Top 10 Most Common Questions: All-Inclusive Crewed Charter Yacht Vacations

Embarking on a crewed charter yacht adventure involves a fair share of planning, booking and finally setting sail. To ease your way through those initial queries, particularly if you’re a first-time charterer, we’re here to dive into a few basic questions.

1. How much does a crewed charter yacht vacation cost?

A crewed charter yacht varies greatly in cost, depending on the number of people in your party, the specific boat you’re chartering, and whether or not you’re in a cruising area with added VAT (value added tax). A safe range is anywhere from $18,000 and up for a 7 Night/8 Day, all-inclusive, fully crewed charter. The charter rate does not include the crew gratuity, travel, or any extra activities (i.e. renting a Jeep to drive around an island, taking kite surfing lessons, eating out at a local restaurant, etc).

2. So what is included in the charter yacht rate?

This will depend on whether or not your charter is “all-inclusive” or a “plus expenses” rate. An “all-inclusive” rate will include all your meals, beverages, watersport toys onboard, fuel, mooring fees, cruising fees and permits. A “plus expenses” rate only includes the use of the vessel and the services of the crew; all running expenses are extra and calculated through the use of the APA (advanced provisioning allowance).

3. When is the best time of the year to go?

This can depend on the cruising location. The Mediterranean’s season is from April to the end of October. The New England area is great between the months of late May to early September. The Caribbean and Bahamas are open for charter the majority of the year, except during the height of hurricane season; many charter catamarans won’t run from the middle of August to the end of October in this area.

4. How far in advance do I need to book?

For the smoothest charter experience, we suggest making your booking at least 6 months in advance, and possibly up to a year ahead, depending on your preferred charter dates. Keep in mind that certain periods, such as Easter, Spring Break, Christmas, and New Year’s are exceptionally popular. The earlier you secure your plans, the more choices you’ll have when it comes to selecting the ideal boat and crew for your adventure.

5. Is it a good idea to bring our young kids?

Absolutely! Chartering a fully crewed catamaran is a fantastic vacation for all ages. I’ve had charter guests bring littles ones as young as 18 months; it all depends on what you’re comfortable with. Many crews love having families onboard, teaching them to sail, pointing out cool wildlife, creating fun treasure hunts for them, and even having them help in the galley. Not all charter boats are kid friendly and some will require kids to at least be “swim safe.” It’s also important to note that the crew are not babysitters, so if you’re thinking about bringing kids, maybe consider bringing an extra family member to help keep a watchful eye on them. One of the most common trips we book are multi-generational charters.

6. How do I pack for a charter yacht vacation?

This will depend a little bit on your actual cruising location, but most the most part, you’ll spend your days in shorts, bathing suits, and cover-ups. The Caribbean exudes a wonderfully laid-back vibe, where most of your time is spent in and out of the water, and savoring delicious meals prepared by your 5-star chef. This chill atmosphere means there’s no need to overpack with clothes and formal attire. For a more detailed list, check out our article on what specific items to pack.

7. I have special dietary requirements, will that be a problem?

Not at all. Charter yacht chefs are trained in lots of dietary needs and restrictions. Chefs can accommodate gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, pescatarian, and even just your picky eaters. All guests will complete a preference sheet before jumping aboard their charter, where they’ll have the opportunity to share their likes/dislikes/allergies and preferences for the menu for the week.s or wedges.

8. Will we have access to WiFi while on charter?

The short answer is yes. The boats will have WiFi capabilities, but it’s important to note that the internet speed is often not the same as when you’re using it at home, in the states. The WiFi is great for checking email, but not for streaming movies or downloading. Many beach bars and restaurants will also have WiFi for guests to connect to.

9. What is standard gratuity for the crew?

The industry standard for gratuity is anywhere from 15-20% of the charter fee, at the charterer’s discretion. It’s similar to when you dine out in a restaurant; you tip based on your experience and how far above and beyond the crew went to make your week unforgettable.

10. Should I get travel insurance?

When investing a substantial amount of both time and money into a charter yacht vacation, it’s wise to secure your investment against unforeseen circumstances; ensuring that you won’t be left financially exposed in case of unexpected events. I especially urge clients to consider travel insurance when members in the party might have health issues or concerns that could prevent them from attending last minute. It costs a little extra to insure the trip, but I think it’s worth the sense of relief you’ll feel from having it. Life is unpredictable these days.

These are just some of the many questions we get on chartering a yacht. If you have other questions, we’d love to help. Just send us an email at: info@catamarancentral.com or give us a call at 754.778.SAIL