Sailboat cruises offer an alternative to longer and more expensive ocean liner cruises. Sailboat cruises can be as short as one day or as long as a week. Tropical locations, and beach areas offers the largest selection of sailboat cruises in the United States. However, oceans are not the only place sailboats and chartered cruises can be found. Sailboats of varying size can be chartered or rented at many bay areas, as well as large lake recreational sites. Pricing on sailboat cruises is often priced per group, but are also priced per passenger. The sailboat cruise company establishes the rates, as well as amenities provided. Weddings aboard a chartered sailboat or motorized yacht are commonplace, and can be booked in either a stationary fashion, or include a short cruise for the wedding party.
Creating an itinerary for a sailboat cruise offers more possibilities than a ride aboard a commercial boat cruise. Sailboat cruise plans are designed to meet the passengers' preferences. Selecting the type of sailboat, size and destination choices are the first step in planning a sailboat cruise. Once a direction has been set, a menu of options is presented to the passengers in advance of the excursion. The amount and durations of stops is at the discretion of the rental party. Most sailboat cruises offer an area island guide where applicable for the convenience of the passengers. Food and beverages are also provided for the passengers. The most luxurious sailboat cruises offer a gourmet chef and a personally designed menu for the passengers. Sailboat cruises can also feature a kitchen to be used by the passengers, which is stocked with items chosen by passengers. The cost of a sailboat cruise is comparable to a weekend or week-long escape at a hotel. Most sailboat companies also offer water activities, such as diving, snorkeling and underwater photography.
The Virgin Island Sailing Company features sailboat cruises on mono hull boats, captain only yachts, catamarans and motorized yachts. A fully crewed yacht charter is the most luxurious, and expensive option for sailboat cruises. This sailing company offers a host of sailing locations, and varies the duration and pace of the excursion to suit the passenger's needs. A gourmet meal and guide to area islands is included in the sailboat cruise fee. Virgin Island Sailing boasts prices, which compare to a stay at area Caribbean luxury style lodging. Experienced boaters can opt for a captain-only sailboat cruise. Multiple mono-hull catamarans and motorized yachts are available for rental. Included in the cost of rental is a fully stocked kitchen, with the selection of food chosen by the boat renter. Diving is available during the sailboat cruises for an additional fee. Potential customers are required to contact the company for a price quote. The specific size of the party, type of boat desired and season, all affect the price of the sailboat cruise. An estimated per person rate for a sailboat guided cruise is approximately $1,200 per person. Traveling in a flotilla, multiple boats in a group, is also possible with the Virgin Island Sailing Company.
Windsong Sailing Charters in Tampa, Florida, offers sunset charters, destination wedding services and tours of the west coast of the "Sunshine State." Windsong Sailing Charters are offered in only half-day or full-day time spans. Special sunset and dinner sailboat cruises are also available by reservation. Accredited instructors also offer sailing certification classes for customers. The class is hands-on with future boaters learning to sail on a 30-foot long ocean liner in the Gulf of Mexico. Windsong Sailing cruises utilizes a Jeanneau 34 Espace luxury sailboat and Elite 32 passenger sailboat with private cabins and a full kitchen, and a Catalina 30 sailboat built for six passengers. Snorkeling gear can be rented for use during sailboat cruises for less than $10 per set. The half-day four-hour sailboat cruise is approximately $300 for up to six passengers. A full day cruise group fee of approximately $400 is charged. Reservations and a 30 percent deposit are required for any rental.
Lake Erie offers the largest selection of sailboat cruises for a non-ocean side area. Sailing Lake Erie, with a stop over at Kelley Island is offered during non-winter months. A weekday sailboat cruise typically runs in the $500 per boat range. A weekend sailing excursions is available for approximately $1,000 per charter. A week-long sailboat cruise is available with advance reservations strongly recommended at a rate of approximately $1,600 to $2,000 per group. Additional sailing days can be added to a standard sailing charter for approximately $250 per day.
