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Planning a luxury crewed yacht charter involves many unique operational details and considerations. Whether you are curious about booking timelines, crew gratuities, or onboard customization, our specialists are here to provide complete transparency. If you do not see your answer below, get in touch with our advisory team.
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is the operational expense fund for your charter, typically calculated at 25% to 35% of the base charter fee. It covers variable costs such as food, beverages, fuel for the yacht and tenders, port fees, and customs duties. The captain maintains detailed receipts for all expenditures throughout the voyage. Any unused funds are refunded to you directly at the end of the charter, while any deficit must be settled onboard before departure.
Crew gratuities are discretionary and intended to recognize exceptional service. In Mediterranean waters, customary tips range between 10% and 15% of the total base charter fee. In the Caribbean and US waters, standard gratuities are typically between 15% and 20%. Gratuities are usually given directly to the captain at the end of the charter to be divided equally among all crew members.
Your itinerary is fully customized prior to departure, but it remains adaptable during your voyage. You can work directly with the captain each day to alter destinations, extend your stay at a particular anchorage, or adjust sailing schedules. All navigational changes depend on weather conditions, maritime safety regulations, and port availability as assessed by the captain.
To confirm your booking and secure the yacht for your chosen dates, a deposit of 50% of the base charter fee is required upon signing the charter agreement. The remaining balance—including the other 50% of the base fee, the APA, and applicable Value Added Tax (VAT)—is due 30 to 45 days prior to your embarkation date.
Yes, use of all onboard water toys, tenders, snorkeling gear, and recreational equipment listed in the yacht's specifications is included in your base charter fee. Fuel consumed by tenders and personal watercraft (such as Jet Skis and Seabobs) is deducted from your APA. Certain destinations require appropriate licensing for personal watercraft, which our team will arrange or advise upon prior to boarding.
For high-season Mediterranean charters (July and August) or peak Caribbean holiday weeks (New Year's and Easter), we recommend reserving 6 to 12 months in advance to ensure securing your preferred yacht. Shoulder-season dates (May, June, September) and lower-demand weeks can frequently be accommodated with 2 to 4 months of notice.
Approximately one to two months prior to embarkation, we provide a comprehensive preference sheet for every guest in your party. You will specify dietary preferences, food allergies, wine selections, preferred dining schedules, and children's meal requirements. Your dedicated onboard chef uses this information to provision the yacht and design customized daily menus.
Pet policies vary strictly by vessel and yacht owner. While certain superyachts are pet-friendly, others do not permit animals onboard due to customs laws, allergen management, or vessel preservation rules. If you intend to travel with a pet, please notify your broker immediately so we can shortlist vessels that specifically permit animals and verify local international quarantine regulations.
Standard industry contracts (such as the MYBA Charter Agreement) specify that if a charterer cancels, the initial deposit is forfeited unless the yacht can be successfully re-booked for the exact same dates and rate. To safeguard your financial commitment against unforeseen personal, medical, or travel disruptions, we advise securing dedicated charter cancellation insurance prior to signing.
Virtually all modern luxury superyachts are equipped with high-speed satellite Wi-Fi systems, such as Starlink or VSAT, providing robust connectivity throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and open seas. Basic internet access is typically included in the charter fee, though exceptional bandwidth usage or heavy satellite communications may be charged at cost against the APA.
Standard embarkation begins at 12:00 PM (noon) on the first day of your charter, and disembarkation concludes by 12:00 PM (noon) on the final day. These timelines provide the crew adequate opportunity to clean, provision, and prep the vessel between charter bookings. Early boarding or late disembarkation can occasionally be arranged in advance with owner approval.
We recommend comfortable resort attire, breathably tailored clothing, and formalwear if you intend to dine at upscale shore-side establishments. Bare feet or designated soft-soled boat shoes are strictly required on all exterior teak decks to protect the vessel's craftsmanship. Because cabin storage space on yachts is designed around structured compartments, please pack using soft-sided folding duffel bags rather than rigid hard-case suitcases.