10 of the Best Caribbean Christmas & New Year’s Charter Options

Book a 7-night Antigua-to-St. Barts sailing charter this Christmas to lock in turquoise-water days, a friendly group vibe, and a smooth transition into the New Year. After you step aboard, you’ll see a balanced rhythm of sailing legs, beach stops, and deck-side display of Caribbean cuisine that keeps the energy high without rushing you through the itinerary.

Option 1: Antigua-to-St. Barts, 7 nights on a 60–70 ft crewed catamaran Sleeps 8–10, suited for a family or group of friends seeking wide deck spaces and stable sailing. Highlights include Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua and Gustavia in St. Barts, with gentle hops between turquoise coves. Expect chef-prepared meals and provisioning that showcase local cuisine and flavors.

Option 2: British Virgin Islands sailing, 5–7 nights on a 52–60 ft yacht Ideal for an active group that loves snorkeling at The Baths, The Caves, and Anegada. Sleeps 6–8; day hops cover 25–40 nautical miles, with stops for beach bars and sunset sails. Crew handles skippering and provisioning; alternatively hire a motor-yacht for faster legs if you want to cover more ground in a single week.

Option 3: St. Martin & Anguilla circle on a modern catamaran, 7 nights Sleeps 8–12; dream itinerary includes Simpson Bay, Marigot, and Anguilla’s powdery beaches. Typical days combine sailing, snorkeling, and beach dinners with Caribbean-flavored cuisine on board; after sunset, consider a dockside party to usher in the new year.

Option 4: Grenadines private sailing (Bequia to Mustique to Canouan), 7–9 nights Sleeps 6–8; remote anchorages, azure water, and quiet days ashore. This route opens sailing worlds as you drift between islands, with fresh seafood and Creole-inspired dishes served on deck.

Option 5: Luxury motor-yacht in Grenada and the Grenadines, 7–9 nights Sleeps 8–12; this option prioritizes comfort and speed, with onboard chefs and service that rivals fine hotels. Expect spa-like baths, deck celebrations, and a private chef crafting festive menus to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

Option 6: The Abacos, Bahamas – cannes-level service on a private mega-yacht Sleeps 10–14; full crew, gourmet dining, water toys, and a private chef to craft festive menus. usher in the New Year with a deck party and onboard fireworks; if you prefer a more intimate feel, swap to a 60–70 ft sailing yacht with a smaller crew for a personalized touch.

Option 7: Windward Island circuit – Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada, 7 nights Sleeps 6–8; daily snorkeling, hiking, and beach stops; this itinerary emphasizes display of local music and cuisine at island shores. Typical day includes morning sail, mid-day snorkel, and evening ashore for lively parties.

Option 8: USVI & BVI multi-island hop on a crewed sailing catamaran, 5–7 nights Great for a smaller group or family; Sleeps 4–6; visits include Cane Garden Bay, The Baths, Jost Van Dyke; however festive days on deck with rum punches and live music help usher in New Year.

Option 9: Curaçao & Aruba blend, 7 nights Sleeps 6–10; colorful towns, social life, and snorkeling at the Blue Room; onboard chef crafts Caribbean-chic menus with spicy stews and grilled fish; after sunset, explore local culture ashore for festive street vibes. This pairing delivers a winning balance of value and variety for a group seeking efficiency and variety.

Option 10: Last-minute festive escape on a smaller sailing yacht, 5 nights Sleeps 4–8; if you wish to travel with fewer beds, this option provides tight schedules, flexible routes, and included festive meals; alternatively, extend to 7 nights if slots are available for peak dates and prime berths.

Caribbean Christmas & New Year’s Charter Options: Focus on The French Riviera, France

Recommendation: Charter a 6-night Riviera route aboard a 70 ft motor yacht with a dedicated crew, jacuzzi on deck, and a barbecue setup. This option offers warmer winter days and a regional flavor, with island calls to Porquerolles and the Calanques near Cassis. The crew usher your group through classic celebrations, while spotless communication and technical systems keep the schedule steady. The guide will handle ground transfers, port approvals, and any last-minute requests, and prior planning ensures their information is ready for guests. This option found strong traction with families and groups seeking a Caribbean-style display in a Mediterranean setting; the host promises a voluntary, guest-centered approach and refined styling that elevates every moment from first to last night.

