrant fishing community keeps it real. In addition to the hugely popular dock-and-dine scene at Claudio’s Clam Bar, there are a couple of great small restaurants here, an antique carousel on the waterfront, an art deco movie theater, a seaport museum and plenty of marinas.

Mystic, Connecticut

The only mariner who doesn’t have a soft spot for Mystic is the one who’s never been there. This old shipbuilding town in northeast Connecticut simply reeks of saltiness. As reader Bailey Pryor told us in his eloquent nominating letter, “There we were, minding our own business, when we suddenly noticed a 170-ton topsail schooner, under full sail, navigating up the Mystic River. No engine, no escort ship. Just 154 feet of glorious tall ship moving at 8 knots up a shallow, narrow, highly populated river.” But you don’t need to rely on serendipity for a “Mystic moment” — just visit the Mystic Seaport Museum, which is its institutional embodiment.

New York, New York

Manhattan is an island, after all, and the water surrounding it teems with activities for the nautically inclined. Take a ride on the Circle Line or the Staten Island Ferry, visit Governor’s Island, explore the South Street Seaport, stroll City Island, or go kayaking through 160 square miles of rivers, creeks, bays, inlets and ocean in the five boroughs.

Ocracoke, North Carolina

This small island town isn’t easy to get to but Ocracoke is well worth the trip. Twenty-five miles off the North Carolina coast, and surrounded by the reefs that earned the Outer Banks the sobriquet “The Graveyard of the Atlantic,” Ocracoke is where Blackbeard is said to have met his maker. Only a small community winters here, but the population swells each summer as folks come in search of a simpler way of life. Most get around on bikes, and the beaches are world famous.

Oriental, North Carolina

Oriental bills itself as the sailing capitol of North Carolina — in fact, a 2008 statistic listed 875 residents and more than 1,200 sailboats! — but trawlers, skiffs, sport-fishing boats and kayaks will feel equally at home. Situated just below where the Neuse River joins Pamlico Sound, Oriental offers a network of creeks and easy access to the Outer Banks, and it’s just a short hop across the sound to the Adams Creek Cut, which leads to Beaufort.

Northeast Harbor and Southwest Harbor, Maine

These two towns are located on the southern end of Mount Desert Island, just across from each other at the entrance of Somes Sound, near the gorgeous, 35,000- acre Acadia National Park. They front deepwater harbors and are full of summer fun. In Northeast Harbor, there are the lovely Asticou Gardens, a strawberry festival, a seafood festival, a farmer’s market, live music on Main Street every Thursday evening, ice cream socials … More than 400 members belong to the Northeast Harbor Fleet, and nearly every day of their calendar in July and August offers a club event or regatta — except Tuesdays, which is apparently the sailing Sabbath. Southwest Harbor is home to a gaggle of great boatbuilders, including the Hinckley Co., Wilbur Yachts, Ellis Boat Co. and Ralph W. Stanley. Islesford Dock Restaurant on Little Cranberry Island is a favorite local outing for residents of both towns.

Puerto Williams, Chile

“The Southernmost Town in the World,” Puerto Williams faces across the Beagle Channel and has the snowcapped Dientes de Navarino mountains at its back. The highlight for any mariner is the famous Micalvi Yacht Club. John Parker wrote, “The bar specializes in the local concoction called a pisco sour, which is best drunk while sitting, especially as the deck of the Micalvi and therefore the bar lists to port about eight degrees. In the bar there are guest books dating back to the 1970s, signed by many of the great sailors of the Southern Ocean.”

Sag Harbor, New York

In 1789 this small port reportedly had more tons of square-rigged vessels engaged in commerce than New York City, which may be why it still tugs at the heartstrings of yachtsmen. It is certainly the sailing capital of the region, though anglers also love the proximity of Gardiner’s Bay, Long Island Sound and Montauk Point. Wonderful shops, plenty of fine dining options and a vibrant artistic community make Sag Harbor special. But old institutions like the Variety Store, still known locally as “the five and dime,” and Schiavoni’s IGA market have not yet been replaced by Williams Sonoma and Citarella’s, which also keeps it real and unique.

Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Nature has graced Vancouver with an incredible setting — the North Shore Mountains dominate the cityscape, and on a clear day you can see snowcapped Mount Baker in the state of Washington to the southeast, Vancouver Island across the Strait of Georgia to the west and southwest, and Bowen Island to the northwest. Vancouver prides itself on its livability. It is home to Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. Logging is still its top industry, followed by tourism, and the city is justly proud of its low carbon footprint.

Camden, Maine

Camden’s small main street is perched on a hill above a harbor studded with lobster boats, Down East yachts, sailboats and other vessels. There’s a great gourmet grocer, several wonderful bookstores, an exceptionally good library and a slew of good eateries — in short, everything you need. If the summer crowds get to you, Camden makes a great base for exploring: Take a hike up to Mount Battie’s summit for a stunning view over Penobscot Bay, or catch a ferry from Lincolnville or Rockland to Islesboro, Vinalhaven, North Haven or Matinicus.

Halifax, N.S., Canada

Anchored by history and propelled into the 21st century by its vibrant citizens, Halifax welcomes visitors with open arms. The harbor is one of the safest in North America. Tie up at Bishop’s Landing, which is close to everything — the Old Triangle Irish Alehouse feels like old Ireland; the Historic Properties section preserves the city’s 19th century character; the tour of Alexander Keith’s Brewery is delightful theater, and the beer is tasty. BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND Bristol has been a mainstay of America’s maritime scene since 1878, when John Brown Herreshoff and his younger brother Nathanael started Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. and began building what would prove to be some of the fastest racing yachts on the water. Bristol continues to offer a bustling summer season for residents and tourists.

Clayton, New York

David Dodge wrote in to nominate Clayton, home of the Antique Boat Museum, and said, “The yachting/cruising possibilities to and from Clayton are endless. Within a few hours you could be in Lake Ontario with access to the New York State Canal System (Lake Champlain, Finger Lakes, Hudson River) at Oswego, New York. Or, on the Canadian side, to Kingston, Ontario, where the scenic Rideau Canal could take you to Ottawa.”

San Francisco, California

The next America’s Cup will be brought to you live from San Francisco and that’s probably all we need to say about why the City by the Bay is one of the 50 Best towns. Plenty of wind and current make the Bay Area delightfully challenging for mariners. Home of the prestigious St. Francis Yacht Club, the oldest yacht club west of the Mississippi, as well as dozens of other clubs and marinas, San Francisco loves its water, which, thanks to topography, remains the focal point of nearly every view from its vertical streets.

Gloucester, Massachusetts

Gloucester is best known as a fishing town, with a wonderful working waterfront, but it also has shipbuilding roots that date to 1713. If you’re in town and are looking for local color, head to the Crow’s Nest Bar.

Kingston, New York

Kingston, located on the Hudson River, was once a historically important shipping hub. Today, it has an active arts community and a better restaurant scene than most towns its size, thanks to graduates of the nearby Culinary Institute of America. Rob Kinnin also pointed out that “Kingston gets a very nice complement of yachts here as a stopover going to/ from New York City to the canal system.”

Marblehead, Massachusetts

Carol Kent nominated Marblehead and noted a couple of things she likes about it. “Few marinas make this a good-looking and safe harbor for the working fisherman and lobsterman on the mainland; a causeway connects the land to ‘the Neck,’ home of summer people [and] now year-round folks.” It’s an easy commute to Boston for the boater still anchored to a desk.

Monterey, California

Monterey is located within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary — 276 miles of federally protected coastline that provides great wildlife watching. Schedule your trip during one of the city’s two main music festivals: the Monterey Jazz Festival or the Monterey Pop Festival, whose inaugural show in 1967 drew the likes of The Who, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.

Newport Beach, California

Newport Beach, California, has one of the largest recreational boating harbors on the West Coast. Joseph Tatchell noted in his nominating letter: “Newport Beach, California, is an elegant city with much to see around the harbor, from the mansions on the bayfront, to the seals on the docks.” The city hosts a Christmas Boat Parade that dates back to 1908, and the annual Newport to Ensenada Race is now in its 64th year.

Punta Gorda, Florida

Punta Gorda took a beating from Hurricane Charley in 2004 but has rebounded, thanks to a dedicated and passionate boating community. There are plenty of facilities for mariners, including a 2.4- mile harbor walk that leads to Fisherman’s Village — a complex that houses 30 shops, five restaurants and a topnotch marina. More than that, though, Punta Gorda has esprit de corps! The folks who live here love it.

