How to Have a More Eco-Conscious Christmas Charter Vacation

The holiday season is upon us, and Christmas is not far away! What better way to enjoy the festivities than aboard a Caribbean yacht charter? 

But while the festivities and celebrations get underway, sometimes sustainability can take a beak seat, where the potential for excess waste is high, and overconsumption is rife, but there are small changes that can add up to bigger impacts. 

If you have decided to charter one of our crewed charter catamarans or bareboat charter catamarans this year to celebrate Christmas in the Caribbean, we have highlighted some things you can do to tread a little lighter. 

Choose a Greener Yacht 

The type of boat you select is pivotal in your overall impact. At Boatbookings, we have a range of greener crewed charter catamarans you can choose from to help reduce your environmental impact. Choose more eco-conscious brands, such as Silent Yachts and Sunreef Eco Yachts, who have implemented hybrid propulsion and renewable energy into their catamaran offerings. 

Buy Better Gifts 

Gift-giving is synonymous with Christmas, but there are ways you can make it better for our planet and oceans. Firstly, if you want to buy physical gifts, research what you are buying; buy second-hand, ethical, local, and sustainable products. You could also introduce a Secret Santa into your yacht vacation, meaning you only buy for one family member or friend. Another idea, and perfect for those on a yacht vacation, is to purchase non-physical gifts and arrange a day out or activity for your loved ones. Think horse riding in the BVI’s, scuba diving in the Bahamas, or fishing in the USVI’s.  

Or, Give Your Time

When it comes to Christmas, sometimes the sentiment of giving and receiving can get lost in overconsumption. Instead of buying and consuming any gifts, give the gift of your time. There are various initiatives within communities around the festive period to help those in need. Why not spend an afternoon of your vacation volunteering ashore? Contact us to find out about the local community volunteering projects happening in the area you are chartering in. 

Offset Your Carbon 

At Boatbookings, we advocate for carbon offsetting, and our handy carbon emissions calculator can help you offset your carbon on whatever yacht you choose for your Christmas vacation. This proactive and responsible response can encompass multiple benefits to steer the boating industry toward a better future. We ensure carbon credits are purchased through Climate Care, which funds UN-approved products reducing carbon emissions worldwide. 

Eco-conscious playtime 

All yacht charters are just as much about the toys as they are about the destination. But, there are toys you can choose to play with that do not leave as much impact on our oceans and are still as fun. Our fleet at Baotbookings has an array of more eco-conscious water sports to choose from. Spend a Christmas morning kayaking in Antigua, snorkeling the Bahamas’ reefs, or kitesurfing in the BVI’s. There are plenty of watersports options that do not leave a significant impact on the oceans in comparison to the fuel-guzzling, sound-pulsing engine-powered toys. 

Natural Decor

If you want to decorate the bareboat charter catamaran you charter this Christmas, be sure to opt for decorations that are kinder to the planet. Consider reusable ornaments made from natural materials. If you are in the Caribbean, there will be plenty of pretty shells and driftwood to choose from versus plastic decorations. 

Eat Locally

Eating locally and seasonally not only tastes better but also reduces your overall impact on food miles. The Caribbean offers plenty of opportunities to savor the region’s rich flavors. From sustainably caught seafood to ripe tropical fruits and Caribbean spices, there are many culinary choices to enjoy this Christmas. 

More memories, less impact 

By making more conscious decisions this Christmas, you can ensure you have less impact aboard your greener crewed or bareboat charter catamaran. Contact the Boatbookings team to finalize your Christmas charter in the Caribbean today!

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Charter Guest 101: How to be a More Eco-Conscious Guest

Being a charter guest onboard a luxury charter catamaran is an incredible experience, being able to cruise the world’s oceans while being looked after by a professional crew with all the amenities. But, today, charter guests must consider the impact that boating is having on the environment. 

This environmental impact of yachts can no longer be ignored, and at Boatbookings, we advocate for a more sustainable boating industry, choosing to work with yachts that implement sustainable initiatives into the build process and operations. 

Aside from choosing from one of our greener crewed charter catamarans, there are plenty of other ways to ensure you are a better, more eco-conscious and responsible charter guest. 

Here are some tips on how to enjoy your yacht charter while minimizing your impact: 

Better Preferences

Crews ensure they always go above and beyond when running a yacht charter, and this extends to ensuring guests have what they ask for onboard a crewed charter catamaran. When filling out a preference sheet, there are a few things to consider to have a greener charter. Minimize plastic waste by drinking from refillable bottles, and utilizing the onboard water filtration system instead of requesting branded water bottles. Toiletries are another factor to consider; you can request that there be reef-friendly and environmentally safe toiletries onboard.

When it comes to food, the chefs are heavily involved in preferences. If guests request something, they will be sure to fly it in, which contributes significantly to the yacht’s carbon footprint. Be sure to request locally sourced and seasonal menus when onboard. Not only does this reduce the carbon footprint, but it also allows you to savor the freshest produce and local specialities. 

