The superyacht lifestyle is becoming very popular, with designers competing over who can create the most luxurious, lavish, over the top ship, a diamond inspired superyacht being the latest rave among seafarers. But with prices starting at $250,000 per week, without food or drinks included, experiencing a superyacht does not come in handy for ordinary people.
Slovenian-based charter agency Goolets has found the key to making superyachts more affordable. They gave former Croatian cabin cruiser Freedom a complete make-over and turned it into an 11-cabin superyacht that only costs $80,000 per week, with the food and drinks adding an extra 30%, so about $100,000 for an all-inclusive package.
In the last couple of years, Croatia became the hot spot and a place to be. With its 1,200 islands laying on the beautiful turquoise Adriatic Sea and being much more affordable than France, Italy, and Greece became the perfect destination for Super Yachts and Mega Yachts.
Goolets
Building a 50-metre superyacht from scratch costs about $50 million, “so Freedom is not a superyacht like from the books”, Mitja Mirtič, founder of Goolets told CNN Travel. Building Freedom cost just over $4 million in 2019 and a further $1.6 million went into its renovation. This is partly why it is more affordable. The other side is its capacity. Normal superyachts only have an average of 6 cabins, fitting about 12 people. On Freedom, the price splits between up to 22 people, so each person ends up paying less.
The ship had 18 cabins that could accommodate 40 people. Now, there are only 11 cabins, for a single group of 22 people. 4 regular cabins were turned into 2 large master cabins, one was turned into a massage studio, another into a spa with a sauna. Another 2 cabins were turned into a cinema room, one into a gym and the remaining 9 cabins were just upgraded.
The decks have also been upgraded with hardwood floors, a hot tub and a small plunge pool. 11 crew members ensure guests have the best experience and a “fleet of water toys” is also available, from an inflatable slide to paddleboards and electric surfboard.
