If you would like to charter a yacht for the first time, it can be a daunting experience. There are many things to understand before you embark on your first trip, as well as people to help guide you through the process. Here are five things to do before you book a yacht charter the first time.
Five Key Points to Follow to Make the Most Out of Your Charter Yacht
#1 Talk to Expert Charter Brokers
Charter brokers have spent years working with clients to create the best yacht itineraries that cater to all guests on board. These qualified individuals will ask you many questions to find the perfect yacht for your trip. Before you speak to a broker, it will be helpful to know the following:
- How many people will be in your group?
- Where would you like to visit?
- What type of vacation are you interested in?
- Any there any special requirements for your group?
#2 Pick Your Yacht Charter Destination
Yachting allows you to visit some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. It is helpful to spend some time researching where you would like to visit and what type of yacht charter you would like to experience.
- Do you wish to island hop through Greece?
- Explore the Galapagos islands?
- Or a party in Ibiza?
The destination of your yacht charter will influence what vessel is available, the price and the time of year your trip will take place.
Do you wish to island hop through Greece? Explore the Galapagos islands? Or a party in Ibiza? The destination of your yacht charter will influence what vessel is available, the price and the time of year your trip will take place.
#3 Know Your Priorities
A yacht charter is completely bespoke. Your vacation can be focused on relaxation, eating incredible food, heart-racing activities with a yacht’s water toys or family-friendly quality time. If you understand what your priorities are before your charter, it will be easier for charter brokers to create a bespoke itinerary that fulfills you every wish.
If you understand what your priorities are before your charter, it will be easier for charter brokers to create a bespoke itinerary that fulfills you every wish.
#4 Understand Yacht Charter Expenses
In addition to the base expense of the yacht and crew, there are several costs associated with a yacht charter.
- Prices vary on fuel consumption,
- the yacht charter location,
- the number of people you are traveling with,
- docking fees,
- crew tips,
- activities, and
- other costs.
It is estimated that these additional fees can add approximately 30-40% to the initial charter cost. Ask your charter broker for a transparent breakdown of costs ahead of time to avoid any surprises.
#5 Respect the Rules on Board
Yachting has several unique etiquettes and ‘rules’ that you may not have experienced on other vacations. Before you start your journey, try to learn about life on board on a charter yacht – everything from safety to crew tip expectations.
Your charter broker can help you with this, but there are several things to know and understand ahead of time:
- Do not wear shoes on the deck
- Be appropriate, respectful, and courteous to all crew
- Crew tips average from 5%-15% of the total yacht charter price
- Stick to the itinerary – no last-minute changes.