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.
Yes. On a well-appointed crewed yacht each stateroom has its own en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower stall, an electric flush toilet and a hairdryer. The cabins themselves are built for a week aboard, with large windows for natural light, blinds or shades for privacy, reading lights, electric fans, and drawers and a closet for storage.
No. On a crewed charter you do not have to lift a finger. You are welcome to join in with the sailing or motoring if you would enjoy it, but there is no requirement to. Cooking is handled entirely by your trained private chef, and where there is additional crew aboard, they look after the cabins and run the watersports activities.
A comfortable charter yacht covers three areas. Cabins should have en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers, electric flush toilets, hairdryers, individually controlled air conditioning, good natural light and proper storage. Living spaces should offer a spacious salon and a large dining area in the cockpit, with easy flow from inside to out. On deck, look for a flybridge or sky-lounge, shaded sun-beds, a barbecue grill, a fridge and icemaker, and a hot and cold shower on the stern.
Because of the space and the ride. Catamarans have far more room to move around than a comparable monohull, and they are notably comfortable both underway and at anchor. Their layouts also vary quite a bit from yacht to yacht, especially on deck, which means you can choose one whose exterior spaces suit how your group likes to spend the day.
Most Caribbean yacht charter activities include comprehensive water sports equipment: snorkeling gear, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, fishing equipment, and inflatable water toys. Premium yachts often feature sea scooters, water skis, wakeboards, and even SCUBA diving equipment with certified instructors.
Professional Crew:
- Captain with extensive local knowledge
- Private chef specializing in gourmet cuisine
- Stewardess for interior service (larger yachts)
- Deckhand for water activities and maintenance (larger yachts)
- Specialized crew like dive instructors (select yachts)
The Complete Package:
- Exclusive use of the entire yacht for your group
- All linens, towels, and luxury amenities
- Standard water toys and equipment (paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear)
- Three gourmet meals daily plus snacks and appetizers
- All beverages including standard bar with wine, beer, and spirits
- Some yachts offer curated wine or champagne lists at an additional charge
- WiFi connectivity (where available)
- Fuel for standard cruising itinerary
- Marina fees for routine stops
- Special requests available with advance notice
Special Considerations
- Crew gratuity is not included (typically 15-20%, adjusted at your discretion)
- Optional nanny or childcare services available on select yachts
- Premium excursions or activities may incur additional fees
What Should I Pack for My Yacht Charter?
What Should I Pack for My Yacht Charter?Packing for a luxury yacht vacation is different from packing for a typical resort stay. Space is limited onboard, but a great deal is already waiting for you. Your crew provides beach towels, bed linens and snorkel gear for every guest, along with everyday comforts like hairdryers, so none of that needs to come with you. To help you prepare, we have created a practical packing guide so you bring everything you need without overpacking. Browse Our Luxury Charter Fleet to see what’s already included onboard.
Essential Wardrobe
- Multiple swimsuits for daily water activities
- Light, breathable clothing to wear over swimwear
- 2–3 casual dinner outfits for onboard dining
- 1–2 smart casual outfits for restaurants ashore
- Light jacket or sweater for evening breezes
- Comfortable, non-marking deck shoes or sandals
- Sun Protection
- High-quality polarized sunglasses
- Sun hats or caps with secure straps
- Reef-safe sunscreen and lip protection
- UPF-rated rash guards for extended water activities
Personal Items
- Prescription medications in original containers
- Seasickness remedies if prone to motion sensitivity
- Personal toiletries and hygiene items
- Small camera or GoPro for capturing memories
- Lightweight backpack or dry bag for shore excursions
- Electronics & Documents
- Passport and travel documents
- Credit cards and small amounts of local currency
- Power adapters if traveling internationally
- Phone and charger (most yachts offer WiFi)
- Downloaded playlists, e-books, or podcasts for offline use
Entertainment & Extras
- Books, e-readers, or magazines
- Portable waterproof speakers (optional)
- Travel journal or sketchbook
- Small gifts or souvenirs for crew (optional)
Practical Packing Tips
- Choose soft-sided luggage that can be folded and stowed under beds—avoid large hard-shell suitcases.
- Pack versatile items that mix and match easily.
- Avoid overpacking; storage space is efficient but compact.
- Most yachts supply beach towels, linens, and water sports equipment—confirm with your broker before bringing extras.
For more planning advice, visit our Yacht Charter FAQ Hub
Final Advice
Your yacht crew will help you feel at home and can provide personalized recommendations for your specific destination and season. If you’re unsure about packing certain items, ask your charter broker for guidance.
For personalized packing suggestions or help planning your trip, call 1-954-271-3005 or Explore Yacht Charter Destinations.
Yes. Crewed charter yachts are fully air conditioned, and each cabin has individual controls so you can set the temperature for your own comfort. Generators provide the power to run the air conditioning and every other system onboard when required, and some yachts also carry solar panels.
