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In 2025, cruising yacht charter confirms its vitality, but also its transformation. From the rise of Nordic destinations to the democratization of catamarans, not forgetting the marked increase in skippered formulas, GlobeSailor provides a detailed snapshot of the uses and expectations of an increasingly diverse clientele.
Mediterranean destinations still in the lead
In 2025, Greece, Croatia and Italy remain the three most popular destinations for GlobeSailor customers, both French and international. While Corsica remains the most popular French destination, international travelers prefer departures to the French overseas departments and territories.
Guadeloupe is particularly dynamic, with a remarkable 45% year-on-year increase in bookings. It now accounts for 33% of departures from France. Its climate, sheltered anchorages and unspoilt environment appeal to regulars and first-time cruisers alike.
Sweden, the new rising star
Among emerging destinations, Sweden is recording the strongest growth: +116% in bookings in six years, including +46.4% between 2024 and 2025 alone. Stockholm and Gothenburg are becoming popular departure points, thanks to their calm waters, wild landscapes and summer temperatures more temperate than those of the Mediterranean. An appeal reinforced by competitive prices and a recent supply of boats.
"With scorching summers in the Mediterranean, it's no surprise to see Nordic destinations emerging. In addition to attractive rates, departures around Stockholm on the east coast or Gothenburg in the west make it easy to set sail on calm, uncrowded waters. " analyses Olivier Albahary, CEO of GlobeSailor.
Marked inflation and a confirmed appeal for catamarans
The average rate for a week's yacht charter without skipper is now ?4,456, up 36% on 2019. This increase can be explained by several factors, including inflation, higher boat construction and maintenance costs, and higher fuel prices. Cabin cruises, with crew and meals included, follow the same trend: +23% in six years.
Unsurprisingly, the catamaran will be the preferred model for yachtsmen in 2025. It will account for 47% of bookings, compared with 33% in 2019. This preference is explained by its comfort, stability and the living space it offers on board. Conversely, monohull yachts saw their share drop from 66.5% to 53%. The most popular models are the Lagoon 42, Lagoon 46 and Lagoon 40.
Skippered charters on the rise
Thanks to the boom in skippered charters, cruises are opening up to an inexperienced clientele. Since 2019, GlobeSailor has seen a 41% increase in bookings for skippered yachts and a 23% increase for cabin cruises. For Olivier Albahary, CEO of GlobeSailor, there's no doubt that "cruising on small boats, far from the ocean liners, is becoming accessible to everyone".
Towards a deseasonalization of departures
The booking calendar is changing. Whereas in 2019, the months of July and August accounted for 48% of departures, they will represent only 38% in 2025. Conversely, the beginning and end of the season are clearly on the rise: +50% departures in the first quarter, notably to the West Indies, +24.7% in June, and stability in September.
GlobeSailor, which accompanied almost 40,000 customers in 2025, generating sales of 32 million euros, is keeping pace with this market transformation. The development of crewed offers, the democratization of catamarans, and the expansion of destinations are creating a new map for leisure boating, one that is more flexible, more accessible and more focused on the contemporary expectations of holidaymakers.
