Luxury Travel Advisor - October 2008 - (Page 40)

CRUISES PRIVATE Y ACHTING These charter companies let you personalize your sea dreams. luxury clients. The reasons are clear: The experience is totally customizable from the itinerary, ship and staff size, menu, amenities and onboard company. A regular cruise, however, is non-negotiable. Yes, there are different cruises to choose from, but they won’t allow you the flexibility a private yacht charter affords. There is a key difference between yachting and cruising: A yacht is more like a floating mansion, whereas a cruise ship is more a floating hotel. Elite Yacht Charters (www. eliteyacht.com), based in Beverly Hills, CA, specializes in Mediterranean yacht charters, and maintains a substantial, yet confidential, roster of celebrities. At its disposal are about 600 yachts, but around 60 yachts, at more than 180 feet, are most requested by luxury clientele. Most of the yachts Elite charters accommodate between six and 12 guests, but a few yachts can carry as many as 40 passengers. As such, private yacht charters are perfect for intimate groups, who have the run of the ship and the staffing to cater to their every whim. (The crew ratio on most Elite charters is one-to-one.) Consider the Lauren L, a At some point, we’ve all been rocked with envy by the sight of a barely clad (insert celebrity here) sipping from a champagne flute aboard a private luxury yacht anchored off the coast of Cannes in the French Riviera. Their smiles screaming: “It doesn’t get any better than this.” As famous and affluent as these stars are, chances are the yacht isn’t theirs. Could be, yes, but the time and effort to maintain a yacht is inordinate. (George Clooney does have a day job directing and acting.) Solution: Private yacht charters are fast becoming the preferred vacation option of many elite and 296-foot yacht Elite charters. The 20-cabin ship features one Master Suite (we love the private balcony and marble ensuite bathroom with double-bath Jacuzzi), one VIP Suite and three double suites, all equipped with WiFi. Other ship amenities include a health and beauty center, sauna and steam room, gym, large saloon, a conference center (mixing work and play is a growing trend of today’s affluent traveler) and a spacious entertainment area with 50-inch plasma TV. There’s also an assortment of water sports equipment. Obviously, indulgence is key on a yacht charter and top-flight 40 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | October 2008 http://www.eliteyacht.com http://www.eliteyacht.com

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Luxury Travel Advisor - October 2008 Contents Publisher's Letter Editor's Letter Glasgow Greece & Cyprus Private Islands Park Hotel Weggis Mexico Private Yachts MS Europa Coastline Travel Awards of Excellence The Pulse Just Back Luxury Travel Expo Sightings Source List

Luxury Travel Advisor - October 2008

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