Cost of crewed Yacht Charter
Know what it will cost for your next crewed yacht vacation in the British and US Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Croatia and Greece.
WHAT IS THE COST OF A CREWED YACHT CHARTER?
Most crewed yacht charters in the Caribbean are all-inclusive and range from $23,000 per week to $100,000.00 per week. Yachts in the Mediterranean have a base rate and then added to that are the expenses and VAT. Luxury Motor yachts start closer to $70,000.00 per week and do not included expenses. Some yachts offer half-board options where meals are enjoyed ashore at the charterer’s expense, making the week more affordable.
Crewed yacht charters in Greece run from April through to the end of October.
The best time for a crewed yacht charter is in the shoulder seasons – May, June, September and October. During these months you will have some warm weather, and fewer crowds. July and August have the hottest temperatures, but this time will attract more crowds and higher prices. There is also more chance of windy conditions during the summer months, called the Meltemi.
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Chartering in Shoulder Season
Pros
- Warm temperatures and long daylight hours
- Fewer crowds to enable a more authentic experience.
- Calmer conditions and less strong winds than that of July and August
Cons
- Water is still cool in May
Chartering in summer seasonÂ
Pros
- Warmer weather and hottest days
- Warm water great for snorkelling, swimming and water sports.
Cons
- Most expensive time to charter
- Large crowds
- Strong Meltemi winds creating challenging conditions.
Temperatures
- High Season – July – August – Average 85 °F (29 °C)
- Mid-Season – June – September – Average 77 °F (25 °C)
- Low Season – April, May and October – 71 °F (22 °C)
Yacht Crew Gratuity Guide: How Much Should I Tip the Crew?
Understanding yacht crew gratuity is an important part of chartering a yacht. Your crew is at the heart of your experience — planning itineraries, preparing gourmet meals, ensuring safety, and delivering exceptional service throughout your vacation. Gratuity is not just a thank-you, but a significant portion of their income. While tipping is always at the client’s discretion, there are widely accepted industry standards by region and yacht type that can help guide you.
Caribbean Yacht Charter Gratuity Standards
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.
Greek & Mediterranean Yacht Charter Gratuity Standards
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.
Motor Yacht Gratuity Standards (Worldwide)
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.
How Gratuity is Distributed
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.
Attentive crew service is a cornerstone of every luxury yacht charter experience — gratuities recognize the professionalism and care shown throughout your voyage.
Payment Options for Yacht Crew Gratuity
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.
Key Takeaways
- Caribbean: 15-20% of charter fee
- Greece/Mediterranean: 15% of charter fee (base rate only)
- Motor Yachts: 10–20% of charter fee (excluding APA)
- Distribution: Handled by the captain, shared fairly among all crew
- Payment Options: Cash, wire, or broker-facilitated
Caribbean & Bahamas
• 15–20% of charter fee
• Often higher due to highly personalized service & custom itineraries
Greece & Mediterranean
• 10–20% of charter fee
• Calculated on base rate (not APA); common for catamarans & sailboats
Luxury Motor Yachts
• 10–20% of charter fee
• Excludes APA; gratuity pooled & shared among larger crews
Worldwide (General)
• 10–20% of charter fee
• Standards recognized globally, with variation by region & service
Final Note
While gratuity is never mandatory, it remains the most meaningful way to recognize your crew’s dedication, hospitality, and professionalism. A thoughtful gratuity ensures the team feels valued for creating your unforgettable charter experience.
If you’re unsure what’s appropriate, our brokers are happy to guide you before your trip so you feel confident about gratuity practices worldwide.
Greece has 14 International airports, with Athens (ATH) being the largest. There are many direct flights available to Athens including from:
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Chicago
- Philadelphia
- Washington DC and
- New York – which alone has 60 direct flights per day!
As a US citizen, there are no visa requirements. You can get to any island in Greece to start your yacht charter, using the airport and ferry system.
We would suggest spending a few nights in Athens before you board your crewed yacht. This way you can take some time to acclimatize and take in some sites, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
Yacht charters tend to start in Athens, Piraeus, or Lavrion. Taxis and private limos are easily available to take you to the marina to meet your yacht and the crew.
HOW DO I RESERVE A CHARTER, AND WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT TERMS?
Once you decide on the yacht, Epic puts a complimentary reservation on the yacht. Next, a contract is drawn up, and details to proceed with the booking are solidified. Your deposit is also required at this time. Travel arrangements can be finalized. If you are more than 6 months away from your charter dates, a 25% deposit is required. Then 25% at 6 months out, and the final 50% is due 45 days before the charter. Your monies are held in escrow and the yacht is paid right before your charter.
WHAT IS A STANDARD GRATUITY FOR THE CREW?
15-20% of the charter cost is the standard crew gratuity. Your crew is on call 24/7, working hard to ensure you have the vacation of your dreams. They begin preparing for your charter from the moment they receive your requests. The crew’s goal is also to provide you with exemplary service. The gratuity is given to the crew at the end of the charter in cash, checks or wire transfers.
WHAT ARE THE CANCELLATION TERMS?
In the unlikely event of you canceling your charter, all payments are forfeited. However, if the yacht can re-book a different charter for the same dates, there is a chance of a partial refund.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE YACHT CHARTER FEE?
Most yachts are all-inclusive with a professional captain and private chef. Larger vessels may have additional crew such as deckhands and stewards. All meals, snacks, standard ship’s bar (liquor, wine, beer, and soft drinks), fuel for the vessel and tender, insurance for the vessel and crews, all water sports activities, and cruising and National Park permits are part of your package. Some yachts offer SCUBA diving for guests with diving certification.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE YACHT CHARTER FEE?
Not included are crew gratuities of 15-20%, optional marina docking/berthing for an overnight stay, excursions, and meals ashore, special requests for top-shelf liquor, wine, or excessive alcohol consumption, and transfers to and from the airport.
WHY A CREWED YACHT?
1st class service is the goal of your yacht crew, allowing you the time to enjoy all that a luxury vacation on a yacht has to offer.Â
WHAT TO EXPECT ON CHARTER
Having a hard time visualizing your crewed yacht vacation? Watch our video for a glimpse of life on your crewed yacht charter.
