Expedition yacht RAGNAR is one of the most eagerly anticipated luxury vessels to be launched in recent memory, and her world cruising itinerary for the next three years begins with the stunning Australia & New Zealand charter grounds before moving to the Caribbean & Bahamas in time for exotic Christmas and New Year charters.

Ragnar will be available for charter in some amazing destinations in 2021-2013

Luxury yacht RAGNAR began life as an ice-breaking tug named SANABORG before Icon Yachts converted her into the explorer yacht she is today. Her Ice-breaker hull means that she’s capable of cruising in polar regions, making her equally at home visiting Greenland and Antarctica as the warmer climes of Mexico and Japan – and her extensive cruising range of 6,000 nautical miles mitigates the need to interrupt the adventure for provisions.

Everywhere guests go on board there is some detail to impress, starting with the rich walnut interiors that take motifs from British heritage and medieval naval history. After cruising between ice floes or exploring the depths in the submarine, guests can sink into one of the overstuffed leather Chesterfield chairs and savour wine or whiskey from the bar while stretched out in front of the fire. The opulent environment also gives guests an observation lounge with library, a snow room, steam room, sauna and a spa massage room with a hot and cold foot spa and a rainforest shower.

The accommodation sleeps up to 12 guests in 8 en-suite cabins: 2 Master suites on the upper deck, 4 main deck double cabins, 1 twin cabin and an office that converts into a spare twin cabin. All cabins have paler surroundings in bleached oak to emphasise the already ample interior space and create a serene sanctuary to begin and end every day.

Aerial view – Expedition yacht Ragnar. Photo credit Tom Van Oossanen

The exteriors offer an abundance of room for lounging, dining and sunbathing in addition to elevated areas for wildlife observation. The highly desirable amenities include a Jacuzzi and swimming pool, and there is a helipad for guests to have a bird’s eye view of the surroundings or make easy connections with local airports.

E/Y RAGNAR comes fully stocked with a massive array of water toys and land craft, such as the aforementioned submarine, snowmobiles, a helicopter, quad bikes and jet skis for roaming far and wide among these awe-inspiring destinations.

2020-21 cruising grounds

The Caribbean – Mexico – Costa Rica – East Coast USA – Newfoundland – Greenland – Iceland – Canada – The Great Lakes

2022 cruising grounds

Ushuaia – Antarctica – Chile – New Zealand – East Coast Australia – Solomon Islands – Papua New Guinea – The Philippines

2023 cruising grounds

Japan – Russia – Alaska – Northwest Passage – Canada – Scotland

See more images of the incredible exterior and historic interiors of explorer yacht RAGNAR.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RAGNAR

Italian shipyard Riva has announced the launch and delivery of its second Riva 88′ Folgore hull from its facilities in La Spezia.

Riva 88′ Folgore yacht hull number 2 launched

The first hull was launched in May this year and both can boast the latest design innovation and technology from Riva to create a sleek and powerful vessel designed for charter as well as private use.

The second hull has been developed in collaboration with Officina Italiana Design, and the engines give a top speed of around 36 knots and a cruising speed of approximately 30 knots. Mahogany inlays and steel accents give an air of sophistication to the interiors, and the exteriors provide an abundance of seating and sofa beds to enjoy life in the open air.

Immerse yourself in a luxury yachting holiday over October and November in the Bahamas and take advantage of 8 night for the price of 7 aboard the 44m Van Mill superyacht STARSHIP. Launched in 1988 and refitted in 2017, she has interior styling by Claudette Bonville and accommodates 12 charter guests, in 5 cabins.

STARSHIP motor yacht

Her interior décor is elegant, featuring stunning woods, fine marbles and custom furnishings. On the main deck, there is a generous salon with plenty of seating and a cocktail bar, ideal for gathering with family. Separate and forward with spectacular views is a private dining room. An upper sky lounge offers an additional area to sit back and relax.

Expansive deck areas

On the lower level, there are 5 cabins, comprising a full-beam master stateroom, 2 double and 2 twin suites.

