Must-Have Features on a Crewed Yacht Rental

When you rent a crewed charter yacht, you would expect certain MUST-HAVES.

All the yachts for rent with Epic Yacht Charters are crewed. You don’t have to lift a finger unless you wish to join in on the sailing/motoring. You certainly do not have to participate in ANY cooking since your private chef is trained. If you have an additional crew on your charter, they will attend to cabins and watersport activities.

The yachts for rent are mostly catamarans. They have much more space to move about and are certainly very comfortable underway and at anchor.

Must-haves:

  • Comfortable bed and bedding
  • Large windows for ample light
  • En-suite bathrooms with walk-in shower stalls
  • Hairdryers
  • Electric flush toilettes
  • Air conditioning with individual controls
  • Electric fans and reading lights
  • Drawers and a closet for storage and hanging clothes
  • Blinds or shades for privacy
Full Beam Master
Comfortable stateroom with ensuite bathroom
M/Y Serenity Upper Deck
Inside to outside living
motor_yacht_angeleyes_cockpit_dining
Large dining area in the cockpit
Comfortable Salon
Spacious and comfortable salon dining and seating

On the exterior, some of the catamarans have different layouts and therefore you may choose one to suit your needs.

Must-haves:

  • A flybridge/sky-lounge
  • Comfortable seating with backrests
  • Sun-beds with a shaded option
  • A dining table or large coffee table
  • A bbq grill
  • A refrigerator
  • An icemaker
  • Outdoor shower on the stern with hot and cold water
  • Large beach towels
Spacious Flybridge
Sky-lounge for taking in the views underway or at anchor
Catamaran_RelentlessII_foredeck_lounge
Enjoy the foredeck lounge for sunning and views
epic_stern_shower
Rinse off after a day of fun in the water
catamaran_the_cure_beachtowels
Fresh beach towels await after your swim

The yachts are competing with each other to have all the best watersport toys onboard.

Must-haves:

  • A tender (RIB boat) capable to transport all guests
  • Towable toys, such as a Tube, Wakeboard, Kneeboard, Surfer and water skis
  • Floating mats, islands, and colorful tubes
  • Waterslide
  • Snorkel gear for everyone
  • Scuba gear and courses
  • Underwater camera/video
  • SeaBobs
  • Beach games
  • Fishing gear
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Keep-cold drinking tumblers
Water Sports
The tender will take you ashore or used for water fun
catamaran_relentless_tender_liftplatform
Decks near the water makes access easy
paddle board fun2
Use the equipment for fun or relaxation
A family of 8 floating on a huge raft on an epic family vacation.
Floating islands are very popular

Does an all-inclusive yacht charter sound like your dream vacation? Let us help you make that dream a reality! Epic Yacht Charters offer access to the best sailing or motor catamarans for vacations in the Virgin Islands and other Caribbean destinations.

Please contact us and ask how we can help you find the right boat and crew for your next unforgettable all-inclusive vacation. Thank You.

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FAQs

In the Caribbean, gratuity is considered a standard part of charter culture, particularly in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and surrounding waters.

  • Typical gratuity rate: 15-20% of the charter fee
  • How it’s calculated: Based on the total charter rate for fully crewed, all-inclusive charters
  • Flexibility: Can be adjusted slightly higher or lower depending on service quality and guest satisfaction
  • Caribbean yacht crews often go above and beyond, creating tailored itineraries, cooking custom meals, and providing hands-on water sports instruction. Because of this service-intensive experience, gratuities in the Caribbean are generally on the higher side compared to other regions.

In Greece and the Mediterranean, tipping culture is slightly different from the Caribbean.

  • Typical gratuity rate: 15% of the charter fee adjusted as to how you feel the service you received was.
  • Base rate vs. APA: Gratuity is calculated on the base charter fee, not on the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
  • Regional norm: Applies primarily to catamarans and sailing yachts operating in the Mediterranean

Greek yacht charters often provide incredible itineraries through the Cyclades or Ionian Islands, with professional crews delivering attentive service. While 15% is considered standard, some guests may choose to give more when service has exceeded expectations.

Luxury motor yachts often have larger crews and operate under slightly different gratuity structures.

  • Recommended gratuity rate: 10–20% of the charter fee
  • What’s excluded: APA costs (fuel, dockage, provisions) are not included in the gratuity calculation
  • Variation: The gratuity amount can depend on yacht size and the number of crew
  • International practice: These guidelines are recognized across popular destinations including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Bahamas, and beyond

Because motor yacht crews can be much larger, gratuity is pooled and distributed evenly, ensuring everyone from the captain to the stewardess is acknowledged for their role in making the charter seamless.

Guests often wonder how their gratuity is divided. The captain is typically responsible for allocating gratuity fairly among the crew. Distribution is based on each crew member’s position, responsibilities, and contribution during the charter. This ensures that all team members — from chefs and deckhands to engineers and stews — are recognized for their hard work. It is common on most charters for the gratuity to be split evenly among all crew members.

Gratuity can be given in several ways, depending on what is most convenient for the guests and crew:

  • Cash – Preferred by most crews for immediate distribution
  • Wire transfer – Can be arranged through your charter broker
  • PayPal or Venmo – Accepted in some cases, depending on the country your crew has banking
  • Credit card – Sometimes processed through the broker or clearinghouse or even onboard.
  • Pre-arranged payment – Organized in advance, especially for larger motor yachts

Your broker can assist in arranging the most suitable payment method before or at the end of your charter.

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Looking for more options?

Our main collection features a hand-picked selection of truly exceptional yachts — chosen for their quality, crew, and overall charter experience. If you’d like to explore a broader range of yachts across additional destinations, you can view our full worldwide charter portfolio.