Newport, Rhode Island

Everybody knows about the America’s Cup history, world class regattas and the clam chowder at the Black Pearl. But insider’s know there’s a lot more to Newport. Only here can you sail aboard a classic America’s Cup 12-meter, watch the bay action from Castle Hill and hang with the best crews in the world at Café Zelda. As Bob Nickerson so concisely put it “Newport, Rhode Island. Without a doubt.”

North Sound, Virgin Gorda, BVI

OK, we know that a body of water really doesn’t qualify as a town. Yet we had enough folks writing in that we decided to show some flexibility and include the North Sound of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Steady trade winds create wonderful opportunities for kitesurfing, windsurfing and dinghy sailing. The completely renovated Bitter End Yacht Club offers slips and numerous moorings in front of its boater-friendly resort. Just to the north is Saba Rock, which includes a restaurant, marina and hotel run by an incredibly attentive staff. Around the corner from the Bitter End Yacht Club is the Biras Creek Resort, an upscale resort and restaurant perfectly camouflaged into its lush 140-acre surroundings. Moorings are available for transients, but the dock is reserved for guests only. The resort’s management does an admirable job of balancing the need to maintain the privacy of its guests — the honeymooners from Mayfair set — with access for visiting yachtsmen. Dinner is always superb, as is the view from the terrace over the Caribbean. Reservations and proper dress are required. If your spouse is on the verge of leaving you after a few weeks of cruising, a night at Biras Creek will be the perfect elixir. If not, it probably wasn’t meant to be anyway.

The Bitter End Yacht Club? Saba Rock? Biras Creek? Deciding among these places could be a whole new contest.

San Diego, California

San Diego hosted the 1988, ’92 and ’95 America’s Cup, so its salty bonafides are covered. It also has the third largest naval fleet in the world. In fact, the U.S. Navy is the city’s largest employer. A major port and shipbuilding center, San Diego is also a great jumping off point for yachts cruising south to Baja and Latin America. And if you’re into watersports, the surf and breezes here are world famous.

South Haven, Michigan

International shipping during the 1940s and ’50s put South Haven on the map as a port of call, and vacationers began to flock to the town looking to escape hot Chicago summers. Home to the Michigan Maritime Museum, where the replica tall ship Friends of Good Will lives, South Haven has plenty of marinas, many along the sheltered banks of the Black River.

Astoria, Oregon

This deepwater port is home to the famous Columbia River Bar pilots as well as the tugs who escort the world’s cargo upriver. Astoria still has the look of an old-fashioned river town and is loaded with quirky charm, funky stores, good places to eat and seriously salty characters.

Galveston, Texas

Located on a barrier island, with the Gulf of Mexico to the east and south and Galveston Bay to the north, it serves as Houston’s playground and a popular beach vacation spot. The bustling Old Strand section blends history, local color and Texas hospitality.

Horta, Azores

Horta, the main city on the island of Faial in the Azores islands, has been linked with watermen and the sea since the 18th century. It was whalers who began painting their vessels’ names on the town’s sea wall, a tradition embraced by Joshua Slocum when he arrived in Horta on his circumnavigation, and by the countless private yachts that visit this city every year. Horta is a popular destination, especially for yachts heading from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, and has been one of the stops for the World Cruising Club’s ARC Europe since 1987. The 300-slip Horta Marina welcomes salt-stained yachtsmen from around the globe with fuel, a 20-ton travel lift, a ship’s store, a service center and customs clearance. If you make berth in Horta, be sure to visit the legendary Peter Café Sport.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The canals and offshoots of the New River are lined with boats of all types, from gleaming superyachts to long-forgotten, rusting sailboats. If your boat needs work, Fort Lauderdale offers one-stop shopping — from electronics installation to a complete refit. It’s certainly one reason this magazine’s southern office has been in Fort Lauderdale for more than 30 years. The beaches are superb, good restaurants abound, and it’s a culturally vibrant city. Is it the “Yachting Capital of the World?” Well, you be the judge.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Chartering a Yacht

With the pandemic driving a boom in superyacht charters , more and more people are taking to the water for their first yachting experience. But while some superyachts can cost more than a million a week to charter, you don’t need to outlay seven figures for your own yachting vacation.

Wondering what else you need to know before stepping on board for the very first time? We’ve turned to experts in the yachting industry for their insider intel on how to charter a yacht like a pro—from how much it will run you, to where to go, and well beyond. Read on.

Do I need a charter broker, and how do I find one?

It’s a charter broker’s job to match you with the right yacht and crew—and then take the lead in planning the entire experience. Professional bodies such as MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association act as a database of industry-recognized professionals. But the best source for finding a charter broker is often your own network. “Building up a relationship with a charter broker is very important,” says Jacqui Lockhart, a Monaco-based broker at Camper & Nicholsons International . “If possible, look for a recommendation from a friend.”

Once you’ve found the right broker, communication with them will be key. “Take the time to be as detailed with your preferences, such as dietary requirements, likes and dislikes, and preferred activities, as possible,” says London-based broker Charles Crane of Edmiston . “This will give us and the crew the best information to make the charter a success and tailored to perfection.”

How much should I be prepared to spend?

“The entry point is around $40,000 for a week on a yacht 82-feet upwards that can sleep six people," says Lockhart. What can take first time charterers by surprise is that this isn’t an all-inclusive figure. “The charter fee covers the hire, the crew, the insurance—everything that’s linked to the yacht,” Lockhart continues. Anything specifically for the client is extra—including food and beverages, fuel, and dockage. As a rule of thumb, budget for an extra 30 percent on top of the baseline charter figure for these extras, which goes into a fund known as the Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA). At the end of the charter, it is also customary to tip the crew; between 10 and 20 percent of the charter fee is a guideline figure. There may also be Value Added Tax (VAT) to pay on the charter rate, depending on the country of embarkation.

At the smaller end of the charter fleet, more opportunity exists for single-cabin bookings rather than whole yacht charters. This year in the Caribbean , Sheila Ruffin of Soca Yacht Charters has launched a “Stranger on the Seas” package. Prices start at around $6,000 per person—all-inclusive—on catamarans between 48 and 60 feet. “This allows couples the opportunity to mix and mingle with other couples for an adventurous and social yacht charter on the Caribbean Sea,” says Ruffin.

What destinations are best suited to first-time charterers?

“For first-timers, I wouldn’t recommend a remote destination,” says Captain Kelly Gordon of Freddy , a 106-foot charter yacht based out of the Bahamas . “When it’s hard to get to, that eats up some of your valuable time and can also take some of the fun out of it.”

While yachts are heading towards unchartered waters such as Antarctica with increasing frequency, cruising grounds in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean are classic destinations for a reason. “For the first-time charterer in these locations, there will be more yacht options to choose from, proven cruising grounds with known and safe anchorages, well-connected and easy access hubs to ensure smooth passage to embark and disembark the vessel as well as the ability to source most provisions that guests may want,” says Crane.

The key ingredient? The crew.

Although much of the focus is on securing the right yacht, the secret to the success of a charter is its crew. “Put simply, the crew make the difference between a good charter yacht and a bad one,” says Crane. Today’s crew are increasingly versatile. “They may also be a diving or yoga instructor, personal trainer, fisherman, or sommelier,” he continues.

The crew also knows your cruising area better than anyone else. “Be sure to pick their brain on fun things to do. They often love the opportunity to come up with fun activities and games, whether for kids or adults,” says Lotte Barker-Hahlo, a London-based charter broker at Burgess .

The level of hospitality from crew on most yachts often convert first-time charters into repeat customers. “The attention to detail from the crew is unsurpassed by any other luxury holiday,” says Barker-Hahlo. “From the unpacking of your suitcase to being offered a drink before you’ve even realized you’re thirsty, it’s 24-hour care and service.”

Gordon says that much of the feedback she receives at the end of a first-time charter is why didn’t we do this earlier? “People are always surprised at how we take the time to get to know their needs before they have even arrived. We really do study those preference sheets!”

Think carefully about who else you want on board

Another important factor to a successful yacht vacation? Your fellow travelers. This is a specific type of vacation, which should narrow your list of invitees. “Strongly consider who you vacation with when chartering a yacht,” urges Ruffin. “Unlike other vacation options, yachts are very intimate and exclusive. Choose to share your water adventure with those you like and will enjoy on the water for a week or more.” Maybe, even for veteran yachties, that's the sagest advice of all.

