Your Complete Guide to Chartering Luxury Yachts
Imagine cruising along pristine waters aboard a luxurious vessel, the sun casting golden hues, a glass of champagne in hand, and the gentle sea breeze tousling your hair. Sounds dreamy, right? Whether you're contemplating chartering a luxury yacht for the first time or are a seasoned sailor, there's always more to discover in the world of opulent seafaring.
In this post, we'll guide you through the process, from the moment of inquiry to the moment you step on board, ensuring you have all the info you need for a seamless chartering experience.
From Enquiry to Yacht Selection
Once we have received your enquiry, our yacht charter specialist will promptly curate an initial selection of luxury yachts that align best with your preferences. As you peruse the chosen vessels, the agent will be liaising with yacht owners and coordinating with other agents to confirm the availability of each vessel.
The charter prices depend on the seasons, which are:
• Early Season (May – June)
• Peak Season (July – August)
• Late Season (September – October)
Tips for Securing Your Ideal Luxury Yacht
During the Peak Season, charter prices reach their zenith. Given that this is the most sought-after season, the availability of most luxury yachts is constrained, thus we recommend securing your bookings early. Opting for Early and Late Seasons is advantageous not merely due to more economical charter prices, but also owing to the wider selection of yachts, delightful weather, and fewer crowds.
Finalizing Your Voyage
A few days after providing you with the initial list of luxury yachts that align with your preferences, you will receive a follow-up email from our agent. They will courteously inquire whether you have reached a decision or if you wish to explore more luxury yacht options. Once all preferences are attuned and you’ve made your selection, your yacht will be booked.
Payment Procedures
After your booking is confirmed and the contract is signed, 50% of the charter cost needs to be paid. This payment can be made through wire transfer or by credit card. The outstanding 50%, along with any additional costs (A.P.A), should be settled eight weeks before embarking unless an alternate arrangement has been agreed upon by you and your agent.
Personalizing Your Experience
With your luxury yacht prepped for your arrival, it’s time to outline the sailing route, choose your preferred shore-side restaurant, and decide the activities you wish to indulge in during your charter. Your personal concierge will connect with you to understand the kind of charter experience you are seeking. Whether it’s sightseeing, savoring wines at a local winery, or just unwinding on a secluded beach, your concierge will manage every meticulous detail.
Flexible Charter Durations
Aside from the check-in and check-out locations, every other aspect is entirely adaptable and tailor-made to guarantee the utmost satisfaction. The most favored and common duration for a charter is 7 (seven) days. However, given our guests' affection for all the amenities and experiences our luxury yachts provide, many choose to extend their stay to 14 days or more.
Begin Your Yacht Charter Adventure
With all the planning and paperwork complete, it's time to relish your luxury yacht charter. Depending on your arrival point, a transfer can be arranged from the airport, train or bus station, or your hotel. This transfer will deliver you directly to your yacht, eliminating any need for walking. Upon arrival, you'll be met by our amiable crew and greeted with a glass of sparkling champagne.
Unparalleled Concierge Service
Throughout your entire charter duration, your concierge will be at your disposal should you need anything or have any additional requests. We are committed to delivering an experience that is as comfortable and worry-free as possible, where your sole focus is to have the best time of your life.
To make sure you are well-informed about chartering a luxury yacht, we have included the most frequently asked questions. If there are any other concerns or queries, please feel free to reach out to us directly.
This covers the operating expenses of a charter (explained under Charter Terms), such as fuel, food, drinks, port fees, and ad hoc incidentals. The APA is given to the captain before the start of your charter. Some yachts and gulets also offer food/drinks packages which are normally paid in cash during embarkation, while the port taxes are paid during embarkation according to the costs presented by the captain. The Captain ensures that the yacht is fully fuelled and stocked when you step on board.
While an up-to-date summary of accounts can be requested at any time during your charter, a full set of accounts will normally be submitted by your captain at the end of the cruise.
In case of surpassing the amount of money already paid during your yacht charter (with the APA), additional funds (in cash) will be required at once. If there is an outstanding balance from the yacht charter, it should be settled in cash or by bank transfer before you disembark. In case of a remaining credit at the end of your charter, you will be fully reimbursed.
If a transfer by car to and from the yacht is required, it can be arranged either by the charter company or by the yacht’s captain, payment for which will be deducted from your APA.
To ensure a unique and tailor-made charter experience, we will send you a detailed questionnaire eight weeks before you embark on your yacht. You can tell us your group's preferences and special requirements, such as dietary or medical needs, any particular wishes regarding exercise, entertainment, or if you are celebrating a special occasion.
Even though tips are not mandatory, the guests normally extend a gratuity to the devoted crew. The amount depends on the guest's satisfaction, but it is approximately 10% of the charter fee. The tips are equally distributed among all crew members by the captain.
For charters in European waters, Value Added Tax and delivery costs may be charged on the gross Charter Fee, due to the European Union tax legislation. In other countries, local taxes may also apply. Depending on your chosen charter destination, our brokers will provide any prevalent rates.
In case of unforeseen circumstances that might prevent the charter, we highly recommend taking out the Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance to protect the investment. Besides that, the guests should be covered by Personal Accident and Medical Insurance, and their belongings are insured against theft, loss, or damage. Charterers’ Liability insurance is also highly recommended. Contact your broker for further assistance and additional advice regarding the insurance.
Charter rates are estimated weekly. If a charter exceeds seven days, they are calculated pro-rata against the weekly rate divided by seven and multiplied by the number of charter days. Keep in mind that some yachts are only chartered on a weekly (Saturday-Saturday or Sunday-Sunday) basis, especially during the high season.
High and low season rates vary depending on charter locations and types of yachts. The high rates apply to the most popular charter periods (July/August and Christmas/New Year), and to all major events. Low season rates apply to all other periods.
The charter rates on our website are up to date but may be subject to change.
Most charter rates are based on MYBA Terms, which entail that the yacht is in full commission, with all necessary equipment, properly insured for marine risks, and managed by a crew, whose wages, food, and clothing are the owner’s expense.
All other operating expenses are charged to the charterer and include (but are not limited to): fuel and lubricating oils for the yacht and her tenders; local taxes; pilotage; port, harbor, and marina dues; customs clearance; water and power; personal laundry; all provisions, wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks and consumables for the charterer’s group; shoreside excursions, telecommunication, and internet costs.
Please note that, occasionally, a yacht may offer an alteration on the terms described above. For further information about specific yachts, consult your broker.
