In the Age of the Travel Bubble, People are Chartering Cruise Ships

On a Raja Ampat sail, you can spot prehistoric dragons on a private Komodo National Park tour, hit the Spice Islands, and do morning yoga on deck with Aqua Expeditions’ 30-passenger, five-deck Aqua Blu. The explorer yacht features individually designed sea-facing suites, taking full advantage of views; adventure sport devotees consider this itinerary an underwater paradise. Eight-day charters begin at $264,000 for this voyage, which includes all onboard meals and premium beverages, excursions, snorkeling equipment and wetsuits, scuba diving, and more. The company also operates three vessels that sail the Mekong and Peruvian Amazon.

Rainforest Cruises represents some 70 ships, from two- to four-cabin riverboats and catamarans to 75-stateroom biggies. The majority of their ships run between eight to 24 cabins. This company covers lots of territory, from the Amazon and Galapagos to Southeast Asia, across a range of price points. Start with the 14-passenger Nemo II catamaran sailing the Galapagos Islands; eight-day charters begin at $38,640.

When Crystal Cruises resumes service next year, Crystal Esprit will be available for charters. The 62-guest, all-suite yacht delivers a luxe private-sail experience. Its sleek beauty, 1.5-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio, and Michelin-inspired dining also come with all-inclusive amenities such as complimentary transfers, fine wines and spirits, gratuities, unlimited Wi-Fi, and select excursions in every port. Charter pricing is personalized based on request; it’s helpful to know that regularly scheduled cruises average $1,000 per person per day.

The wonder of blue-footed boobies and other endemic wildlife await in the Galapagos with Ecoventura, which focuses on sustainable sailings. This cruise company currently sails two 20-passenger Relais Châteaux luxury mega-yachts; a third, Evolve, debuts in late 2021, joining siblings Origin and Theory. These ships cruise with one guide per 10 guests for personalized adventures. Pricing is inclusive of meals, beverages, open-bar, guided shore excursions, snorkel equipment, glass-bottom boat rides, paddleboards, and more. A current offer features seven-night charters beginning at $118,300.

Riverboats

With access to destinations from Europe to Africa, among a wider range of river ships, this type of charter pairs luxury with scenery, without skimping on experience.

AmaWaterways offers all 25 of its popular river ships for charter, including the 124-passenger AmaDara on Asia’s Mekong, or 28-guest Zambezi Queen traversing Africa’s Chobe River. Ships sailing traditional European waters, such as the Danube, Rhine, and Seine, are plenty, including the 102-passenger AmaDouro, which sails in Portugal. A seven-night, full-charter 158-passenger AmaWaterways riverboat begins at $400,000. The 14-stateroom Zambezi Queen is always sold in conjunction with an extensive land program, with prices starting at $365,000 for a 12-night package, including a four-night safari sail.

A cruise through the Peruvian jungle on a Relais Château riverboat offers Amazonian adventures from an elegant yet understated comfort zone. Delfin I of the three-boat Delfin Amazon Cruises needs but eight passengers to buy out, and offers activities for all ages, like creek kayaking, sunset fishing, and birdwatching. The ship sports oversized suites with private terraces, as well as a private whirlpool on its deluxe master suite terrace. Charter rates begin at $52,000 for a five-night program; $70,000 for seven nights.

We’re reporting on how COVID-19 impacts travel on a daily basis. Find all of our coronavirus coverage and travel resources here.