Unforgettable Florida – Our Managing Director’s Account

Capucine, Managing Director at Boatbookings.com has just returned from an unforgettable trip to Fort Lauderdale. Apart from welcoming our wonderful new US Charter Director Allison Cecilio, she also re-discovered what makes the Floridian coastline the enchanting holiday and charter destination it is. This blog is her account of three key moments that made her fall back in love with Florida!

1. Alligator spotting tour in the Everglades.

A little bit of drama here as we were skimming in an airboat over the sawgrass swampland, having seen a number of alligators, and our airboat broke down! Now I’m not shy when it comes to an adventure but having been told these six foot alligators could jump three times their length a slight nervousness came about…

Luckily the rescue boat arrived quickly and we all made it back to base! I couldn’t help but think this wouldn’t have happened on a luxury yacht charter, but an incredible experience. With around 1.5 million crocodiles in Florida it’s a must-do trip!

2. Visiting Port Everglades

One of the largest cruise ship ports in the world, I counted no less than 8 large cruise ships in the port, each one taller than every building around. Quite a spectacular sight! I couldn’t help but think that a cruise is the perfect opportunity to arrive in port and enjoy a private and thoroughly relaxing day out on the sea. Whether you head down to Miami or just enjoy the sights and sounds of Florida a day boat rental allows you to do all this and escape the crowds.

3. The variety on offer!

Whilst sat in my hotel, I look outside my window to see quite an awe-inspiring sight. It was motor yacht TATS, one of my favourites by Alloy Yachts launched in 2009. Although I was impressed by the yacht, what was most impressive was its proximity to the coast! Fort Lauderdale is America’s own Venice with over 165 miles of navigable intracoastal waterway, meaning you can spend days enjoying the wonderful climate and friendly atmosphere with the option of heading out and enjoying the privacy of the ocean as and when you feel like it! A truly unforgettable vacation experience on offer here.

Another personal highlight was visiting the newly re-fitted VICTORIA DEL MAR II. A stunning yacht with elegant beach house styling and ample space for al fresco dining for 12 on the expansive sun-deck. The great news is she’s available for charter in Florida and the Bahamas at the moment, and will be heading to the glorious French Riviera for the summer. An option I cannot recommend highly enough!

For more information on chartering in Fort Lauderdale and on the Florida coastline, contact our expert broker team today.

Posted on March 6, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

Plans for Spring Break? We’ve got some for you!

Spring Break is fast approaching and whether you’re heading near or far it’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the improving weather and get out for a day on the water! From Fort Lauderdale to Cancún and Ibiza to Mykonos we have expert brokers worldwide who can help organise a celebratory day out or a relaxing charter holiday to unwind after the madness of the winter term. Our favourites are in the Caribbean and Cancún this week, but watch out as we’ll be tempting you with beautiful destinations and even better boats in the run up to this famous holiday!

The Princess 74 is a beautifully elegant motor yacht based in Cancún. She can embark up to 15 guests for day charters and is available daily at a rate which includes fuel, drinks, towels and snorkelling of $7,200. Unrivalled in terms of looks and the charter package, the Princess 74 is perfect for getting friends together for a day out on the water exploring Mexico’s gorgeous Islas!

For a truly invigorating Spring Break experience, head down to St Marteen for a charter onboard SEAQUELL. A stunning 32 metre sailing yacht, she accommodates up to 6 guests in complete luxury and comfort. Outside, her beautiful decks even house a jacuzzi to unwind with a sundowner cocktail as you enjoy the Caribbean climate. A $5,000 rate reduction over Spring Break means she’s perfect for you last minute getaways at $35,000 per week.

For more information on day charters in Cancún or luxury sailing vacations in the Caribbean, contact our friendly expert broker team today.

Posted on February 27, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

The Best of Both Worlds – Part 1

If you don’t like compromise and you’re looking for a land holiday, mixed with a few days enjoying the water we have the perfect selection here for you. Inspired by our stunning favourite on the idyllic Île de Maurice, DodoLodge is a stunning seafront villa offering unparalleled landscapes on the verge of crystal clear waters of Mauritius. With the villa comes the option to enjoy days out as and when you please on the “DodoBoat,” with or without a skipper! The DodoBoat is available for excursions to neighbouring islands or just activities on the water such as fishing or water skiing.

