Seas of Tranquility

Private yacht charters refine the art of social distancing

- DAVID YESKEL

In recent years, upmarket travelers have gravitated to small-ship ocean and river cruising, both of which offer the sought after combination of relative intimacy, personalized service, gourmet, prepared-to-order cuisine and soft adventure excursions. Along with per-diem fares that typically range from $700 to $1,000 per day, these voyages come with their own set of high expectations.

But with a near-total cruise industry shut down due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, private yacht charters are conveniently filling that luxe niche, offering guests a mix of exploration and relaxation, with the added safety and security of a private yacht. Social distancing is, in essence, inherent to yachting.

And while yachts can’t offer all of the public areas and features found on small, ocean-going or river cruise vessels, they do present – after months of isolation – a viable option for families and friends to “quaranteam” by traveling together and reconnecting aboard these safe sanctuaries at sea. Vessel capacity varies by company, but the yachts typically accommodate from 8 to 12 guests on worldwide voyages ranging from 3 to 15 days.

All of the operators below are following current health and safety procedures to mitigate the coronavirus threat, and are sanitizing all high-touch surfaces before and after charters. And although many operate in several regions around the world, the current focus is mostly on sailings in Mexico, the Bahamas and the US Virgin Islands, bowing to the realities of destinations now open to US travelers. Some of the industry’s leading players in the luxury yacht charter niche follow.