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 suite 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 yachts 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 expert 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.

The décor nods to junkanoo heritage with bright banners, shell garlands, and classic lanterns. The décor is carried by the crew, carrying energy through the spaces–wherever the space allows. If guests are looking for inspirations from cannes glamour, the palette blends brass, coconut, and teal for tropical luxury.

Host a deck‑side Junkanoo night after sunset: drums, dancers, and a champagne toast, followed by a last‑minute dinner service. A dedicated usher guides guests to the main event, while our services ensure smooth transitions. This moment invites people to reconnect with family and friends, turning casual conversations into warm experiences.

For menus, offer two options: a complementary tasting menu and a reserved at‑table service. Beverage pairings feature tropical wines and non‑alcoholic mocktails, managed by the crew as part of the services. Provide information cards and QR codes for browsing the menu details and decor stories, with the cannes‑inspired palette guiding on‑board styling.

Plan around capacity and space: 18:00 welcome drinks, 19:00 dinner, 21:00 deck event, 23:00 countdown. The schedule flexes over the voyage, with a dessert station or a music set on the upper deck wherever the breeze is best. Our crew handles services and ushering, carrying the flow from one moment to the next, with information available to visitors as needed.

Cost breakdown, inclusions, and practical booking tips

Book a 7-night Caribbean charter on a modern yacht with a full team and an on-board chef to maximize cruising time and minimize on-board decisions. For Christmas or New Year weeks, target vessels around 60–70 ft with 3–4 crew; base charter fees typically run from $28,000 to $60,000 per week, with provisioning, fuel, marina charges, and port taxes adding roughly 15–25% more. Premium options like Athena or other signature yachts command a higher rate during peak calls to the costa and key Caribbean stops.

Cost components unfold as follows. Base charter fee covers the vessel, the captain, and standard crew; it also includes the vessels’ basic maintenance and most onboard systems. Add-ons like provisioning (groceries for meals), beverages, and a dedicated chef are often included in higher tiers or quoted as an optional package. Fuel depends on distance traveled and hours at sea, typically $2,000–$6,000 per week. Marina and port charges vary by destination and call frequency, commonly $1,000–$5,000 per week. Taxes, licenses, and official fees range 4–12% of the base rate, depending on the country and the itinerary. Equipment and activities such as snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and tender usage are sometimes included; if not, count $500–$2,000 for a week, plus any guided excursions or private events.

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.

Booking tips you can act on now. Start with a short wish list: dates, preferred ports, crew size, and whether you want formal dinners or casual evenings with a private on-board chef. Work with a licensed broker or operator–axioma or others–that can present 3–4 yachts for comparison and help you decide quickly. When browsing, ask for a detailed inclusions list and an itemized quote, so you know what’s covered and what’s not. Confirm technical specs such as stabilizers, air conditioning capacity, and satellite communications, especially for international itineraries that include onshore calls. Have the crew briefed on your group’s needs, including any dietary restrictions for ladies or other guests, and request a guided plan for shore days and events you’ve stored in your itinerary.

To keep things smooth, ensure there’s a clear payment schedule with milestones and a cancellation policy without surprises. Store all contracts and confirmations in a dedicated folder and keep contact details for the captain, broker, and operator handy during the trip. If you’re shopping from a store of options, compare 3–4 quotes and verify cancellation windows, port-call flexibility, and weather contingencies. Decide early on whether you’ll add a private beach dinner or a sunset cruise as an anchored event, since these can alter both the schedule and the overall cost.

Packing and on-board logistics matter too. Plan clothes for smart-casual dinners and versatile daywear; keep a compact wardrobe for each guest and store valuables in the yacht’s safe. For longer charters, coordinate with your guide to arrange responsible shore excursions that minimize environmental impact. If you have international connections, arrange pre- and post-stay options and verify visa or entry requirements well in advance. By handling these details now, you’ll enjoy a seamless experience with a professional crew, a varied itinerary, and plenty of time to decide on your next move while cruising the Caribbean coast.