Frequently Asked Questions

Yacht Chartering Frequently Asked Questions, Tips and advice:

As an independent yacht chartering broker CharterWorld can tailor you to the best boat in the best location - all without charge. If the charter yacht exists, and its available, we'll organize it for you for the best price, anywhere in the world!  We rely on repeat customers and building relationships and achieve this by providing the best service we can.

How can I find and choose the right yacht charter for me?

Use the CharterWorld yacht charter search function to decide which type of yacht you desire and our location articles to decide where you would like to cruise. You can then request a booking, or contact us, to fine tune your selection and receive yacht chartering advice and any current special deals. Even if you cannot find the yacht charter you require on the online website database we will be able to organize it for you, if it exists and it’s available.

What is the cost of a crewed yacht charter?

The cost of your crewed yacht charter depends on a couple of different things. The larger the yacht and the more crew it uses, generally the more expensive it will be. Newer yachts are often dearer, although this is not always the case as sometimes older, classic yachts may have been constructed with the best materials and finest attention to detail. Motor or power yachts are usually more expensive than sail boats or yachts by length.

The length of time you charter your yacht, of course, also determines cost. Most yacht charter guests charter for one week or longer. Some yachts may be willing to offer a discount for an extended yacht charter. We can organize a charter of most lengths and our specialist service is free with no extra cost to you. In fact, with our negotiation experience, networks and industry knowledge we will likely save you money in addition to supplying you the best boat.  Use our yacht charter search to find the yacht you are seeking, or to request advice from the CharterWorld team.

What do I need to pack and bring for the yacht chartering vacation?

As with most holidays or vacations the general rule is: the least baggage you have the better. This truism is no different for yacht chartering vacations or holidays. To help you pack, just imagine what it is that you are going to be doing while on your particular charter. Some of the time you may be swimming or sunbathing - other times you might be dining in a great seafood restaurant. The type of charter and location dictates what is advisable to bring. We can give you advice on what to pack for specific charters.

Some items which are worth considering are: light summer clothing such as shorts, tops, skirts, sun hats or caps, sandals, trainers or sneakers or soft soled athletic shoes, bathing and swim suites and warmer clothing for night wear such as sweatshirt, sweater, windbreaker, jeans, light pants. You may want to go out dining and socializing in the evening so some more "smart casual" and even formal clothing, such as long pants and collared shirts and maybe a jacket could be a good idea. If you are chartering an adventure yacht charter you will be informed about any specific items needed. Also if you are going to cooler climates remember warmer clothing and a rain-jacket etc.

Remember to bring any personal items such as passports and visas as well as medication or personal sport equipment. Softer luggage is ideal for fitting into cabin lockers and is generally more practical on a yacht.

What type of activities will there be to do on my yacht chartering vacation?

A few of the more common activities which yacht charter guests can enjoy includes scuba diving (this may be onboard or rendezvous diving depending on the yacht), kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, parasailing, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, dining, night clubbing, tramping, shopping, fishing, sailing - the list goes on depending on your charter location. Use our experience to fit the best type of yacht and location to your desired activities.

What type of amenities will be included?

Usually the amenities included on each specific yacht are listed on the charter yacht details page. If you are uncertain as to what amenities a yacht features please contact us to find out as yachts can change or upgrade amenities from season to season. There are many different types of amenities on charter yachts, especially the larger yachts. Amenities can include gyms, Spa Pools, scuba, water toys like kayaks and jet skis, and ski boats, and also helicopter and special satellite electronics and computers for business communications. Whatever your need you can bet there is a yacht to satisfy you. Let us know and we'll find it. 

What will my itinerary include and where can we sail?

This of course depends on the yacht charter in question. As a general rule your itinerary will be based on your interests and requests. CharterWorld, along with the Captain and Crew will have in-depth knowledge about the area whether at sea or ashore. Your itinerary will be tailored largely to your wishes and are flexible, however do depend on weather and wind conditions.  If you need more information about your chosen charter location contact us and we will let you know what type of attractions that particular location features.

Can I choose which day of the week I begin and end my yacht charter?

Crewed yacht charters can start and end on any day of the week, subject to availability. The usual time for embarkation and disembarkation is 1200pm, midday however it may be possible to change this time on request if it does not suit your travel arrangements to or from the yacht.

What type of food and drinks will be served onboard?

Once you have confirmed a booking, CharterWorld will send you a preference sheet to complete. The preference sheets are a great chance to let the crew know about your likes and dislikes. Eating and drinking will be a very enjoyable part of your charter vacation and the more the crew know about you the better so they can stock the yacht with all of your favorite things. Your menus will be created around your individual food preferences and professional chefs will be able to prepare food for most appetites, tastes and dietary needs with prior warning of your requirements. 

What will the weather be like for my chosen yacht charter?

CharterWorld provides yacht chartering location information such as general expected seasonal weather. If you still have questions or want a more detailed forecast please do not hesitate contacting us for advice.

Are there any dos and don'ts with yacht chartering?

As with any traveling it makes good sense to remember you are visitor in another country or culture. A smile or pleasant greeting will get great results in most areas. Try to avoid being too casually dressed when in town or away from the beach.

You must have a valid passport and the requisite visas and charter agreement forms before leaving on your charter. It is a good idea to carry your important personal documents on you when you leave the charter yacht. Ask the captain and crew advice about what is best.

What if I want to cancel my charter?

The charter agreement will document what happens in various circumstances if the charter is cancelled. We recommend trip insurance to all our clients. Trip or Travel insurance covers your group in case of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.  This insurance will protect you from any loss of cancellation fees.

How are the costs and expenses calculated?

There are two types of rates for crewed yacht charters: either "all-inclusive" or "plus expenses".

All-inclusive generally means the charter fee includes the services of a Captain and Crew, meals, standard ship’s bar, fuel, and all expenses related to running of the vessel and use of on-board sports equipment. The charter fee does not include (optional) crew gratuities, scuba diving, scuba equipment, premium beverages and fine wines, excessive alcoholic consumption, off yacht excursions, dockage, cruising taxes and permits, telephone, airport transfers or similar expenses incurred by the charterer.

"Plus expenses" refers to a charter rate which does not include things such as beverages, fuel, communications etc. Your charter expenses are charged at cost and incorporated into an APA (advanced provisioning allowance) to cover your operating expenses.  The ‘expenses’ are estimated at 25-30% of the base charter fee, but may be more or less depending on your individual requirements.  The captain will be responsible for the accounting of your expenses and will provide receipts.  Should you spend more than your estimated expense allowance, say by ordering unusually expensive items, staying in expensive ports or doing excessive cruising, additional payment will be required during your charter. Conversely, unspent APA will be refunded to you at the end. Please also note that a crew gratuity at around 10-15% of the charter rate is customary, yet discretionary upon performance.

What type of payment do you accept?