On deck, M/Y STARSHIP has 3 exterior areas ensuring something for everyone. The shaded aft deck features seating areas and direct access to the extended swim platform. Adjacent to the upper lounge, there is an alfresco dining option, comfortable sitting areas and fitness equipment.

Comfortable saloon

Her sundeck invites charter guests to soak up the Bahamian sun while unwinding on the various seating and sunning options, or better yet, in the deluxe jacuzzi. A further area is situated on the bow for a more private escape, offering sunning and seating.

Highlights

• Plenty of interior and exterior living areas, perfect for luxury charters
• Beautiful finishes
• A plethora of water toys
• Gym gear on deck
• Jacuzzi
• Wi-Fi
• At anchor stabilizers

VIEW MORE INFORMATION, VIDEO AND RATES HERE

British shipyard Pendennis has released details on the recent refit and extension of the now 74.5m/244ft luxury yacht LADY E, which was re-launched from Falmouth mid-September.

Lady E exterior after refit – photo credit – Pendennis

Built in 2006, luxury yacht LADY E has received an exhaustive update to bring her into line with her Owner’s vision.

The exterior appearance looks like new following a topcoat to the bulwarks and UV-sensitive areas. New teak decking covers the main deck, stern, pool deck and sundeck, and a new re-paint was given to the pool.

The stern extension has added 6m/20ft and this elongation has also created a more contemporary appearance. As a result there is even more room for amenities, and the new areas are:

• A 66m2/710ft2 beach club
• A 55m2/592ft2 social area on the main deck aft
• A hammam, and
• A spa and massage area

The beach club comes with a 77” plasma TV and a well-stocked bar, plus plenty of wall storage for water toys that include surfboards and e-foil boards. The transom door is now three times larger and opens to a full-beam swim platform and actuated stairs for easy access in and out of the water. A main deck skylight, two entrances and six windows on both the port and starboard sides.

Aerial shot. Photo credit Pendennis

Above, the new extended main deck aft provides a spacious social and sunbathing area with sunpads covered by a sunshade, seating and sun umbrellas, and has a glass panel along the stern that overlooks the new water sports platform unique to M/Y LADY E. The alfresco entertainment system is finished to the highest standards to match nightclub quality.

Within, the upper deck has been transformed, and where the galley and pantry once were there is now a new spa massage centre designed by Exclusive Living, with Hammam and facilities for manicures and pedicures, hair and make-up.

Hidden within the walls are five kilometres of modern data cabling to complement the AV upgrades throughout. The bridge deck systems have received a significant upgrade to the power management and alarm management systems, radar and mapping.

The engineering and generators have been extensively overhauled with new systems and upgrades: New Scania DI13 generators with SCR systems meet the latest IMO Tier 3 standards for cleaner emissions, and to reduce particulate emissions and comply with NOx and SOx MARPOL regulations, HUG DPF systems have also been added.

Now that M/Y LADY E is back on the water, she will be available for charter and will begin a world tour from the start of 2021, commencing in Australia followed by New Zealand and the South Pacific before heading to the Caribbean & Bahamas for autumn 2021.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LADY E

The second season of Below Deck Mediterranean showcased the sophisticated 47m/154.2ft superyacht SIROCCO, appearing under her own name as she cruised the beautiful and highly popular Croatian charter grounds.

Beautiful superyacht Sirocco from the Below Deck series

She was built by internationally renowned Dutch shipyard Heesen in 2006 and, as with all the other luxury yachts on Below Deck, was refitted before filming in 2017. Her excellent pedigree, stylish interiors and range of amenities has made her attractive for New Year celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries and corporate event charters as she cruises through the Eastern and Western Mediterranean.

The Interiors

The natural tones and materials found in Indonesian design had a significant part to play in the interiors for luxury yacht SIROCCO from Omega Architects. Geometric shapes with gentle curves and large proportions form an elegant contemporary look that is desirable both for special occasions as well as family gatherings and getaways among friends.

Dining

Celebrations large and small will begin in the main salon that joins with the formal dining area, creating a massive environment that works well for large dockside gatherings as well as intimate family meals. The bar aft has a wide selection for light afternoon refreshments all the way to strong spirits for guests who like to party hard into the early hours.

