Sure, when you hear the words ‘yacht charter’, you probably think of tropical beaches, sparkling seas, and sunshine. But whether it’s attending a major sporting game in New York, discovering the history and theatre of London, or exploring the stunning architecture in Barcelona, big city yacht charters are a superb indulgence.
There’s nothing quite like docking under the skyscrapers of a giant metropolis to throw a glittering cocktail party on the sundeck of your own private yacht. Bathed in the reflection of the city lights, it’s all too easy to step off the passerelle onto the dock and head into town—spending the evening taking in a Broadway show, eating at a Michelin star restaurant, or hitting an A-list nightclub. The shopping, of course, is second-to-none in the world’s major cities, promising flagship designer stores, funky boutiques, and bustling markets selling clothes and antiques.
Best of all, unlike beach charters, big city yacht charters can be enjoyed without perfect weather, meaning you can take advantage of low-season charter rates!
OceanScape Yachts has put together a list of some of the greatest cities on earth to visit by superyacht.
There is nothing else on earth like cruising along the Hudson on a superyacht, passing by the Statue of Liberty, and docking your yacht under Manhattan’s skyscrapers. As far as once-in-a-lifetime experiences go, approaching New York by water is enough to give you goosebumps.
On a New York City yacht charter you can take in a Broadway Show in Times Square or watch the Mets take on the Yankees at iconic Yankee Stadium. You might want to wander through Central Park on a sunny day or view the metropolis spread out below you from the observation deck of the Empire State Building.
For the culturally inclined, a concert at Carnegie Hall is simply a must, while New York’s museums and art galleries—like the Guggenheim, the Met, and the American Museum of Natural History—are world-class.
New York is the ultimate luxury destination, with ultra-high end shopping along Fifth Avenue, glamorous day spas, and some of the best restaurants on earth. After you’ve had your fill of city excitement, your private yacht is the perfect place to retreat from the buzz and crowds of the Big Apple.
Imagine your yacht powering up the river Thames, and as you approach Tower Bridge with its blue and grey fairytale towers. The drawbridge starts to rise and as you pass through one of the great landmarks on earth you can see red double-decker buses and iconic London black cabs banking up in the traffic on either side .
Docked by Tower Bridge, you can start to explore the city taking in the West End shows, the fine restaurants, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Wander through Hyde Park, stroll past Shakespeare’s Globe, visit the Tate Modern, and shop at the antique markets on Portobello Road. You might even take high tea at the Savoy, stock up at Harrods for a luxury London picnic, or visit Hamleys, the oldest toy shop in the world.
You can also enjoy a sporting events here, maybe eating strawberries and cream at Wimbledon centre court, watching a Rugby Game at Twickenham, or heading to the Lords for a cricket match. In London, history, sport, and the high life combine in the most marvelous way.
A Sydney Harbour cruise at sunset is one of the great Australian experiences. As you pass beneath the massive arch of Sydney Harbour Bridge you can look up to see the Australian flag flying proudly from the thick steel girders. Just off to one side is the Opera House, its white sails curving against the huge southern sky, and behind the skyscrapers reflect the dramatic pinks and oranges of the Australian sunset.
As you explore the meandering waterways of Sydney Harbour (one of the largest natural harbours in the world) you’ll find pretty, crystal-clear coves shaded by gum trees and gleaming modern mansions. Little islands dot the harbour with Aboriginal, military and convict heritage on show. And pretty beaches provide the perfect spot to anchor off for a long lazy lunch on deck.
On a charter in Sydney you might explore the cobbled streets and colonial buildings of the Rock, or shop along Oxford Street, or visit splendid Taronga Zoo, with its giraffes and elephants presiding over a stunning city view.
Sydney is one of the great food capitals of the world, and years could be spent exploring the restaurants- from the fine dining on the waterfront to delicious Asian street food in Chinatown.
No-one can visit Sydney without visiting the beautiful beaches of Manly and Bondi, famous world-over for their rolling breakers, beautiful blondes, and sun-bronzed surfers.
The city is chock-full of things to do, but if you feel like a change of scenery, then head out through the immense cliffs of Sydney Heads to enjoy the stunning national parks, endless sandy beaches, and the pretty Hawkesbury River.
While it’s long been known as a jumping off point for the sea and sunshine of the mesmerizing Balearic Islands, Barcelona is now rising as a yacht charter destination in its own right. And no wonder, for this exciting Mediterranean city is an absolute powerhouse of architecture, art, history, music, and gastronomy.
In Barcelona, you can dock your yacht downtown at luxury Marina Port Vell, taking advantage of the excellent location to launch your city adventure. The fairytale modernist architecture of Gaudi brings quirkiness and color to the city skyline, while grand old theatres dripping in gold leaf and red velvet are the perfect place to settle in for a night of world-class music. Art is everywhere in Barcelona, from the grand Fundació Joan Miró museum and the famous MNAC, to the ever-changing street art scene which brings color and life to the laneways and train sidings.
Spend happy afternoons strolling and shopping in the designer boutiques, watch street performers tumble and dance in cobbled squares, or laze about on the long sweep of sand at Barcelona beach. When the sun finally sets and the music starts to drift from the bars, it’s time to adjourn to a tapas bar or award-winning restaurant to indulge in one of the best gastronomic and cocktail scenes on the planet.
If sunshine, orange groves and crystal clear seas are calling your name, the Balearic Islands are just a short cruise from Barcelona and are a brilliant inclusion on your Barcelona yacht charter.
The potential for big city yacht charters is immense, promising luxury and fun in equal measure. And it’s all far more affordable than you probably realize!
OceanScape Yachts has put together the definitive guide to the luxurious world of yachting vacations. Come, discover a whole new way to “sea” the world.
