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; alternativt 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; alternativt, 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 svit 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 Yachter 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 det bästa 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.

Dekoren hyllar junkanoo-arvet med ljusa banderoller, snäckgarland och klassiska lyktor. Dekoren bärs av besättningen och sprider energi genom utrymmena – där utrymmet tillåter. Om gästerna letar efter inspiration från Cannes glamour, smälter paletten samman mässing, kokos och teal för tropisk lyx.

Arrangera en deck-sida Junkanoo-kväll efter solnedgången: trummor, dansare och en champagne skål, följt av en sista minuten middagsservering. En dedikerad usher vägleder gäster till huvudevenemanget, medan våra tjänster säkerställer smidiga övergångar. Detta ögonblick inbjuder människor att återknyta kontakten med familj och vänner, och förvandla vardagliga samtal till varma upplevelser.

För menyer, erbjud två alternativ: en kostnadsfri provsmakningsmeny och en reserverad bordservice. Dryckespaket innehåller tropiska viner och alkoholfria mocktails, hanterade av besättningen som en del av tjänsterna. Tillhandahåll informationskort och QR-koder för att bläddra igenom menydetaljer och berättelser om inredningen, med en Cannes‑inspirerad färgpalett som vägleder stylingen ombord.

Planera med tanke på kapacitet och utrymme: 18:00 välkomstdrinkar, 19:00 middag, 21:00 däckevenemang, 23:00 nedräkning. Schemat är flexibelt under resan, med en dessertstation eller en musikuppsättning på det övre däcket därifrån vinden är bäst. Vår besättning hanterar tjänster och visning, bär flödet från ett ögonblick till nästa, med information tillgänglig för besökare vid behov.

Kostnadsgenomgång, inkluderingar och praktiska bokningstips

Boka en 7-natt Karibien charter på en modern yacht med ett fullt team och en kock ombord för att maximera seglingstiden och minimera beslut ombord. För jul- eller nyårsveckor, sikta på fartyg runt 60–70 ft med 3–4 besättningsmedlemmar; bascharteravgifter brukar ligga mellan $28,000 och $60,000 per vecka, med proviantering, bränsle, hamnavgifter och bryggtullar som lägger till ungefär 15–25% mer. Premiumalternativ som Athena eller andra signaturjakter kräver en högre avgift under högsäsong till costa och viktiga Karibiska stopp.

Kostnadskomponenterna utgör sig följande. Bascharteravgiften täcker fartyget, kaptenen och standardbesättningen; den inkluderar även fartygets grundläggande underhåll och de flesta system ombord. Extratjänster som proviantering (matvaror för måltider), drycker och en dedikerad kock ingår ofta i högre nivåer eller anges som ett valfritt paket. Bränsle beror på sträcka och tid till sjöss, typiskt $2 000–$6 000 per vecka. Marinanläggnings- och hamnavgifter varierar beroende på destination och antal anrop, vanligtvis $1 000–$5 000 per vecka. Skatter, licenser och officiella avgifter utgör 4–12% av baspriset, beroende på land och rutt. Utrustning och aktiviteter som snorkelutrustning, kajaker, ståuppålarbrädor och användning av tender ingår ibland; om inte, räkna med $500–$2 000 för en vecka, plus eventuella guidade utflykter eller privata evenemang.

Inkluderingar lutar mot en färdignyckelförpackning i många besättningspaket. Förvänta dig en kock, styrman/styrmän och en dedikerad däckbesättning som tillagar måltider, fyller på butiken ombord med matvaror och hanterar daglig städning. Vattenleksaker är standard på de flesta yachter och förvaras i tenderbukten eller akterutrymmet för enkel åtkomst under dina dagar till sjöss. Du hittar ett flexibelt dryckespaket för internationella gäster, med möjligheter att anpassa vin och sprit efter din önskelista. Miljön är en prioritet på många rutter, med hållbart inköp och revvänliga aktiviteter som hanteras av ett guidat team så att du kan fokusera på att njuta av havet.

Bokningstips du kan agera på nu. Börja med en kort önskelista: datum, föredragna hamnar, besättningsstorlek och om du vill ha formella middagar eller avslappnade kvällar med en privat kock ombord. Arbeta med en licensierad mäklare eller operatör – axioma eller andra – som kan presentera 3–4 yachter för jämförelse och hjälpa dig att bestämma dig snabbt. När du bläddrar, be om en detaljerad lista över vad som ingår och en detaljerad offert så att du vet vad som täcks och vad som inte. Bekräfta tekniska specifikationer som stabilisatorer, luftkonditioneringens kapacitet och satellitkommunikation, särskilt för internationella rutter som inkluderar landstigningar. Se till att besättningen är informerad om din grupps behov, inklusive eventuella kostrestriktioner för damer eller andra gäster, och begär en guidad plan för dagarna till sjöss och evenemang du har lagrat i din resplan.

För att hålla saker smidiga, se till att det finns en tydlig betalningsplan med milstolpar och en avbokningspolicy utan överraskningar. Spara alla kontrakt och bekräftelser i en dedikerad mapp och ha kontaktuppgifter för kaptenen, mäklaren och operatören till hands under resan. Om du handlar från ett urval av alternativ, jämför 3–4 offerter och kontrollera avbokningsperioder, flexibilitet vid hamnbesök och väderberedskaper. Bestäm tidigt om du vill lägga till en privat strandmiddag eller en solnedgångskryssning som en förankrad händelse, eftersom dessa kan påverka både schemat och de totala kostnaderna.

Packning och ombordlogistik är också viktigt. Planera kläder för smart-casual middagar och mångsidiga dagkläder; håll en kompakt garderob för varje gäst och förvara värdesaker i yachtens kassaskåp. För längre charter, samordna med din guide för att ordna ansvarsfulla utflykter som minimerar miljöpåverkan. Om du har internationella kontakter, ordna alternativ före och efter vistelsen och verifiera visum- eller ingångskrav i god tid. Genom att hantera dessa detaljer nu kommer du att njuta av en sömlös upplevelse med en professionell besättning, en varierad resplan och gott om tid att bestämma dig för ditt nästa steg medan du cruisar längs den karibiska kusten.