When you start to plan your crewed yacht charter, the crew’s tip is an important aspect to consider in your charter budget.
Tipping is common practice in the charter industry and it is important to show your appreciation to your crew, it shows recognition for their hard work and exceptional service.
In the Caribbean and Bahamas, tipping is typically 15% – 20% of the charter rate and 10% – 15% of the charter base rate in the Mediterranean.
Your crew will be working for you from the moment they receive your preference sheets to the moment you disembark. There is a lot of preparation that goes into creating an unforgettable yacht charter. Your chef will be planning the menu taking into consideration any allergies, likes, and dislikes. Food and drink orders will be placed for delivery to the yacht and your chef will go shopping for fresh items and specialized requests. Your captain will be planning an itinerary to include the places you wish to go and the things you would like to do. They will organize any excursions you would like to go on and book any SCUBA diving that you would like to partake in if the yacht does not offer that onboard. The yacht will have been fully provisioned, cleaned, serviced, and maintained ready for your arrival.
Tipping is a way to acknowledge and reward your crew for their service, attention to detail, and professionalism throughout your charter experience. The crew will work hard for the whole of your charter to give you the best experience possible. The crew often goes above and beyond their regular duties to make sure you are enjoying yourself and are comfortable. They may organize special events such as birthday parties and anniversary dinners, theme nights, prepare personalized meals, or arrange unique experiences for you.
Dining at sea is more than just meals — it’s part of your adventure. Customized menus allow you to:
- Celebrate milestones with tailored cuisine
- Explore local flavors prepared by expert chefs
- Pair wines and cocktails with your favorite dishes
- Relax knowing all dietary needs are handled in advance
Your yacht chef can design a wide range of dining experiences:
- Breakfast: light continental spreads or full plated meals
- Lunch: casual buffets, themed barbecues, or formal service
- Dinners: elegant multi-course menus or relaxed family-style meals
- Special Events: themed parties, holiday meals, or anniversary celebrations
Every aspect of the yacht charter menu can be customized, from morning smoothies to midnight desserts.
On larger yachts, provisions are covered through the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance). This system gives flexibility to choose premium ingredients, fine wines, and custom dining experiences. There are no set limits, so your chef can source exactly what you request.
For many sailing catamarans in the Caribbean, the all-inclusive rate includes all meals and beverages. You’ll typically enjoy:
- Three gourmet meals daily
- Premium wines and spirits (included as standard)
- Hors d’oeuvres and snacks throughout the day
- Desserts and wine pairings with dinners
Even though meals are included, the menu is still fully tailored to your group’s preferences.
Our charter chefs are experienced in meeting diverse needs, so you can enjoy a seamless culinary experience. Common accommodations include:
- Vegan and vegetarian menus
- Gluten-free preparations
- Food allergy awareness
- Cultural and religious requirements
- Child-friendly meals
By knowing your group’s needs in advance, your chef can prepare menus that satisfy everyone.
The answer is absolutely yes. Every charter menu is designed around your personal preferences, dietary requirements, and favorite foods, ensuring every meal onboard is memorable.
Q: Why choose half board for a yacht charter?
A half board yacht charter offers flexibility to enjoy both onboard dining and local restaurants ashore. It’s budget-friendly, ideal for food lovers, and perfect for guests who want a balance between all-inclusive convenience and authentic island dining.
Half board vs full board yacht charters comes down to flexibility and dining style. Half board (also called “partial board”) includes some meals on the yacht, leaving room to enjoy restaurants ashore. Full board covers all meals onboard with a set menu and service. Half board offers variety and slightly lower base costs, while full board ensures all-inclusive convenience.
Q: Is half board cheaper than full board on a yacht charter?
Yes. A half board yacht charter usually has a lower base cost since fewer meals are included. Guests budget separately for dining ashore. Full board covers all meals onboard and costs more upfront but removes restaurant expenses. Overall, on fully crewed and inclusive yacht charters, the cost saving is negligible.
Q: What does full board mean on a yacht charter?
A full board yacht charter includes all meals onboard, prepared by the yacht’s professional chef. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages are provided, giving guests an all-inclusive dining experience throughout the trip.
On a half board yacht charter, some meals are provided on board by your crew, and the rest are enjoyed ashore at local restaurants. Typically, breakfast and lunch are included, with several dinners served onboard. The remaining meals are at your own expense, giving you flexibility to explore authentic dining at your destinations. Read more ➝
