The white sail above my head swelled with the power of the trapped wind. I set aside my novel to absorb the swooshing air and lapping waves as the elegant catamaran cruised through the Abacos, a group of lightly inhabited Bahamian islands. Any tension that lingered in my body fell away.
In January my husband, Pete, and I spent a week aboard a sixty-two-foot catamaran, cruising from sandy white beaches to sheltered, crowd-free coves. Dream Yacht offers such trips around the world on a cabin-by-cabin basis. That means we didn’t have to fork over the money to rent the expensive boat ourselves or find willing friends to split a charter. Yes, we shared the gallery space (the kitchen and indoor sitting area), sundeck, and roof with our co-cruisers, but we could retreat to private quarters, with our own double bed and bathroom.
We quickly bonded with fellow guests as our Abaconian chef, Tia Roberts, laid down the law in her kitchen. She wanted to be called “Sunshine,” and we only needed to ask her to provide from the fully stocked boat, and she delivered in the form of fresh and nutritious meals, including a tasty chickpea salad and her signature grouper.
Cruising can be weather-dependent, and our experienced captain charted our course to maximize calm waters, secluded beach walks, charming villages, and snorkeling in a protected national park. I’m someone who travels with her own prescription snorkel mask, and my expectations were surpassed. On separate immersions, I marveled at the graceful underwater flights of five spotted eagle rays, and the healthy coral and hawksbill turtles wowed me. Our small yacht maneuvered into coves, near reefs, and to off-the-grid islands in ways packed cruise ships never will. Walking soft, white-sand beaches, we soaked in the Carolina blue sky against the aquamarine water.
One evening Pete cranked up the tunes and, with vino flowing, we had a rooftop dance party. Taking a break at the bow, I breathed in Jupiter and star clusters bright in the unpolluted sky. Nowhere else I’d rather be.
Dive into cabin charter adventures with the following companies, some of which offer whole-board (all meals), while others are half (breakfast, lunch, and snacks, with dinner ashore). Many include alcoholic drinks and can work for solo travelers. For budgeting purposes, note that on-island excursions may cost extra, and plan to tip your crew 15 to 20 percent.
Dream Yacht
Choose from cruises in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Thailand, the Seychelles, and Tahiti, to name a few. The company’s recent NEO program upcycles dated yachts, adding eco-friendly features like solar panels and lower-consumption air conditioning.
TradeWinds
Head to the Caribbean, Belize, the Mediterranean, the Seychelles, or the South Pacific. A trip to the Lefkas in the Ionian Sea focuses on less-visited islands, ancient sites, and opportunities to support local artisans. Some Caribbean boats are powered by renewable energies, and the company hopes to be emission-free in ten years.
The Moorings
This outfitter offers cabin charters in the British Virgin Islands, a popular catamaran cruise destination. A seven-night itinerary may include snorkeling or hiking through the large rock formations at the Baths on Virgin Gorda, an overnight on remote Anegada complete with flamingo viewing and a lobster dinner on the beach, and docking at resort sites with bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
Belize Sailing Vacations
Trip activities include island hopping, snorkeling the second largest barrier reef in the world, and spearfishing with the captain. Experienced anglers can request a fishing-friendly itinerary and excursions to cast for the “grand slam” of bonefish, permit, and tarpon. The company supports reef and coral preservation nonprofits.
Cruise Croatia
A charming European option, this outfitter offers three- or four-night cruises along the Dalmatian Coast, where you can explore the less-visited island of Vis, stroll the harbor’s promenade, and sample local gelato and wines.
VentureSail Holidays
This woman-owned company offers eco-conscious catamaran, tall ship, and other charters to the Caribbean and the islands of Scotland, and along most European waterways. Ships range from eight to twenty-five-plus passengers. Some offer berths, not cabins, and require willingness to help sail.
