Northrop & Johnson Charter Yachts Offer Safety and Calm Amidst Coronavirus

In the wake of the global health crisis, the crews of Northrop & Johnson’s luxury charter yachts are taking steps to ensure our charter guests are comfortable and safe aboard. While it’s important to note that travel is not completely risk-free, a private yacht charter is by far safer than cruise liners, hotel stays and many other options. Social distancing is easy aboard a yacht as you cruise offshore; direct contact with other people is very limited. Thanks to private air travel and cars, door-to-door transportation can be arranged for an added level of safety.

Most yachts are continuing the already rigorous cleaning and disinfection procedures in place. Many are putting protocols in place to monitor the health of their crewmembers to ensure the virus is not contracted. One yacht in our fleet is owned by a gentleman in his 90s. He had his crew tested for both the flu and coronavirus prior to coming aboard and is now basing himself on board his yacht as it is the safest, most hygienic, insular environment.

Luxury charter yacht NITA K II has put into practice an extremely proactive protocol. They are continuing their already rigorous housekeeping and hygiene regimes but have increased frequency to further minimize any contamination to or from surfaces.  In addition, the crew are constantly changing our antimicrobial medical grade high-efficiency particulate air filters. Furthermore, none of the crewmembers have traveled to or from any recent hotspots and are being extremely careful with regard to shore leave. Furthermore, the yacht is sending screening forms to all guests before they are allowed access to board.

Luxury superyacht SOLO is continuing the already thorough cleaning and hygiene procedures aboard in addition to adhering to all directives from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Below is an example of a protocol that has been implemented aboard a different yacht currently located in The Bahamas.

• Taking crew temperatures at regular intervals to ensure no one is ill and will require a simple temperature check of all persons boarding the yacht to ensure the safety of both guests and crew.
• Have masks and, should the charter client deem it necessary, the crew can wear them for the duration of the charter.
• Have hand wipes and other sanitizing agents aboard and welcome guests to bring their own protective gear if they deem it necessary.
• No crewmembers aboard the yacht have visited mainland China, Iran, Italy in the last three months.

A yacht charter, in fact, could be the safest travel option for the foreseeable future. Luxury yachts are bastions of hygiene and cleanliness as they are maintained to exceptionally high standards at all times; many yachts are taking extra precautions in the wake of coronavirus. As luxury yacht charters are very exclusive, the number of people on and off the yacht remains limited. As such, the risk of exposure is significantly lower than risks associated with staying at hotels, villas and other land-based accommodations. Furthermore, yachts are self-sustaining. They can produce their own water, carry months’ worth of supplies at a time and can provide an enjoyable experience for guests without them ever stepping foot ashore.

If you are concerned about the coronavirus, speak to your charter broker and the captain about arranging an itinerary that involves quiet, peaceful destinations. There are plenty of secluded beaches and private coves to visit, furthermore the crew are exceptionally well equipped to create a once-in-a-lifetime holiday for guests without stepping off the yacht. From water toys to onboard spas to Michelin-quality food, many yachts offer so many amazing amenities there is no reason to even head ashore.

For more information on yacht charters, please contact your preferred charter broker.