The DodoLodge gives you an idea of how great a holiday can be, without compromising on your ability to explore or just to get out on the water! We love this idea, and our team in the south of France have selected some of their favourite boats for the upcoming season to get the best of both worlds whether you’re taking a vacation in a hotel or a villa on the Riviera.

MINX is a stunning Azimut 68S offering the “open revolution.” She offers the open air feel of a flybridge yacht but with the sporty feel of her open styling creating the perfect flow of bringing the outside in. Her berth in Cap d’Ail means she’s perfect for day charters anywhere from Monaco to Nice!

LA BELLINI is an eye-catching new Sunseeker Predator 64 based in Golfe Juan. She’s perfect for day charters beginning anywhere from Antibes to Cannes. Her gorgeous classic Sunseeker styling means she’s great to heading down to St Tropez or Pampelonne Beach where she’ll look right at home among the luxury yachts at anchor around the famous beach clubs such as Club 55 or Nikki Beach.

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds in the south of France or anywhere in the world this summer, contact the Boatbookings team today to get started planning the vacation of your dreams!

Posted on February 22, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

The Most Beautifully Executed Interior Design Ever – SEALYON

When you think of a super yacht interior, you think of uncompromising luxury and tailored design. It all begins with a wish list – outside space, jacuzzi, swimming pool, entertainment systems, tenders and toys. Whilst some compromise, SEALYON has been executed meticulously and beautifully to create breathtaking interior and exterior space throughout.

Outside, the amount of space on her sun decks is unparalleled. A rotating sunbed, mist machine, ample seating and a large dining area would be enough you might think but heading forward and up another level you have more space to relax and unwind under the sun. This includes sumptuous sun-beds and an over-sized jacuzzi accommodating all 12 guests if you so desire.

The top deck is without doubt the highlight of this stunning super yacht, but heading down the other two sprawling decks provide shady protection from the sun. Heading inside, you’re greeted by award winning design which incorporates 1930s glamour and contemporary chic. This creates glistening surfaces that make the already vast spaces seem even bigger, however social spaces are still made to feel cosy due to beautiful dark geometric furniture.

Moving round the boat the shimmering mirrored surfaces continue, leading to your fully-equipped rosewood office, private gym and large media space with its 103 inch plasma screen. The 6 beautifully assigned staterooms all have a bang-on trend theme of warm dark chic, offering sumptuously inviting contemporary king beds. Their marble covered ensuite bathrooms spoil guests with space and relaxing beauty. All this magnificently designed by hailed interior designers Candy & Candy.

SEALYON is currently available for charter in the Bahamas, heading back to the Caribbean in March and the ever-popular French Riviera for summer. Her crew of 16, along with her stunning design guarantee an unforgettable experience for even the most discerning charterer.

Posted on January 20, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓

PIMEX 2014 – Boatbookings broker is currently attending the greatest Phuket International Boat Show yet!

Our specialist broker in Thailand is currently attending the legendary Phuket International Boat Show! Hosted in January every year, this esteemed boat show features some of the most luxurious, high-end yachts on the charter market and is a key national event for the industry, bringing in over 8 billion THB revenue for the exotic location of Thailand!

PIMEX 2014 is set to be the most impressive show yet!

The 2014 show is unprecedented in number of boats and their size! Asia’s largest yachting show will feature more boats than ever in the 70 to 95-foot range, as well as two superyachts over 100-foot!

The amazing Azimut 105 is the largest yacht to be presented at PIMEX 2014!

We at Boatbookings are eager to hear our broker’s feedback from the show – we’re sure it is going to be more impressive than ever!

Watch this space for a full update next week including favorite yachts, new releases and perhaps even some itineraries!

Posted on January 10, 2014 by admin — No Comments ↓