Are you looking for the perfect venue to celebrate? From a six-person river barge to over 100 of your friends, chartering an intimate cruise, sailing yacht, river ship, or barge enables you to customize the itinerary and experience. Make that birthday, anniversary, or special event something you will remember forever. From Southeast Asia to the Galapagos, the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and wine routes Portugal, and France, we’ve highlighted full takeover options that offer exclusive access.
1. Le Ponant
Who: 32 guests,16 staterooms
What: Ponant Cruises
Where: Caribbean, Mediterranean
Ponant’s Le Ponant was restored after many decades and re-introduced as a superyacht-like sailing ship. More than a classic sailboat, it was a trail blazer when it first launched the brand in 1991 as the first French-owned passenger ship. One of the most drastic changes was to cut the number of cabins down from 32 to 16, which are more like suites.
They are spread across three floors, providing spaciousness and privacy. The experience mimics that found onboard superyachts. There’s a sustainability element with its sails. While outfitted with diesel propulsion, the 300-foot ship can often rely on wind power alone. It is also the only ship that is part of Relais & Chateaux. The line is owned by the same family that controls Kering, home of luxury brands such as Gucci and Brioni.
Contact Ponant Cruises.
2. SeaDream I & II
Who: 112 guests, 54 staterooms
What: SeaDream Yacht Club
Where: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe
Named Best Small Luxury Cruise Ship by ForbesLife, the twin mega-yachts SeaDream I & II are intimate boutique ships that provide a unique travelling experience unlike any other cruise vacation. The expression “yachting” is not only a statement about size; it’s a lifestyle aboard our intimate vessels with the service of 95 crew members and 112 guests that make each guest feel like they are on their very own private luxury yacht.
Chic and stylish, SeaDream’s 56-stateroom yachts are favored for its elegant informality, highly personal service, inclusive open bar and gratuities, all ocean views staterooms and suites, luxury accommodations and world-class cuisine.
Contact SeaDream Yacht Club.
3. Avalon Alegria
Who: 102 guests, 51 staterooms
What: Avalon Waterways
Where: Portugal’s Douro Valley
Explore the Douro River and discover why its name translates to River of Gold as you sail on Avalon’s newest river ship, the Avalon Alegria. With 14 deluxe staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, the Alegria carries a capacity of just 102 passengers.
From March to November, view vineyards on steep slopes along the river where 2,000-year-old traditions of winemaking continue. Embark on in the city of Porto. Take a guided tour to Braga and Guimarães or explore ancient architecture, including a visit to the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque. Your time is mixed with tastings and private visits.
Contact Avalon Waterways.
4. Aqua Mare
Who: 16 guests, 7 suites
What: Aqua Expeditions
Where: Galapagos Islands
Launched in summer 2022, Aqua Mare is the first true superyacht experience in the Galapagos — and the only superyacht with a permanent home in the islands. Designed and built by renowned Italian CRN yard with custom interiors by superyacht designer Francois Zuretti, the intimate, seven-cabin ship is equipped with beautifully designed social spaces, including two dining areas, a beach club, and a sundeck. She also features the largest owner’s suite in the Galapagos, with nearly 900 square feet of living space.
The seven- and 14-night itineraries follow in the footsteps of renowned explorers like Charles Darwin and will take guests to Isabela and Santa Cruz, the remote beaches of Rabida and Mosquera, with plenty of up-close-and-personal animal encounters along the way from blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins, to giant tortoises. Back on board, there’s a Jacuzzi, a workout zone, and the cuisine of award-winning Peruvian chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino.
Contact: Aqua Expeditions
5. Coquelicot
Who: 6 guests, 3 suites
What: LVMH Belmond
Where: Champagne
Coquelicot will take guests on a journey of Champagne in partnership with Maison Ruinart, the world’s oldest champagne house. Featuring three spacious cabins with ensuite facilities, an indoor salon with a champagne bar, and an extensive outdoor deck, Coquelicot offers a slow-paced voyage. Your journey includes a private tasting lunch by Chef In Residence Valérie Radou and guided tours of the historic Taissy vineyard.
You can customize your trip with an art-focused tour of Champagne, a historic voyage through the mighty castles, or an active bicycle. Alternate an al fresco soirée on the top deck with an off-board Michelin-starred restaurant experience or dinner in one of the quaint villages scattered across the region. Helicopter transfers from Paris are also available upon request.
Contact: Belmond
6. AmaMaya
Who: 124 guests, 62 cabins
What: AmaWaterways
Where: Mekong River
Cruise along the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam as you are transported back in time to another era, where the rhythms of the countryside move at a slower pace and allow for a fascinating glimpse into a traditional way of life. Visit rural villages, colorful markets and a monastery, where you will receive a special Buddhist blessing by monks.
Delve into the peaks and valleys of Cambodia’s history in the Royal Palace and National Museums of its beautiful capital, Phnom Penh. Witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies, and be treated to authentic experiences, including rides via oxcart, tut tut and trishaw.
Contact AmaWaterways.