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Where should you stow your liferaft?

• Chris Beeson
• September 12, 2016

Wherever you cruise, you’ll most likely want to keep a liferaft on board in case of emergency – but where’s the best place to stow it? Duncan Kent makes some suggestions

A little thought to where you stow your liferaft now could save lives later Credit: Graham Snook/YM

Duncan Kent

Liferafts are your last lifeline should the unthinkable happen, so it makes a lot of sense for them to be easily accessible in every eventuality. Of course you should only step up into a liferaft, but before you can do that you have to launch it, so a little thought now could save time or even lives if you ever need to use one in anger. Most new boats have a dedicated stowage space for a liferaft but is that necessarily the best place to keep it? It protects the liferaft very well but, if you have to fold down the transom to access it, it’s not an ideal location should your yacht be inverted.

Canister or valise?

A valise is usually cheaper, but offers less protection from the elements

When first purchasing a liferaft you need to make a couple of important decisions – how big should it be and what type of container should it have. The first is common sense and would obviously depend on the number of people you regularly cruise with. The second is more important as it partially dictates where you might stow it. A liferaft in a rigid GRP canister is designed to face the elements without getting damaged. A soft plastic valise, however, may be a little lighter, but it isn’t as tough or UV-proof and therefore should be stowed in a locker to protect it.

Do I need hydrostatic release?

A hydrostatic release unit will release your liferaft once it’s a few metres underwater

This is usually achieved by attaching the raft to its mount using straps and a hydrostatic release such as the Hammar H20. As with some automatic lifejackets, the device is activated by water pressure. When submerged in water to a depth of a few metres it cuts a loop of rope releasing the securing straps.

A regular quick release attachment, like a pelican clip for example, can be attached to the release loop so the user can release the liferaft manually if required. It’s questionable whether a hydrostatic release is ideal for a leisure yacht, though. In theory they should only release at a depth of two metres of water – as your yacht is sinking beneath you, fingers crossed your liferaft will float free. But what would happen during a knockdown? Will it activate and release your liferaft before you really need it?

It might be useful if you had a second, backup raft (unlikely on a small boat), but I’d prefer to be in control of the timing of liferaft deployment. Like all safety equipment it might save your life, but whether you need one is a question only you can answer after looking at your liferaft installation.

PROS Automatically launches in the event of the yacht sinking

CONS Doesn’t release until submerged to a depth of a few metres Needs replacing every two years

Possible areas to stow your liferaft

Let’s examine the liferaft stowage possibilities

On the deck. Easier to launch, can be fitted with a float-free device but susceptible to the elements and tempting to thieves

In a cockpit locker. Safe from theft, provided you padlock your lockers, but could become buried beneath cruising paraphernalia

On the pushpit rail. Easy to launch, reasonably secure from theft but takes up valuable space and will be a heavy weight on the rail mountings

In/on the transom. Out of the crew’s way. Easy to launch – even from the water. Relatively protected and secure from theft. Possibly quite damp and not always accessible

Stowing down below. Dry, out of the sun and secure from theft, but also difficult to get to in a hurry. A liferaft will be heavy to lift up the companionway

Why you shouldn’t stow it down below

Liferafts are usually large and heavy so unless you always sail with two strapping crew they are best stowed somewhere more accessible

There’s absolutely no point in buying a safety device if you can’t get to it in an emergency. I regularly go on boats where the flares are buried beneath a pile of stuff in a locker below, and where the liferaft is at the bottom of a deep cockpit locker with the dinghy, barbeque, spare fenders, buckets, kedge anchor and more all piled on top. The owners always say they’re about to do something about it, but they rarely ever do!

There are two very good reasons for not stowing a liferaft below. The first is: it’s heavy and you’d have to be fairly big and strong to heft it up the companionway and over the bridgedeck. It’s all my petite wife can do to lift our four-man valise off the ground, let alone drag it up steep companionway steps.

Second, you might have to evacuate in a hurry in the event of a fire and grabbing the liferaft will probably be the last thing you think about until you get on deck and start wondering how you’re going to get off. By then it’ll likely be too late.

In the opinion of the RNLI and the RYA a liferaft should always be mounted where it can be deployed instantly and effortlessly by any member of the crew. I can’t help but entirely agree with that logic, so let’s give some thought to how best we can mount one on deck to attain that goal.

PROS Dry and out of the sun Secure from theft

CONS Difficult to get to in a hurry Heavy to lift up the companionway

Stowing a liferaft canister on the deck

A Rustler 37 with solidly mounted canister

Mounting a canister in wooden chocks on the hatch garage is probably the most popular place to stow a liferaft on a small to medium size sailing yacht and has a lot going for it. Firstly it’s quite high up, so it doesn’t take that much to drag it down and lob it over the guardrail.

A Vancouver 34 with a cover over the liferaft so it’s less vulnerable to the elements and theft

It is, however, one of the most exposed places on the yacht and susceptible to damage from the sun’s UV rays, continuous spray, the odd big greenie and the crew’s hefty boots. It’s also heavy and, being so vulnerable, needs to be very solidly mounted. It is essential to check the strength of the garage first, as not all are substantial enough to support the weight of a liferaft. If there’s any flex in it, try to find space on the deck itself.

Fixing it here also puts quite a bit of extra weight up relatively high on the boat, although not really enough to concern a cruising skipper. Care must also be taken to avoid the possibility of it snagging any loose sheets or lines, so you might need to create a cage around it to deflect them or re-route some of them via strategically-placed turning blocks.

When you’ve secured it make a canvas cover to keep off the worst of the sun and spray. The cover may need replacing every 3-4 years, but at least the raft will be fairly well protected.

PROS Easier to launch Can be fitted with float-free device

CONS Susceptible to the elements Tempting to thieves

Stowing a liferaft valise in a cockpit locker

GOOD: A dedicated safety locker with all you need to abandon ship

Many smaller cruising yachts will have little or no room on their transom or stern rail, and possibly little space on deck forward of the main hatch. In these cases it might well be necessary to stow the liferaft in a cockpit locker and as a canister is usually much bulkier than a valise, you will probably choose the latter.

BAD: How long would it take to dig out this liferaft?

To get over the accessibility problem it makes sense either to dedicate the entire locker to the liferaft, grab bag and flare container, or to fabricate a lid-less ‘emergency’ bin (with a drain hole) to contain the above. To avoid the risk of other stuff being piled on top make sure it comes right up to the locker lid so that there’s physically no room to put anything on it. At worst, create a stout, drained and deeply-fiddled shelf to put the raft on, but don’t tie the container down in any way.

Oh, and don’t forget to fix a stout padeye at the top onto which to tie the painter or someone might forget before they lob it over. You can always tie it in a more convenient position once the liferaft’s in the water.

PROS Dry and protected from physical damage and UV light More secure from theft

CONS Not so easy to access quickly Tends to have stuff dumped on top

A pushpit-mounted canister

Launching this liferaft is a matter of pulling out a lockable pin and letting the canister fall

My personal preference, if you have the space, is to construct or buy a proper stainless steel cradle that fixes on the yacht’s stern rail. This keeps it out of the crew’s way when sailing, but makes it very accessible when required in a hurry. In fact, with a little ingenuity it could even be designed so it could be launched from the water, which is ideal for the single-hander (along with a long floating line to disconnect the autopilot of course!).

With the painter tied on, this liferaft canister has a clear, damage-free drop into the water

The main advantage of a rail-mount is that it is easy for anyone, regardless of their brawn, or lack of it, to deploy. For this reason it should be designed so that simply pulling a safety pin opens the cage and allows the canister to fall into the water unaided and without being damaged on the way down.

A secondary plus for this method is that the cage can be securely locked when not under way, but always remember to unlock it before every trip.

Easy to launch – possibly from the water

Reasonably secure from theft

Takes up valuable space

Heavy weight on the rail mountings

Stowing a canister in or on the transom

The raft on the RM890 is easily accessible and close to the water, but it’s also exposed

A large number of cruising yachts built in the 1980-90s had a sugar scoop-style transom. Not only does this make boarding easier from the water but, with a bit of thought, it can be an ideal place to stow the liferaft. You can either fit a cradle in a similar way as a pushpit mount, or you can fabricate a locker of sorts.