Respect the Underwater World 

Getting underwater is a big part of a yacht charter, especially in tropical locations where the underwater world is pristine, such as Tahiti, the BVIs, and the Bahamas! To preserve these ecosystems, minimize your disruption when partaking in any watersport. Avoid feeding or touching marine life, and keep a safe distance when swimming.

Reduce Consumption 

While crewed catamarans have an array of luxury amenities and facilities, this doesn’t mean that there needs to be excessive use of them. Guests can easily conserve energy and resources by switching things off when not in use. This reduction in consumption can also help reduce the yacht’s carbon footprint. You should also always embrace vacation mode and cruise at a leisurely pace; not only does this allow you to take in the destination better, but a slower cruising speed further reduces emissions. 

Support Local 

Practicing responsible sailing doesn’t just stop on the ocean. When you step ashore, it is important to support the local economy. If you go on excursions ashore, consult the crew to ensure you participate in ones that benefit the community. There are always plenty of organizations and initiatives you can get involved with ashore that are helping minimize environmental impact, such as beach clean-ups. 

Listen to Your Crew 

The yacht crew onboard our charter catamaran ensure that the boats are run extremely safely to adhere to all rules and regulations, including the environmental aspect. The crew will ensure you recognize the environmental impact that the yacht and operations will have and the correct waste disposal practices you can do while onboard. 

Spread Awareness

Never hesitate to ask the crew about any small changes you can make to minimize your impact onboard. You can inspire positive change throughout the charter community by spreading awareness about eco-friendly swaps. 

Every small change contributes to a greener future for boating. It is a collaborative effort, and as guests, you can play a vital role in preserving and protecting our oceans. Contact the Boatbookings team today to find out which greener crewed charter catamaran you can book for your next vacation!

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Greener Catamarans: A Spotlight on Fountaine Pajot

Fountaine Pajot, one of the world’s largest yacht manufacturers, has taken significant strides toward creating greener and more sustainable catamarans. The French shipyard is renowned for its commitment to building great catamarans of the highest quality while prioritizing sustainability.

Aside from their green credentials, the catamarans are spacious, comfortable, and perfect for island hopping in areas such as French Polynesia, the Caribbean islands, and various Mediterranean destinations. 

A Sustainable Vision 

Last year the shipyard launched its vision to lead the environmental transition through its Odyssea 2024 business plan, where the company is planning to deliver net carbon-neutral cruising boats by 2030. For 2023, the mission of this Odyssea plan is to facilitate more research on fuel cells, which will see the implementation of hydrogen-powered motors on the catamarans. 

To achieve these ambitious goals, Fountaine Pajot is leveraging collaborative platforms like ODSea Lab. This platform is helping accelerate technological solutions to transform the choice of materials and implement innovative solutions regarding energy, propulsion, and operations onboard.

Lifecycle Analysis

The End of Life factor is a huge issue to consider for the boating industry and it is one aspect that Fountaine Pajot is particularly focussing on within its catamarans. They are investigating processes to limit the impact on the environment within the boat-building life cycle that include recycling, repurposing, and reusing many of the parts of their cats. 

Greener Propulsion 

To reduce the boating industry’s carbon footprint, the shipyard works with various stakeholders to implement greener parts and equipment that help reduce overall emissions. They do this through two main methods. The first by reducing the amount of transport in its supply chain, and the other by using recycled and bio-sourced materials that can be recycled. 

The Aura 51 

One particular model harnessing a more eco-conscious approach is the Aura 51, equipped with an electric propulsion system and intelligent onboard energy management system. This is the first model to offer Fountaine Pajot’s smart electric option. The technology utilized within the Aura catamaran results from the work supported by the ODSea Lab innovation platform. As well as being voluminous, the coachroof design also integrates solar panels.

Charter Today!

Want to charter a Fountaine Pajot yacht today? You can combine a unique, luxurious and silent cruising experience while reducing your carbon footprint, joining the green revolution. Contact the Boatbookings team to find out more about a greener crewed charter with Fountaine Pajot. 

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How to Have a More Sustainable Caribbean Yacht Charter

We are approaching one of our favorite times of the year – the Caribbean boating season! At Boatbookings, we love cruising the Caribbean, from the azure waters and abundant marine life to pristine beaches. But, like the rest of our planet, the islands are under threat.

The Caribbean is a fragile ecosystem suffering under the various challenges climate change brings. The Caribbean faces many threats, from rising sea levels and increasingly severe weather to ocean acidification. There are so many things we can do to leave less of an impact on our crewed charter catamarans.

