Everything to Know About Crewed Yacht Charters
A crewed yacht charter gives you a private yacht, a professional crew, and a trip built around your group. This guide covers what it costs, what the price includes, and how booking works. It is written for first-time charter guests and families planning their first trip on the water.
Key takeaways
- A crewed yacht charter is a private yacht rental that comes with a full-time captain, chef, and crew.
- The base rate covers the yacht and crew. Fuel, food, drinks, and dockage are extra. These are usually paid through an advance fund called an APA, often 25% to 40% of the base rate.
- Budget about 1.4 to 1.7 times the base rate once you add the APA, taxes, and crew gratuity.
- Book 6 to 12 months ahead for peak season and holiday weeks.
- Families should ask about the crew’s experience with children before choosing a yacht.
What is a crewed yacht charter?
A crewed yacht charter is a private yacht vacation where a professional crew runs the yacht and looks after your group. The captain handles navigation and safety. A chef plans and cooks every meal. Stewards manage the cabins and service. Deckhands run the tenders and water toys. You choose the destination and the pace, and the crew handles the rest.
Most crewed charters last one week, and most yachts host up to 12 guests overnight.
How is a crewed charter different from a bareboat charter?
| Crewed yacht charter | Bareboat charter | |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs the yacht | Licensed captain and crew | You (license and experience required) |
| Meals | Private chef | You cook or eat ashore |
| Housekeeping | Daily service by stewards | You |
| Typical yacht size | 60 feet to 300+ feet | Usually under 60 feet |
| Best for | Guests who want to relax, families, groups | Experienced boaters |
How much does a crewed yacht charter cost?
A crewed yacht charter usually starts around $20,000 per week for a smaller yacht and can pass $1 million per week for a large superyacht. The final price depends on the yacht’s size, age, amenities, destination, and season. The published weekly rate is only the base fee. Plan for extra costs on top of it.
Typical weekly base rates by yacht size
| Yacht length | Typical weekly base rate | Typical guests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 80 feet | $20,000 to $60,000 | 6 to 8 |
| 80 to 120 feet | $50,000 to $150,000 | 8 to 12 |
| 120 to 165 feet | $120,000 to $350,000 | 10 to 12 |
| 165 feet and up | $300,000 to $1,000,000+ | 12 (some licensed for more) |
Ranges are general guides. Rates change by season, destination, and the individual yacht.
What costs are added to the base rate?
Four costs make up the full price of most crewed charters:
- Base charter fee. Covers the yacht and crew for the agreed dates.
- Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). Pays for running costs during your trip.
- Taxes. VAT or local charter tax, depending on where the yacht operates.
- Crew gratuity. A customary thank-you to the crew at the end of the trip.
Sample budget for a one-week charter
| Line item | Example amount |
|---|---|
| Base charter fee | $150,000 |
| APA (30%) | $45,000 |
| Crew gratuity (15%) | $22,500 |
| Taxes | Varies by country |
| Estimated total before taxes | $217,500 |
Any APA you don’t spend is returned to you at the end of the trip.
What is included in a crewed yacht charter?
The base charter fee includes use of the yacht, the crew’s wages, the yacht’s insurance, and its standard equipment and water toys. Running costs such as fuel, food, drinks, and marina fees are usually not included. These are paid from the APA under the most common charter terms.
| Usually included | Usually paid from the APA |
|---|---|
| Use of the yacht and its cabins | Fuel for the yacht, tenders, and jet skis |
| Captain and crew wages | Food and drinks |
| Yacht insurance | Marina and dockage fees |
| Onboard water toys and tenders | Port and harbor charges |
| Linens, towels, and toiletries | Wi-Fi and satellite data |
| Standard safety equipment | Special requests (event setups, rare wines) |
What is an APA on a yacht charter?
An APA, or Advance Provisioning Allowance, is a fund you pay before the trip to cover running costs on board. It is usually 25% to 40% of the base fee. The captain tracks every expense and gives you a full accounting before you leave the yacht. If the fund runs low, you add to it. If money is left over, it is refunded.
Are taxes included in the charter rate?
Taxes are usually not included in the published rate. The tax depends on where the yacht is based and where it cruises. Many European countries charge VAT on charters, and rates differ by country. Some Caribbean and US locations charge local charter taxes instead. Your broker will confirm the exact tax before you sign.
Do you tip the crew on a yacht charter?
Yes. A crew gratuity is customary, though not required. Most guests give 10% to 20% of the base charter fee. Customs vary by region, and US and Caribbean charters often fall at the higher end. Guests usually hand the gratuity to the captain on the last day, and the captain shares it with the crew.
What are all-inclusive charter terms?
Some yachts, mostly smaller ones in the Caribbean and Bahamas, offer all-inclusive terms. The rate covers most meals, standard drinks, and a set amount of fuel. You still pay for premium wines, dockage in some areas, and crew gratuity. Ask your broker which terms apply to each yacht you consider.
How does the yacht charter booking process work?