On this Hanse 415, reaching the liferaft from the water means dropping the transom

The downside of using a cage this position is its proximity to the water, which, when you have a big following sea, can frequently inundate the raft. Better to build a watertight locker, but put a drain into it just in case.

An excellent locker onboard the Winner 12.20 means the liferaft is protected but can also be launched in seconds

Although it’s easy to deploy a raft from here when you’re standing on the scoop or step, bear in mind it might be stormy when you need it and the scoop is not always the best place to be in a rough sea.

Even if your yacht doesn’t have dedicated transom stowage, there is nothing to stop you making your own

I have seen yachts with modified transom, whereby a dedicated locker is made to fit inside the stern, but this is dependent on whether you have a usable void inside the aft end of the boat. It also requires a bit of thought and GRP construction skills, but if it is designed with a gentle aft-running slope the raft can self-deploy as soon as the door is opened. Once again you’ll need to ensure the painter is firmly tied off at all times.

Out of the crew’s way

Easy to launch – even from the water

Relatively protected and secure from theft

Possibly quite damp

Not always accessible

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If you don’t want to stay landbound on your next holiday, these luxe properties offer the ultimate amenity

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Mayakoba, Mexico 

Set along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Mayakoba is a gated 595-acre enclave, home to four hotels— Banyan Tree Mayakoba , Rosewood Mayakoba , Andaz Mayakoba , and Fairmont Mayakoba —each with access to private yacht charters on Mayakoba’s Van Dutch Yacht . The 55-foot vessel, kitted out with Hermes leather seats, two bedrooms, and a full kitchen and bathroom, can accommodate up to eight guests for a range of bespoke excursions. And en route to destinations like Cozumel or Playa del Carmen, sunseekers can take advantage of activities like scuba diving, jet skiing, and gliding through the Caribbean with an underwater scooter. (From $3,100 to $11,000, changing seasonally, for four- to eight-hour excursions)  

Borgo San Pietro, Italy 

The Mark Hotel, New York City 

In the heart of the Upper East Side, not far from Central Park’s famed Conservatory Water pond dotted with toy sailboats, The Mark Hotel is home to plush, Art Deco-inspired rooms, elegant restaurants, and access to a sailboat of its own. Guests embark from Tribeca’s North Cove Marina for a two-hour private charter aboard the 70-foot Herreshoff sailboat, which can accommodate up to 25 for cocktails, a custom menu from one of the property’s restaurants (including Caviar Kaspia or the eponymous fine dining spot helmed by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten) and spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty. (From $7,000 for a private excursion)

Six Senses Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza may be best known for its thrumming nightlife, but those after a little tranquility may find it at sea. On the hills overlooking the Balearic, Six Senses Ibiza offers access to such calm aboard one of several vessels in its portfolio, including a Monohull sailing yacht, a Scanner Envy 950, and a Solar Catamaran, powered by solar panels. A full- or half-day trip launches from Xarraca Bay to explore secluded coves and secret beaches where those-in-the-know go for a perfect combination of relaxation and stunning scenery. (From about $950)

Shangri-La London, England

The Charleston Place, South Carolina

With plenty of picturesque coastline to explore, it’s not hard to find a vessel to take you out on the water in Charleston. But in the charming South Carolina city, you’ll only find one Hinckley EP Picnic Boat available for charter. At The Charleston Place , guests of the elegant boutique property can board Moonrise , crafted by the iconic American shipbuilder, for a private sunset tour, or to spend the day off the coast of one of the city’s beautiful barrier islands. (From $1,100 for a two-hour excursion for up to six guests)

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai 

Towering over 1,000 feet, Burj Al Arab Jumeira has been a sailboat-inspired jewel on Dubai’s Arabian Gulf for 25 years. And now, thanks to a recently-launched partnership with Beno Luxury YachtRental , guests can add a sailing experience to their stay, too. Among the fleet of four yachts on offer, the 115-foot Santorini Superyacht can accommodate up to 80 guests for a  two-, three-, or four-hour jaunt that can include a butler, DJ, and custom catering from the property. (From $4,083 per hour)

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Is a Royal Caribbean cruise on your bucket list? You'll find no shortage of options when it comes time to pick an itinerary.

The world's biggest cruise line by passenger capacity offers voyages in almost every corner of the world, from its home base in North America to the far-off waters of Australia and New Zealand.

Royal Caribbean operates more cruise ships than any other major line — 28 in all . This allows it to deploy vessels on all the classic cruise itineraries in places like the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska while still having ships left over for more off-the-beaten-path routes.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

That said, Royal Caribbean has a distinct focus on the Caribbean and Europe — the most popular destinations for its regular customers. In a typical summer, the line will deploy about half its ships on sailings to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda while sending another seven or eight vessels to Europe. The line typically sends four ships to Alaska every summer.

During the winter, the line will move even more of its ships to the Caribbean, and send a few to Asia and Australia.

In all, Royal Caribbean's ships visit more than 300 different ports around the world. Here are five of the top destinations you can reach on a Royal Caribbean ship.

The Caribbean and the Bahamas

There's a reason the word "Caribbean" is in Royal Caribbean's name. The line got its start operating cruises to the Caribbean way back in 1968, and the region still accounts for a big part of its business.

In fact, the line typically deploys well more than half its fleet to the Caribbean and the Bahamas for at least part of the year. During the winter, the line will have most of its ships in the region. For the coming winter of 2024-2025, for instance, 23 of its 28 vessels are sailing in the Caribbean and Bahamas, including all of the line's biggest ships. These include the line's much-ballyhooed new vessel Icon of the Seas — the biggest cruise ship in the world — and its just unveiled Utopia of the Seas .

Utopia of the Seas, notably, has debuted on short sailings to the Bahamas — an unusual deployment for a brand-new ship .

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

Royal Caribbean offers a broad range of Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from over half a dozen home ports. If you're looking for something short, the line has you covered in the form of lots of quick, three- and four-night trips from Florida ports to the Bahamas (including those Utopia of the Seas sailings). It also offers an abundance of seven-night sailings to Caribbean and Bahamas ports and a handful of longer trips in the region that range from nine to 14 nights.

At the core of the line's Caribbean and Bahamas program are its seven-night sailings, which break down into three broad categories:

• Eastern Caribbean voyages
• Western Caribbean voyages
• Southern Caribbean voyages

A typical seven-night Royal Caribbean sailing in the Eastern Caribbean will include stops at St. Martin, St. Thomas and Perfect Day at CocoCay , the line's private island in the Bahamas. But the line sometimes swaps in stops at other islands such as Puerto Rico or St. Kitts. There are typically three and sometimes four calls on an Eastern Caribbean cruise.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean's seven-night Western Caribbean voyages typically include three or four stops at some mix of the following destinations: Mexico (Cozumel or Costa Maya), Honduras, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Belize. Some include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach destination in Haiti.

The line's seven-night Southern Caribbean itineraries are more destination-heavy, with five or even six separate calls. They sometimes include a couple of stops at relatively northward islands such as St. Thomas and St. Martin but focus heavily on southerly islands such as Tobago, Trinidad, Grenada, St. Vincent, Dominica, St. Lucia, Bonaire, Aruba and Curacao.

Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

When sailing to the Caribbean, Royal Caribbean ships generally sail out of PortMiami , Port Canaveral , Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Tampa in Florida; San Juan, Puerto Rico; New Orleans; Galveston, Texas; Bayonne, New Jersey (one of the ports for New York City); and Baltimore.

The line also recently offered its first-ever Caribbean sailings out of Barbados , though no other voyages from the island are currently on the line's schedule.

Australia and New Zealand

Royal Caribbean has been sending at least one ship — and sometimes several — to Australia every winter for many years. It offers a wide range of itineraries out of Sydney and Brisbane that make calls not just around Australia but also in New Zealand.

While the itineraries the line offers in the region vary in length — from just two nights to 15 nights — the shorter voyages are primarily aimed at a local Australian crowd looking for a quick getaway. Among North Americans, the most popular itineraries are the longer ones, which are often heavily skewed to stops in New Zealand.

Related: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's loyalty program

Among several New Zealand itineraries are 12-night voyages from Sydney that feature an all-New Zealand lineup of calls: Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Picton.

A 15-night New Zealand itinerary out of Sydney features cruising in New Zealand's famed Milford Sound as well as Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound. The ship also stops in Dunedin, Wellington, Christchurch, Tauranga, Auckland and the Bay of Islands.

