Christmas on a yacht: 12 tips from our charter experts

Tip 1: Understand what you want from a luxury yacht charter during the holidays

Whether you’re looking simply to escape to warmer climes and celebrate the festive season with family or friends, or you prefer to take advantage of enforced downtime during the holiday season, a superyacht charter offers all the benefits of a luxury villa or five-star hotel, with the added benefit of privacy.

Tip 2: Select a destination that meets your needs

When it comes to the cruising area you would like to charter in, think about the activities you’d like to do during your yacht charter and any specific places you would like to visit. For some, the ideal Christmas yacht charter might be a morning spent basking in the Caribbean sunshine followed by fun on the water before sitting down for a festive feast or beach barbecue. The Caribbean’s average daily temperature in late December is between 23°C and 26°C, so for those in the northern hemisphere these balmy shores are an enticing change to the mid-winter temperatures at home.

For others it might be the opportunity to simply change it up this year. The majority of Caribbean residents are devout Christians, and each island celebrates Christmas in their own traditional way, but rest assured the festive spirit is all encompassing with ‘jump-ups' and parties throughout all the archipelagos. Alternatively, for something a little adventurous, try an escape to a desert island idyll such as the Maldives or the coastlines of the Andaman Sea where you can dip in and out of the festivities ashore.

Tip 3: Consider your group size

A superyacht provides the perfect setting for a family holiday or a group of friends, but with a 12-guest maximum for even the larger charter yachts, who you invite can be a difficult decision. For many, Christmas is an opportunity to spend quality time with family, with celebrations spread over two or three days. A yacht charter, however, usually lasts for anything between seven to 14 days, which means having breakfast, lunch and dinner together for a week or more.

Aside from being a fun and social space where everyone can enjoy varied activities, a yacht also offers privacy, with enough space to take some time out. Consider carefully the size of yacht you would like to charter and the number of guests you want to host, and whether there is enough space. A yacht may have accommodation for up to 12 guests but that doesn’t mean every berth has to be filled.

Tip 4: Two weeks, 10 days, or one week – decide on the length of your charter

Most yachts tend to have a minimum 10-day booking period during the festive season, with only a handful taking reservations for just a week-long charter. The Caribbean and Bahamas are the most popular cruising grounds for a Christmas yacht charter, and with so many islands to explore they lend themselves well to a ten day or two-week itinerary.

Obviously the longer the charter the more the likelihood is that you could also ring in the New Year on board, unless you go early, and perhaps enjoy the fireworks in St Barth or a junkanoo in the Bahamas. However long your itinerary, it is bespoke to you and can be as active or relaxing as you choose.

 Tip 5: Book a superyacht that suits you

Although there are no hard and fast rules as to which to choose first – the cruising ground or the yacht – it is worth remembering that although yachts may be mobile, they are only available in certain cruising grounds and at certain times of year. Unless there is a specific yacht that you long to charter, the time of year and the cruising ground will largely determine the yachts available. Knowing which yacht is right for you can be daunting, but your Burgess charter expert knows every yacht in the fleet and can advise you on the most suitable style and size for you and your charter party.

As a guideline, a traditional displacement motor yacht is best suited for a family group or first-time charterers, while a sailing yacht is better suited to a yachting enthusiast. The selection of toys and entertainment facilities will also be more important to some than others, while the nationality and personality of the captain and crew are also key. When it comes to the accommodation, choosing a yacht with a flexible layout can be advantageous – especially when travelling with children. Some have family-friendly set ups with twin cabins adjoining the master, or convertible cabins for multi-generational family groups.

Tip 6: Organise your charter itinerary

One of the most appealing elements of a superyacht charter lies in creating an itinerary that is bespoke to you, and when it comes to a Christmas yacht charter it’s no different. Whether your traditions involve presents under the tree accompanied by champagne and canapes, a lavish festive feast or a more relaxed affair with cocktails, you can incorporate everything you wish for into the big day. The yacht’s attentive crew will be on hand to ensure the festivities are celebrated how you wish.

