The big question when planning your charter yacht vacation is – “What do I have to pack?”
The first tip to packing is not to pack too much. Trust us, you will need far less than you think.
Remember that storage onboard yachts is usually limited, and it is not easy to store large hard suitcases. Strong medium-sized rolling soft bags are great and are easy to stow away.
You will also need a small bag or backpack as a carry-on for your valuables such as phones, tablets, charging cables, medicines, and your travel documents.
Most yachts will provide a range of amenities such as sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Your crew will reach out to you a couple of weeks before your trip and will let you know what they have onboard so that you do not have to bring unnecessary items. If not, sunscreen is a must. Please bring only non-spray sunscreen as it often stains towels and decks orange because of ingredients.
This lets you arrive carefree, knowing you can travel as lightly as possible.
The most important items to remember are your travel documents and passports. Ensure that your passport is valid, has 6 months left before it expires, and has at least one blank page left. It is also wise to keep a photo of your passport on your phone. Also remember any medications that you are taking and travel with them in your carry on bag.
Nearly all yachts in the Caribbean will have American plug sockets and those in the Mediterranean will have European sockets. Please pack any adapters you may need for any of your electrical items.
While on your crewed yacht charter, you will probably spend most of your time in your swimsuit, shorts, T-shirts, cover-ups, rashguards, and sundresses. As well as flip flops and sandals, water shoes are also great for when wading in shallow water. Whilst onboard you will be barefoot, however if you do need to wear shoes, please bring ones with clean white soles so that they do not mark the decks. For hiking ashore or for those who like running, bring a pair of sneakers and socks. We recommend casual and comfortable attire onboard, and if you want to dress up a little for dinner ashore or a little dancing with local entertainment, something a little more stylish may be in order. The evenings can get a little cooler in the spring and autumn in the Mediterranean and during winter months in the Caribbean; a couple of light sweaters and a jacket would be a good addition to your packing list.
Does a crewed yacht charter sound like your dream vacation? Let us help you make that dream a reality! Epic Yacht Charters offers access to the best sailing or motor catamarans and motor yachts for vacations in the Virgin Islands, the rest of the Caribbean, and Greece.
Contact us and ask how we can help you find the right boat and crew for your next unforgettable all-inclusive vacation!
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.