Here are some ways you can help minimize your impact this Caribbean season:

Choose a Greener Yacht

The first step is to choose a more eco-friendly yacht from our greener crewed charter catamaran selection. At Boatbookings, we showcase more sustainable boats and look at incorporating catamaran builds, such as Sunreef and Silent Yachts, that champion sustainability. Crewed catamarans are better for our oceans and boast more advantages, such as better efficiency, shallow draft, expansive living areas, and comfortable cruising. The recently launched Sol is perfect for a greener Caribbean charter in the BVIs. This Sunreef 80 power eco has all the luxury facilities and amenities while having sustainability at the core, including vegan interiors and the solar and battery tech found within this Eco-Catamaran range.

An Eco-Conscious Itinerary 

There are a few factors that can help minimize your impact by choosing a more eco-conscious itinerary for a Caribbean charter. Overcrowding can have a negative impact on an ecosystem, so cruising destinations and anchorages that are less crowded will help. Opting for quieter spots also makes for a better experience. There are plenty of natural reserves and marine parks in the Caribbean, especially within the Bahamas, such as Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park. Visiting these on your charter means you will help support the conservation efforts by abiding by the strict conservation regulations to protect the area.

Better Onboard Practices 

While the crew onboard will already implement sustainable practices, it is important that you are aware of these. The main culprit in the Caribbean is the use of single-use plastic, but most boats now have water filtration systems onboard so that you can reduce any plastic water bottles needed. While in the Caribbean, you will undoubtedly be in the water a lot, so it is important to wear reef-friendly suncream to protect from the toxicity of regular suncream when exploring reefs and marine life. Another way to ensure a greener charter is through the menus you enjoy; ask your chef to create menus that are prioritized with local and seasonal ingredients in mind, helping reduce the carbon footprint of your charter. Always look for opportunities within the Caribbean to incorporate responsibly sourced seafood and avoid overfished species, such as parrotfish that have been overfished in the Caribbean for decades. 

Support Conservation Efforts 

As well as choosing to visit marine parks and natural reserves while following the regulations as charter guests, you can also support by donating to local conservation organizations or participating in beach cleanups. By aligning your charter experience with minimizing your impact, you are contributing to the long-term health of our oceans. Before your charter, you can also use our carbon offsetting calculator.

Charter the Caribbean Today! 

These are just some steps you can take to ensure the Caribbean’s natural beauty lasts for generations to come. Contact the Boatbookings team to book a greener crewed charter catamaran to enjoy the Caribbean this coming season. 

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New Influences: The Role of the Younger Generation for Greener Boating

The younger generation is an undeniably powerful force. They are shaping the future of various industries, and the boating industry is no exception. At Boatbookings, we are witnessing a profound and positive shift as younger individuals champion a future for green chartering.

The Millennial and GenZ charter client

In recent years, the profile of a charter client has transformed. Notably, we have seen a substantial increase in younger clients chartering our crewed charter catamarans and bareboat charter catamarans. 

Many Millennials and Gen Z are adopting the ‘try before you buy’ approach. There has been an increasing number exploring charter or fractional ownership before committing to a purchase. 

This flexible approach and changing demographic has also highlighted changing priorities. The younger generation is consuming differently, paying more attention to their impact and sustainability credentials when it comes to boating. 

Here are some of the ways the younger generation are driving the green agenda forward: 

Shifting Mindsets 

The generations growing up in today’s world are more eco-conscious than ever. Having grown up developing a greener and more conscious mindset about their impact on our environment and oceans, they are making different, better choices. One simple reason is that they face a world where environmental pressures are mounting, and changes must be made before it is too late.

Responsibility to Protect

Younger clients are increasingly valuing the contributions they can give back. We have seen a considerable increase in philanthropy, whether giving back to the communities that the yachts cruise in, investing in new, greener technology, or donating to marine conservation foundations. 

Onboard Technology 

Younger generations tend to have a greater interest in the onboard technology, although the extent of this depends on their background; these more technically minded owners are enjoying being at the forefront of change. This interest in technology drives the greener agenda with new, more efficient solutions for electric propulsion and onboard energy-usage.

A Greater Connection 

Previous generations have been focused on the need for speed, whereas the new generation is demanding a greater connection with the oceans. Therefore, they value these new technologies behind electrical and hybrid propulsion for a quieter (and emission-free) cruising experience. Being connected with nature at a younger age also enables a deeper appreciation for it. Therefore, protecting this environment is higher on their agenda, and they want to conserve it for future generations. 

Raising Awareness

The younger generation is also actively educating fellow boaters and the public about the environmental impact and ways this can be minimized. Their advocacy and responsible choices are consequently driving a surge in demand for greener practices and yachts across the charter market. 

The younger generation has been and continues to be instrumental in driving positive change within the boating industry. Not only are they helping raise awareness, but their responsible choices drive further demand for greener practices throughout the boating industry. 

Contact one of the Boatbookings team today to learn more about the greener crewed charter catamarans you can charter this coming Caribbean season. 

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