Royal Caribbean isn't the biggest player in Alaska cruises . The giants of cruising to Alaska are Princess Cruises and Holland America , which are sister lines to each other that control a large percentage of the market. Still, Royal Caribbean has a significant presence in Alaska, and its big, activity-filled ships are popular with families looking to visit the destination.

The Alaska cruise season is a short one, lasting roughly from May to September. This year, Royal Caribbean has four ships in the region — all operating seven-night sailings.

• Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas: These 4,180-passenger sister vessels are Royal Caribbean's newest and largest ships scheduled to visit Alaska. They're sailing to Alaska round-trip from Seattle with calls at Alaskan ports such as Sitka, Juneau and Skagway; and Victoria, British Columbia. On many departures, they're also visiting Endicott Arm for glacier viewing.
• Brilliance of the Seas: The 2,142-passenger ship sails to Alaska round-trip from Vancouver with a visit to Tracy Arm Fjord and calls at three or four of the following Alaska destinations: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Icy Strait Point and Sitka.
• Radiance of the Seas: The 2,143-passenger Radiance of the Seas mostly sails one-way Alaska voyages between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska. Calls include Hubbard Glacier and four of the following Alaska destinations: Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka.

For the 2025 season, Royal Caribbean will replace Ovation of the Seas with Anthem of the Seas (the two ships are similar) and substitute Serenade of the Seas for Radiance of the Seas (also similar ships).

The appeal of the one-way sailings on Radiance of the Seas in 2024 and Serenade of the Seas in 2025 is that you can combine them with Royal Caribbean-organized land tours of Alaska. Land tours can last from two to five days in addition to the seven nights on the ship. So, all in all, you will have created a nine- to 12-night "cruise tour" as such trips are called in the cruise world.

The land tour portion of such trips brings visits to such well-known interior Alaska locations as Denali National Park and the town of Fairbanks.

Related: Everything you want to know about Royal Caribbean cabins and suites

Royal Caribbean is a major player in Europe, with a wide range of itineraries in the Mediterranean and across Northern Europe.

Some of the line's signature Mediterranean routings offer the chance to see iconic destinations such as Barcelona, Spain, and the Italian cities of Florence, Rome and Naples in a single cruise. Or, you can sign up for a Mediterranean cruise focusing on the Greek Islands.

In Northern Europe, Royal Caribbean will take you to such famed Baltic cities as Stockholm; Tallinn, Estonia; Helsinki; and St. Petersburg, Russia, in a single sailing (although, for now, St. Petersburg has been removed from Royal Caribbean itineraries due to the war between Russia and Ukraine). Itineraries that zero in on the Norwegian fjords also are available.

Until recently, the line has deployed as many as 10 vessels to the region each year on a seasonal basis, with the ships staying from spring until fall. But Royal Caribbean has been cutting back on Europe sailings a bit in the wake of the wars in Ukraine and Israel, and it only plans to send six ships to Europe for the 2025 season.

Royal Caribbean's Europe voyages range in length from three to 16 nights.

Among the longest sailings that Royal Caribbean offers in Europe is a 16-night voyage from Barcelona to Southampton, England, that brings stops in Valencia, Cartagena and Malaga, Spain; Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco; Lisbon and Porto, Portugal; Cork, Ireland; and Cherbourg and Le Havre, France.

In Northern Europe, Royal Caribbean ships mostly sail out of Southampton, England; Amsterdam; and Copenhagen, Denmark.

In the Mediterranean, the line's hubs are Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); Istanbul, Turkey; Barcelona; and Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Ravenna in Italy. The latter port recently replaced Venice as a home port.

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has built up a big business selling cruises out of China ports such as Shanghai and Tianjin (the port for Beijing) that are aimed squarely at the Chinese market. They offer Chinese-language programming, and Chinese-centric food and activities. However, Royal Caribbean also markets some Asia voyages to North Americans.

Among the itineraries meant for a Western crowd are nine-night Thailand and Vietnam cruises out of Singapore that include stops at Bintan Island, Indonesia; Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and Bangkok.

There are also 10-night Japan Explorer sailings that take in Aomori, Hakodate, Akita, Kanazawa, Sakaiminato and Kagoshima, Japan; and Busan, South Korea.

For 2025, Royal Caribean will have three of its 28 ships visiting Asia for at least part of the year: Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas.

The line's main home ports in Asia for cruises aimed at North American travelers are Singapore; Yokohama, Japan (the port for Tokyo); and Hong Kong.

Bottom line

Royal Caribbean has one of the biggest fleets of oceangoing cruise ships worldwide, allowing it to offer a wide range of itineraries. If you're thinking of a Royal Caribbean cruise, you'll be spoiled for choice. The line is perhaps best known for its Caribbean sailings — at certain times of the year, it deploys almost all its ships to the region. You'll also find wonderful Royal Caribbean itineraries everywhere, from Alaska and Australia to Europe and Asia.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Your complete guide to the Boston cruise port

Tips for getting to the boston cruise port, the best restaurants near the boston cruise port, hotels near the boston cruise port, the best things to do in boston, boston cruise port excursions, princess cruises from boston.

You're packed and ready to set sail on the cruise of a lifetime, adventuring out of Boston for exciting experiences along the New England Coast and into Canada . The only thing that would make your vacation even better is feeling prepped with port logistics: How do you get there? Where can you park? Where are the best eats? What activities are there? 

Don’t worry; we've got you covered. Here's your complete guide to the Boston cruise port.

The Boston cruise port is situated at the Raymond L. Flynn Black Falcon Cruise Terminal, 1 Black Falcon Avenue, Boston, MA 02210.

Depending on your vacation plans, you might drive, use public transportation or rideshare. Be sure to plan for your arrival to give yourself plenty of time to park, walk and explore.

Best airports for a Boston cruise

For cruises out of Boston , the Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is ideal for flights, as it's a 10-minute drive from the Boston cruise port. The airport also offers a wide variety of public transportation options both to the cruise port and downtown.

Public transportation options

There are a few options to get to the Boston cruise port via public transportation:

Silver Line Bus

The Silver Line Bus is one of the best ways to commute to the Boston cruise port. To do this, you’ll eventually need to be on a Silver Line Two (SL2) bus, but if that’s not an option at your station, you can take the SL1 to the Silver Line Way station. That station will let you transfer to an SL2 bus to Drydock Avenue. When you arrive at Drydock Avenue, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Black Falcon Avenue, where the Boston cruise port is located.

Although the Silver Line subway from the airport doesn’t reach the Boston cruise port, you can take the Red Line subway to the South Station if you're in the city. You can take a SL2 bus to Drydock Avenue from there and walk to the port.

Rideshare and pickup/drop-off locations

If you’re using a rideshare service or have friends or family dropping you off at the Boston cruise port, port officers will direct the car to the proper drop-off locations once you arrive at Black Falcon Avenue.

For pickup, drivers must wait in the cell phone lot, located a quarter-mile away from the port at 42 Fid Kennedy Avenue, just east of the intersection with Tide Street. The route from the lot to the port is well-marked.

Boston cruise port parking lots

If you decide to park for your sailing out of the Boston cruise port, parking is available at 93 Fargo Street, Boston, MA 02210. You must make an online reservation before arrival to guarantee a spot. Make sure to arrive at least two hours early to allow time for the complimentary shuttle to the port.

Here are detailed driving directions for arriving at the parking lot.

• If you’re coming north on I-93, you’ll take Exit 20 to I-90 East/Logan Airport.
• If you’re coming from the west, you’ll follow the Massachusetts Turnpike toward the Logan Airport. 
• If you’re coming from the airport, enter the Ted Williams Tunnel (toll). 
• Then, follow these instructions: 
• Take Exit 25 (South Boston, right lane only), inside the tunnel.
• At the traffic lights, continue forward onto East Service Drive.
• At the next traffic signal, turn right onto Seaport Boulevard (changes to Northern Avenue).
• At the end of Northern Avenue, turn right onto Tide Street and make an immediate left onto Dry Dock Avenue.
• Follow Dry Dock Avenue and turn right onto Black Falcon Avenue.
• Port officers will direct you to the proper place to park. 

Eating in Boston is an experience you won’t soon forget, and there are some great dining options around the Boston cruise port.

Pete’s Dockside. A casual walk-up counter restaurant that offers breakfast, sandwiches, and fried seafood. Specials include fried haddock, lasagna, and shepherd’s pie.

