How to Choose the Yacht, Destination, and Experience for Christmas & New Year
- Brainz Magazine
- 27 minutes ago
- 19 min read
Written by Eldin Basic, Yacht Charter Manager
Eldin is a well-known yacht charter broker, arranging private yachts for sailing holidays in all the main sailing destinations, with a specific expertise in long-term yacht charters and luxury yacht charters in particular.
Yacht charter and sailing holidays are widely accepted as one of, if not the best, type of vacation. At the top of the tree in this aspect are yachting vacations during the festive period. Luxury sailing over Christmas and New Year is the pinnacle of yachting season, and experiential travel does not come much better than when sailing in a major sailing destination during these specific festivities. Jetting away during this period is as prestigious as it gets, and if you can make it a regular trip, you can say that you have achieved it.
This is where you get the chance to replace boring hometown parties, crowded lobbies, and set-menu celebrations with warm winds, colourful bays, and possibly a crewed yacht dedicated entirely to you, your loved one, or even your closest friends or family. Instead of fitting your plans around the opening times of local shops, or even a resort timetable if you have gotten away, on board a boat, your chosen vessel moves with you, following the sun, the breeze, and your family’s rhythm. Thus, if you are among those considering or ready to charter during the primary holiday season, even at full peak-season rates, the key is knowing where to go, what to expect, and which yachts truly deliver during this high-demand window. I invite you to read, plan, and execute this type of holiday at least once in your lifetime, or, if you are already doing so regularly, to review your current preferences and update them with any appropriate advice.
Why spend Christmas and New Year at sea?
A festive yacht charter is about more than luxury, it is about celebrating past years' achievements, privacy and being present in one of the most exclusive locations on the planet. You decide whether Christmas morning starts with a healthy breakfast or a champagne brunch on deck, a dive on a coral reef, or a tender ride to a beach where children open gifts under a different kind of tree, maybe a palm tree. New Year’s Eve can be as theatrical or as intimate as you wish. From front-row fireworks in a celebrity hotspot such as the St Barts, to a quiet anchorage with only starlight and the sound of the water against the hull, Tobago Cays in the Grenadines come to mind, all are usually selected by your captain on a last-minute basis when the weather patterns are clear, and the best location is evident.
From a yacht charter broker’s perspective, the guests who get the most from a festive charter are those who value shared experiences over spectacle. We see the yacht as a platform for connection: long dinners under the bimini, teenagers disappearing to paddleboard at sunset, grandpa enjoying the view from the flybridge, and a chef who quietly adapts to everyone’s preferences without you needing to ask twice. We at A2A Yachting can plan all this with you, selecting the crew, choosing the right boat within your budget, and advising on the most suitable sailing itinerary for the festive days.
Where to go: Picking your festive playground
This can be entirely your choice, based on the previous experiences or long-awaited realisation of a dream come true. On the other hand, it can be a choice based on the most suitable yacht available for your dates, or on local events or accessibility. To start, different regions deliver very different moods over Christmas and the New Year. The right choice depends on whether you crave a buzzing social scene, casual and barefoot simplicity, or near-total privacy. The BVI’s, St Barts, or Antigua may be ideal for the first experience, the Seychelles or the Grenadines for the second. At the same time, Fiji, the Maldives, or one of the other Windward or Leeward islands in the East Caribbean, can be the latter choice, with the Bahamas fitting all of the above. We can arrange suitable yachts in all these locations, it will only take a brief discussion, a few email exchanges and a couple of specific offers to get there.
Caribbean classics – BVI, St Barths, Antigua, Bahamas
British Virgin Islands (BVI)
Known as probably the best sailing destination in the world, the BVI are the easiest choice for festive sailing, short, line-of-sight hops, well-protected anchorages, and an excellent selection of beach bars, beach clubs, swimming options, even fishing experiences, and most of all snorkelling spots. They are also perfect for first-time charterers and multi-generation families with different expectations. While you can avoid crowds, you are also always very near a buzzing anchorage. One day, you can wake in a calm bay off the awe-inspiring granite boulders and their sheltered pools at Virgin Gorda, snorkel before breakfast around islands such as the Norman or Peter, then make an adventurous sail to Anegada and fabulous Conch Mounds that look like sand dunes in the sea, or a relaxing one to Jost Van Dyke for a barefoot Christmas Day lunch ashore, returning to the yacht for dessert and quiet, star-gazing time on deck. The most popular yachts here are 50ft catamarans, such as SMILEY, whose rates start from 14,000 EUR per week, and power catamarans, such as ATLAS, that charge from 35,900 EUR per week, while Feadship’s sublime 96.6 metre SOPHIA will ask for 1.7 million EUR for each week booked. While a few luxury sailing yachts from 50-120ft, in particular new models such as Oyster 805, can also be found here, it’s worth mentioning that legendary Christina O may also be visiting regularly and charges from 700,000 EUR per week, while exceptional LOON, a 67.5m mega yacht by Icon Yachts, accepts charters from 470,000 EUR/week.
