Fort Lauderdale Yacht Charter FAQs

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About Sun Dream Yacht Charters

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Why choose Sun Dream Yacht Charters?

With over 45 years as a family-owned company, Sun Dream Yacht Charters brings a depth of experience, a personal commitment, and a standard of hospitality that larger operations simply cannot match. We own and operate our own fleet, so when you book with us, you are working directly with the owners — not a sales agent or a broker. We have earned consistent five-star reviews across Google, Yelp, WeddingWire, and The Knot, not through marketing but through delivering exceptional experiences one event at a time. Our all-inclusive approach, gourmet onboard dining, experienced crew, and dedicated event coordination make us South Florida’s most trusted name in luxury yacht charters.
 

Are you a yacht charter broker, or do you own the yachts?

We own and operate our fleet of three yachts — m/y Sun Dream, m/y Caprice, and m/y Catalina. When you book directly with Sun Dream Yacht Charters, you are working directly with the owners — there is no markup on the charter price, and your event is coordinated by the people who actually own the yachts, manage the crew, and host your event. We also work regularly with a number of respected charter brokers in South Florida, and we are happy to coordinate your event through a broker you trust.
 

How long has Sun Dream Yacht Charters been in business?

 

The Brantmeyer family has been chartering yachts in South Florida since 1979. We formally incorporated as Sun Dream Yacht Charters in 1987 and have grown into a fleet of three luxury yachts — but the family-owned approach has not changed. Across more than 45 years on the water, we have hosted thousands of weddings, corporate events, holiday parties, and private celebrations from our home port in Fort Lauderdale.

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Are you licensed and insured?

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Yes. Sun Dream Yacht Charters is fully licensed and insured, our captains hold current U.S. Coast Guard credentials, and our vessels meet all USCG safety requirements. We also carry liquor licenses and are regularly health-inspected by the Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants. You can charter with complete confidence in the safety and professionalism of our operation.

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Booking & Pricing

 

How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Fort Lauderdale?

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Yacht charter pricing varies based on several factors: the yacht selected, charter duration, number of guests, bar package, menu selections, and event type. As a general guideline, most private yacht charters with Sun Dream Yacht Charters range from approximately $8,500 to $40,000. Intimate events on m/y Sun Dream tend toward the lower end of that range; most weddings and corporate events fall between $15,000 and $25,000; and large events aboard m/y Catalina trend toward the higher end. Every quote is custom-built for your specific event, with no hidden fees. Request a quote and we will provide accurate pricing within 24 hours.

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Are there affordable options for smaller events or special occasions?

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Yes. While yacht charters are synonymous with luxury, Sun Dream Yacht Charters offers flexible options that make private events on the water accessible for birthdays, anniversaries, engagement celebrations, and other milestones. By adjusting charter length, guest count, and menu selections, many clients are pleasantly surprised by how attainable a private yacht experience can be. We also offer ticketed public cruises for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July, which are excellent ways to experience our yachts at a per-person price point. Many clients are also surprised to find that, once you factor in venue rental, catering, bar, and décor, a private yacht charter is comparable in cost to a hotel ballroom or banquet facility — with a far more memorable setting.

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What is required to book a charter?

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To reserve your charter date, a deposit equal to the yacht charter fee is required at the time of booking. Deposits are non-refundable. The remaining balance is due 14 days prior to your charter date, which is also when your final guest count is required. Certain yachts have guest minimums. Our sales team will walk you through every step of the booking process, including yacht selection, availability, and customization options.

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How far in advance should I book?

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We recommend booking as early as possible — especially for weddings, holiday parties, and popular spring and fall weekends, which fill up quickly. For weddings, 9–12 months in advance is ideal. For corporate events and other private charters, 3–6 months in advance is typical. For company holiday parties in November and December, we recommend booking by August or September. That said, we do our best to accommodate shorter timelines when availability allows, so do not hesitate to reach out even if your event is approaching. Simply put, booking early ensures you get the date and time you want.

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What is your cancellation policy?

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Deposits and payments are non-refundable. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact our team as early as possible — we will do everything we can to work with you, particularly for unforeseen circumstances. We recommend event insurance for weddings and other major events.

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What happens if there is a hurricane or major weather event?

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In the rare event of a USCG-mandated closure of the Intracoastal Waterway or a Coast Guard advisory that prevents safe operations, we will reschedule your charter at no charge. South Florida hurricane season runs June through November, but actual disruptions to charters are uncommon. Our team monitors conditions carefully and will communicate with you well in advance of any weather concerns.

Hosting your event aboard our yachts is no riskier than hosting at a hotel or country club. In fact, because we can relocate our vessels before a storm and operate on our own electricity and water, we are typically up and running well before land-based venues recover.

