Problems with Dubai yachts rentals and how to avoid them
Dubai has become one of the biggest tourist hubs of the world. Millions upon millions of tourists pour into the city of skylines every year. A tax free economy, backed by oil exports and the tourist income, it has become a prominent area for the upper middle and upper class of the world to live in.
With the creation of several artificial islands and a beautiful coastline that extends towards the Arabian Sea, Dubai has invested on its maritime potential. Yachts of all sizes can be seen docked around the harbor areas of the city and the Palm islands. Some of them are privately own and some are offered as rent towards the tourists that come in. Yachts in Dubai are used for three main purposes and they include: Tours, Parties, Business.
For the purpose of this article, we will mostly be focusing on the rental aspects of yachts. This means that the area of tours and parties will mostly be discussed. Almost all the businesses in Dubai own private yachts that are at their disposal for official meetings.
Tours and Their Problems
One of the biggest problems facing yacht tours is a pretty obvious one – it is really expensive! Most tours charge money on an hourly basis, which means you have a limited amount of time to enjoy several activities. If you are planning to go scuba diving, snorkeling or paragliding, you will have to ensure you do not cross your budget limit if you have limited cash on hand. The rent for normal yacht starts from 500 AED per hour for the basic experience, increasing to over 10,000 AED an hour depending on how luxurious you want to go.
People from all cultures, ethnicity and backgrounds come here to enjoy a plethora of amenities offered by the city. Most of them would love to enjoy a yacht cruise, but given the high cost, they cannot afford to do so. It’s recommended that you work with experienced operators who understand your requirements and budgets. There are enough options in Dubai to satisfy most yacht rental requirements. This is why you can afford to be picky when selecting a rental company.
Furthermore, there are cases where private individuals pass themselves off as yacht brokers, renting a yacht to a tourist via another legitimate agency, adding to the cost of the rental. It is quite easy for a person to download a picture of a yacht and upload it on the internet, acting like a broker. Be sure to book your yachts from bona fide operators that have a variety of yachts available for rental purposes.
Some yachts might not have the correct life saving equipment. When you sail out to sea, anything can happen. Taking precautionary measures is always a good idea. Yachts should be checked for flare guns, life jackets, rafts and first aid kits before embarking on a cruise. In addition, ask the captain if he is trained in handling any unforeseen circumstance. This is important because you are unlikely to have the experience or expertise to deal with an emergency. Rather than panicking at the last moment, being a little proactive can prove the difference between safety and calamity.
Parties and Their Problems
Renting yachts for a party is a whole different story. If you are planning to have a party on a yacht, you have to consider whether you want to be out at sea during the day, night or both. This means that you will have to notify the company of any additional requirements prior to departure from the yacht club. Once you are on board, you will also have to make sure that all safety precautions have been taken into account. Ensure the captain is aware of the route and the number of people onboard as well as having a general idea of the party schedule.
Most rental services in Dubai provide food and beverage options, depending on your budget. Be prepared to pay extra for this, or ask if you can bring your own along. If you have a DJ, he/she might not have the correct input cables so it would make sense to have them visit the yacht before the event and check the sound system.
Cancellation policies vary. In some cases if were to cancel or postpone your plans, the company is entitled to keep the deposit. Make sure you check the cancellation policies, especially during the winter months.
Make sure your cruise is long enough. Many areas of the Gulf have speed limits which could result in long journeys to see your favorite sights! Also allocate some time to have a refreshing swim in the warm Arabian waters! Four to Five hours is plenty if you want to see the Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab.
Conclusion
Yacht rentals in Dubai range from budget experiences all the way through to mega luxury. While this means you might be spoilt for choice, it also allows you to decide on a yacht rental according to your budget. Make sure you take into consideration the entire cruise, including food and beverage planning, yacht capacity and time lengths. We suggest speaking with your broker about your cruise and help them put together the perfect experience based on your budget. This way, you will have the time of your life but without breaking the bank.