St Barths and the Leeward Islands
Fireworks, parties, glamour? If New Year’s Eve is the focus, St Barths should be the epicentre of your yacht charter vacation. The capital Gustavia turns into a floating red carpet of superyachts and megayachts, and almost every stern platform becomes its own private party. A smart superyacht charter itinerary balances this glamour with calmer days in smaller neighbour islands, or as far as peaceful Anguilla or St Kitts, where you can dip into the scene and then retreat to peace. These islands suit clients who enjoy designer boutiques, chic restaurants, and high-energy nights, offset by relaxed days at anchor, with optional escapes to remote parts of the islands, such as Anguilla, or smaller ones, such as the Ille Fourchue or Ille Tintamarre off Saint Martin. Most yachts cruising the BVI’s, as suggested above, will also accept charters in St Martin and St Barts, although at times with a delivery fee added on top.
Antigua or the Grenadines
British clients will always prefer Antigua as the first choice, as it offers history, sailing regatta culture, and a strong marine infrastructure, making it a reliable base for Christmas week. On the other hand, the Grenadines, with iconic names like Mustique and the Tobago Cays, feel more barefoot and understated: perfect for active adventures, such as kitesurfing, sailing, and swimming, reading, and repeating the same every day. Both island countries are an excellent match if you want the so-called “old-school Caribbean” without sacrificing anything. Antigua or the Grenadines may not be as exclusive as the Bahamas or the Virgin Islands. Yet, they will attract all the best superyachts of the world too, with the usual bareboat charter fleet offering weekly rentals from as low as 2,000 EUR per week.
Bahamas (Exumas & Abacos)
A destination in its own right, the Bahamas, together with the outer islands in the Exumas or the secluded Abacos, fulfils everyone's dream in most cases. Once here, think sandbars, shallow turquoise banks, and long, bright days where the yachts’ tenders and toys see as much action as the sails or powerful engines of your motor yacht. The Bahamas are tailor-made for active families: water skis, e-foils, underwater scooters, jet skis, Seabobs, sandbank picnics. Many other surprises can be explored by a kayak or even by an inexperienced paddleboarder alone. If your idea of Christmas and New Year is less about dressing up and more about playing all day, this is a strong contender for the dream yacht charter destination during the festive holidays.
Regardless of where you go in the Caribbean, the choice of yachts is usually very good, and unless you are seeking something specific, SuperSailYachts will likely be able to meet your requirements easily. If you are keen on specific new models and want to use your festive luxury yacht charter also to test a suitable yacht, booking more than 6 months in advance is, however, advisable. Having just landed in Miami, Florida, one of the most exclusive superyachts in the world ever built, the Feadship’s 118.8 metres BREAKTHROUGH, which charges 3,5 million Euros per week, is likely to accept the Bahamas during the festive season. The most exclusive sailing yachts, MALTESE FALCON, will charge 490,000 EUR per week, while HEMISPHERE, the 44.2 metre catamaran, only 222,000 EUR per week. That said, the most popular exclusive catamarans are those such as ENDLESS HORIZON, with rates from 92,000 EUR per week. The most popular boats, such as LAGOON 50 or BALI 5.4, usually charge well below 20,000 EUR per week without any crew. Smaller 40ft yachts can cost as low as 3,000 EUR per week.
