Variety Voyager - Luxury Crewed Motor Yacht Charter

Choose a 5–7 day mediterranean circuit that stitches the France Riviera with the Adriatic coast, delivering beautiful scenery, refined accommodation, and seamless yachting comfort.

Onboard, the crew maintains traditional service, with tables set for alfresco dining, refined accommodation, and a swimming platform for morning dips, plus a configurable layout that suits both relaxation and business needs such as conference or seminars. Captain Vickers leads a skilled deck team to ensure punctual departures and spotless safety checks.

July departures bring long days and ideal sailing conditions; chart stops in ports such as Cannes, Nice, and Monaco on the French Riviera, plus Dubrovnik and Split on the Adriatic, inviting guests to snorkel, swim, and explore coastal towns, with shore excursions and wine tastings. The yacht offers flexible accommodation layouts to suit families, couples, or corporate groups, with a dedicated crew ready to tailor itineraries.

8 Callisto, 164 ft

Recommendation: Book 8 Callisto as a private crewed charter to maximize privacy and service for up to 12 guests. The 164 ft ship blends expansive top-deck spaces with intimate interiors, and a talented crew of 12–14 ensures grace in every transfer between dining, diving, and lounging.

• capacity: 12 guests in 6 staterooms (master on the main deck; 5 guest cabins on the lower deck – 2 doubles, 3 twins)
• length and model: 164 ft (50 m); same hull profile as the model used for luxury charters
• crew: 12–14 professionals including captain, chief steward, chef, and deck crew
• top-deck: expansive outdoor lounge, al fresco dining, sun pads, and a private Jacuzzi – these spaces invite daylong relaxation
• private spaces: master suite with full bath and wardrobe; en suite guest cabins with generous light
• range and speed: cruising speed ~13 knots; max ~16 knots; range up to ~4,000 nm
• amenities: private cinema, spa-style gym, massage area, water toys, dive/snorkel gear
• design and heritage: poulias interior design; italy-inspired finishes; nods to traditions, with touches reminiscent of louis, marilyn, and kennedy; a sense of victory in color and art
• itineraries: Mediterranean routes including Amalfi, Capri, Sardinia, Corsica; Caribbean options with curated day-by-day plans
• service and cuisine: private chef crafts seasonal menus; disciplined yet discreet staff ensure space for conversation or celebrations

In one word, 8 Callisto delivers grace, privacy, and flexibility in every moment. The ship makes guests feel at home while the crew takes care of every detail, turning a charter into a memorable private escape.

Crew and Service: Roles, qualifications, and tipping guidelines

Tip at the end of your charter with a clear plan: allocate 15–20% of the base charter fee as gratuities, then distribute to departments based on effort and guest satisfaction. Prepare cash envelopes for the lead crew and present them after the final debrief, labeling each envelope by deck or department so they can be shared fairly.

The crew divides into three core groups: the deck team who ensure safety, navigation, and wind handling; the interior team who curate guest comfort and catering; and the galley staff who craft meals and beverages. The captain leads all operations, supported by a mate, an engineer, and a dive or water-sports specialist as needed. The stewardesses or stewards manage guest contact, housekeeping, and provisioning, while the chef and sous-chefs design meals around dietary needs, with the pastry and beverage team completing the service. Each position works in harmony to live up to a timeless standard of discreet, anticipatory service that makes them feel like you’ve rented a private hotel at sea.

Qualifications cover safety, skill, and professionalism. The captain and mate hold recognized navigation and safety licenses; engineers maintain propulsion and systems, with drills for fire, flood, and medical incidents. The interior team includes staff trained in hospitality and guest care, often coordinated with an interior architect or foreperson to maintain a cohesive look and function. All crewmembers complete STCW-compliant safety training and first aid, plus specialty certifications for guests’ activities such as snorkeling or diving. Ongoing on-board training keeps hair and grooming standards, uniform presentation, and personal conduct aligned with the yacht’s luxury ethos.

Interior and design elements influence service flow. An interior crew respects a fresco-inspired ambience and a calm, private atmosphere, balancing efficiency with discretion. A dedicated subject of care runs through every interaction: anticipate guest needs without intruding, from refreshing towels after sunbathing to ensuring beds are turned down and ready for a late-night snack. The on-board team may collaborate with an architect to refresh layouts, ensuring the Donji deck and the main deck offer comfortable movement and perfect sightlines for the guest experience.

Service details matter equally with operation. The deck crew manages wind conditions during transfers and tender use, keeps walkways clear for sunbathing, and coordinates snorkel outings with safety checks and properly fitting gear. The crew’s passion shows in small touches–refilling drinks, arranging a quiet dining corner, or adjusting lighting so interiors feel timeless yet modern. Guests should feel free to request a tailored experience, whether it’s a private, candlelit dinner or a spontaneous beach excursion, and the team should respond with precise timing and graceful hospitality.

