TORONTO — When travel first resumed after the pandemic, many travellers remained cautious, wanting to avoid crowds and maintain a sense of personal space. Private touring surged in popularity, along with small-group travel, villa rentals and boutique hotels, as people looked for a balance between satisfying their wanderlust and staying safe.

Now that global travel has largely returned to normal, many pandemic-era trends (remember revenge travel and virtual vacations?) have run their course. Yet, the demand for privacy and more intimate travel experiences remains strong among many travellers.

Perhaps this explains the continued popularity of yacht and boat charters. According to Fortune Business Insights, the North American yacht charter market—including Canada—was valued at about US$3 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2%. Globally, the luxury yacht charter market was valued at $7.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $16.9 billion by 2032, reports ResearchAndMarkets.com.

Looking to capitalize on this growing demand is Dream Yacht Worldwide, which is said to offer the most diverse yacht fleet in the world. Founded in the Seychelles by Loïc Bonnet in 2000 with just six yachts, Dream Yacht has since grown into one of the world’s leading sea vacation companies, offering charters in more than 40 locations around the globe including the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico, Thailand, Maldives, the Seychelles, Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the South Pacific and more.

“Marc Pedrol, CMO of Dream Yacht Worldwide, tells Travelweek that this summer is shaping up to be exceptional—especially out of Canada—as Canadians remain wary of U.S. travel and seek alternatives amid ongoing political tensions.”

“We are experiencing similar trends as always, with the only exception being a slight decrease in the U.S. and Caribbean regions and an increase in more exotic destinations like French Polynesia and Italy,” he says. “Overall, in 2025, what we’re seeing in Canada is an enormous interest for the Bahamas, BVI and French Polynesia, which are usually the strongest destinations in the market.”

As with any private boat charter, size matters. The smaller size of Dream Yacht’s vessels, says Pedrol, is a big advantage, allowing groups to visit smaller, less-crowded harbours that traditional cruise ships can’t access. “It’s not uncommon to anchor in a pristine lagoon where guests can board a dinghy to visit stunning beaches or even swim ashore. Smaller ports and less crowds can often mean more interaction with locals and a more meaningful, authentic experience,” he adds.

There are three types of yacht charters for sailors of all skill levels to book. These include Skippered Charters, ideal for those who prefer to handle their own provisioning and meal preparations but want the expertise of a professional skipper to navigate and manage the yacht. Then there are Easy Crewed Charters, which come with a professional skipper at a fixed price, with everything paid for up front such as destination taxes, yacht insurance and fuel. And finally, there are Fully Crewed Charters for the most complete type of sailing holiday, which include all meals and most beverages and come with a captain, a hostess and a crew that works with guests to create a personalized holiday complete with a flexible itinerary (typically at least three nights or a minimum seven nights during the Mediterranean’s high season or the holidays) and menu. Depending on the type and model of the yacht, group sizes can range anywhere from 4-5 guests to up to 12.

Experienced sailors can also book Bareboat Charters that put them in full control of the yacht and itinerary and include yacht insurance, a full tank of fuel, water, first and last night marina moorings and a starter cleaning and safety pack. Those with no sailing experience can opt for Cabin Charters that sail aboard catamarans featuring private cabins with ensuite bathrooms. This option is ideal for singles or couples and include a crew, watersport equipment and a set itinerary that highlights beaches, snorkelling, beach bars and other local attractions.

“Our sales consultants are experts at recommending the most suitable yacht based on the group size, preferences and the experience you’re looking to enjoy. They’ll help ensure you find the perfect match for a smooth and memorable sailing vacation,” says Pedrol.

Dream Yacht Worldwide partners with a range of travel retailers and maintains a 50/50 split between direct bookings and reseller distribution. The company also offers competitive commissions, which vary based on sales volume and level of promotion. For details, go to www.dreamyachtcharter.com.

Le Boat in Hindeloopen, Netherlands

CANADA CHARTERS ON THE RISE

Canadians aren’t just taking this opportunity to travel further afield—many are sticking closer to home this summer amid ongoing political tensions and growing concerns over cross-border travel.

Lisa McLean, Long Haul Marketing Manager at Le Boat, a leading provider of houseboat vacations in Europe and Canada, tells Travelweek that now is the time for Canadians to consider a houseboat vacation.

“We’ve definitely seen a spike in staycation travel and last-minute bookings for our Canadian waterways as the weather begins to warm up for summer,” she says. “But for those still looking to book Europe this year, the Canal du Midi in France as well as Belgium, the Netherlands and the U.K. are also still popular with Canadian travellers.”

Le Boat offers charters in eight different regions in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, England, Ireland and Scotland, as well as on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rideau Canal and the historic Trent Severn Waterways in Ontario. There are five models to choose from ranging in size from 2-5 cabins and sleeping anywhere from 2-12 guests. In Canada, the company has a fleet of 32 premier Horizon Cruisers and over 900 boats ranging from budget to luxury in Europe. On board, guests can expect private cabins with ensuite showers, fully equipped kitchens, top-deck BBQs, sundecks and more. Boats can be booked for 3-6 nights for a short break, or 7-10+ nights for a longer vacation. And the best part? You don’t need a licence or prior experience to captain the boat.

“Our base teams will show you everything you need to know before you set off safely on your houseboat cruise and ensure that you and your crew are ready to cast off,” says McLean. “With over 50 years of experience on the water, we’ve been doing this for a long time. You can rely on Le Boat to offer a wealth of helpful advice to make boat rentals in Canada and Europe a breeze.”

And to those who are still wondering if a private boat charter can be just as rewarding as a larger cruise, McLean offers this perspective: “Many of the canals in Europe and Canada lead you to small villages that you would never have discovered otherwise. Plus, there’s the delicious cuisine, local markets, fresh bakeries, artisan shops, friendly locals and hidden gems that are usually found off the beaten track. It’s a liberating experience.”

Le Boat offers commissions on all boat rentals. It’s currently offering up to 30% off 2025 cruises in Europe and Canada in July, August and September, and up to 20% off autumn cruises when booked before July 10, 2025. For details go to www.leboat.com/deals.

This article originally appears in the June 26 issue of Travelweek. To read the issue, click here.