Indian Ocean Escapes – Maldives & Seychelles
Maldives
When it comes to alternative destinations, as the Caribbean remains the first choice, the Indian Ocean keeps calling. Festive superyacht charters in the Maldives feel like having a private-island resort that moves for you. The islands can be seen as the ultimate escape for the well-heeled or new money makers. Here, you can combine quiet atoll anchorages, world-class snorkelling and diving, spa-style wellness on board, and occasional evenings at a five-star resort if you wish. The choice of luxury yachts is limited, and in some price ranges, it is very limited, thus, booking 12 months in advance is highly recommended. The Maldives are also ideal for couples and smaller families who want privacy and pampering in equal measure, with the yacht serving as your central sanctuary. Despite limited choice, exclusive superyachts such as ELEMENTS offer weekly charters from 800,000 EUR, while newly launched ALFA, Benetti’s latest 70-metre megayacht, demands 598,000 EUR per week as a minimum. More popular boats, such as Lagoon 50, are available from as low as 9,400 EUR per week, yet securing their availability is difficult. There are almost no bareboat yachts available here, thus, the best value or cheapest options are local cruises on typical wooden boats built in the Maldives, such as Dhoni Stella 2, which charge as low as 6,500 EUR per week.
Seychelles
It’s not the ideal location for the December charters, but it's a good alternative for luxury yachting experiences during the major holidays, for sure. Here, dramatic granite islands, lush rainforest, and nature reserves take centre stage, and all are best explored from a platform of your own luxury yacht, rather than in a resort, with a fortnight of sailing an ideal duration. Yacht charter guests can mix hiking and viewing wildlife with snorkelling, beach time, and adventurous sailing between islands. The Seychelles are particularly appealing if you want a sense of discovery alongside comfort, think local markets, Creole cuisine, and birdsong at anchor rather than nightlife and shopping. Visits to Sainte Anne Marine Park, Baie Ternay Marine Park, the Moyenne Island Tour, and maybe the La Digue Transparent Kayak experience are a must when sailing in Seychelles. For the most adventurous, a longer-term charter here, with the option to visit the unique Les Amirantes or even the Chagos Islands under certain circumstances, can also be arranged on one of our yachts. One of those sailing the region regularly is the sublime Lagoon 77 SPIRIT OF PONANT, available from 54,000 EUR per week, or a 138ft superyacht SONG OF SONGS, which charges from 165,000 EUR per week, with the most expensive yacht available in charter, the FLYING FOX also reportedly cruising the area at times with a price tag of 3 million EUR per week. On the other end, the charter rates on smaller 40ft yachts start from as low as 3,000 EUR per week.
What are cooler-weather or other alternatives
For a smaller group of clients, the draw is not tropical heat but atmosphere: Christmas markets in Palma de Mallorca, a crisp sail along a Mediterranean coastline, or pairing a shorter yacht charter with a ski trip, even a Northern Lights experience in the Arctic Circle can be arranged. In these cases, the yacht functions more like a fully serviced villa, a warm, elegant base from which to explore winter landscapes without losing any comfort. De-luxe gullet charters in the East Med, in particular around Barcelona, Dubrovnik, or Bodrum, may also appeal, and this could, in particular, be true for larger groups of 16-30 persons, where we can arrange a unique cruise-style yachting vacation that would be amazing too. One-way charters from Miami to NEW YORK for Christmas and NEW Year are an amazing achievement too.
South Pacific
For most people, this is a very remote sailing destination, and as a result, the choice of yachts is smaller. Fiji and Tahiti, as well as Sydney and the East Coast of Australia, or the Whitsundays, can be seen as a great alternative, though. If you are keen to enjoy a longer-term charter that may last several weeks or even months, maybe even a full 12 months' sabbatical, we are best placed to arrange this type of exclusive yacht charter too. Festive holidays on board a luxury yacht in these destinations is a dream come true for many. Will you be one who makes it come true for yourself?
What to expect on board during peak season
At Christmas and New Year, a well-managed crewed charter yacht runs like a tightly choreographed boutique hotel with the flexibility of a private home. The best crews anticipate needs before you voice them, in other words. Planning well ahead is recommended, especially to ensure any food requirements are met, to avoid risky allergy scenarios, and to plan an alternative itinerary carefully, in case of any bad weather patches.
Crewed, or bareboat?