The facilities and amenities of the yacht and the cruising ground will affect some aspects of the itinerary, but in general the toy box and spa facilities will keep you and your guests entertained throughout the charter. Beach hopping in the Caribbean, swimming and snorkelling in the Maldives, or discovering local cultures in the Andaman can be incorporated into any itinerary in warmer climates.

The festive period is peak season and therefore the more organised in advance you can be, the better the opportunities. For example, if you would like a prime berthing spot for Christmas day or any time over your charter in St Barth or Antigua, your captain will need to secure this berth well in advance. But, weather and circumstances, including your own choices, may change throughout the week and your captain will always do his or her best to accommodate new plans.

Tip 7: Reserve specialist activities in advance

Think about the activities you would like to do during your yacht charter. If there are any specific experiences that you are interested in, this may dictate the cruising ground or even the yacht. If you would like to take advantage of the time on the water and complete a PADI diving course, for example, then ask your charter broker if they can recommend a yacht with a certified PADI diving school on board. Alternatively, rendezvous diving can be organised in several cruising grounds but will need to be booked in advance of your charter.

Restaurants and beach clubs are at their busiest over Christmas and New Year, and to avoid disappointment it's best to book these ahead. Your charter expert can also organise for a spa or beauty therapist or yoga instructor, for example, to come on board if given enough notice.

Tip 8: Ensure you’re packed for all weather conditions

Wherever you choose to spend your Christmas yacht charter, weather can be unreliable, especially in tropical climes where you might not be expecting inclement temperatures. Most people don’t think about warm clothes when booking a yacht charter in the southern hemisphere, but whether the wind picks up unexpectedly or there is a spell of rain, a light jumper or jacket will always be useful. On the reverse, you might not be expecting soaring temperatures, but several swimsuits should always be part of your superyacht wardrobe, paired with some anti-glare sunglasses and a hat to protect you from the midday sun.

Tip 9: Discuss your menus and get creative in the kitchen

Cuisine and fine dining can be one of the most appealing aspects of a yacht charter, and even more so at Christmas. While on board, every guest will be treated to a never-ending stream of varied cuisine. It’s also worth keeping in mind that most cruising grounds are known for their fresh produce (think fresh fish plucked straight from the sea, fruit and vegetables ripened in the sun, and local regional delicacies to suit the climate). Your chef will be guided by your preferences prior to your charter, customising dishes to satisfy guests’ individual tastes. But that isn’t to say they can’t be flexible once you are on board. Your chef will always be happy to create alternative dishes throughout the week to suit the mood or location.

 Tip 10: Explore onshore festivities

The buzz of the festive season can be enjoyed in just about every winter cruising ground. In the Caribbean, Antigua is known for its 'jump-ups', while the festive lights and decorated palm trees in the British Virgin Islands are a welcoming sight attracting the waterborne ashore to join locals on the beach. Join in a Junkanoo parade while cruising the Bahamas – visitors mingle with locals in their colourful and vibrant costumes as they dance along the streets celebrating the festivities.

In Thailand, while much of the population is Buddhist, they also enjoy celebrating Christian festivals, perhaps with a floating lantern ceremony or a parade. Wherever you enjoy a festive yacht charter, take some time out and learn about the local culture, and perhaps even take a new Christmas tradition home with you.

Tip 11: Make time for yourself and enjoy the private owner’s amenities

A yacht is big enough for everyone to have their own space, and as the principal charterer you have the advantage of the master suite. Depending on the size of yacht, this could be anything from a full beam cabin to a duplex private apartment. Some master suites have their own private balcony or terrace – an ideal spot for a peaceful morning coffee or to relax before coming together with guests to socialise.

Many of the yachts in the charter fleet also have their own on board spas and treatment rooms, with crew members who are trained as massage and beauty therapists. There are also plenty of water toys with everything from motorised equipment and inflatables to kayaks and paddleboards – perfect for exploring the coastline with a peaceful paddle. However you wish to spend your time, a superyacht provides ample opportunity to spend both quality time with loved ones while also gaining time for yourself.

Tip 12: Book early!

Christmas and New Year are the peak period for the winter season and the best yachts tend to be booked up to a year in advance. Whether you have a preference for a specific yacht or just an idea, it’s advisable to book as early as possible to avoid disappointment.