Tip distribution and etiquette: offer the captain and senior crew a separate gratuity if you want to acknowledge leadership, while the rest can be shared among service and deck teams. In currencies familiar to your itinerary, specify the amount in the credits you’ve planned, and consider a separate gift or note for the chef when the meals exceed expectations. Fees and gratuities fall as a single luxury package, so plan your budget within the overall charter cost. If you have limited time or a double-occupancy booking, adjust the tip proportionally to group size and service quality, recognizing that smaller groups receive a more hands-on approach and longer interactions with the interiorスタッフ and their guests. The crew should always know when to pause for a guest’s question or a quick demo, for example a snorkel lesson or a tour of the fresco-adorned decor, with the guest feeling seen and valued as a true part of the voyage.

Operational notes you may find useful: track fuel usage with litreshr metrics during long passages, and share the data with the chief officer so maintenance or refit planning remains transparent. Keep the Donji deck area accessible and welcoming, ensuring the beds in double cabins remain perfectly made and ready for late arrivals. Always subject guest comfort to safety standards, and maintain a calm interior rhythm even during peak activity periods. By aligning crew roles, qualifications, and tipping guidelines with a luxury experience, you create a seamless, memorable journey where every detail–from hair grooming to fresco-inspired decor, from snorkel gear to wind-kissed deck moments–is part of a cohesive, timeless voyage.

Onboard Accommodations: Suite layout, sleeping capacity, privacy, and access

Opt for the full-beam master suite on the main deck to maximize privacy, en-suite convenience, and direct access to the outdoor lounges.

On most crewed yachts, the master suite spans the width of the hull with a king bed, generous wardrobes, and a private sitting area. An en-suite bathroom features dual basins and a separate shower, often with a bath option. A well-planned VIP stateroom sits forward with another large bed and its own en-suite, ensuring guest comfort without crowding the master. For family groups, arrange two doubles or a double plus a twin to accommodate flexible sleeping arrangements. A dedicated corridor keeps foot traffic away from guest retreats, preserving quiet moments after dinner or during a mid-afternoon rest.

Privacy is enhanced by private access stairs or a separate deck entrance for the master and for the VIP cabin, reducing interruptions from crew activity. This layout lets guests slip out for a dawn swim or a sunset drink without crossing paths with the crew who serve meals in the interiors and on the outdoor dining area.

Outdoor access matters: a shaded al fresco lounge adjacent to the master, a swim platform, and a tender garage with space for two tenders. This setup supports lots of outdoor play and easy water activity, whether cruising the dalmatian coast or waters near italy’s Ancona region. Kala-inspired layouts emphasize broad decks and seamless transitions between interiors and exterior spaces, while naval-grade fittings ensure safe, smooth access to the waters and stable tender operations.

Table below summarizes typical configurations and how they serve guest privacy and access:

Itinerary Planning: Custom routes, port calls, and peak seasons

monaco anchors the plan; craft a 7–10 day loop with 4–5 port calls and two optional add-ons in the interior areas, giving the passenger plenty of time to unwind while keeping a final night in a sheltered bay.

Custom routes by region

• Riviera circuit: monaco → Nice → Cannes → Antibes → Cap-Ferrat. Allocate 4–6 hours in each stop, enjoy street-level markets and cafés, and finish with a calm evening in Corsica (Ajaccio or Calvi) before a short hop to the next anchor.
• Adriatic extension (croatia): Split → Hvar → Korčula → Dubrovnik. Sailing legs run 2–4 hours between ports; anchor in small coves for relaxation, and explore frescoed churches and walled towns in the evenings.
• AeGean loop: Santorini → Mykonos → Paros → Naxos. Two to four hours of sailing between islands, with iconic sunsets and fine dining on deck to delight guests.
• Interior-forward mix: combine croatia and aegean calls with an inland detour to Istria or the Peloponnese coast. This adds unique inland experiences while preserving a relaxed yacht cadence.

What to include on a crewed charter

• crewed yacht with captain, chef, and steward; a flat-screen in the main salon and another in the master suite keep passengers connected during downtime.
• delights for all tastes: fresh seafood, regional wines, and onshore tastings in iconic towns; lots of pre-booked shore experiences to suit small groups or a full cabin of guests.
• water toys and tender transfers for quick hops to beaches, plus a relaxed interior lounge for quiet moments between ports.
• structured shore itineraries that balance relaxation and exploration, with flexible days when weather or local events invite a last-minute escape to a cove.