At the luxury crewed level, you are not just “renting a boat”, you are hiring a professional crewed yachting platform. The captain decides on safe, weather-appropriate routes, while the stewards provide seamless dining and drinks service, decoration, and housekeeping. The chef designs menus around your chosen preferences, tastes, and traditions. Deckhands and Engineers oversee toys, safety, and fun on (and in) the water. They are always on hand to ensure that all facilities run smoothly and that engines, generators, solar panels, and watermakers operate when needed. If you like to sail independently, however, all these destinations also have a fantastic choice of yachts that can be chartered on a bareboat basis, without any crew. The cost of such yachts is also much lower, starting at 2,000 Euros per week for those from 34ft onwards.
Festive touches tailored to you
Well-organised crews will ask in advance about your daily habits or rituals: preferred meal times, special dishes, religious observances, and how you like to exchange gifts. They may set up a decorated tree, plan a treasure hunt for children, or stage New Year’s cocktails on the bow with canapés and live music via Bluetooth. The yacht becomes a canvas for your version of the holidays, not the other way round.
Activities and downtime in balance
A peak-season charter can be incredibly active, with swimming, wakeboarding, e-foiling, and island hikes, but it should also allow for some built-in breathing space. A good broker and captain will design an itinerary that alternates busy days with quieter anchorages, allowing everyone to reset before the next big moment, whether that is Christmas lunch or New Year’s Eve in a buzzing harbour. And for those who may be seeking such services or are always interested in them, we can also offer LoveYourOwn. Life-type self-development yacht charters, where changing your habits, influencing your subconscious thought processes, or working on conscious breathwork and yoga sessions are added benefits, too.
Which yachts to consider, and for whom
The most suitable yacht depends less on length and more on how you want to live aboard and who is travelling with you. As a broker, the first question we usually ask is: What type of yacht (sail, motor, catamaran)? How many guests in total? What are the planned or exact dates? Are there any children, babies, or special dates such as birthdays to consider? Any other specific requirements?
The most suitable yachts: large sailing catamarans (50-80+ ft)
For Christmas and New Year, you can sail on smaller 40-45ft yachts at rates of well below 10,000 EUR per week, with a few smaller 35-40ft costing even less. That said, large crewed catamarans have become the most popular yachts of the luxury end of the market, especially in the BVI, Bahamas, and Indian Ocean.
They offer huge volume for their length, with wide saloons, large cockpit,s and flybridges that feel like outdoor lounges.
The stability is excellent at anchor, which is reassuring for guests new to yachting and for older family members.
Cabins are usually similar in size and comfort, which helps avoid “who gets the master” politics, this especially at a level beyond 70ft where superyacht levels of luxury on catamarans are a given.
Well-known examples include
High-end 70-80ft sailing catamarans from builders like Sunreef come with 4-5 guest cabins, a generous crew, and a strong emphasis on toys, wellness, and design. In terms of budget, you need to plan to spend around 100,000 US$, and on some boats, even more, as those boats will cost at least 80,000 US$ per week, even outside of those peak dates, and can cost more during the specific dates. By adding further expenses for flights, transfers, and any special requests, higher-end boats here can easily cost 120,000 US$. Some of those may also request a minimum 10-day booking, so the rate can be closer to 150,000 US$ per sailing holiday during the festive season. Such boats will rarely accommodate 12 guests, but will mostly accept 8 or 10 adults.
When it comes to 60-70ft models from brands such as Fountaine Pajot and Lagoo, these are also very luxurious, but slightly more intimate and often excellent value compared with a motor yacht of similar guest capacity. They may lack the volume, exclusivity, and prestige of those 80ft boats, yet they certainly don’t lack luxuries, added value, or crew professionalism. You should plan to spend around 60,000 US$ on some higher-end boats, maybe up to 80,000 US$ for one week. These are perfect if you imagine barefoot living, lots of time at anchor, and a relaxed, social atmosphere where the yacht feels more like a modern beach house than a formal cruise ship. In any case, at this level, boats will rarely request a 10-day booking as a minimum, so they can offer fantastic value during peak-season festivities. They usually accommodate 6-10 guests maximum. Typical boats at this level are Sunreef 60s, Moon 60, Lagoon 65, and Alegria 67, amongst others.
