How much should I tip the yacht crew?

Answer

Crew gratuity is generally discretionary and should reflect the service received, subject to the practices of the relevant charter market and the terms of the charter arrangement.

There is no universal amount that applies to every yacht or destination.

The broker can explain the customary approach for the particular cruising area and help arrange the gratuity at the end of the charter.

Analysis

Gratuity should not be confused with a mandatory charter charge. Customs vary between regions, so applying a single worldwide percentage can be misleading.

The quality of service, complexity of the charter and local convention can all be relevant.

Broker’s advice

Clients often ask us for a precise percentage, but the appropriate approach depends on the destination and circumstances. We’ll explain the local convention so you can make your own decision based on the service you receive.