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.


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.
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 season
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)


- 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.


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.