• Warmer winter sailing along the Côte d’Azur with reliable daylight and calm seas.
• Jacuzzi on deck for post-sail relaxation and onboard celebrations.
• Barbecue setup paired with regional styling and high-end wine matching.
• Falco stabilizers and technical upgrades to ensure smooth ground handling in coastal winds.
• Island calls to Porquerolles or nearby Sainte-Marguerite for shore time and private beach visits.
• Ground transfers organized with clear communication and punctual timing.
• Odessa-inspired hospitality elements and Opari skincare kits to pamper guests.
• Information pack with port guides, weather windows, and dining options.
• First-night dockside welcome in Nice or Cannes with a private display of lights and music.
• Regional itineraries covering Nice, Cannes, Monaco, and Saint-Tropez.
• Opportunity to hire a private guide for cultural tours and vintner visits.

When planning, align with a trusted broker to confirm technical readiness, safety checks, and crew credentials. Prioritize a vessel with strong communication protocols and a flexible schedule to adapt to festive shore programs. This configuration offers a seamless blend of Caribbean celebrations and French Riviera sophistication, ensuring guests enjoy every moment from pre-departure briefs to the final night aboard.

Availability windows for Caribbean Christmas and New Year charters

Recommendation: secure a 7–14 night Caribbean Christmas/New Year charter within the peak window (Dec 20–27 or Dec 27–Jan 3) and lock it in 9–12 months ahead to maximize options and comfort. This approach would usually guarantee access to the best yachts and preferred itineraries.

Availability concentrates around key hubs in the south and regional clusters. In the south Caribbean, popular routes include Grenada, Tobago Cays, and the Grenadines, with weeks filling quickly as late December approaches. The central and northern arc–Antigua, St. Barts, Guadeloupe, and Martinique–offers solid options through late December and into New Year, though with more variability from year to year. Across the region, the two main weeks–Dec 20–27 and Dec 27–Jan 3–usually sell out first, so flexibility around start dates helps access more yachts. For planners with year-round flexibility, there are options in late January to April, but those windows are less crowded and rates reflect that.

If you want the best combination of scenery and relaxation, target a 10–12 night itinerary that stitches together 4–6 islands and keeps a couple of anchor days for enjoying the ocean breeze. Options that balance exploration with downtime let you relax and still experience regional cultures. A longer charter also smooths weather gaps and reduces the pressure of fitting a busy schedule into a single week.

When selecting a vessel, identify critical features: a sviitti layout that feels spacious, non-slip flooring, and stable sailing with stabilizers so seas stay comfortable. Look for a tasteful colour scheme and a well-staffed deck to display achievements or itinerary options on board. The right jahdit will offer stored provisioning, a flexible itinerary, and a captain who can tailor routes to cultures and interests. If you would like strong options out of the gate, consider a model like Athena-styled layouts or other proven configurations that prioritize guest comfort and efficiency.

For guidance, work with an asiantuntija broker who can identify the best regional options and the athena-inspired layouts. A knowledgeable partner will map world class routes, price, and availability, ensuring you get the ideal combination of islands, weather, and calendar. A well-planned charter would usually showcase the full calendar of awards and recognitions earned by the crew, helping you choose with confidence.

Best ports and routes in the French Riviera for winter charters

Anchor Villefranche-sur-Mer as the winter charter hub for a year‑round Riviera itinerary. The harbor is deep and well-protected, with quick access to Cap-Ferrat, Nice beaches, and sheltered coves on the leeward side of the coast, ensuring calmer nights and better sleep aboard. On a motor yacht, the entry is straightforward, and the salon and a well-appointed suite on deck provide warmth with starfire heaters. If youre planning a winter escape, this base keeps the pace relaxed and options open for the destinations you want to visit. below you’ll find tested routes and practical tips to tailor the plan for a group or couple.

