Your yacht charter guide

A luxury yacht charter offers an extravagant experience, where you rent a private yacht for a few days to weeks. Enjoy exclusive use of the yacht with a professional crew attending to your needs, allowing you to explore coastal and island destinations in style and comfort.

The dedicated crew includes a captain, chef, stewardess, and more, ensuring seamless navigation and gourmet dining. Privacy is paramount, letting you escape to secluded anchorages and remote spots.

Customize your itinerary, activities, and menus to suit your desires for a personalized and flexible journey. Luxury yachts feature spacious cabins, private suites, jacuzzis, pools, water toys, spa facilities, and more, redefining opulence.

Whether it's a family retreat, a romantic getaway, a celebration, or a corporate event, luxury yacht charters cater to various preferences and budgets, providing a unique and lavish travel experience.

On a luxury yacht charter, "APA" stands for "Advance Provisioning Allowance." It's a budget (usually 25-40% of the base charter fee) collected before the charter to cover extra expenses like fuel, food, and dockage fees. The captain and crew manage it, keeping records and providing updates.

Any leftover APA funds are returned at the end, but if expenses exceed it, the charterer pays the difference before disembarkation. Discuss the APA with your broker before finalizing the charter for clarity and transparency.

When chartering a yacht, consider Value Added Tax (VAT) or local taxes. Requirements vary by country and typically apply even to corporate contracts. Some tax rates in the Mediterranean: France (20% VAT), Spain (21% VAT), Italy (22% VAT), Croatia (13% VAT).

Stay informed about destination-specific tax rates through your charter broker for up-to-date guidance. Being aware of these tax implications and planning ahead avoids financial surprises during your yacht charter.

Payment terms for a yacht charter involve two steps. Upon contract signing, a 50% deposit confirms the reservation. Close to the departure date (4-6 weeks prior), the remaining 50% covers the charter rate, VAT, and APA. For last-minute bookings, full payment may be needed at contract signing.

Tipping the crew at the end of your yacht charter is customary and a way to show appreciation for their service. The tip amount, typically around 10% (in Europe) or about 20% (in the US and Caribbean) of the base charter fee (excluding VAT and APA), can vary based on factors like destination, yacht size, charter duration, and service level. It's a gesture of gratitude for the crew's hard work and dedication, making your charter experience enjoyable.

No boating experience is typically required for a luxury yacht charter. Experienced crew members handle navigation, safety, and service. The captain ensures safe operation, while the crew caters to your needs, prepares meals, and plans activities. Safety regulations are strictly followed, and you can communicate preferences to create a personalized experience through your charter broker. The goal of a luxury yacht charter is to offer a worry-free, enjoyable experience, allowing you to relax and savor the journey without any prior boating knowledge.

Selecting the right yacht for your charter is vital. Begin with your budget, consider the group size, destination, and type of yacht (sailing or motor). Prioritize amenities, assess crew quality, and communicate any specific needs. Review the charter contract for terms and book early for preferred choices. It's about balancing preferences, budget, and experiences for a memorable charter.

Customizing your luxury yacht charter is encouraged. Start by choosing your preferred destinations, whether secluded coves, beaches, towns, or landmarks. Discuss activities like water sports or onshore adventures with the crew. You decide the charter duration to fit your schedule.

For special occasions, inform the charter company for tailored celebrations. Keep in mind weather and safety concerns may affect the itinerary, adjusted by the captain.

Leverage the crew's local knowledge for hidden gems and recommendations. Luxury yacht charters are all about creating a personalized, memorable experience aligned with your vision.

Booking a luxury yacht charter in advance is essential for securing your preferred yacht, itinerary, and travel dates. It allows you to plan meticulously, accommodating specific requests, and ensuring a smooth, worry-free experience. Early booking is particularly crucial during peak seasons, holidays, and for popular destinations or special events, as it provides a wider range of options and prevents last-minute complications. Plus, it gives you ample time to coordinate travel arrangements, pack accordingly, and ensure all details are in order, enhancing your overall charter experience.

Bringing your dog on a yacht charter vacation is possible, but it depends on the specific yacht owner's policies, which can vary. Discuss your desire to bring your dog with your charter broker during booking. In cases where pets are allowed, a security deposit may be required for potential damages or cleaning. Ensure your dog is well-behaved and comfortable in a marine environment.

You are responsible for your dog's care, including food, water, exercise, and medication. Be prepared to clean up after your dog to maintain hygiene. Address this matter early in the booking process to avoid last-minute complications.

A month before your charter, your broker sends a preference sheet for personalizing your luxury yacht charter. Carefully specify food, beverage preferences, allergies, and dislikes for the crew, especially the chef.

The preference sheet lets you shape your unique charter experience, customizing everything from cuisine to beverages, resulting in an unforgettable voyage.

To estimate the average total cost of your luxury yacht charter in Europe, follow this formula:

Begin with the base charter rate.

Add 20% for VAT, 30% for APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance), and 10% for crew tips.

Total Cost = Base Charter Rate + (0.20 * Base Charter Rate) + (0.30 * Base Charter Rate) + (0.10 * Base Charter Rate)

Keep in mind that these are rough estimates. Actual costs vary based on factors like the specific yacht, destination, crew gratuities, and customizations. Work closely with your charter broker for a more precise estimate.

You can usually use the provided water toys on your charter yacht, like sea bob, paddleboards, snorkelling equipment, kayaks and many more. Keep in mind:

Licensing: Some toys require special licenses; check with the crew or your broker.

Fuel Costs: Fuel for certain toys like Jet Skis may be extra and covered by the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA).

Safety: Follow crew instructions for safe use, and they can accompany you if needed.

Availability: Discuss toy preferences with your broker before booking.

Enjoy the toys, but prioritize safety and follow any rules.