Since the Master suite is on the upper deck where the sky lounge is typically placed, this second salon – which doubles as a cinema – is instead a media room forward on the main deck. This puts all the indoor entertainment areas on the same level to convenience both guests and crew.

Lounge

Engineering is always a priority with Heesen, and luxury yacht SIROCCO has an excellent top speed of 26 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots using her MTU 3,700 HP engines.

The Exteriors

Heesen and Omega Architects worked together to style the exterior, opting for classic curves and a strong muscular appearance in black and white.

The main deck aft is an easily accessed social hub off the main salon where the sofas, armchairs and coffee tables are arranged to create a cosy and casual ambiance for morning coffee right through to nightcaps at twilight. It’s also the best place to be when guests want access to the water and the toys, and sunbathing on the swim platform below.

Exterior profile

The upper deck aft can be a private outdoor terrace for the occupants of the Master suite, or accessed by all for memorable outdoor meals at the large alfresco dining setting. Whether dining or not, the sofa seating curving along the edge welcomes guests to take the weight off their feet and enjoy the moment in the warm Mediterranean breeze. The foredeck meanwhile has a row of sunpads to soak up the sunshine and the views, and seating behind makes a great alternative to formal lunches and refreshments without ever needing to leave the area.

The sundeck is a superb retreat to watch the vibrant Dalmatian Coast sunsets: Guests can relax and chat over cocktails on the sundeck forward, or head aft to soak in the eight-person Jacuzzi before drying off on the sunpads on a clear starry night.

The Accommodation

There are 6 wonderfully large en-suite cabins on board to sleep up to 12 guests: 1 Master suite, 1 VIP stateroom, 2 double cabins and 2 twin cabins.

The upper deck Master suite enjoys 180° views and a shaded aft terrace for quiet evenings under starry night skies or morning coffee in the shade while marvelling at the white cliffs along the Istrian peninsula. The air-conditioned bedroom has TV entertainment for those mornings when guests can’t sleep but also don’t want to get out of their king-sized bed, and the cavernous en-suite bathroom comes with a marble bathtub for the occupants to soak away their cares.

Accommodation

The VIP stateroom on the main deck is well-proportioned to offer a queen-sized bed and loveseat in addition to TV entertainment and another large en-suite bathroom.

The rest of the guest accommodation on the lower deck is each unique, while ensuring that guest comfort and room entertainment is not neglected.

The Water Toys

M/Y SIROCCO has a great collection of water toys to keep guests active and entertained from one side of the Mediterranean to the other. Among the collection is:

• 2 x jet skis
• water skis
• a wakeboard
• snorkelling equipment

Guests who want to keep moving in the evenings or while cruising have a well-equipped gym on the sundeck that can be opened up to the fresh sea air.

Want a luxurious holiday with all the details taken care of? See the spectacular Croatian charter grounds for yourselves in opulence and tranquillity with superyacht SIROCCO this season.

CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY

Luxury yacht HALLEY from Pershing is ready now for Catalonia and Balearic Islands charters over the winter season.

Pershing 80 yacht for charter in Spain

This 24.5m/80.5ft Pershing open yacht is ideally sized for extended families or friends groups, and can speed between hotspots at 35 knots while guests rest in the air conditioned interiors watching a film.

M/Y HALLEY emphasises outdoor living with a sheltered cockpit designed for alfresco dining and hobbies in the fresh air. Anchor beside golden sand beaches outside of the main tourist season and sunbathe along the stern or on the foredeck, or let the hours fly by with the great collection of water toys consisting of a jet ski, snorkelling equipment and donut.

The Catalonian coastline has an abundance of soft sand beaches, and Barcelona is a highlight with impressive museums and plenty of architectural wonders from Gaudi, such as Güell Palace, Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia. In amongst these iconic landmarks are plenty of Michelin quality restaurants and luxury boutiques for that last minute gift or personal indulgence over Christmas and the New Year.

Learn more about luxury yacht HALLEY and the culture-rich Spain charter grounds, and secure your preferred dates to avoid missing out.