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Do you accept credit cards?

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Yes. We accept all major credit cards, as well as checks and wire transfers (certain conditions apply). Our team will explain payment options when you book.

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The Charter Experience

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What times are yacht charters available?

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Charter times are flexible and based on yacht availability and dockage scheduling. We work with each client to select the ideal start time for their event — whether that is a daytime cruise, a sunset departure, or an evening celebration. Standard charter durations are three or four hours, with extended and custom lengths available for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions.

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How long is a typical yacht charter?

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Most private charters run three to four hours, which includes boarding, cruising, dining, and departure. Weddings and large corporate events often book longer durations of five to six hours or more. Charter length is one of the most flexible elements of your event — we can build a timeline around what makes sense for your guests, your menu, and your itinerary.

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What areas do you cruise?

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Our yacht charters cruise Fort Lauderdale’s iconic Intracoastal Waterway, offering stunning views of the city’s waterfront estates, marinas, and skyline. We also serve clients and host departures in Miami, Miami Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Hollywood, and Las Olas. The Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal is widely considered the most scenic cruising route in South Florida — past mega-yachts, multi-million-dollar waterfront homes, and the downtown skyline at sunset.

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Will guests experience motion sickness?

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Very unlikely. Our charters cruise exclusively along the protected, calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway — not the open ocean. This makes our yachts ideal for guests of all ages, including children, elderly guests, and anyone who may be sensitive to motion. The experience is smooth, relaxed, and comfortable throughout.

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What happens if it rains?

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South Florida weather is rarely a concern. Each yacht in our fleet features spacious, climate-controlled indoor areas as well as beautiful open-air decks with partial overhead coverage. In the event of rain, guests can move comfortably indoors without interrupting the event. Our vessels are also designed to take full advantage of South Florida’s beautiful weather — sunset cruises, breezy evenings, and mild winter days are some of our most memorable charters. Our experienced crew is well-practiced at keeping celebrations on track regardless of weather conditions.

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Is the yacht exclusively ours for the event?

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Yes, always. Every Sun Dream Yacht Charters event is a completely private charter. Your group will never share the yacht with other parties or strangers. The vessel, crew, catering team, and bar staff are entirely dedicated to you and your guests for the full duration of your charter. (The only exception is our ticketed public events for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Fourth of July, which are advertised as shared cruises with per-ticket pricing.)

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What is the dress code for a yacht charter?

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There is no formal dress code requirement — that is entirely up to you and your event. Many guests dress elegantly for evening events, while daytime and casual charters tend toward smart casual attire. We recommend guests wear comfortable, non-slip footwear when boarding. High heels with thin stiletto tips are discouraged on deck for safety reasons.

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Where do charters depart from, and is parking available?

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Most Sun Dream Yacht Charters charters board at the DoubleTree by Hilton GalleryOne, located at 2670 E Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Valet parking is available at the hotel for $30 per car, which is not included in the charter price. Please note that our offices at 852 NE 20th Avenue are not a boarding location. Your boarding location, parking instructions, and arrival details will be confirmed in writing once your charter is booked.

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Can guests arrive by water taxi or boat?

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Please contact our team in advance if you are exploring alternative arrival arrangements for your guests. We are happy to discuss logistics and what is possible for your specific event.

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Is the yacht accessible for guests with mobility needs?

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Please contact our team to discuss accessibility requirements for your specific event and the yacht you are considering. Each of our yachts has different accessibility features, and we will do our best to accommodate your guests comfortably.

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What about gratuity for the crew?

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Crew gratuity is not included in the standard charter fee. As is customary in the hospitality and yachting industry, gratuity of 18–20% of the charter fee and F&B charges is appreciated and shared among the captain, crew, catering, and bar staff. Many clients add this to their final payment; others tip in cash on the day of the event. Our team will walk you through what is standard during your planning.

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Can we smoke on the yacht?

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Smoking is generally restricted to designated outdoor deck areas only. Please discuss smoking accommodations with our team in advance so we can ensure your guests are comfortable.

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Are pets allowed on the yacht?

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Pets are not typically allowed on our yachts. Service animals are always welcome. 

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Catering & Bar Service

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Are food and catering available on your yacht charters?

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Yes. Sun Dream Yacht Charters is well known for its restaurant-quality onboard dining. Our professional culinary team prepares fresh, gourmet meals onboard on the day of your event — not pre-packaged or delivered from an outside caterer. Menu options are fully customizable and designed to complement the style, timing, and guest experience of your charter.

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Can we customize the menu?

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Absolutely. We offer a range of menu styles — from elegant plated dinners and chef-attended stations to cocktail-style receptions and buffet dining. Our culinary team works with you in advance to design a menu that suits your event, your guests’ preferences, and any dietary requirements. Visit our Event Menus page for a sample of what we offer.