Smaller 50-59ft catamarans are also seen as luxury boats and, with crew, can provide an exceptional sailing experience during the festive season. Their rates tend to start at around 30,000 US$ per week, but can go as high as 50,000 US$ per week depending on their launch date, number of crew, and location. In any case, some nice 50ft catamarans, with added captain and chef/hostess, can also provide an exceptional sailing vacation during the Christmas or NEW YEAR at rates just below 30,000 US$, allowing for 6 to 12 guests on board. Typical boats that fall into this category are well-managed Lagoon 55s, Bali 5.4s, Leopard 50s, and the latest models, such as Bali 5.8s, as well as some older, well-maintained models.
Luxury sailing yachts (80-120 ft)
Just a decade ago, sailing yachts were much more popular. The development and launch of many new multihull models put these fantastic vessels into a niche market. That said, performance-oriented monohulls or luxury sailing yachts suit yacht charter clients who love the idea of genuine sailing and arriving in Christmas and the New Year, not just being carried but actively involved in sailing itself. In terms of budget, rates can be as low as 20,000 Euros per week and up to 150,000 Euros on some boats.
These boats deliver a powerful presence yet elegant experience underway, heeling gently on a reach, crossing blue water under a full main and headsail.
Interiors tend to feel warm and refined, with rich woods and classic detailing, like a private members’ club at sea.
Guest capacity is usually smaller, often 6-8 guests maximum, which works well for close-knit families or couples sharing.
Choose this type if the romance of sail and time on deck matter more to you than sheer interior volume, and if your group is happy with a more traditional, yachting-centric lifestyle.
35-60m motor yachts and 125-280ft sailing yachts
To enjoy yachting in its most spectacular way, especially in “trophy” locations like St Barths at New Year or the Maldives, these yachts are often the platform of choice. These are genuine superyachts, those newer models above 50 metres can also qualify as mega yachts. You need to plan with a budget of around 80,000 - 350,000 EUR per week, though.
They all have:
Multiple decks allow you to separate spaces: quiet reading corners, children’s play areas, a formal dining room, and an open-air sundeck with bar and jacuzzi.
Cabins are larger and more lavish, and the master suite often feels like a high-end hotel apartment.
Toy garages hold a full arsenal of jet skis, tenders, inflatables, dive gear, and increasingly modern e-toys such as foiling boards and electric surfboards.
This category is ideal if you want to entertain, host corporate guests, or simply enjoy the most “complete” version of the superyacht lifestyle over the holidays, with white-glove service and the option to be as visible or as discreet as you like. Most importantly, the fuel consumption of these boats can be very high, sometimes close to 1000 litres per hour on some motor yachts, thus, the final expenses must be carefully considered before booking.
Mega yachts from 60 metres onwards
While there is no accepted definition, we at SuperSailYachts.com see giga yachts as superyachts or megayachts that cost more than 1 million US$ per week to hire. While mega yachts over 60 metres do not fit this definition, many will cost close to 1 million US$ per week when all charter costs are added. The fuel bill alone can be in 10’s of thousands, for example. Total APA costs for food, fuel, marina fees, and drinks or other special requests can themselves reach several hundred thousand, especially if a lot of expensive wines, caviar, and champagne are consumed daily. The boat may also remain moored in a prime location, where a berth can cost a fortune every day after many hours of cruising. In any case, these types of luxury yachts require a concierge service and 24-hour access to your yacht broker to ensure seamless delivery of all expected services. The average cost of these yachts starts at around 500,000 US$ per week. When surcharges for peak season and a potential 10-day minimum charter upgrade are added, the 1 million US$ becomes very realistic. When 35% additional costs (fuel, marina fees, etc.) are added, the 1 million US$ becomes even more realistic.
Giga yachts that cost 1 million US$ per week
There are only a few such yachts around, and they tend to be booked at least 1 year in advance. The total cost, with added expenses, can be much higher, closer to 2 million US$ than to 1 million, yet at this level, the total cost may become a footnote. The yacht charter clients who look for such yachts are not necessarily concerned with the total cost, but with the success of the project, an anniversary, a special occasion, or indeed a festive holiday, as all others are at any level. Latest 118.8 metre BREAKTHROUGH and already established 136 metre FLYING FOX by Luerssen are the best examples of giga yachts on the market at the moment, while 95.1 metre O’PARI or 122 metre KISMET are the best-known ones.
