Curious about the world of yacht charters?
Dan Lockyer, chief commercial officer for Dream Yacht Worldwide — a travel advisor-friendly yacht charter company — shares what travel agents and their clients can expect when booking a Dream Yacht charter, and how yachting experiences compare to traditional forms of cruising.
What should advisors who typically sell mainstream ocean and river cruises know about yacht cruising? How does the client experience differ, or how is it similar?
A big advantage with yacht charters is the size of the boats and number of people onboard, which allows for a more personal and authentic experience in many ways. Our yachts can visit the smaller, less-crowded harbors that traditional cruise ships can’t access. It’s not uncommon to anchor in a pristine lagoon, where guests can board a dinghy to visit stunning beaches or even swim ashore. Smaller ports and fewer crowds can often mean more interaction with locals and a more meaningful, authentic experience.
Onboard, guests can expect more basic, but still quite comfortable, amenities with a greater sense of freedom, adventure and connection with nature. The smaller number of passengers (eight to 12) also makes connecting with fellow travelers easier, with plenty of quiet time for relaxation while under sail or during evenings while anchored.
Smaller ports and fewer crowds can often mean more interaction with locals and a more meaningful, authentic experience.
Our yachts are also designed to accommodate easy access to the water, making watersports such as paddling, snorkeling or just swimming more convenient and a much bigger part of the overall experience.
Our "Cabin Cruise” product offers a private cabin with an ensuite bath onboard a large catamaran, where guests can enjoy island-hopping with new friends. It’s a “package” option that’s easy to plan and book, with curated itineraries and all meals included.
Private yacht options for those with no sailing experience include “Easy Crewed” charters with a skipper and an optional cook, and premium, fully crewed charters with a captain and a chef, plus all meals included.
Why should a cruise specialist consider adding yacht charters to their portfolio of products? And who would you say is the ideal customer for a yacht cruise charter?
[A yacht charter is] a unique way to discover some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Being onboard a yacht gives clients a sense of adventure and even privilege — it’s one of the “best-kept secrets” in travel, with fewer crowds and affordable options including Cabin Cruises (averaging around $1,500 per week).
Yacht charter vacations are best-suited to those who love nature, watersports and being near the sea, as well as those who enjoy a bit more adventure.
How does the business side work for travel advisors? And what percentage of your bookings come from agents?
We have a healthy 50-50 split between our direct and reseller distribution, so about half of our bookings come in from agents and brokers. We are not affiliated with any consortia. We offer competitive commissions based on volume and level of promotion.
What can you tell us about the 77 catamarans that are being added to the global yacht fleet? Are any of these newbuilds?
All of the recent additions are newly manufactured catamarans that were added to renew the fleet, providing more yachts for charter and more options in key destinations to meet the growing demand.
Where does Dream Yacht Worldwide operate? How does it work to develop specific itineraries?
Dream Yacht Worldwide charters in 40-plus locations around the globe, including the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico, Thailand, the Maldives, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the South Pacific and Seychelles (where the company was founded), among others.
The recommended itineraries are the same, whether it’s travel advisors or consumers booking directly. Our sales team can help create tailor-made itineraries for crewed charters, always depending on the weather and sailing distances. Durations are usually flexible (three nights or more), except for high season in the Mediterranean or around the holiday season, when we sometimes require a seven-night minimum. Most guests choose to charter for seven nights or more to have sufficient time to explore the local area.
Our Cabin Cruises have fixed itineraries specially designed to highlight the best beaches, snorkeling spots, beach bars and other attractions in the region. These range from seven to 10 nights, depending on the destination.
