Cruise or Charter? Here Is Everything You Need To Know About Luxury Travel At Sea

How Big Is The Difference Between Cruise Ships And Yachts?

One of the first things you'll notice when comparing cruise ships and private yachts is sheer size. Cruise liners are enormous, with some over 1,000 feet long and carrying thousands of passengers. They're like floating resorts, packed with pools, restaurants, live entertainment, and even water parks and shopping malls. If you thrive on energy and love having lots of options at your fingertips, the cruise experience is for you.

But if you crave something more personal, private yachts - even the largest superyachts - are built to accommodate far fewer guests, typically between 6 and 12, though some can host up to 36. A reduced capacity means more space for yourself, a smaller crew-to-guest ratio, and more flexibility in how you spend your days. The best advantage is that everything can be tailored precisely to your wishes, from the decor to the itinerary. 
 

Non-Stop Entertainment Or A Tailored Experience?

Cruise ships are designed to keep you constantly entertained. You'll find everything from theatres and casinos to themed dining and rooftop pools. Many even divide the ship into "neighbourhoods," each offering a different vibe.

But what cruise ships offer in quantity, yachts deliver in quality and personalization. On a private yacht, it's all about crafting your kind of day. Start with a peaceful yoga session at sunrise. Have your crew organise a beach barbecue on a hidden cay. Spend the afternoon snorkelling in crystal-clear water, then settle in for a movie under the stars: no schedule, no crowds, you and whatever pace you prefer. 
 

Want To Travel To Hotspots Or Find Hidden Gems?

Cruise itineraries are often designed to see as much as possible in a short amount of time. A Mediterranean cruise, for example, might take you from Barcelona to Rome to Athens in a week. It's a whirlwind of iconic cities, but your time ashore can feel fleeting.

Yachts take a different approach, one that is slower, deeper, and more flexible. Because they're smaller, yachts can explore places cruise ships can't reach: those quiet bays, boutique harbours, and off-the-beaten-path islands that feel like well-kept secrets.

For example, in the Caribbean, cruise-goers might stop at popular ports like Nassau or St. Maarten. But a yacht can take you to spots like the Tobago Cays or Bequia, where the only bar is reachable only by tender and the beach is yours alone. In Greece, cruise ships head for Mykonos and Santorini, while yachts sail to Symi, Folegandros, or Amorgos, the lesser-visited spots. And in the South Pacific? While cruise ships dock at main islands, yachts can cruise to uninhabited motus in French Polynesia. The spontaneity is another advantage of yachts; you can adapt your itinerary whenever you wish. 
 

How Do Cruise And Yacht Prices Compare?

For those who prefer a clear cost breakdown and all-inclusive value, cruises often meet the mark. A luxury suite on a premium cruise ship might cost $3,000–$7,000 per person for the week, with meals, excursions, and entertainment wrapped in.

Yacht charter, on the surface, looks more expensive. Weekly rates typically start around $50,000 and can increase to the hundreds of thousands, depending on the yacht's size, destination, and season. This usually includes the crew, fuel, meals, and water toys, but extras like gratuities and dockage may be added on.

Whether you think yachts are worth the investment depends on what you're looking for. For groups of friends or extended families, the costs can be surprisingly similar to those of a high-end cruise suite when split among guests. Take a 10-guest yacht in the Caribbean, for example. It might cost $100,000 per week. Split that between five couples, and you're looking at $10,000 per person - for a private yacht, personal chef, and complete control over your holiday.
 

If you want to learn more about a luxury yachting vacation, contact IYC'S expert consultants today to discuss the opportunities available to you and your group.