Legal Test Kitchen.  A renowned seafood restaurant celebrated for its open-faced crab cake sandwich, truffle lobster mac-n-cheese and a must-try "Impossible Burger." 

Rosa Mexicana. An atmospheric restaurant with brunch, lunch, and dinner options, including tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House. A waterfront restaurant known for its steak, charred octopus, and delicious cocktails.

Tamo Bistro and Bar. A chic diner offering brunch, lunch, and dinner with creative dishes like salt and pepper calamari, North End pizza, sushi, and clam chowder.

Nebo. A Boston Italian restaurant with classic homemade recipes handed down for generations, including gluten-free pizza and pasta options.

Westin Waterfront Hotel. Located at 425 Summer St., Boston, MA 02210. It’s a six-minute drive to the Boston Cruise Port or a 17-minute walk.

Residence Inn Seaport. Located at 370 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210. It’s an eight-minute drive or a 25-minute walk.

Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. Located at 606 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210. It’s a four-minute drive or an 11-minute walk.

Seaport Hotel. Located at 1 Seaport Ln., Boston, MA 02210. It’s a six-minute drive or a 20-minute walk.

Start Your Boston Adventure

If you’re staying in Boston a few days before or after your cruise, you’ll want to know the best things to do in Boston . Here are some can’t-miss activities.

The Freedom Trail. Just a few miles from the Boston cruise port is an opportunity to immerse in the city’s rich history and revolutionary past. Sixteen stops along the Freedom Trail take you to some of the most historic spots in the city, including the oldest standing church used to signal to Paul Revere.

Institute of Contemporary Art. Lovers of the arts must attend the ICA, which features a wide variety of modern art, including dance and theater, as well as interactive exhibits.

Paul Revere House. If you’re a Revolutionary War history buff, no trip to Boston is complete without seeing the Paul Revere House. Step into the 1700s and explore the fully refinished house with furniture that dates back to the period. 

Trolley tours. Are you only spending part of a day in the city before your cruise? A trolley tour is the perfect way to see downtown Boston in just a few hours.

There's so much to see and do in this storied city, and one of the best ways to take it all in is with a cruise excursion with Princess. Booking with Princess ensures a guide and transportation so you can visit all the must-see sites in Boston.

Boston Harbor, USA.

Boston is a spectacular city from which to start your sailing. Near the Boston cruise port, there are fantastic places to stay, play and eat. Check out these Princess cruises from Boston for a comprehensive overview of the historic area.

After exploring all the city's offerings, it's off to discover the endless things to do in New England and Canada and see iconic sites like Acadia National Park and Prince Edward Island.

You May Also Like

Boston shore excursions: history and baseball.

When you book a Canada and New England cruise, one of the highlights of your journey will undoubtedly be stopping for Boston shore excursions. 

Discover Canada & New England

The pages of history and stunning natural beauty blend seamlessly as you cruise the color-drenched shores of Canada & New England with Princess. Visit the iconic lighthouse at Peggy's Cove in Halifax, return to the Gilded Age in Newport and stroll down Boston's historic Freedom Trail.

Newport Shore Excursions: A Day In Port

If you really want to get to know New England, spend a day in Newport, Rhode Island. Known for its famous mansions, breathtaking ocean vistas, countless colonial buildings, and boutiques, Newport has a style and flavor all its own. 

The best things to do in St Tropez

I n orthodox tourism terms – museums, monuments and such like – there’s not an awful lot to do in St Tropez . The point of the place is simply to be there. Wander around, if only to appreciate how the jet set have slotted into the venerable surroundings without (and this is extraordinary) deforming the village allure.

Read on for our expert's top tips, while for further inspiration see  how to spend a weekend in St Tropez , plus our guides devoted to the French town's best hotels , restaurants and nightlife .

Yacht-watch by the port

Start on Quai Jean Jaurès, by the port. On the harbour side are, of course, the yachts – the size of Salisbury Plain and as sleek as suppositories. Here, mooring fees can hit £2000 a day for a 50-metre yacht. Owners and guests take drinks on deck, both ignoring and fully aware of the fact that they are being gawped at by hundreds of passers-by. On the land side are the chic, eye-wateringly expensive restaurants and bar terraces.

Insider's tip: The most celebrated is the first one along,  Sénéquier , with its red film-directors’ chairs and triangular tables. Jacques Chirac has been spotted here, generally sipping piña coladas. So has everyone else you have ever heard of. Sénéquier has retained its cachet pretty much since the family pâtisserie business diversified into a port-side café in 1930. The 2013 sale (for a reported €16 million) out of the family that had owned it for four generations hasn’t dented its allure.

Enjoy modern art in an old chapel

Spend a morning exploring Musée de l’Annonciade, one of the longest-established modern art galleries in France. This 16th-century former chapel in Place Grammont contains some dross but also cracking stuff from artists connected with Provence in general and St Tropez in particular. Look out for Matisse, Utrillo, Seurat, Van Dongen, Dufy and many more besides.

Insider's tip:  You should also have a look at the pointillist works of Signac, the first artist into St Tropez in the late 19th century. But be warned: all those dots might give you a headache. 

Contact:   sainttropeztourisme.com

Price:  £

Discover a hidden beach in St Tropez village

Venture down the Quai Mistral to the Portalet tower and dodge through to La Glaye beach. Hemmed by buildings from the oldest part of the village, it is compact but perfectly formed. It is also the first of a succession of three progressively smaller beaches – the only ones in St Tropez village itself.

Insider's tip: Second beach along is La Ponche – overseen by the  Hotel de la Ponche  and, more importantly, its bar and restaurant terrace where, in the footsteps of former regulars Picasso, Bardot, and very many others, you might stop for a late breakfast or lunch. Lunch mains start from £24.

Meander around the ochre streets

The ochre streets of the Old Village may be the only ones in the world where designer fashion shops stand opposite grocery stores. Pop into the parish church where, to the left of the altar, there is a bust of St Tropez himself. Yes, there really was a chap called Tropez (or 'Torpes', or ‘Torpetius’ in the original Latin). A Roman soldier, he was beheaded for embracing Christianity. His head remained in Italy (it's in a chapel in Pisa); his body was placed in a boat and pushed out to sea. The boat and its unlikely crew of Torpetius, a cockerel and a dog apparently landed at what is now St Tropez on May 17 AD 68. The bust suggests that Torpetius looked rather like Borat.

Insider's tip:  The town’s former Gendarmerie on Place Blanqui has recently become a museum , inspired by a series of slapstick films, Gendarmes de St Tropez. These are what France has instead of the Carry On films, and the star was Louis de Funès. Look out for the statue of Brigitte Bardot recently unveiled opposite.

Climb a wooded hill to the 16th-century fortress

At the top of the village, climb the green and wooded hill to the 16th-century Citadel. It’s impressively fortified, built both to defend the coast and survey the Tropeziens who, in the view of the French authorities, were a truculent and seditious lot. From outside, the views across the village and out to sea are sumptuous. 

Insider's tip:  The interior has been transformed into a first-rate museum of St Tropez's (surprisingly gallant) maritime history. These days, the world comes to St Tropez – but, notably in the 18th and 19th-centuries, St Tropez men went out into the world – seamen on both war and merchant ships. Maritime-wise, St Tropez was much more than just a village fishing port. Visit to discover the stories of what happened aboard the navy's vessels and merchant ships.

Contact: sainttropeztourisme.com

Play boules in the central square

The fine central square, Place des Lices, is a couple of times too big for a village the size of St Tropez. Underneath the plane trees, old guys play boules. Their HQ is the Café des Arts on the corner of the square. Boules aside, the Place is the second focal point of St Tropez life, after the port, not least because of its mega market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. In summer, it's hard to get across the street against a steady flow of Ferraris, Mercedes and Bentleys. And you had better believe that St Tropez council treats these motors with due respect. Every year, the height of the speed bumps is adjusted to the clearance levels of the latest models.

Insider's tip:  Should you wish to play, but have forgotten your boules, you might buy a set of St Tropez’s own-brand boules from the Office du Tourisme.

Take a seven-mile coastal walk

A splendid alternative to sitting around doing nothing is the seven-mile walk round the headlands to the Pampelonne beaches. The track – called 'le Sentier du Littoral' – is quite wild in places, but well maintained and clearly signposted. At reasonable walking speed, it will take about three and a half hours, depending how far along Pampelonne beach you want to end up. En route, you’ll have stirring scenery, interesting coastal flora and the maritime cemetery where the film director Roger Vadim now rests. Brigitte Bardot’s modest place is also nearby, as are charming little beaches such as Plage Graniers, Plage des Canebiers, Plage de la Moutte and Plage des Salins, where the likes of George Clooney and Naomi Campbell will never make an appearance.

