Odyssey Charters may be new on the water, but its founders are already making a splash with fresh ideas and a commitment to standout service. Max de Ste Croix, who started out working part-time for another charter, said the idea came after spotting a need.

“I saw this gap in the market in terms of high-end service, bespoke service, high-end cocktails,” he said. After training in Madrid at the European Bartending School, Mr de Ste Croix and cofounder Grace Powell began designing a menu that goes beyond rum swizzles, using fresh fruit, local ingredients and, with the support of Gosling’s, a rotating cocktail list they say could rival any restaurant bar.

“The biggest thing is the bar, in my opinion, fresh limes, fresh produce, salt rims on your margaritas,” Mr de Ste Croix said. “The stuff that people aren’t going above and beyond to do. We want to do that.”

Beyond drinks, Odyssey is also charting new waters in Bermuda’s charter industry by offering overnight stays for two, something typically found only on superyachts. “We would love to do breakfast in the morning, like a little grill and stuff — so proper service,” Ms Powell said. “To offer it on a local scale, it’s a smaller boat obviously, but it’s like the perfect size for two people.”

Although the 36-foot Aquila power catamaran can accommodate up to 25 passengers, it hosts about 15 for a more intimate trip, whether they want to try out an underwater sea scooter or just sip a glass of wine. Odyssey’s charters are not just about luxury — they are about discovery. The catamaran can reach lesser-known parts of the island quickly, giving guests more time in the water and away from the crowds.

“We kind of want to go away from where everyone else goes,” Mr de Ste Croix said. “So not what everyone else is doing … places like Eastern Blue Cut, you know, where the locals would go.”

Sustainability is also a core value for Odyssey. “Sixty to 70 per cent of the industry are using single-use plastics,” Mr de Ste Croix noted. In contrast, Odyssey uses only reusable cups and generates minimal waste, he said.

Launching the business was not without challenges. Mr de Ste Croix spent years searching for the right vessel, ultimately choosing a smaller, more luxurious boat after multiple setbacks with larger options. Looking ahead, the partners envision expanding to two or three boats while maintaining their core philosophy.

“We want to really hone in and make this as good as it can be before expanding,” Ms Powell emphasised.