There are many reasons to opt for a charter service. While the starting point is the same, the desire to enjoy a boating vacation without owning a boat, the type of expectations from this experience varies. Some look forward to testing themselves as skippers, dealing with the minor issues that navigation entails, while others simply wish to relax, letting the gentle sway of the waves soothe the cares of land life away.
The first decision is naturally whether to have a skipper onboard or not; the second, if opting for this professional, is whether to supplement them with a full crew. This crew may include hostesses responsible for organizing spaces and their cleanliness, and a chef tasked not only with preparing meals and setting up appetizers but also ensuring that the pantry is always stocked with everything necessary for cooking and… shaking cocktails. All this and more make up the luxury vacation offered by a Gold Line charter. In a nutshell, it could be described as a stress-free holiday, where the space, amenities, and staff allow guests to enjoy the pleasure of the sea in pure and total lightness, without the need to steer the boat or manage its daily operations. If compared to land-based vacations, it resembles a stay in a high-end hotel more than a rented house, no matter how beautiful and well-located it may be.
More Space and Equipment for Fun The vessels of the Gold Line feature larger, thus more comfortable, spaces, allowing those who choose them to forget all worries, including those typically associated with an engaging sea vacation. Just the best of the wind and sun, of crystal-clear water and picturesque landscapes, without the anxiety of stocking the pantry at departure, rushing to gather supplies at the first suitable port, or struggling to find a docking place. All these tasks are handled by the luxury boat crew, which also provides everything needed for fun onboard, taking advantage of the invaluable riches of the sea. On a Gold boat, one would find a variety of water toys, from seabobs to stand-up paddleboards, to tubes and towable inflatables. The tender, too, will have a more powerful engine, with its 40 HP suitable for towing as well as for transporting people at a higher speed. To ensure no desire goes unmet, luxury line vessels come equipped with all necessary snorkeling gear, including masks, fins, and snorkeling equipment, allowing guests to swim and explore the magnificent seabeds that each destination offers, complementing water activities with those on dry land, on deck as onshore. Gold boats are also equipped with yoga and exercise mats, activities that can alternate with swimming and diving depending on mood and desire.
Fresh Food and Quality Equipment Regarding life onboard, the provision about the pantry needs to be complemented by a note relevant to the boat’s equipment. Being high-end structures, the equipment will also be of high quality, with advantages like a double-door American fridge capable of holding large quantities of fresh food such as fruits and vegetables, without the usual constraints of smaller refrigerators. Thus, avoiding having to give up on the benefits of a healthy and balanced diet while sailing. Junk food is out, so no more settling for chips and peanuts for appetizers or canned and long-life food for meals: the perfect organization of the ship’s provisions officer in both shopping and optimizing resources, combined with the ability to refrigerate purchased products, will make a difference both from a culinary and health perspective and psychologically, with more peace of mind and mental space to dedicate to the vacation. If our idea of relaxation includes a good sunset cocktail or any well-prepared drink, luxury line boats know how to put a smile on our faces. Alongside the larger refrigerator, there is also an ice maker, essential to the precious art of mixology, and staff adept at mastering its techniques, offering guests the right appetizer at the right time. The effectiveness of the crew is crucial for a carefree boating vacation, and the welcome will be comparable to that of a luxury hotel, where linen provision is complemented by a range of cleaning and beauty products, from sustainable soaps and shampoos to sun creams, all designed to minimize the impact on the marine environment.
And if the Weather Isn’t Nice? No Worries, There’s Plan B! What happens during the rest of the vacation will align with the initial impression received, that of a continuous yet discreet attention to all the small and large needs of the traveler. This includes dealing with contingencies, the foremost being bad weather. If weather conditions do not permit navigation, traveling on a Gold Line vessel means forgetting the anxiety of finding a port to take shelter and the boredom of staying onboard to monitor the boat. Both tasks are instead managed by the crew, who take full responsibility for the vessel and also handle contacting ports and finding an available berth (at a cost not included in the package). Waiting for the sky to clear or the wind to become friendly can thus be pleasantly filled with onshore activities, from visiting the town to shopping, from exploring ancient ruins to visiting a museum, and enjoying all the beauties that seaside places offer even to those who, at sea or on the sea, cannot temporarily go.
