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.
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.
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.
