There is nothing better than a houseboat vacation. The rates you would pay for houseboat rentals are not even a fraction of what you would have to pay if you went on a cruise. You can actually go one of two ways, either by renting a houseboat with just the bare necessities, or by going for an experience that would be fit for a millionaire. Houseboats are also called floating condominiums so the facilities you get will vary just as they vary from hotel to hotel and from a suit to a room to a dorm.

The cost of what you would have to pay for houseboat rentals depends on many things. The first and most obvious would be the size of the ship. Most houseboats range in size from 38 feet to 62 feet. Houseboats are designed to accommodate from a couple of two to a family of twelve. The number of cabins, or dormitories as they are called, varies from one to four. For that very reason, people look to houseboat rentals for anything from a honeymoon (their first or second on the 20th anniversary) to family vacations. Another great thing about houseboat rentals is that many of them allow pets, while others do for a small fee.

Many houseboats come with basic facilities like a kitchenette, a TV, and a bathroom. Now, if you decide to go for the slightly more expensive houseboat rentals, you can live that week of luxury in the lap of nature. These high-end houseboats come equipped with queen-size beds, CD/DVD players, sophisticated music systems, luxury bathrooms, microwaves, barbecues, full-size refrigerators, cooling-heating, washing machines, dishwashers, and water slides.

How, the cost of houseboat rentals obviously mainly depends on the size of the boat. When you have a jumbo-sized three-story houseboat, the cost is sure to be high.

These houseboat rental costs range from $1,375 per week for a 38-foot houseboat to $2,350-$4,750 for larger vessels.

Another factor that influences the cost of houseboat rentals is the location. A houseboat in a private resort will cost you more, as will the scenic beauty, beaches, etc.

There are a few other things you have to keep in mind. For example, the houseboat rental payment does not include the cost of fuel. It also does not include fishing license fees, as required by most states. These are all extra and you should always try to consider these things when trying to plan your budget.

Another factor that could make your houseboat rental cost more or less would be the season. For example, in upper Mississippi, the ‘Season’ is from May 1 to October 31. While in Florida discounts are offered between December and February. In California, summer houseboat rentals are the most expensive, while fall rentals are the lowest. If you are a senior, many companies offer discounts on houseboat rentals. You will also find that the rental cost is higher on weekends as well.

It’s always best to make sure you plan your vacation carefully after comparing the available charters for the various types of boats, as well as the facilities on offer to accommodate your family and your budget.