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Can you accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies?

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Yes. We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher-style, and other dietary needs, as well as nut, shellfish, and other allergies. Please inform our team of any restrictions during the planning process so we can ensure every guest is well taken care of.

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Is bar service available?

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Yes. Professional bartending staff and full bar service are available with every charter. We offer a range of beverage packages and can discuss custom bar programs, signature cocktails, and curated wine or champagne selections based on your event.

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Can we bring our own alcohol?

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All bar service is provided by Sun Dream Yacht Charters under our liquor license. We can typically, through our distributor, accommodate special bottles for weddings (champagne toasts, family wines) or corporate events on a case-by-case basis. Please discuss bar arrangements with our team in advance.

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Can we bring our own cake or specialty items?

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Outside cakes and specialty desserts from licensed bakeries are welcome in many cases. Please discuss this with our team in advance so we can coordinate logistics and ensure any outside items meet our requirements.

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May we bring our own food?

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Sun Dream Yacht Charters provides full catering service prepared fresh onboard by our full-time chefs. In rare cases — such as Glatt Kosher events or other strictly kosher occasions that require a certified outside caterer — we can accommodate licensed outside catering, subject to a galley fee. Please discuss any specialized catering requirements with our team during the planning process.

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Corporate Events

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Do you host corporate events and company parties?

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Yes — corporate events are one of our specialties. Sun Dream Yacht Charters hosts dozens of corporate events each year, including holiday parties, client appreciation events, team-building cruises, executive retreats, board dinners, product launches, and end-of-year celebrations. Our three yachts accommodate groups from 16 to 516 guests, with full catering, bar service, and event coordination included.

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What types of companies charter your yachts?

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We host corporate events for companies of all sizes and industries, including law firms, real estate brokerages, financial services firms, healthcare and medical practices, technology companies, marine industry businesses, and South Florida hospitality groups. Many of our corporate clients return year after year for their annual holiday parties.

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Can we hold a corporate meeting or presentation onboard?

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Yes. Our yachts can accommodate corporate presentations, including A/V setup for slides, microphones, and screens. The Intracoastal cruising portion can be combined with a formal presentation, business dinner, awards ceremony, or breakout discussion. Please discuss your specific A/V and meeting requirements with our team during planning.

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Do you offer team-building cruises?

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Yes. Many companies charter our yachts for team-building events — combining a cruise on the Intracoastal with custom catering, group activities, and team recognition. We can work with your event planner or your in-house team to coordinate logistics.

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Holiday Parties

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Do you host company holiday parties?

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Yes — holiday parties are one of our most popular event categories. Sun Dream Yacht Charters hosts company holiday parties throughout November, December, and early January. Our three yachts can accommodate everything from intimate departmental gatherings of 20 to large corporate galas of 500 or more. All food is prepared fresh onboard, full bar service is included, and we can coordinate holiday décor, music, and entertainment.

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How early should we book a holiday party?

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Holiday party dates book very quickly. We recommend reserving as early as August or September to secure a preferred date in November or December. Friday and Saturday evenings in December typically fill first. We can usually accommodate weeknight dates and earlier-evening time slots even closer to the holidays.

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Can you accommodate Christmas-themed décor and entertainment?

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Yes. We can help coordinate holiday-themed décor, and entertainment such as DJs and photo booths. We offer a custom holiday themed menu, featuring client favorites, throughout the month of December. Some clients bring their own decorators; others use our preferred vendors. Either approach works.

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Do you host New Year’s Eve charters?

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Yes — New Year’s Eve is one of our most-requested dates and books very early. If you are planning a private New Year’s Eve charter, please reach out as far in advance as possible.

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Guest Capacity & Vessels

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How many guests can a yacht charter accommodate?

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Sun Dream Yacht Charters can accommodate events from as few as 15 guests to as many as 516 guests across our fleet of three yachts:

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• m/y Sun Dream — 16 to 149 guests | 1,000 sq. ft. open-air deck

• m/y Caprice — 75 to 329 guests | 1,700 sq. ft. main salon

• m/y Catalina — Up to 516 guests | 2,700 sq. ft. dining room

 

Our team will recommend the best vessel based on your guest count and event format. Visit our Our Vessels page to explore each yacht.

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Which yacht is right for my event?

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The right yacht depends on your guest count, event style, and budget:

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• m/y Sun Dream is ideal for intimate weddings, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and small corporate dinners.

• m/y Caprice suits mid-size events, including most weddings, corporate galas, and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.

• m/y Catalina is unmatched for grand celebrations — large weddings, major corporate events, and quinceañeras requiring maximum capacity.

