Nothing beats the thrill that comes with waking up in a new destination every morning. Or the fact that the fare you pay on a cruise holiday covers everything, from accommodation to entertainment, and everything in between.

Unfortunately, cruise holidays have always been overpriced, with some cruise companies charging a whopping $29000 per night for the penthouse. Other companies, however, are working round the clock to make boating affordable without compromising, too much, on luxury.

So, if you’re saving money for your dream holiday, here are some tips that will point you in the right direction.

Choose Between Chartering and Social Sailing

Chartering a boat is more like renting a car. You get to own the vessel for a couple of days, minus the actual cost of owning a boat. The best part is, most boating destinations don’t require people to have boat driving licenses. But the few that do, like Canada, have relatively easy and fast processes of acquiring a temporary one.

It’s also worth noting, that boat renting comes with its fair share of drawbacks. For example, you need to check for any damages before signing that dotted line. Otherwise, the company will extend the blame and repair cost to you.

Social sailing, on the other hand, is a cheaper alternative to chartering a boat. It’s best suited for people looking for a budget cruise. And it’s also a nifty way of making new friends.

Determine the Level of Luxury You Want

Just like cars, boats come with different luxe levels. At the top of the luxury spectrum, there are top-notch safety features, high-quality finishes, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. But as expected, all these come at a hefty cost.

The lower end of the boating spectrum presents vessels with basic features and a touch of luxury. They are relatively cheaper to operate, rent and repair.

Consider Boat Sharing and Boat Clubs

A great way of finding a vessel on a tight budget is using boat sharing services. They work just like rideshare, so you get to hire a boat from one of the locals at a discounted price, compared to renting one from a cruise company.

But if you are looking for an even cheaper alternative, try finding a boat club. It is the perfect way to get an affordable powerboat or dinghy for a weekend.

While using boat sharing services and boat clubs may be affordable, they usually don’t have a wide variety of options. So you might have to give up some luxury and functionality if you choose this route. But if the boat is in a reasonable condition, and it comes with all the safety equipment, nothing can stop you from having a good time.