Luxury travel trends are shifting and the message is clear: Americans overwhelmingly prefer yacht charters to private-jet flights when dreaming of their next escape. Recent survey data (from yacht.com) shows that an astonishing 81% of respondents would choose a yacht charter over a private jet trip if given the option.
Why yachts are winning hearts (and holidays)
Unlike private jets, which are primarily a means of transport, a yacht is both the journey and the destination. Guests increasingly value experiences over status symbols, and a private yacht offers:
- Uninterrupted time with loved ones
- Secluded anchorages far from crowds
- The ability to explore several destinations without repacking
- Personalised service from a professional crew
It’s the difference between “arriving quickly” and “living beautifully.”
What travellers want most from a yacht charter
The survey revealed the top onboard luxuries guests dream about:
- A private chef (31%) — the #1 request
- A fully-crewed yacht (24%), ensuring effortless relaxation
- Unique features, such as underwater lounges (8%), beach clubs, and top-tier water toys
These preferences show that modern charter guests value comfort, cuisine, and curated experiences above all else.
The destinations topping every traveller’s wish list
When asked where they’d take their dream yacht trip, respondents chose:
The Mediterranean: The #1 choice — from the French Riviera’s glamour to Croatia’s island hideaways.
The Caribbean: Perfect winter escape: turquoise anchorages, palm-fringed beaches, and easy island hopping.
Northern Europe: A rising favourite for adventurous travellers seeking dramatic fjords and untouched landscapes.
With a yacht, these regions become effortless to explore, offering something a private jet simply can’t: a continuous, immersive journey.
Cost: the biggest myth about chartering
Although more than 80% of travellers say cost is their main barrier to booking a yacht, many are surprised to learn how accessible a charter can be when a group or family shares the experience.
Survey responses showed:
- Travellers would realistically spend around US$4,180 for a one-week yacht holiday
- They envision their “ideal” one-week luxury yacht experience at around US$12,000
This gap highlights a huge opportunity — many travellers don’t yet realise how much value a private yacht charter delivers compared to premium resorts or luxury land tours.
Why this shift matters for your next holiday
The growing preference for yachts over jets reflects a deeper desire among modern travellers: time, space, privacy, connection, and authentic experiences. A yacht delivers all of this, wrapped in comfort and exclusivity — with the freedom to wake up somewhere new every morning. Whether you’re picturing a serene bay in Greece, a vibrant reef in the Caribbean, or a glamorous harbour on the Amalfi Coast, a yacht charter offers a level of personalisation and pleasure no jet or hotel can match.
Contact our charter brokers for an exclusive, hand-picked selection of charter yachts to match your dream vacation.
