With 30 years of experience sailing the globe on yachts and superyachts, Captain Kerry Titheradge of the hit series Below Deck aims to encourage and inform travelers considering a yacht vacation. Many misconceptions discourage people from booking a yachting trip; Captain Kerry addresses these myths and explains what the modern yacht experience actually offers.
© Kerry Titheradge
Myth: Yachts are Only for Billionaires
Contrary to popular belief, yachting is not exclusively for the ultra-wealthy. Chartering a yacht can be comparable in price to a luxury villa or a high-end resort stay when costs are divided among guests. Beyond cost, a yacht delivers an all-inclusive, personalized service: the crew’s sole focus is on your group, tailoring food, activities and itinerary to your preferences.
Myth: You are Stuck in One Place
A key advantage of a yacht vacation is mobility. A yacht functions like a boutique hotel that moves with you — you can wake up in a different bay each morning, explore secluded anchorages, and tailor each day’s route to weather, interests and local highlights.
Myth: You Will be Seasick the Whole Time
Modern yachts feature advanced stabilization systems and charters are planned with weather and sea conditions in mind, significantly reducing motion and discomfort. Many first-time charter guests are surprised at how steady and comfortable the experience can be, even for those prone to seasickness.
© Kerry Titheradge
Myth: It is Overly Formal or Intimidating
Yacht vacations are typically relaxed and highly personalized rather than formal. Expect barefoot lunches on deck, themed dinners, water sports throughout the day and an atmosphere shaped around your group’s style. The level of formality is up to you — from casual family-focused trips to elegant, celebratory occasions.
When deciding between a luxury hotel and a yacht, consider what matters most to you. A five-star hotel offers consistent service, fixed amenities and access to city or resort-based attractions. A yacht provides privacy, flexibility and a bespoke experience: meals, music, schedule and destinations are organized entirely around your group. In a hotel you are one guest among many; on a yacht, the operation centers on your preferences and pace.
As Captain Kerry puts it, “Hotels are destinations. Yachts are journeys.” With thoughtful planning and an experienced crew, a yacht charter can deliver a unique, tailored vacation that makes the most of coastal scenery, local culture and private time with friends or family.