Booking at full peak rates: Does it make sense
Peak-season charters come at a high cost and can be seen as a significant investment. To make sense, they need to be justified, either by your desire to spend a fantastic time away from home or simply because that’s what you do, and it should be special. In any case, in order to extract full value when paying Christmas and New Year rates, the following approach may help:
Last-minute deals for 2025 – We can still arrange a special deal on some boats, yet you have to have complete flexibility, both in terms of location as well as type of boat or level of service required. While you can be very specific, and we, as a yacht charter brokerage, aim to fit all your requirements into reality, this may not always be possible. Booking last minute can be exciting though, as spontaneous decisions are at times best when it comes to enjoying yourselves at the spur of the moment, so why not give it a try in 2025?
Book early – That said, the best yachts in the most sought-after locations are often booked a year in advance, or as soon as the actual holiday season ends, or at times even up to 18 months ahead. Early enquiry lets us, as brokers, hold key options before they disappear, rather than trying to patch something together during the summer peak season.
Be specific about your plans and group – Tell us about your ultimate idea, plan, and desires. The more we know, the better we can serve. If you also share ages, interests, mobility needs, and any dietary or cultural requirements, we can source the most suitable boats and advise on the best destinations or any special deals. This is also the crew's plan and preparation for your arrival.
Choose destination and yacht together – Some yachts are optimised for shallow, island-hopping waters (Bahamas, BVI), others for longer passages and open-sea comfort (Indian Ocean, open Caribbean). Think of the destination and the platform as a matched pair, not separate decisions. In other words, a sailing catamaran may be best for the Virgin Islands and Abacos or Outer Bahamas, yet if you are keen to experience a performance sailing yacht, sailing the Grenadines or Windward islands of the EAST Caribbean may be a good chance to do so. Luxury motor yachts or mega yachts are a separate issue, and while they can be recommended in locations such as the Maldives or St Barts, they are usually chosen as a type of holiday, rather than based on location. They will carry at least 1, if not 2, suitable superyacht tenders, and with these, you will have access to any bay, beach or location, even if your main boat remains anchored hundreds of meters away in deep waters.
Embrace the “experience mindset”. Instead of focusing only on length or brand of the yacht, you can look at what the yacht enables: diving off deck maybe, or night dives, sunrise yoga on deck, chef’s tastings or special menu’s (Japanese or Mediterranean), stargazing far from light pollution (we can offer Northern Lights experience in Arctic Circle even during these festive days for example). At this level, you are paying for a carefully orchestrated experience, not just a vessel, thus you can plan not only details but the whole package.
Let’s sail, Christmas & New Year are just around
For those willing to invest in a Christmas or New Year charter at full peak pricing, the reward is a holiday that feels entirely your own: no fixed check-in times, no resort noise bleeding through the walls, no strangers at the following table, only sea, sky, your chosen people and a crew whose sole purpose is to make this particular festive season unforgettable. By booking 10 days or ideally a fortnight or 2 weeks, you also avoid crowds at the airport and potential delays, traffic jams, and significant issues with berth bookings. You can also enjoy an exclusive sailing holiday during the peak periods from as low as 5,000 EUR for a full 2 weeks of sailing in one of these major sailing destinations in the Caribbean. If your budget stretches further, you can plan to spend as little as possible while maximising the exclusivity of the destination or the amenities on board. For those with high-end budgets, we can organise a spectacular yacht charter vacation where extended family or friends can be part of, and even special events and occasions such as anniversaries of marriage or weddings can be organised too.
I therefore invite you to consider a sailing vacation during the festive season, as it may change your life, improve your well-being, and patch up a relationship with your loved ones. You can also inspire some to do something special as a next step in their life or be part of something amazing, something that only a small minority of people get to experience.
Eldin Basic, Yacht Charter Manager
Eldin is the Charter & Sales manager at A2A Yachting (SuperSailYachts.com), where he overseas all aspects of business & marketing operations. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Eldin brings a wealth of expertise and insight to this role.
He holds a degree from the University College Birmingham, supplemented by leadership training from Harvard Business School and ThePowerMBA, giving him a solid foundation in strategic management.
Known for his talent in developing innovative Blue Ocean Strategies, Eldin is also a certified breathwork practitioner & an active supporter of various charitable initiatives. Passionate about helping others, he is committed to turning dreams into reality & inspiring all to live more fulfilling lives.