Peak seasons and timing

• Riviera: peak crowds in May, June, and August; best windows are May–early June and September–October to balance weather, seas, and crowd levels.
• Croatia coast: lively from late spring through early autumn; ideal windows are May–June and September when water is warm and harbors feel intimate.
• aegean islands: air and sea temperatures rise in May and stay comfortable through October; mid-season shoulder periods offer fresher air, fewer crowds, and reliable services for crewing teams.

Planning tips for a smooth, elegant cruise

1. Lock a core anchor port before expanding calls; this keeps logistics tight and ensures a smooth handover between crewing teams.
2. Balance iconic stops with looking-for-shelter days in small coves to maximize relaxation and avoid overpacking the schedule.
3. Keep a flexible late-afternoon window for sunset cruising along the riviera or along the aegean coast, when the light turns fresco and the scenery looks stunning.
4. Coordinate with a local concierge to arrange land-based experiences that fit the period’s regional delights, from street markets to winery visits in interior valleys.

Charter Costs and Inclusions: What’s included, billing practices, and budgeting tips

Plan your budget with an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of roughly 20–30% of the base rate and lock in a detailed inclusions list, so food, fresh meals, delicacies, and relaxation are covered. Confirm whether provisioning includes beverages and how fishing gear, if equipped, is handled during port calls near Amalfi, Seget, or other locales. Specify who will be on board–captains and the expert crew–along with moments when chef jean-david can curate menus that match your preferences and travel pace, from light fresco meals to lavish dinners.

What’s included by default typically encompasses the crew, meals, beverages, fresh food, and use of the tender and water toys. The layout of the yacht facilitates families and groups, with cabins configured for several guests; daily housekeeping and on-board wifi keep everyone comfortable. The galley is equipped to present a range of delicacies and delights, from simple fresh meals to more elaborate feasts, while onboard books or curated menus help you plan the days.

Billing usually splits into a base charter rate plus an APA for provisioning and contingencies. Expect port taxes, marina fees, and fuel charges based on consumption. Some yachts quote gratuities separately; others include them as part of the total. Have an itemized estimate that clearly lists meals, beverages, special excursions, and any extra services, so you aren’t surprised by additional fees at the end of the charter.

Budgeting tips: request a fixed inclusions list and a provisioning cap to keep surprises low. Confirm whether the next conference with captain and crew can tailor meals and activities to your itinerary. Check if Seget and Amalfi ports incur extra marina or docking fees, and factor in fuel fluctuations for plan changes. Choose a flexible itinerary that allows you to swap high-cost options for authentic regional experiences like fishing trips or a seafood feast, and plan meals around fresh ingredients to control provisioning costs. For families, ask for a child-friendly layout and options for quiet evenings onboard.

Before departure, schedule a brief conference with the captain, chef, and purser to review conditions, meals, and contingencies. Have a clear board plan for dining and activities, and ensure the crew can accommodate different tastes while preserving traditions of regional hospitality. With advance planning, you’ll enjoy a balanced mix of relaxation, fishing opportunities, and culinary delights along the coast–whether you’re cruising Amalfi, Seget, or other enchanting anchorages.

Yacht Features and Toys: Water toys, spa, gym, tenders, and technology

Choose the water-toy package with two jet skis, a 6.5-meter chase tender, two stand-up paddleboards, and a full snorkeling set. The gear is varnished and ready for immediate use, ensuring quick access at sunrise or sunset. This setup keeps cruising exciting and comfortable; hair dries on deck after a splash, while the crew keeps towels within reach. A limited set of goggles and masks is rotated to maintain hygiene.

A dedicated fishing station with tackle gear completes the lineup for coves and reefs. They work across countries’ waters, letting guests explore coastlines and culture while learning from onboard guides. The sessions fit between swims, and the scenery stays beautiful as the day unfolds.

Spa and gym offer balanced downtime. The spa features a Jacuzzi, a sauna, and a steam room to aid recovery after activity. The gym presents a treadmill, a cross trainer, free weights, and a mat area for core work, all with large windows for light and fresh air. A grooming corner keeps hair tidy between excursions.

Tenders and technology deliver flexibility and reliability. Two tenders with deep-V hulls reach beaches quickly, while stabilizers and satellite connectivity ensure smooth cruising and constant communication. The onboard media server streams films or shows, and a library of books supports downtime. Crew member giselbrecht hosts weekly seminars on navigation and coastal culture.

Accommodation and dining focus on comfort and variety. Rooms and suites cover groups of different sizes, with varnished wood finishes and soft textures that feel warm at sea. The menu includes meat dishes and seafood, with desserts to close meals, plus vegetarian options. Coffee-table books on louis and kennedy era design line the shelves, and regional specialties appear on seasonal menus. The team also tailors service to dietary needs and pacing, being attentive to every guest, and desserts are served with coffee to finish each day.