Insider's tip:  Pick up the 'Sentier du Littoral' brochure from the tourist office at 11 Allée du Quai de l’Epi, equip yourself with a bottle of water and a mobile phone and set off from La Ponche – once the fishermen’s quarter. The tight scrum of old buildings and the views make it St Tropez’s loveliest, most atmospheric mini-district.

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

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FDA approves the new Covid vaccine. Here's the best time to get it.

The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the new Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.

It’s the third time the vaccines have been updated to match circulating strains since the original series. The shots should be available within days. The agency hasn't yet approved a third vaccine, from drugmaker Novavax.

The timing of the new vaccines — last year's rollout was in mid-September — is significant, since most of the U.S. is still caught in the summer wave of Covid illness. As of Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported, the number of people testing positive for Covid keeps rising and emergency room visits for Covid have been increasing since mid-May. Hospitalizations are rising , too.

Here’s what to know about the updated vaccines.

How are the new Covid vaccines different? 

The new shots from Pfizer and Moderna are designed to target the KP.2 strain, a descendant of the highly contagious JN.1 variant that began circulating widely in the U.S. last winter. The drugmakers started making the new doses in June after the FDA advised them to freshen the formulas to match the version of the virus that was gaining ground in the U.S. 

A third vaccine, from drugmaker Novavax, has been updated to target the JN.1 strain. JN.1 and KP.2 have largely faded from circulation, according to the CDC.

As of Saturday, a sister strain called KP.3.1.1 accounted for about 36% of all new Covid cases, while another sister strain, KP.3, accounted for about 17%. 

It’s unclear exactly how effective the vaccines will be against the newer strains, but experts expect that they will protect against severe illness.

A spokesperson from Pfizer told NBC News that data submitted to the FDA shows that its vaccine generates a “substantially improved” immune response against multiple currently circulating variants, including KP.3, compared to earlier versions of the vaccine. 

There are “very minor sequence differences” between the variants, said John Moore, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medical College. 

A paper published this month in the journal Infectious Diseases found that KP.3.1.1 shares similarities with JN.1 and KP.2, although it has a few additional mutations that may help it spread more easily. 

“All these changes are incremental. They do not change the overall big picture,” Moore said. “KP.3.1.1 is just another step in the road that the overall omicron lineage is taking towards greater transmissibility.”

Who should get the new Covid vaccine?

In an earlier interview, Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health and a former White House Covid-19 response coordinator, said Covid is most likely endemic in the U.S., meaning the virus is following “a relatively predictable pattern that will last a very long time.” 

That means we’ll be getting a yearly updated Covid vaccine to protect against mutations and waning immunity, just like annual flu shots.

As of May 11, only 22.5% of adults got last year’s updated Covid vaccine, according to data from the CDC . Only 14.4% of children ages 6 months through 17 years got vaccinated.

For this fall, the CDC recommended that all Americans ages 6 months and older get the new shots.

But Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto, said it’s challenging to make a one-size-fits-all recommendation on who should get the vaccine, especially for healthy, young adults.

“It’s fair to say that the vaccines are still helpful, certainly at an individual level, and to some extent at a community level,” he said.

It’s critically important that people at the highest risk of a severe Covid infection — including people over 65 or with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions, such as heart disease or obesity — get the vaccine, Bogoch said

“The heavy lifting of the vaccine is really in protecting the most vulnerable people from severe outcomes, like hospitalization and death,” he said. 

When should I get the new Covid vaccine?

Millions of people in the U.S. have had Covid within the last few weeks and months. An advantage of the summer wave is that people who have recently recovered have an immune boost to fight off future infections. 

Because the vaccines will be available earlier this year than last, the question of timing for the most protection through the winter is more urgent. According to CDC guidance, if you’ve recently had Covid , “you may consider delaying your vaccine dose by 3 months.”  

For people at high risk of severe illness, experts say get the vaccine when it becomes available. That's because infection may not provide as much protection as vaccination, said Dr. Ofer Levy, the director of the Precision Vaccines Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. 

Protection from infection can vary based on the severity of infection, the strain, as well as a person’s age and health. 

For the young and healthy, it may not be as beneficial to get the vaccine so close to recovery from infection, said Akiko Iwasaki, professor of immunology at the Yale School of Medicine. High levels of antibodies present from recent infection may prevent the vaccine from stimulating new immune cells.

“If there’s a lot of antibodies already circulating, those antibodies are going to block the [vaccine] from doing its job,” she said. “That’s one reason why it’s not recommended to get the vaccine immediately after you’ve had Covid.”

Dr. Paul Sax, clinical director of the division of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said there’s no harm in getting the vaccine now, although it may make more sense to wait since Covid cases tend to pick up around November.

“Assuming that’s the case again this year, I would say sometime in October when people get their flu shot would be perfect,” Sax said. 

There’s not a risk to getting it right away, but the initial protection from the vaccine may not last through an expected winter wave, Sax said. 

“The good thing is that all of us with our immunity from prior vaccines or getting Covid or both don’t have as much of a risk of severe disease,” he said. “But if you want to really completely avoid getting infected it’s that antibody spike after the vaccine that happens one to three weeks after that’s most protective.” 

Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, said that people who recently had Covid can wait a few months before they get their updated vaccine. 

“Immunity does wane from having had Covid or getting the vaccine,” Juthani said Wednesday during a media briefing with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials ahead of the winter respiratory virus season. “If you don’t feel strongly about getting the vaccine right away, then waiting about three months from when you had Covid, and particularly, so that as we’re approaching the holidays, that you get that shot before the big holidays and when you may be gathering with people.” 

“If you feel strongly that you really want to get the shot as soon as it’s available, even if you had Covid this summer, then of course you can get that,” she added. “There’s nothing to say that you can’t in September or October.”

Data from prior Covid vaccines suggests that the initial protection against infection peaks about a month after the shot and starts to wane over the next several months, even when the vaccine is well matched to the circulating strains. 

Fortunately protection against severe disease remains robust for much longer, Iwasaki said.

Ultimately you never know when you may become infected with the virus, she said.

“It’s kind of a risky calculation because waves just means that there is a large number of infections in the population, but at the individual level you can get infected tomorrow,” she said. “So it’s very difficult to predict what is the best time to get it.” 

Iwasaki plans to get the vaccine herself sooner rather than later since she has not been infected or had a booster in some time. 

Sax recommends that his patients wait two to three months after recovering before getting another shot. 

“The reality is, your infection gives you some boost of your own immunity,” he said.

What are side effects of the new Covid vaccines?

Like other versions of the Covid vaccines and similar to flu shots, the most common reaction is some pain at the injection site. Other side effects include :

• Muscle pain

The CDC says the side effects typically resolve after a few days. Serious side effects , such as the life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, are rare.

Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines have been associated with a small but increased risk of myocarditis , the inflammation of the heart muscle, mostly in young men. Most people make a full recovery.

How much will it cost?

Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are charging up to $150 per dose for a Covid vaccine , according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The vast majority of people with public and private health insurance should pay nothing out of pocket for the updated Covid vaccines —as long as they stick with an in-network provider, said Jennifer Kates, director of the Global Health & HIV Policy Program.

Medicare and Medicaid require that the vaccines are free for patients. The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, requires private insurers to cover all vaccines that are recommended by the CDC’s vaccine committee and director.

However, Kates added that the ACA’s requirement does not apply to grandfathered plans — plans that existed before the ACA was signed into law — and short-term health plans. 

“People enrolled in these plans may face cost sharing for the Covid vaccine, or the vaccine may not be covered at all,” she said.

Children without insurance can get free vaccines through the government-run Vaccines for Children Program.

For adults without health insurance, the situation is a bit different. The CDC’s Bridge Access Program — which has been paying for shots for uninsured adults — is expected to shut down in August because of a lack of funding.

Once the funding runs out, uninsured individuals may be able to access free Covid vaccines through community health centers and other safety net providers that participate in the Section 317 vaccine program for adults, Kates said. Section 317 is a federal initiative that gives funding to states to provide vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults.

“Some state and local health departments may also have a limited supply for people without insurance, but any supply will be very limited,” Kates said.