 

Our sales team is happy to walk you through each option and help you decide.

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Are children welcome on the yacht?

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Yes, children are welcome aboard. Our calm Intracoastal cruising route and enclosed indoor spaces make the experience comfortable for guests of all ages. We ask that parents and guardians supervise children at all times, particularly on open deck areas.

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Weddings

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Can we have our wedding ceremony onboard?

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Absolutely. Sun Dream Yacht Charters hosts many yacht weddings each year. Our licensed captain can perform your wedding ceremony onboard, creating a beautiful and uniquely memorable waterfront setting. We also accommodate officiants of your choosing.

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Can we hold both the ceremony and reception on the yacht?

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Yes. Many couples choose to hold their ceremony on the open-air deck as the yacht departs, followed by a full reception in the main salon and outdoor deck areas. Our team coordinates every transition seamlessly so you can be fully present for each moment.

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Do you work with outside wedding vendors?

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Yes. We welcome your preferred photographers, videographers, florists, DJs, and bands aboard and work closely with them in advance to ensure everything runs on schedule. We have built strong relationships with many of South Florida’s top wedding professionals and are happy to offer recommendations.

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Is there a bridal suite onboard?

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Yes! Both the m/y Sun Dream and the m/y Caprice feature a private bridal stateroom with a powder room, giving the wedding party a beautiful space to prepare, relax, and get ready before the celebration begins.

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How far in advance should we book a wedding charter?

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Wedding dates book quickly — particularly in the fall and spring seasons (October through May). We strongly recommend reaching out 9 to 12 months in advance to secure your preferred date. For peak Saturday evenings in season, even earlier is better. Contact us as early as possible to begin the planning process.

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Can we have a rehearsal dinner on the yacht?

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Yes. Many couples book a shorter charter for their rehearsal dinner the evening before their wedding charter. We can offer preferred pricing for couples who book both events with us.

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How much does a wedding on a yacht cost?

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Wedding yacht charters typically range from approximately $8,500 to $40,000 depending on yacht selection, guest count, menu, bar package, and ceremony or reception add-ons. Smaller intimate weddings on m/y Sun Dream are usually toward the lower end of that range; larger weddings on m/y Caprice or m/y Catalina with full catering and bar trend higher. Because we own our fleet and there are no broker commissions, our pricing reflects the actual cost of your event — no markups, no hidden fees. Request a custom quote and we will have accurate pricing back to you within 24 hours.

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Decorations & Setup

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What décor is included with the charter?

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All yachts include Chiavari chairs in the dining room, classic white linens and napkins, and a silk centerpiece as standard. These create an elegant foundation for your event décor.

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Can we bring additional decorations or hire a decorator?

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Yes. We encourage clients to personalize their event with custom décor, fresh florals, and unique installations. Your decorator is welcome aboard to set up prior to your event. Decorators are allowed to board a minimum of two hours before the event, however we do try and give them as much time as needed, schedule permitting. We are happy to share a list of experienced vendors who specialize in yacht events in Fort Lauderdale. Guests may begin boarding 15 minutes prior to charter time to allow a leisurely embarkation

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Is there a dance floor?

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Yes! Each of our three yachts features a dedicated dance floor. The m/y Sun Dream has a dance floor in the main salon, the m/y Caprice has an indoor dance floor in the main salon, and the m/y Catalina has a dance floor on the dining level. The Caprice and Catalina also both have open deck space on the top deck that guests are welcome to use for dancing as well.

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Day-of Experience

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Who will assist us on the day of the event?
 

Every charter includes a dedicated onboard event coordinator who works closely with you in advance on the logistics relevant to your time aboard and is present throughout your event. Your coordinator manages the timeline, guest flow, crew communication, and any last-minute details — so you can relax and enjoy every moment.
 

What is the boarding process like?
 

Our team will provide you with detailed boarding instructions, including arrival time, parking, and dock location, well in advance of your event. We recommend guests arrive slightly before the scheduled departure time. Our crew will be dockside to greet and welcome everyone aboard.
 

Can we extend the charter if we are not ready to end the evening?
 

Charter extensions are sometimes possible depending on subsequent scheduling. Please speak with our team in advance if you anticipate wanting additional time, and we will do our best to accommodate.
 

Getting Started

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How do I get started?

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The easiest way to begin is to submit a quote request on our website or call us directly at (954) 765-1460. Our team will discuss your event, answer any questions, confirm availability, and guide you through every step of the planning process. We look forward to helping you create something extraordinary.

 

Still have questions? We would love to hear from you.

Sun Dream Yacht Charters

Call (954) 765-1460

brantmeyer@sundreamyachts.com

www.sundreamyachts.com

852 NE 20th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304