New to Yachting: A Family-Friendly Yacht Charter Guide for the Mediterranean
For families looking to spend quality time together this summer without distractions, a luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean provides the ultimate setting. With a professional crew, tailored itinerary, and various activities, a yacht charter can allow families to relax, explore, and create unforgettable memories.
Whether you are looking for a large yacht for multiple families or want a more intimate vacation for just your family, our collection of family-friendly yachts offers the perfect balance of space, privacy, and amenities, combined with activities that offer flexibility and freedom for all age groups.
Here are some things to consider when booking your first family-friendly yacht charter:
Which Yacht Is Right For You?
It is important to select the right yacht for your family. Our consultants know the intricate details of our entire fleet and present family-friendly options, such as those with additional features like child-friendly play spaces, flexible cabin configurations, baby-proofing, and general enhanced safety elements.
When choosing a yacht, one IYC consultant explains: "It is important to pay attention to baby-proofing elements, and whether the cabins have additional space for a cot or play area, and if there are cabins adjacent that can accommodate parents and children close by."
Captain Thilo from the family-friendly yacht MOSKITO explains: "We have many amenities such as cots, high chairs, and child gates for the stairs, and we also put up cargo netting on the railings when children are onboard." The family-friendly TALEYA also regularly hosts children; Captain Ante says: "We have a very high railing, so children are always extremely safe. Last season, we had a range of children onboard from 14 months to 8 years old."
What Are The Special Features?
In addition to these family-friendly features, the yachts in our fleet also have a huge range of amenities that make a family charter extra special. It is helpful to consider what type of facilities you would like to be available onboard.
Having lots of watersports on offer is key for family charters, as fun in and on the water is what makes a yacht charter for both adults and children alike. Yachts such as OCEANOS, PISCES, and LOON have endless water toys ideal for children, including various towables and inflatable sea pools with protected netted areas for safe swimming. For watersports, yachts such as LADY BETH have designated junior-sized equipment, such as water skis. While RARE FIND has laser sailing dinghies perfect for children learning to sail, it is also a dedicated RYA water sports training center. Many of our yachts also have scuba diving equipment with qualified instructors onboard, perfect for older children and parents who want to explore the underwater world together.
Out of the water, there is also plenty to entertain the family. Outdoor cinemas onboard can offer a relaxing family movie night and onboard NATALIA V, the sundeck hosts a state-of-the-art projector, perfect for alfresco viewings. Other entertainment for younger guests, such as toys, board games, and puzzles, is also important. TIMBUKTU has plenty of toys and available space inside for playtime onboard.
Who Is Onboard?
Beyond the yacht, a family-friendly crew can truly make your family yacht charter. Within our fleet, plenty of crew have had many successful charters involving children. Our expert consultants match clients with a yacht whose crew has proven experience hosting families, with references from past charter clients. A couple from our fleet include the remarkable references of the crew from WHITE PEARL and the highly reputable crew of EROLIA.
Our consultants review the ages of guests and any specific needs to place families onboard a yacht where the crew's skill sets are an ideal fit; they can also advise on whether the yacht has a crew with childcare qualifications for additional support. One IYC consultant explains the detailed process of choosing a crew: "We contact the Captain to discuss whether the family would be a good fit for the crew; we also encourage the client to have an introductory call with the Captain early on in the process so they can ask any questions and feel comfortable moving forward."
When it comes to plans, we advise avoiding over-scheduling, especially with children, as plans can change quickly. Allowing the crew to guide you through the charter and show you the best spots and activities in that area means you can sit back and enjoy. The crew can also keep everyone entertained at the same time. As one IYC consultant shares: "One of my favorite charter stories is when the client shared that the Captain was out on the inflatables with their 9-year-old son while the guests were enjoying relaxing adult time onboard."
What Is The Itinerary?
The best thing about a family yacht charter is the ability to fully tailor and customize the itinerary based on your family's interests and desired activities. Our consultants work with you and the Captain to curate an ideal cruising plan that incorporates activities that are ideal for everyone.
"We discuss the best itinerary options with the Captain, incorporating their local knowledge and suggestions. After presenting the plan to the client, we can tweak as they wish, adding various activities for the kids, from horseback riding and tennis lessons to having a nanny onboard at all times," explains one IYC consultant.
There are many ideal family charter destinations in the Mediterranean with various activities available. For example, you can explore the museums and UNESCO-protected ruins of Greece, enjoy the beach clubs on offer in the French Riviera, or take e-bike tours and explore the fishing villages of Croatia.
One IYC consultant explains: "My one tip for those wanting a family-friendly yacht charter is to be prepared to have a lot of fun, go with the flow, and trust the Captain regarding the itinerary. They know the area best and will always ensure the best route."
If you are looking for the perfect Mediterranean family-friendly yacht charter, talk to our charter consultants today. Contact us today for more information about our fleet and the best yacht to suit you and your family.