Berkeley Lovelace Jr. is a health and medical reporter for NBC News. He covers the Food and Drug Administration, with a special focus on Covid vaccines, prescription drug pricing and health care. He previously covered the biotech and pharmaceutical industry with CNBC.

Akshay Syal, M.D., is a medical fellow with the NBC News Health and Medical Unit. 

Walmart has the Blackstone Adventure Ready griddle on sale for under $125 with free delivery before Labor Day

• Published: Aug. 23, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

Walmart has the Blackstone Adventure Ready tabletop griddle on sale for only $124, and it will arrive at your doorstep before Labor Day. Walmart

• Dawn Magyar | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

If your Labor Day plans include one last summer cookout, you’re going to want to grab this Blackstone griddle deal at Walmart you can get delivered ASAP.

The Blackstone Adventure Ready 22-Inch Propane Griddle is now on sale for $124, instead of $147, for a savings of $23 off. This deal also includes free shipping with delivery scheduled well ahead of Labor Day.

The Blackstone Adventure Ready 22-Inch Griddle is one of Blackstone’s bestsellers with 21,000 BTUs of power and 362 square inches of cooking space. You can cook up a variety of food on this griddle, including eggs, pancakes, burgers, steaks, fajitas, vegetables and fish.

The tabletop griddle features two H-shaped burners that allow you cook at multiple temperatures. It also includes Blackstone’s rear grease management system for quick and easy cleanup along with a matching hardcover to keep the flat top clean and protected.

Shop for this Blackstone Adventure Ready Griddle deal at Walmart here.

You can also check out more griddles on sale from Walmart , including these top offers:

• KingChii 2-Burner 19″ Propane Griddle for $210, instead of $251
• KingChii 4-Burner 32″ Propane Griddle for $270, instead of $500
• Alpha Joy 3-Burner Propane Gas Griddle for $300, instead of $360
• SKOK 3-Burner Propane Gas Griddle for $140, instead of $200

Shop for more outdoor griddles at Walmart here.

The best shopping deals of August

• Amazon has the GE smart indoor smoker on sale for a huge $250 off in a limited-time deal
• Coach Outlet has summer handbag steals for $99 or less
• 18 weekend sales to shop before Labor Day from Amazon, Walmart, Macy’s and more
• UGG boots and slippers are under $100 during this Gilt flash sale
• Nordstrom Rack’s big ‘Flash Sale’ has Kate Spade handbags up to 71% off

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Insider's guide: 6 of the best Italian superyacht destinations

Capri, tyrrhenian sea.

Cinque Terre’s colourful cliffside villages may be one of the first images that come to mind when you picture a private cruise or luxury yacht charter in Italy . However, concerns that overcrowding is damaging the UNESCO World Heritage Site in recent years is enough to encourage visitors to opt for alternative destinations.

Thankfully Italy's exquisite coastline has many other beauty spots and these six have been singled out by experienced superyacht owners who never tire of visiting them time after time.

1. Capri, Tyrrhenian Sea

Recommended by Peter de Savary, Gloria

This iconic island has been a favourite since ancient times. When the Romans were building their villas here 2,000 years ago, they discovered the ruins of even older civilisations. Today, you can still visit the remains of Tiberius’s palaces. The Marina Grande on the north coast offers berths up to 60 metres, but the more attractive option is the anchorage at Marina Piccola on the south coast.

This broad bay is guarded by three tall stack rocks and curving cliffs, with the small village clinging to the rocks. From here you are just a short drive on switchback roads to the diversions of Anacapri or Capri town. And make sure to dine at one of the many restaurants perched vertiginously on the rock face.

Picture courtesy of Jeremy Reddington/Shutterstock.com

Panarea, Aeolian Islands, Tyrrhenian Sea

Recommended by Captain Magic, Sea Force One

Panarea may be the second-smallest of the Aeolian Islands, but it has the most dramatic geological formations that produce gorgeous coves and breathtaking scenery. The volcano here is inactive (unlike nearby Stromboli), but geothermal activity still provides hot springs near Punta di Peppe e Maria.

There are fewer than 300 full-time residents, but numbers swell when the summer sun brings fashionable visitors in search of elegant dining with spectacular views. And, although Panarea is off the beaten track, there is plenty of nightlife – with its luxurious and exclusive ambiance, it’s not uncommon for the island to seem the private preserve of superyacht owners.

Zimmari (also known as Baia Milazzese) provides a great secure anchorage; the sea is wonderfully clear, and there are good opportunities for diving and snorkelling over wrecks and volcanic rock formations.

Discover more about how to spend seven days in the Aeolian Islands on a superyacht .

Picture courtesy of Funkyfrogstock/Shutterstock.com

Isola di Ponza, Pontine Islands, Tyrrhenian Sea

Recommended by the owners of Twizzle

Ponza has been called one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean , and the owners of Twizzle agree that it is ‘a ridiculously romantic and authentic Italian island that makes you feel that a young Sophia Loren might just walk past at any moment.

The Italian elite head here to their private villas in the summer to revel in the clean turquoise water, natural rocky grottos, hidden coves and fishing ports. Chiaia di Luna beach (which used to be the most popular on the island), with its towering chalky cliffs and azure sea, can now only be approached by sea since it was closed following deadly rock falls. Isola di Ponza pulls off the trick of appearing unspoilt, yet the nightlife is lively and there’s plenty going on.

Excellent seafood restaurants such as Gennarino a Mare dot the island. You can moor at the restaurant’s own dock and then dine on decking that extends right out over the sea.

Picture courtesy of Loreanto/Shutterstock.com

Positano, Amalfi Coast

Recommended by Joseph Vittoria, former owner of  M5  (then Mirabella V)

Since the 1950s, people have flocked to this fishing village turned tourist hotspot to enjoy the restaurants and bars that adorn this glorious coastline. Of course, the best views of Positano are seen from the deck of a yacht anchored in the bay below: one of Joseph Vittoria’s abiding memories is ‘watching the city lights come on as the sun sets.

Whether you’re dining in Michelin-starred luxury or in a streetside café, look out for regional delicacies such as spaghetti with clams cooked with local extra virgin olive oil; fried anchovies tossed in mint, vinegar and garlic; and peppered mussels. For dessert, try a ‘babarese’ filled with cream and wild strawberries. If you need to work off any over-indulgence, you can visit the nearby Li Galli Islands, a protected marine reserve that offers great snorkelling and swimming.

Picture courtesy of Leoks/Shutterstock.com

Porto Cervo, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Recommended by the owner of Farewell

Sardinia's north-eastern ‘emerald’ coast is still one of the most popular superyacht destinations in the Mediterranean. It’'s easy and quick to get to from mainland Europe and yet is off the mass tourism circuit – instead, it has been an exclusive enclave for half a century.

The entire 55 kilometre coastline was bought by a consortium led by HH the Aga Khan in 1961, and development has been controlled to produce a top-class destination among the fishing villages and coves. Sailors love the Costa Smeralda because of the wind, while everyone loves the beautiful coastline and appreciates the excellent onshore facilities.

Porto Cervo Marina lies in a well-protected harbour, and there are excellent hotels, restaurants and world-class shopping close by. The social whirl consists of regattas such as the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta , polo matches, film festivals and vintage car rallies. More pragmatically, there are good yacht repair facilities, and private jet and helicopter access at Olbia.

If you fancy visiting Porto Cervo discover more about seven days on a superyacht in Sardinia .

Picture courtesy of Aldorado/Shutterstock.com

This city in the sea has fascinated seafarers for centuries, and in Captain Magic’'s opinion, it is ‘the most beautiful city in the Mediterranean’. The Venice Yacht Pier offers a limited number of berths in the city (with a maximum draught of 5.5 to 9 metres), just a short walk from St Mark’s Square.

Otherwise, there are marinas offering deeper dockage just 10 kilometres away within the lagoon. From here you can explore more than 1,000 years of history among jaw-dropping architecture that attracts 20 million visitors each year. From June to September tourists swelter in the city (the world’s oldest film festival takes place in July/August), and February offers 10 days of Carnival. But the best way of experiencing this aquatic gem is by boat – to follow in Marco Polo’s wake and sail into Venice’s lagoon on your own vessel has to be one of the most romantic experiences you could ever have.

Read our guide to seven days from Rimini to Trieste via Venice on a superyacht

Picture courtesy of  Mariia Golovianko/Shutterstock.com

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