Booking a crewed yacht charter usually takes a few weeks from first call to signed contract. Here is how it works:
- Talk with a charter broker. Share your dates, group size, budget, and the kind of trip you want.
- Review a shortlist. Your broker sends yachts that fit, with crew profiles, layouts, and photos.
- Place a hold. Once you pick a yacht, your broker can request a short hold on your dates.
- Sign the charter agreement. Most charters use a standard contract, such as the MYBA Charter Agreement, which sets out payment, cancellation, and weather terms.
- Pay the first installment. Usually 50% of the charter fee is due at signing.
- Pay the balance. The remaining fee, the APA, and taxes are typically due about one month before the trip.
- Complete the preference sheet. Tell the crew about food, drinks, allergies, activities, and each guest’s needs.
- Plan the route with the captain. Your broker connects you with the captain to shape the itinerary.
- Arrive and enjoy. The crew meets you at the dock and gives a short safety briefing.
Do you need a charter broker?
A broker is not required, but most guests use one. A good broker knows the yachts and crews firsthand, checks contracts, and speaks up for you if something goes wrong. The broker’s commission is paid out of the charter fee, so using one usually costs you nothing extra.
How far in advance should you book a yacht charter?
Book 6 to 12 months ahead for peak season. The most popular yachts fill first, especially for July and August in the Mediterranean and for Christmas and New Year’s in the Caribbean. Short-notice charters are sometimes possible outside peak weeks.
| Destination | Best season | Peak weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | May to October | July and August |
| Caribbean | December to April | Christmas, New Year’s, spring break |
| Bahamas | November to June | Holidays and spring break |
| New England | June to September | July and August |
| Pacific Northwest and Alaska | May to September | June to August |
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. Caribbean yachts often reposition to New England or the Mediterranean during these months.
What should first-time charter guests expect?
First-time charter guests can expect a relaxed, private trip that runs on their schedule. Most days include a morning cruise, a stop at a quiet bay or beach, time on the water toys, and dinner on board or ashore. The crew adjusts plans as you go.
A few tips help the first trip go smoothly:
- Fill out the preference sheet in detail. The chef shops and plans menus from it.
- Pack soft luggage. Hard suitcases are hard to store on board.
- Plan to go barefoot. Most yachts ask guests not to wear shoes inside.
- Share your ideal pace. Some groups want a new stop every day. Others want to stay put.
- Ask about Wi-Fi limits. Coverage and data vary by location.
- Bring passports if your route crosses borders.
How do you plan a family yacht vacation?
A family yacht vacation works best when the yacht, the crew, and the route all suit your children’s ages. Ask your broker for crews with family experience, cabins that fit your group, and calm, shallow spots for swimming. Share mealtimes and bedtimes on the preference sheet so the crew can plan around them.
Questions to ask before you book:
- Has this crew hosted young children before? Some crews excel with families.
- Does the yacht carry child-size life jackets? Ask for the right sizes ahead of time.
- How are the cabins laid out? Connecting or nearby cabins help with young kids.
- What water toys are on board? Paddleboards, inflatables, and snorkel gear are family favorites.
- Are there age rules for jet skis? Local laws set minimum ages.
- Can the yacht host a nanny? Some families bring one. Plan for the extra cabin.
- Can the chef make kid-friendly meals? Most will, with notice.
A slower route with shorter cruising times keeps younger guests comfortable and gives everyone more time in the water.
Frequently asked questions
How many guests can a charter yacht carry?
Most charter yachts can host up to 12 guests overnight. A small number of larger yachts are licensed to carry more. Day charters may allow more guests than overnight trips.
What is the minimum length of a crewed yacht charter?
Most crewed yacht charters have a 7-night minimum in peak season. Some destinations and yachts accept shorter trips of 3 to 5 nights, especially outside peak weeks.
Can I choose where the yacht goes?
Yes. You and the captain plan the route together. The captain makes the final call on weather, safety, and cruising times.
Can the chef handle allergies and special diets?
Yes. Charter chefs routinely plan for allergies, religious diets, and personal preferences. List every need on your preference sheet before the trip.
What happens if bad weather affects my charter?
The captain will adjust the route to keep guests safe and comfortable. Your charter agreement explains what happens if weather stops the trip. Many guests also buy charter cancellation insurance.
Is crew gratuity required?
No. Crew gratuity is customary, not mandatory. Most guests give 10% to 20% of the base fee, based on the service they received.
Is a crewed yacht charter a good choice for first-time guests?
Yes. The crew handles navigation, meals, and daily planning, so first-time guests need no boating experience. A broker can match you with a yacht and crew that fit your group.
Can I bring my dog on a yacht charter?
Some yachts allow pets and many do not. Ask your broker to filter for pet-friendly yachts and check entry rules for each country on your route.
Plan your crewed yacht charter with Worth Avenue Yachts
Worth Avenue Yachts helps first-time guests and families plan private yacht charters around the world. Our brokers work from offices in Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Monaco, Newport, Seattle, San Diego, Geneva, and Chesapeake. Tell us your dates and your group, and we’ll send a shortlist of yachts that fit.
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