The core ports for winter charters along the Riviera are Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes (Port Vauban), Cannes (Vieux Port), Monaco (Port Hercules), Nice (Port de Nice), and Saint-Tropez (Port de Pampelonne area). Each offers year‑round access, provisioning, and shore excursions. The coastline on the leeward side tends to be warmer and calmer, ideal for a relaxed stay; you can set anchor in fjords-inspired bays that shelter from Mistral winds. In every port, a salon and a suite on board keep your crew comfortable after a day on deck, whether youre planning a stroll along the quay or a sunset swim.

Route A keeps legs short and scenery varied: Villefranche-sur-Mer → Cap-Ferrat → Antibes → Cannes. Distances are manageable (roughly 5–7 nm to Cap-Ferrat, 25–28 nm Cap-Ferrat to Antibes, and 8–12 nm Antibes to Cannes). This sequence delivers destinations with diverse scenery: old-town charm in Antibes, a stroll along ramparts, and a promenade in Cannes with beaches nearby. A spare day to anchor near Lerins or a sheltered cove gives you a calmer night and space for a waterside dinner in your group.

Route B focuses on a longer finale and a mix of towns: Nice/Villefranche → Monaco → Saint-Tropez, with a stop near the Îles de Lérins. Leg lengths run 10 nm to Monaco and 60–70 nm to Saint-Tropez, making this route ideal for a 4–7 day charter with a flexible schedule. You enjoy Lerins beaches, a morning market in Nice or Monaco, and a sunset approach into Pampelonne. The leeward side stays warmer, and a twizzle into a quiet cove yields a night in a star-blanketed bay.

Booking process and onboard comfort: a straightforward process with a broker or operator, to lock in options for the crew, provisioning, and marina slots. Notable features include a well-appointed salon and a larger suite with heated berths, plus starfire heaters to keep the cabin cozy. For year-round sailing, plan around shorter days and changing winds; both sides of the boat offer sheltered berths when weather shifts. For a group or couple, these ports provide beaches, promenades, and shore visits, with destinations ready to explore.

Vessel types and crew considerations for Caribbean vs Riviera itineraries

Choose a 60–90 ft Caribbean catamaran or a 70–120 ft motor yacht for island-hopping; for Riviera itineraries start with an 80–150 ft luxury motor yacht. A bespoke provisioning plan keeps youre guests satisfied, while a capable team coordinates visits to coves, reefs, and restaurants with the minimum disruption between ports.

Caribbean vessel types lean toward catamarans and mid-size motor yachts. Typical options include 60–90 ft catamarans that offer expansive deck space for basks and socializing, and 70–120 ft motor yachts that deliver natural stability for easy tender access and day trips. Expedition yachts enable visits to remote cays in the Bahamas or Leewards. Minimum crew for six guests is 4–5, with a bilingual team (English/Spanish) to handle provisioning for purposes. The harle team coordinates operations and ensures every detail aligns with your first-port visit, while the chef focuses on fresh local dishes to match the tropical vibe. The styling should stay natural and uncluttered, and the time aboard feels relaxed even when the pace shifts in year-round charters; booked itineraries offer greater predictability when you look ahead at weather windows and port timings.

Riviera itineraries typically demand larger yachts: 80–150 ft luxury motor yachts or sailing yachts in the 60–100 ft range. Typical crew scales to 5–8, with the captain and chef handling dining and port calls while a deck team manages tenders and water toys. The chef should be trained in Mediterranean dishes, and multilingual crew (French, Italian, English) assists with onshore reservations and visits. Provisioning centers on Nice, Cannes, and Genoa markets, with a focus on seasonal produce. Year-round demand exists, but winter hours require heating and maintenance; starting preparations weeks before docking reduces delays. Styling leans toward elegant, understated interiors that prioritize comfort and privacy for guests.

