Charter Season Is Back In Full Effect And We Got The Scoop
The Caribbean charter season has officially returned and our yachts have already wrapped several incredible trips with guests who came ready to unwind, explore, and celebrate. The boats are polished. The crews are dialed in. The sunsets have been showing off. And these first trips have reminded us exactly why this season brings so much joy.
From the moment guests stepped onboard, the energy shifted. Within the first hour, shoes were off, playlists were on, cocktails appeared, and everyone eased right into vacation mode. Crews said it felt like the islands themselves were waiting for this moment. Calm anchorages. Warm water. That familiar breeze that hits you and instantly resets your whole mind.
The early guest feedback has already been unforgettable. Here are some real excerpts that captured the feeling perfectly:
“I did not expect to feel this relaxed so fast. By morning one I felt like I had been here for a week.”
“Your chef outdid themselves. We took photos of every meal because we knew there was no way we could recreate this at home.”
“My kids have not picked up a single device. They snorkeled, paddleboarded, laughed, and talked to each other. This trip changed everything.”
Crews have been buzzing about their favorite moments too. One captain shared that his guests decided to ditch their itinerary entirely and “follow the good weather.” It turned into a dreamy week of quiet coves, beach bar hops, and late night stargazing on the bow. Another crew pulled off a surprise birthday celebration with sparklers, a custom dessert, and a playlist curated by the guests’ kids. The entire group ended the night dancing.
There have been sunrise swims, sea turtle sightings right off the stern, rum tastings under the moon, and more than a few guests who joked about staying an extra week. The first charters of the season have been the perfect mix of rest, adventure, celebration, and pure island magic.
And with the holidays approaching, more folks are realizing that a yacht vacation is not just a dream trip. It is actually more attainable than ever. This year, Charter Smarter introduced its Yacht Vacation Layaway (YVL) payment plan, which lets guests pay for their charter over time and secure the exact dates and yacht they want. It has already opened the door for families and friend groups who once thought a private charter was out of reach.
Looking into next year, we are preparing new yacht additions, updated itineraries, and even more personalized onboard experiences that match how our guests truly want to vacation. The season is officially in motion, the ocean is perfect, and the year ahead already feels unforgettable.
Curious what yachts and dates are still open? Contact our team to explore your options!
Paying For A Yacht Vacation Just Got A Lot Easier
Introducing the brand new Yacht Vacation Layaway (YVL) payment plan that is reshaping how travelers book.
For years, booking a yacht vacation meant putting down a large upfront payment and coordinating every detail at once. It created pressure. It created hesitation. And for many travelers, it turned a dream trip into something that felt out of reach. This year, we set out to change that.
Our new Yacht Vacation Layaway (YVL) payment plan, is a first of its kind way to book a charter. It allows guests to reserve their ideal yacht and dates while paying over time. No large deposit all at once. No financial stress stacked at the beginning. You choose the payment schedule that fits your life and your group, and your yacht is secured.
This program was designed for real people planning real trips. Families coordinating busy calendars. Couples celebrating milestones. Friend groups wanting an unforgettable adventure without the overwhelm of a single big payment. YVL finally brings flexibility to an experience that has traditionally required everything upfront.
Here is how it works:
You select your yacht.
You select your dates.
You choose a payment plan that fits your timeline.
Your trip is officially booked.
That is it. You get the same chef prepared meals, the same private itinerary, the same all-inclusive luxury experience. The only thing that changes is how easy it is to say yes.
Guests also have the option to add trip insurance during the planning process, which provides an extra layer of peace of mind as they build out their layaway schedule and secure their charter dates. It makes the entire experience feel smooth, protected, and fully supported from the moment the trip is booked.
And because we want the experience to be seamless, our newly updated website now includes a dedicated YVL section that explains the plan clearly and walks guests through every step. It is simple, transparent, and designed to give you total confidence as you book.
Curious about availability or want to explore how YVL can work for your trip, our team is here to guide you.
Meet Celestine: The electric powered yacht that is redefining the future of chartering
Every season we shine a light on yachts in our fleet that bring something fresh to the charter experience. This year, Celestine is one of the yachts guests are already asking about.
A 59 foot Voyage catamaran crafted with a balance of luxury and adventure in mind, Celestine welcomes up to 10 guests in five queen cabins, each with its own private en suite bath, soft ambient lighting, and plush bedding that makes returning to your room at night feel like a quiet retreat. The open concept layout flows naturally between four inviting living spaces, giving groups room to gather while also offering plenty of quiet corners for relaxing.
Celestine’s hybrid system brings a different kind of charm to the charter experience. Cruising between islands feels smooth, gentle, and unhurried. The yacht’s advanced lithium battery system and quiet electric drive create an environment that feels peaceful and restorative. It adds a thoughtful, almost meditative layer to the trip that guests do not expect but instantly appreciate.
What makes Celestine special is not only her design, but the intention behind her. She represents a shift toward sustainable luxury, proving that innovation and comfort can work together in a responsible way at sea. Guests get the full charter experience they dream of while also feeling connected to a modern, forward thinking way of exploring the islands.
And of course, the experience would not be complete without the crew who brings the yacht to life.
Captain Jamie
Guests love Jamie because he creates a week that feels both effortless and personalized. With more than 15,000 miles of sailing experience across the Caribbean, the US East Coast, the Bahamas, Norway, and Greece, he leads with calm confidence and an intuitive sense of what each group needs. Adventurous travelers get secret coves and tucked away anchorages. Relaxation seekers get a slow, restorative rhythm to their days. Jamie’s focus is always safety, comfort, and creating the kind of atmosphere where guests can fully let go. He makes people feel cared for immediately, which is why so many say he is the reason they were able to truly relax.
Chef Eda
Eda brings warmth, creativity, and soul to every charter. Raised in Bodrum among olive trees, herbs, and seasonal produce, she carries a deep appreciation for fresh Mediterranean flavors. Her culinary training and her background in boutique olive oil production give her food both elegance and meaning. Each dish feels intentional, vibrant, and tailored to the guests she serves. But guests remember her for more than her food. They remember how she pays attention. How she listens. How she creates moments around the table that feel joyful and connecting. She brings a genuine love for the sea, a graceful presence, and a philosophy that blends hospitality and heart.
Together, Jamie and Eda create an experience that feels warm, modern, and quietly elevated. Celestine’s innovative design sets the stage, but the crew turns the week into something unforgettable.
A yacht vacation is a meaningful investment, and life has a way of bringing the unexpected at the least convenient moments. Travel insurance adds a layer of protection that helps guests feel secure from the moment they book. A good policy can cover things like trip delays, medical needs while traveling, last minute changes, or emergencies back home. For many guests, it turns the planning process from stressful to stress free because they know they are protected no matter what comes up. It is a small addition that offers major peace of mind and ensures your charter experience stays focused on relaxation, celebration, and connection.
– Emily Busichio, Yacht Charter Specialist
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