How to Charter a Cruise Ship for an Unforgettable Event

Chartering a cruise ship is one of the most unique ways to host an event. Whether it is a corporate meeting, a themed voyage, or a private celebration, the experience of being at sea brings a sense of freedom and exclusivity that few venues can match.

Yet behind that beauty lies a process that requires insight, precision, and guidance. Understanding how to charter a cruise ship is not simply about booking cabins — it is about designing a complete, tailor-made experience on the right vessel, with the right terms, and at the right cost.

Andrea Trevisan of bancosta cruise about chartering a cruise ship

1. Why charter a cruise ship

When you charter a cruise ship, you gain full control of the experience. The itinerary, the onboard program, and the atmosphere are entirely shaped around your event. For corporate clients, this can mean branded spaces, curated menus, and private shore excursions. For private groups, it might be a family celebration, a themed anniversary, or a special gathering in total privacy.

Unlike traditional venues, a cruise ship offers both accommodation and event space — all moving through breathtaking destinations. This flexibility makes it ideal for incentive travel, product launches, conferences, or private celebrations that deserve something extraordinary.

2. Choosing the right ship

The first and most crucial step when you charter a cruise is selecting the right vessel. Each ship differs in size, layout, service style, and atmosphere. Boutique ships can provide intimacy and exclusivity, while larger vessels offer extensive facilities and entertainment options.

A good starting point is to clarify the number of guests, desired destinations, and the tone of the event. At Bancosta Cruise, we help clients compare vessels across the market, evaluate technical capabilities, and balance comfort with cost efficiency.

3. Understanding the offer and contract

After identifying the right ship, the next phase involves reviewing the offer and entering into the charter agreement. This is where professional guidance truly matters.

Charter contracts include terms that are unfamiliar to many planners — from delivery ports and fuel clauses to onboard service conditions. Each element has financial and operational implications. Our role is to make these details clear, negotiate fair terms, and ensure that every part of the agreement reflects the client’s expectations.

With experience across both corporate and private sectors, Bancosta Cruise provides the insight needed to avoid common pitfalls and to secure the best possible outcome.

4. From planning to sailing

Once the agreement is in place, the focus shifts to coordination. Planning a cruise charter involves close interaction with the cruise line, suppliers, and onboard management. This is where a structured approach helps transform ideas into reality.

Our advisory team works alongside clients from the first conversation to the start of the voyage, maintaining transparency and reducing risk at each step. The goal is simple: a seamless event at sea that reflects the client’s vision and runs effortlessly from embarkation to disembarkation.

5. Built on experience

Bancosta Cruise operates within the banchero costa network, one of the world’s leading shipbrokers with offices worldwide and a heritage dating back to 1968. This foundation allows us to combine deep maritime knowledge with a dedicated focus on the cruise sector — offering strategic advisory, marketing services, and charter support for companies and private clients alike.

Learn more

If you are considering a cruise charter or would like to understand the process in more detail, you can explore more about our work and current opportunities at www.bancostacruise.com.

To know more about Andrea Trevisan and his work across the cruise and hospitality industry.

You can also learn more about the broader banchero costa network — active in shipbroking, consulting, and market analysis — at www.bancosta.com.