MORE PHOTOS AND AVAILABILITY OF HALLEY 

Mark the end of 2020 with a magnificent Indian Ocean luxury yacht charter aboard the 85m/278.10ft explorer yacht BOLD.

BOLD – aerial view running

Launched in 2019, she is the first hull in the sensational Silver Loft model from Australian shipyard Silver Yachts and outstanding Lifestyle Feature at the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2020. Military styling and full-height windows give charter guests the best of modern trends for exceptional living, breaking down the barriers between indoors and outdoors.

sun deck jacuzzi and seating

Discover the exceptional beaches and dive spots of the Maldives and Thailand and indulge in complete comfort while cruising and anchored in the evenings, making use of the helipad which lights up as an outdoor dancefloor, an alfresco cinema, Jacuzzi, winter garden, teppanyaki bar and barbeque, and a stunning air-conditioned modern main salon with media wall.

upper deck dining alfresco

Party into 2021 in Phang Nga Bay with the light-up helipad as fireworks burst overhead, or disappear in a distant Maldives atoll to wake up on January 1st in perfect serenity – white sand beaches and turquoise seas awaiting you at your leisure. On board spa services will ease away the cares of yesteryear and have you feeling like new.

Superyacht BOLD comes with a wonderful selection of water toys, which she’s taking to charter grounds the world over. While in the Indian Ocean, guests will have their choice of:

• 2 x GTX LTD Seadoo Waverunners
• 2 x Laser sailing dinghies
• Seabobs
• Kite surfers
• snorkelling equipment
• diving gear, and
• a floating island

Also on board is a wide selection of gym equipment to keep guests active while cruising.

aft deck seating area

The plush accommodation sleeps up to 16 guests over 8 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite of 300m2/3229ft2 with private salon, 3 VIP staterooms and 4 double cabins.

master suite

All guests will be served by the expert crew of 19, including a highly experienced chef who will cater to all dietary requirements while creating multi-course meals. An example of the delectable menu includes ‘Smoked scamorza cheese risotto and walnuts’, ‘Lamb with American potatoes and chianti red wine sauce’ and ‘Tiramisù with biscuit loacker and raspberries’.

View more images of life on board luxury yacht BOLD and the Indian Ocean charter grounds, and make your booking soon to secure the coveted Christmas & New Year dates.

Superyacht FEADSHIP 1010 has had a technical launch in the Netherlands. The largest Feadship yacht built so far, HULL 1010  measures 118m/387.1ft. 

Feadship 1010. Photo credit Tom Van Oossanen

Very few details have been released by the shipyard but we now know that the delivery has been scheduled for 2022.

Once launched, Feadship superyacht KAOS (ex Jubilee), which measures 110.1m will become the second largest Feadship followed by ANNA which measures 110m.

This year Feadship has delivered 99m mega yacht MOONRISE and 73m motor yacht PODIUM.

The latest Feadship addition to the charter fleet is 75m motor yacht ARROW. You can view all charter yachts built by Feadship here.

Small family and friends groups have a new option for Caribbean luxury yacht charters in 23m/76ft modern sailing yacht AMAZON CREEK.

Sailing yacht AMAZON CREEK available for charter in the Caribbean

Built in 2010 and refitted in 2019, S/Y AMAZON CREEK offers comfort and modern entertainment systems for a fantastic family charter among the Leeward Islands. Relax above deck on the new plush sofas in a cheery bright red and enjoy the harbour atmosphere in St. Barths during the regattas, or beside the white sand beaches of Antigua. There are canvas shades to cover the area for dining unaffected by the midday sun, and the foredeck and aft have plenty of room for sunbathing and exercise such as yoga.

AMAZON CREEK exterior

Below deck, the salon has plenty of room for up to six guests while cruising, and skylights and long windows ensure privacy while at the same time letting in plenty of light. The large sofas within create a great family environment for meals and board games in the evening, or for watching a film to wind down before bedtime.

