Each of us live in a different set of circumstances.

For us we charter a boat as a couple/family and treat that boat the same way as the boats or homes we own. We always cover all the expenses on the boat. We usually will start a charter as a couple or just the family. We then invite other friends and extended family as guests.

We cherish the time at the beginning and end of the charter when it is just the two of us or our kids.

Not having a group a on the first or last day can be a much more relaxing experience to start or end the adventure. Others bridge that gap by checking into a hotel alone or at the end of the trip.

We have done every combination you can imagine here. It all started in college during the 70's when we would gather a party group and over divided and share all the expenses and tabs as the boat bar moved from shore bar to bar.

Some days are still a big party with friends. I do not think my spouse will ever go back to a full shared party boat from start to finish. Most will never get it until they cruise off as just a couple or small family. One caveat... Do not do that, UNLESS the rest of the small crew is ready, excited, willing, and able to handle the tasks on the boat with you alone.