The majority of yachts quote their pricing on a weekly “plus expenses” basis which includes the hire of the yacht, the crew, and the yacht’s insurance. Some yachts will consider less than a full week of charter. Please keep in mind that each yacht is privately owned and negotiations and availability may vary from Owner to Owner.

The APA, or “plus expenses” is estimated to be approximately 35% of the charter rate; however, this can vary depending on your preferences. The APA is used to pay for items including, but not limited to, food and beverages, fuel, dockage, communications, pilot fees, etc. The Captain will keep a detailed report of the expenditures and receipts, which can be shown to you at any time during the charter. The Captain will present the final report together with the receipts on the last day of the charter. Any remaining funds will be returned, if the APA does not cover the expenditures, you are responsible for fulfilling the outstanding payment prior to departure.

Yachts may be subject to sales tax or VAT (Value Added Tax) in certain countries where the yacht is chartering. Your Charter Specialist will advise if this applies to your charter. Rates vary from 7% in Alaska to almost 22% in certain countries in the Mediterranean.

A crew gratuity may be offered at the sole discretion of the Charterer. We usually recommend a gratuity between 10% – 20% of the base charter rate depending on your satisfaction received with the service on board. Typically, a gratuity is distributed by the Captain equally among the crew unless otherwise specified.

Many yachts chartering within international waters now operate under a standardized agreement sponsored by the Mediterranean Yacht Broker Association (MYBA). Other standard agreements include the American Yacht Charter Association (AYCA) and the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA). These charter agreements protect and clearly define the rights and obligations of each party.

There are times when a trip may need to be cancelled due to unforseen circumstances. Most charter contracts do not provide a refund for cancellation, therefore we would recommend securing Trip Cancellation Insurance as an added security in the event you may need to cancel your trip. We would be pleased to refer you to an Insurance Specialist who can assist you with arranging a policy not covered by the basic Charter Agreement.

While some crew members are great with children and can organize fun activities for them, don’t assume that they will act as your nanny. If you want to fully relax on your trip, consider bringing your own childcare. Bringing your nanny can provide a sense of comfort for your child in a new environment and maintain their routine, despite jet lag. Happy kids mean a happy trip for everyone.

To prevent any disagreements among your traveling companions, it’s best to sort out the accommodations division in advance when chartering a yacht. Most charter yachts are designed with multiple parties in mind, ensuring that there are more than one spacious suite to avoid anyone feeling downgraded to a smaller cabin. Typically, the largest suite goes to the primary charterer who is responsible for most of the expenses. However, if you’re sharing the costs equally with other couples, consider finding a yacht with several master suites or VIP cabins, which can be located with the help of your broker. Plan ahead and discuss who gets which room to avoid any uncomfortable situations once you’re on board.

No. Follow your captain’s advice – don’t miss out on enjoying the journey. Captains are experts at optimizing time and can also travel during the night.