Cruising Guide: What’s Hot for Summer 2025

Navigator’s experts explore the latest travel trends to bring you the hottest picks for the summer yachting season

Experiential Escapes

Underpinned by a growing interest in experiential escapes, charter clients are more eager than ever to delve deeper into their chosen destination. Rather than spending time at the popular beach club or hottest restaurant, clients are increasingly seeking deeper connections with destinations. This trend, known as experiential travel, is not just about the destination itself, but the experiences you have while there. Whether this is in the form of purpose-driven adventures – focusing on meaningful goals such as wildlife conservation, environmental programs, or more personal interactions with local communities – many charter clients consider cultural experiences an important factor when choosing their cruising ground.

With her well-stocked toy box, array of alfresco areas, and friendly crew, the 220’ (67m) CALEX is perfect for every type of charter experience. Prices from €680,000 per week, plus expenses, for up to 12 guests.

Set-Jetting

While social media influencers have been inspiring travelers for a while now, it seems that television has regained its position as a key travel influencer. Hit shows set in breathtaking locations have sparked a number of charter clients to explore further afield. The demand for charters in Sicily, for example, increased ten-fold after the sun-drenched location served as the backdrop for the second season of The White Lotus, while Ripley’s palatial Italian boltholes continue to entice charterers to the Amalfi Coast. Whether you want to stroll around Dubrovnik’s ramparts as seen in Game of Thrones, or channel your inner Meryl Streep on the Greek islands of Skiathos and Skopelos, it seems that the “set-jetting” trend continues to surge interest in both old and new filming locations.

Step aboard the 116’ (35.36m) NOROADER this summer in the East Mediterranean. Prices from €140,000 per week, plus expenses, for up to 10 guests. For those cruising Italy’s Amalfi Coast or Sicily, the 194’9” (59.37m) LA BLANCA is available for prices from €395,000 per week, plus expenses, for 10 guests.

Soothing Travel

A yacht charter can encompass many things, but for most it is an opportunity to disconnect and embrace the off-grid experience. Rather than FOMO (fear of missing out), it’s the JOMO (joy of missing out) that has become more popular. A yacht offers the perfect sanctuary for charterers looking to spend their vacation time soothing their nervous system and exploring at their own pace. “A lot of our clients live very fast-paced lives, so they want to switch off while on vacation,” says Senior Charter Broker Fiona Maureso. “There is a lot to be said for quality time spent with family, both as a tribe and one-on-one; connecting with nature, appreciating your surroundings, and creating precious memories with our loved ones.”

With six cabins for up to 12 guests, the 236’3” (72m) AXIOMA is the perfect yacht for family charters. Cruising the East and West Mediterranean throughout the summer, she is available for prices from €562,500 per week, plus expenses.

Destination Dupes

While the perennially popular coastlines of the Côte d’Azur, Amalfi Coast, the Greek Cyclades, and Ionian islands continue to be in high demand, many charterers are opting for destination dupes. Whether combining yachting hotspots with lesser-known ports-of-call, or swapping an entire cruising ground for a similar, less-crowded coastline, the alternatives often surpass the real thing. Instead of Capri, for example, the neighboring island of Ischia is much bigger and offers great beaches. Similarly, while cruising the Balearic islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, extend your itinerary to incorporate the quieter island of Menorca.

Over in Greece, the Saronic Islands offer a perfect bohemian escape and, despite being located just off the Greek mainland, are way less crowded than the popular Cyclades or Ionian archipelagos. “Some charterers will still want Mykonos and Santorini during the busy high season and nothing else will do,” says Senior Charter Broker Diana Meza. “But if they are flexible, that opens a lot of possibilities where you can offer alternative destinations, as long as the owners are taking their yachts there, and they will if there is the demand.”

The 200’ (61m) LADY KATHRYN V is available to charter throughout the Mediterranean for prices from €430,000 per week, plus expenses, for up to 12 guests.

Changing Seasonality

We have witnessed the peak Mediterranean charter season shift from June, July, and August to May through September as unreliable weather renders seasonality less relevant than ever. With shifting climate patterns affecting seasonality, cruising during the shoulder months of May and September can be just as incredible, if not more so. Plus, you benefit from low-season rates and less crowded anchorages, making for a unique and memorable experience.

“The 220’ (67m) CALEX, for example, is available to charter in the West Mediterranean this summer for prices from €680,000 per week in June and September, with the rate increasing to €740,000 per week in July and August,” says Charter Specialist Adam Fitzmaurice.

Wellness Travel

Wellness is another key trend with more clients requesting yachts that offer a range of wellness amenities and facilities. “Clients increasingly follow wellbeing routines and health hacks to stay healthy and don’t want to skip their habits while on vacation,” says Adam. “To stay on top of this shift, more and more of the charter fleet have identified appropriate longevity offerings, including better equipped gyms and dedicated spas.” Adam recommends the 164’ (49.99m) VICTORIA DEL MAR, which has a fully-equipped, climate-controlled gym located on the main deck that can be converted into a massage or spa room. Another popular yacht is the 139’ (42.6m) ‘H, which also offers a state-of-the-art gym with equipment for every fitness level. There aren’t many gyms that can compete with the inspiring views found on board the 203’ (62m) RoMa. Located on the sun deck, this air-conditioned gym looks directly out over the ocean, while there is a masseuse within the crew, as well as yoga and meditation sessions run by crewmembers.

Cool-cation Hotspots

Whether it’s the allure of temperatures in the mid-70s, or the thrill of chasing the eclipse, demand for charters in Northern Europe has increased ten-fold in the last decade. “Scandinavian summer is not just a passing trend but is now a Bucket List favorite,” says Fiona. It’s not just the coastlines of Sweden and Norway that are attracting the superyachts; it looks like Greenland’s High Arctic will become the new cool-cation hotspot, with eclipse-viewing charters and a variety of experiences available at every anchorage. “I could never have prepared myself for the sheer scale of the breathtaking landscapes,” said one charter client. “From one location to the next, the epic scenery, wildlife, and natural wonders surpassed all my expectations.”