Onboard festive options: menus, décor, and events

Start with a special onboard festive package: a six‑course Caribbean‑inspired menu crafted by our crew, featuring bold cuisine notes, served in candlelit, warm dining settings and décor that echoes a seaside Christmas. This setup creates experiences for both visitors and crew.

Sisustus viittaa junkanoo-perintöön kirkkailla lippuilla, simpukkaseppeleillä ja klassisilla lyhdyillä. Sisustusta kantavat miehistön jäsenet, tuoden energiaa tiloihin – missä tahansa tila mahdollistaa. Jos vieraat etsivät inspiraatiota Cannesin glamourista, värimaailma yhdistää messinkiä, kookosta ja turkoosia trooppista ylellisyyttä varten.

Järjestä kannella Junkanoo-ilta auringonlaskun jälkeen: rummuja, tanssijoita ja samppanjatakaisia, jota seuraa viime hetken illallispalvelu. Omistautunut esittelijä opastaa vieraat pääesitykseen, kun taas palvelumme varmistavat sujuvat siirtymät. Tämä hetki kutsuu ihmisiä yhdistämään uudelleen perheen ja ystävien kanssa, muuttaen tuttavalliset keskustelut lämpimiksi kokemuksiksi.

Ruokailun osalta tarjoa kaksi vaihtoehtoa: ilmainen maistelumeny ja varattu pöytäpalvelu. Juomaparituksissa on tarjolla trooppisia viinejä ja alkoholittomia mocktaileja, joita miehistö hallinnoi osana palveluita. Tarjoa tiedostokortteja ja QR-koodeja menyn yksityiskohtien ja sisustuksen tarinoiden selaamiseen, ja Cannesista inspiroitunut värimaailma ohjaa aluksen sisustusta.

Suunnittele kapasiteetin ja tilan mukaan: kello 18:00 tervetuliaisjuomat, kello 19:00 illallinen, kello 21:00 kannen tapahtuma, kello 23:00 lasku. Aikataulu on joustava matkan aikana, ja yläkannella on jälkiruokapiste tai musiikkiesitys aina, kun tuuli on parhaimmillaan. Henkilökuntamme hoitaa palvelut ja ohjaamisen, siirtäen sujuvuuden hetkestä toiseen, ja tiedot ovat vierailijoiden saatavilla tarvittaessa.

Kustannusarvio, sisällytykset ja käytännön varausvinkkejä

Varaa 7 yön Karibian vuokra-alus modernilla jahdilla, täydellä miehistöllä ja laivalla olevalle kokille, jotta voit maksimoida purjehdusaikaa ja minimoida laivalla tehtävät päätökset. Joulu- tai uudenvuoden viikoiksi, kohdista alukset, joiden pituus on noin 18–21 metriä, joissa on 3–4 miehistön jäsentä; perusvuokrahinnat ovat tyypillisesti $28 000–$60 000 viikolta, ja tarjoilu-, polttoaine-, satama- ja satamamaksut lisäävät siihen karkeasti 15–25% enemmän. Premium-vaihtoehdot, kuten Athena tai muut tunnetut jahdit, vaativat korkeamman hinnan vilkkaina syksyinä kohteina Costa Rica ja Karibian keskeiset pysähdyspaikat.

Kulut jakautuvat seuraavasti. Perusvuokra kattaa aluksen, kapteenin ja tavanomaisen miehistön; se sisältää myös aluksen perushuollon ja useimmat aluksen järjestelmät. Lisämaksut, kuten ruokailu (ruoka-aineet aterioihin), juomat ja oma kokki, sisältyvät usein korkeampiin tasoihin tai ne tarjotaan valinnaisena pakettina. Polttoaine riippuu matkan pituudesta ja merellä vietetystä ajasta, tyypillisesti $2 000–$6 000 viikossa. Satama- ja rantamaksuvaihtelut riippuvat määränpäästä ja satamassa vierailun tiheydestä, yleensä $1 000–$5 000 viikossa. Verot, lisenssit ja viralliset maksut vaihtelevat 4–12% perusvuokraan nähden maan ja reitin mukaan. Varusteet ja aktiviteetit, kuten snorkkelivarusteet, kajakit, SUP-laudat ja tenderin käyttö, sisältyvät joskus; jos näin ei ole, laske $500–$2 000 viikossa sekä mahdolliset opastetut retket tai yksityiset tapahtumat.

