How to charter a cruise ship

European Waterways' La Bella Vita

There is something quite special about the low-key pace of a river or canal journey, especially with a group. People can hop ashore easily and set forth to do their own thing, some organised trips will provide highlights, and the whole group can come together for meals and celebrations.

One of our favourite recommendations is European Waterways' La Bella Vita, a stylish 20-guest vessel with a typically modern Italian interior, reflected in the use of vibrant colours throughout to create an atmosphere of casual relaxation, sailing on Italy's Venetian Lagoon, River Po and Canal Bianco between Venice and the lakeside Renaissance city of Mantua.

The Scottish Highlands and Caledonian Canal

Amazing scenery and unique experiences are going to be the backdrop to an unforgettable celebration, so why not consider something very different, and explore the Western Isles or Caledonian Canal on a unique Scottish getaway?

Hebridean Island Cruises' boutique cruise ship Lord of the Highlands, beautifully intimate, carries just 38 guests to create your very own relaxed house party atmosphere. Cruising through the Caledonian Canal, the Highlands and Islands of Scotland's west coast, Orkney and Edinburgh, you can create a voyage of discovery through the most beautiful scenery in the world.

The Magic of the Greek Islands on Le Ponant

Travelling under sail is pretty special, particularly in those cerulean waters plied by the ancients around the magical Greek Islands, with a new unspoilt location to explore every day, pristine beaches and a slow pace of life in the pretty villages.

The legendary Le Ponant, accommodating just 32 guests in 16 elegantly chic staterooms and suites, is the perfect choice to sail from Athens to tiny islands and ports which open up a new Greek experience, even to the most regular visitor, in stylish surroundings with outstanding one-to-one service.

The Windward Islands on SeaDream I

Cruising the balmy islands of the Caribbean makes for a perfect getaway, especially when you avoid the crowds as you visit the tiny islands of the southern Caribbean for magical beaches and spectacular lush mountain scenery.

The lovely SeaDream yachts, accommodating up to 112 of your nearest and dearest, are the perfect choice, with amazing service, al fresco dining, a marina and water slide.

The Adriatic Coast on Lady Eleganza

Certain coastlines are just perfect to explore by ship, with tiny harbours and islands, opportunities to swim, and spectacular scenery. The Adriatic coast is one such, as you explore protected waters and visit historic trading centres and charming coastal villages.

The newly launched MV Lady Eleganza yacht, with just 36 guests on board, brings you each morning to a new port of call. You can enjoy parties on deck, and wonderful dining options on board interspersed with some special experiences ashore - a real mix and match as you live the private yacht lifestyle with your nearest and dearest.

The Seychelles on Aqua Lares

Newly launched Aqua Lares, the sixth vessel in luxury boutique expedition operator Aqua Expeditions' fleet, is the first superyacht in East Africa to offer both cabin and full charter bookings. This intimate 30-guest yacht offers elegant accommodations, alfresco dining and social areas, and a dedicated crew of 30, including English-speaking naturalists.

The Aqua Expeditions experience is geared towards adventure, and in the Seychelles you will hop from one idyllic isle to the next, immersing yourself in the incredible natural beauty of these isolated outposts, with opportunities for activities such as tender excursions, wildlife watching, snorkelling, diving for certified divers, kayaking, and more.

Top Tips For Chartering a Cruise Ship

1. Book early

Cruise operators put their programmes on sale up to two or three years in advance. Once they are on sale, they will be reluctant to displace booked passengers to accommodate a charter. Even if they consider it, they will look to the charterer to compensate the inconvenienced guests accordingly, and the compensation will be added to the charter cost.

Also, if the cruises on either side of the one you are chartering are on sale, no changes can be made to them either, in terms of embarkation and disembarkation ports, duration of the charter and so forth.

2. Appoint an agent

We have probably made it abundantly clear why you need an agent at the earliest opportunity! Their job is to find the perfect ship, negotiate on your behalf, flag details that you would not think of, arrange how your guests are going to get to and from the ship, look after baggage handling and coach transfers, and create special events and enhancements.

They'll also ensure you don't spend your whole celebration worrying about the detail, and go into bat on your behalf should anything go wrong. The cost of the agent will be included in your charter price.

3. Decide on numbers

In order to select the perfect ship, you need to set parameters: how many people are you going to invite, what is the mix (families, some with children, what ages, singles) and what are their interests, passions and preferences.

The more information you can give your agent at this stage, the better they will be able to select the perfect ship for you. Throw in dates at the same time if you have particular limitations, need to avoid school holidays or similar. If you invite your guests early enough, they will clear their diary for you, whatever date you choose!

4. Location and itinerary

If you have your heart set on a Caribbean cruise, you need to flag that up front. It is much easier, though, if you can give a general brief such as 'I want sunshine and deserted beaches' or 'let's go to some really adventurous destinations' or 'I like lots of culture' or 'my guests are very well-travelled, I want to take them somewhere extraordinary'.

5. Procedure

Once you have selected the ship for you, agreed on a date/itinerary and price, the cruise line will generate a contract which you should check very carefully before signing. The contract will include a payment schedule, with additional deposits triggered at specific dates. The likelihood is that at the time of booking, or within a few months of booking, you will make a final commitment which means that whether you go ahead or not, the full payment will be due. You should discuss this with your insurer, or decide to self-insure. You will probably be required to place an irrevocable Letter of Credit, or similar payment method.

Your agent can then take charge of everything: invitations, reservations, flights, conversations with your guests, dietary requirements, visa needs and so forth. And in partnership with you, they can also discuss the exact ways you want to make this trip into the perfect occasion for you, creating lifetime memories that everyone will treasure.

So what are you waiting for? Call Mundy Cruising now to start planning the ultimate celebration!