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The recent retightening of restrictions, particularly in Europe, has led many to reassess their holiday plans and the yacht charter experts, Y.CO, advise they’ve seen a significant increase in clients wanting to escape for the festive season, with many choosing yacht charter as the perfect solution to the ever-changing global travel restrictions.
The private exclusivity afforded by yacht charter offers a Covid-friendly environment that enables family and friends to join together safely, away from the restrictions they may be facing at home.
Charlie Birkett, Y.CO Co-Founder and CEO explains:
“Throughout the summer we saw a steady increase in demand and a lot of last-minute bookings from European Clients choosing to take advantage of the different destinations as they reopened. We’re now seeing Clients – particularly those from the US who may have missed out on their usual summer break – contacting us to ask about options for Christmas and New Year. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the holiday season, especially with the rapidly changing social restrictions, and it is clear that Clients are viewing yacht charter as an attractive option for their Christmas and New Year breaks due to the natural isolation, self-sufficiency, and freedom it offers. With everything that a superyacht offers, from world-class chefs to gyms and spas, guests can spend a week exploring some of the most beautiful places in the world and don’t even need to go ashore if they don’t want to. Much of the Caribbean and Bahamas has reopened for the winter season, and Y.CO is updating Clients regularly on the latest last-minute opportunities to help them make the most of this. Our team are working hard to take care of all the logistics and entry requirements for our Clients as well as planning amazing escapades to entertain their families. We hope that, for our Clients at least, we can make 2020 the year to remember for all the right reasons!”
Y.CO’s team of charter specialists has compiled several sample itineraries based on destinations that are open for cruising this winter. For personalised itineraries, experience recommendations as well as detailed advice regarding logistics and entry requirements, interested parties should contact Y.CO directly – experience@y.co.
The Maldives – open for Yacht Charter with no travel or quarantine restrictions.
With 1,200 picture-perfect islands and atolls and almost no travel restrictions to speak of, the Maldives is high on the list for anyone hoping to enjoy a Christmas Yacht Charter without seeing a soul. And being on board a superyacht gives you the freedom to discover its wildest, most remote gems. Christmas day could be spent anchored off an uninhabited island, where the only footprints are yours alone. If there was any time to escape to this Indian Ocean paradise, it’s 2020.
Antigua and Barbuda – open for Yacht Charter – guests are required to complete a PCR test within 72 hours prior to arrival.
With a sandy cove for every day of the year, there’s plenty of fun to be had for all the family in Antigua. Galley Bay’s spectacular surf will attract the thrill seekers amongst the group, Pinching Bay is perfect for bringing everyone together for a festive beach barbecue, while the views at Half Moon Bay will inspire many an Instagram update come Christmas Eve.
Photo by Alexis Andrews.
St Barths, St Martin and Guadeloupe – Visitors to St Barths are required to present a negative PCR test from less than 72 hours before arrival. Once they have arrived, guests are free to embark on onward travel to the islands of St Martin and Guadeloupe.
While St Barths’ island capital Gustavia is known for its flamboyant New Years Eve festivities, there’s plenty to see and do here if you fancy a quieter end to the year. Away from the crowds, the beaches here are cover-shoot class. And, with unrestricted travel between the islands, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Gouverneur beach boasts white sand and precious little else, aside from rumours of pirate treasure. Saline Plage may be the island’s second largest beach, yet there’s not a beach bar in sight. Another palm-fringed gem is the aptly named Petit Cul de Sac which, for extra exclusivity, is only accessible by boat.
St Vincent and The Grenadines – Entry to St Vincent and The Grenadines is subject to travellers presenting a negative PCR test from 72 hours before arrival.
For your own desert island adventure this Christmas, head for St Vincent and the Grenadines. Explore the island’s natural treasures, which include black sand beaches, hot springs, and breathtaking waterfalls.
The Y.CO Charter Team can advise Clients on itineraries and experiences that make the most of these southern Caribbean islands.
Bahamas – The Bahamas reopened for yacht charter on November 1st, with travellers required to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival.
For anyone hoping to gather the whole family in one place for a more sun-drenched festive season, the Bahamas offer desert island bliss without the complicated logistics; its 700 stunning subtropical islands and 2,400 cays are within a short flight (or cruise) from Florida’s eastern coast. The Bahamas are the perfect antidote to 2020’s winter blues, with shallow seas glowing every shade of blue from topaz to aquamarine.