Inclusions lean toward a turnkey experience on many crews’ packages. Expect a chef, steward(s), and a dedicated deck crew to prepare meals, stock the onboard store with groceries, and manage daily housekeeping. Water toys are standard on most yachts and stored in the tender bay or aft locker for easy access during your days of cruising. You’ll find a flexible drinks package in place for international guests, with options to tailor wine and spirits to your wish list. The environment is a priority on many itineraries, with sustainable provisioning and reef-friendly activities handled by a guided team so you can focus on enjoying the sea.

Varaustipsit, joihin voit ryhtyä heti. Aloita lyhyellä toivelistalla: päivämäärät, suosimat satamat, miehistön koko ja haluatko virallisia illallisia vai rentoja iltoja yksityisellä kokilla varustetulla aluksella. Tee yhteistyötä lisensoidun välittäjän tai operaattorin – axioma tai muiden – kanssa, joka voi esitellä 3–4 jachtia vertailua varten ja auttaa sinua päättämään nopeasti. Selaillessa pyydä yksityiskohtaista sisältölistaa ja eriteltyä tarjousta, jotta tiedät, mitä on katettu ja mitä ei. Varmista tekniset tiedot, kuten stabilisaattorit, ilmastointikapasiteetti ja satelliittiviestintä, erityisesti kansainvälisillä reiteillä, jotka sisältävät ranta-anopit. Anna miehistölle ohjeet ryhmäsi tarpeista, mukaan lukien mahdolliset ruokavaliota rajoittavat tekijät naisille tai muille vieraileille, ja pyydä suunnitelma ranta-päiville ja tapahtumille, jotka olet tallentanut matkasuunnitelmaasi.

Jotta asiat sujuisivat ongelmitta, varmista selkeä maksuaikataulu virstanpylväineen ja peruutusehtoja, joissa ei ole yllätyksiä. Tallenna kaikki sopimukset ja vahvistukset erilliseen kansioon ja pidä tärkeitä yhteystietoja kapteenista, välittäjästä ja operaattorista saatavilla matkan aikana. Jos vertailet eri vaihtoehtoja, pyydä 3–4 tarjousta ja tarkista peruutusehdot, satamavierailujen joustavuus ja säävarasuunnitelmat. Päätä ajoissa, lisäätkö yksityisen rantailtapäivällisen tai auringonlaskun risteilyn ankkuroituna tapahtumana, koska nämä voivat vaikuttaa sekä aikatauluun että kokonaiskustannuksiin.

Pakkaaminen ja aluksen logistiikka ovat myös tärkeitä. Suunnittele vaatteet rento-tyylikkäisiin illallisiin ja monipuoliseen päiväkäyttöön; pidä jokaiselle vieraalle kompakti vaatekaappi ja säilytä arvotavarat jahdin turvassa. Pidemmillä vuokrauksilla sovi oppaasi kanssa vastuullisista rantaekskursioista, jotka minimoivat ympäristövaikutukset. Jos sinulla on kansainvälisiä yhteyksiä, järjestä oleskelua edeltävät ja seuraavat vaihtoehdot ja tarkista viisumi- tai maahantulovaatimukset hyvissä ajoin. Hoitamalla nämä yksityiskohdat nyt, nautit saumattomasta kokemuksesta ammattitaitoisen miehistön kanssa, vaihtelevasta ohjelmasta ja runsaasti aikaa päättää seuraava siirtosi purjehtiessasi Karibian rannikkoa.