AMAZON CREEK – Accommodation

The collection of water toys is designed for charter guests of all ages, and the collection includes:

• 1 x paddleboard
• 1 x wakeboard
• 1 x tube
• water skis (adult and child sets), and
• fishing gear

The accommodation provides for up to 4 guests while cruising in 2 en-suite cabins: 1 Master suite and 1 VIP stateroom. The aft Master suite has private access from above deck, while the forward VIP stateroom is accessed through the lounge. Both have a double bed, widescreen TV and Bose surround-sound system, a sofa and an en-suite bathroom with a sink, toilet and shower.

AMAZON CREEK – stern

See more images of beautiful sailing yacht AMAZON CREEK and discover more about the Lesser Antilles for your own winter charter inspiration.

ENQUIRE NOW 

Airlines across the United States are making it safer and easier to return to life as normal and to charter in the Caribbean & Bahamas this winter season by offering testing for Covid-19 with a turn-around of less than 72 hours.

Looking forward to charter vacations

Health companies have paired with airlines to ensure that travellers can take an FDA-approved test at home (mail-in kits) or in-person (rapid testing at approved airports) and receive the result before making the flight, clearing fellow passengers as well.

A luxury yacht charter provides a way to visit incredible remote beaches, snorkel and dive sites, and just enjoy life in the sunshine without ever having to set foot in the cities or mingle with other holidaymakers: Supplies can be delivered to the docks so that crew can maintain the yacht’s social distancing bubble, keeping vulnerable guests safe throughout the trip.

Find out which tests are available for the various airlines and their current costs, and be sure to get the correct test for the country or countries you intend to visit.

Swimming with pigs in the Bahamas

United*

https://www.united.com/en/us 

United was the first airline to introduce testing and passengers hoping to fly to Hawaii can now take a test at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with email confirmation received a week beforehand.

Test: Rapid tests administered in-person by SFO, or Drive-up testing by booked appointment 

Cost/Results Turnaround: $250/15 minutes approx., or $110/20-30 minutes approx.

Rapid tests at SFO, administered by GoHealth, cost $250, and results take about 15 minutes. Drive-up testing at a United facility near the airport, meanwhile, takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs $110. Travellers with a direct flight from San Francisco to Hawaii who want to secure testing should receive an email from United one week before their scheduled flight, or they can call United directly.

Beautiful Exumas in America

American Airlines*

https://www.aa.com/

LetsGetChecked and CareNow are providing Covid-19 testing to Hawaii, Costa Rica and the Caribbean. A video call with a medical professional at LetsGetChecked allows charter guests to complete the test at home, and the group should order their kits at least five working days beforehand, and add another hour onto their check-in time. 

In-person testing is only available in the Dallas-Fort Worth area within 72 hours of departure.

Test: At-home (LetsGetChecked), or In-person (CareNow) at facility/airport

Cost/Results Turnaround: $129/48 hours, or $150 (clinic) $249 (airport)/72 hours maximum

Hawaiian Airlines*

https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/

Hawaiian Airlines is providing two testing possibilities – a health-care professional monitored at-home test from Vault Health or a drive-through option with a more expensive same-day service at the Los Angeles and San Francisco airports.

Test: At-home, or Drive-through

Cost/Results Turnaround: $150/24 hours (within reaching lab), or $90 ($150 premium)/36 hours

Hawaiian Airlines is offering two testing options for its passengers beginning Thursday.

Drive-through appointments at the San Francisco and Los Angeles international airports guarantee a result within 36 hours and cost $90, with a $150 “premium day-of-travel” option also available. At-home mail-in saliva collection kits by Vault Health (also $150) include prepaid shipping and guarantee results within 24 hours of a kit’s arrival at a lab. That process is monitored by a health-care professional via Zoom.

Fun holidays to look forward to on a superyacht

JetBlue*

https://www.jetblue.com/

JetBlue has also partnered with Vault Health to provide at-home tests with results within 72 hours at the most. These tests can be ordered on the Vault Health website.

Test: At-home 

Cost/Results Turnaround: $143/72 hours maximum

Get inspiration for your own Caribbean charter winter getaway in destinations such as the US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

*IMPORTANT! 

Please, check for the latest Coronaviru/Covid-19 pandemic-related requirements and updates with the airlines and destinations directly before your departure, as conditions and rules change frequently. 

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