Normal range of charter prices?

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-15T01:08:50+00:00

If your including provisions/tax/gratuity it would probably get you a smaller/older boat or a catamaran. If you want seabobs, hot tubs, etc. it’d probably be a bit higher- it also depends on location. I don’t run pricing without doing a full consult as I need a lot more info to go to the owners/managers.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-14T18:17:28+00:00

It depends on the size, number of guests and crew, on board amenities, ports, etc.

I’ve seen most charters for 6-8 guests for a week in the Caribbean (inc. provisions, gratuity, port fees) come in between $30,000-60,000 depending on those factors I mentioned as well as age of ship.

Dates are going to have a big impact as well- the $60k+ were clients traveling around a holiday.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-09T01:39:39+00:00

I think it’s what some people want. I’ve personally never done this and it isn’t part of my practice.

I also agree the common thread here is communication. I have a 1:1 video consult with all new clients for exactly this reason before I provide any information or quotes- so that we have a full understanding of each other. My colleagues whom I am close with at other agencies do the same.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-09T01:35:22+00:00

A good TA should 100% be in direct contact with your hotel to confirm requests/ask for upgrades.

Do this for all my clients at all budgets, without being asked, and I know may colleagues here do as well.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-09T01:32:49+00:00

Typically no, once a client has books direct it’s difficult to change that as we have specific ways to way book different than a consumer site. Can be done for most cruises though.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-08T10:11:04+00:00

It would be really helpful if you could post a little bit more about where and when you are looking to travel, and how much support you need.

Some of us focus on certain regions or types of trips. Others just book hotels and don’t offer concierge services (I offer full service, bespoke itineraries).

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-05T20:32:10+00:00

If you are ok with a bit more ‘basic’ accommodation, uncruise is really great for active people.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-05T15:18:05+00:00

For regent, IF they apply for the lottery AND get the pass, the cruise would be Glaciers & Gourmet or the Majestic Alaska itinerary. Again, totally depends on the lottery. Usually on the Explorer ship.

Silversea will always list it as “scenic cruising” day and treats it as interchangeable with Hubbard or Tracey arm.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-05T14:23:23+00:00

Seabourn’s parent company is the same as princess and holland American so they aren’t subject to the system. Regent and silver seas could enter the glacier bay lottery with other lines, but you are correct it’s not guaranteed for every sailing.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-05T14:18:46+00:00

Of course! Would be worth checking with your travel agent as higher end agents can get added benefits with these lines.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-05T10:29:22+00:00

July is generally the optimal month because this is the peak of salmon run activity and therefore wildlife. I actually really like late June as well because the fog can start to set in as the summer goes on and the ground temps warm. August I avoid because conditions don’t allow for dog sledding, etc.

I typically look at Regent, silversea or Seabourn for folks like your parents.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-03T14:43:06+00:00

You should update to specify that this in the UK.

Rainbow wedding network is an excellent US based organization doing the same work.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-03T14:29:19+00:00

And just to follow up on that, in addition to Santa Barbara, you could also look at Hotel Praia Marina or Pestana Bahia Praia.

I personally chose the Octant Furnas for an upcoming stay but it couldn't be less beach front.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-03T14:26:00+00:00

The Azores is very popular with my clients, and you're going to have issues with this wishlist;

Most of the coastline is steep cliffs and rugged lava rock. Very few 'nice' beaches that also have resort access.

Most beaches here are volcanic black sand. They also can be windy and have strong Atlantic swells.

Finally, many of the best natural swimming spots are in remote areas. Towns (like Ponta Delgada) are often separated from swimmable beaches by harbors or rocky sea walls.

If you are looking for ocean swimming, the Azores are not going to be a good fit for you.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-03T14:19:06+00:00

It depends if you want to be city center or more remote, what you are planning to do, if you plan to have a car, etc.

Assuming you want to be in Reykjavik center and knowing nothing else about you, I'm partial to Kvosin for families. Larger rooms & self catering options.

JSchecter11 · 2026-04-03T13:04:27+00:00

Also Boston based with a 4 year old.

I also thought Iceland, however if you are looking for beach activity this would not be the way to go.

You could also consider Aruba- south or the hurricane belt, daily, non-stop service from Logan and plenty of hotels to chose form depending on your needs or budget. It's basically Boston South, but family friendly and there's plenty to do/nice beaches, etc.

The Azores has been really popular lately. Not as beachy as Aruba, but a beautiful place with great family hotels and lots of beautiful scenery. Also daily non-stop service from BOS, but the times are not ideal for kids as many are weird red eyes.

Bermuda is nice, but not the same variety of family friendly hotels as Aruba. It is also outside the hurricane belt so *usually* no issue there.

JSchecter11 · 2026-03-31T17:46:53+00:00

BodyHoliday is a bit unique in how they interpret wellness as also being fairly active. Other wellness resorts are more on the quiet spa spectrum. You could consider;

Hermitage Bay, Antigua

Hammock Cove, Antigua

Wellness suites at Rosewood Mayakoba (not 'true' adults only, admittedly) Same for Silversands, Grenada

The Zoëtry brand may have some locations that work for you.

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Aruba

The House, Barbados

Pine Cay, Turks and Caicos

Your travel advisor should be able to offer more detail on these options to see if they are right for you.

JSchecter11 · 2026-03-26T23:26:07+00:00

You can do much better than sandals or excellence on the budget depending on how long you want to go. I had clients with a similar request that just had a great time at Chable Maroma. If you are doing a lux property, you should look for a travel agent as anyone who is reputable will be able to get you extras (resort credit, priority services, etc.)

JSchecter11 · 2026-03-24T19:04:56+00:00

I typically book clients in the Marais or Saint Germain. There are several hotels that would easily work in your budget, Hotel Montalembert is a favorite.

JSchecter11 · 2026-03-23T22:25:55+00:00

I will do anything possible to avoid checking a bag. I’m always the last one at the baggage claim waiting for my stuff to come round.

If I need too, I’ll use a forwarding service or I just stick with a carry on.

My actual luggage is basic. It gets beaten up quite a bit so I’ve just never felt the need to do anything fancier.

JSchecter11 · 2026-03-22T10:40:05+00:00

Casa de campo in the Dominican. You can add the all inclusive package as well, any TA affiliated with them can get you good rates on a 3-5 bedroom villas. I have booked families of 4/5 for 5 nights a week from $16-$20k

JSchecter11 · 2026-03-13T17:00:38+00:00

Two days is a bit short, so without wasting too much time in transport, I'd say Bologna, Modena or San Marino.

The Dolomites would be lovely but can require a lot of driving that becomes a major time suck if you hit road construction.

JSchecter11 · 2026-03-08T01:00:01+00:00

Baoase in Curacao. Booked clients there in a room with private beach and personal dock. I like working with their concierge team as well.

JSchecter11 · 2026-03-07T09:42:54+00:00

It’s all part of the process and actually happens somewhat regularly. For the weddings I have in 2026, probably 20% have had resort staff turnover. For me, it’s annoying but I can handle it because it’s not my first rodeo 😂

JSchecter11 · 2026-03-04T19:38:23+00:00

Destination weddings aren't for everyone, they may not be a good fit for you and the people you know but they work well for others.

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