Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and Answers FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BEFORE THE CHARTER

Anticipation is half the fun

We have designed the booking process to be intuitive so that you can immediately appreciate the feeling of holiday. We tailor every detail to your taste, making your stay on board the charter yacht a unique experience. Should questions arise during the booking process, you will quickly find the right answers here. This way you can start your charter holiday in a comfortable and relaxed manner.

before the luxury yacht charter

You cannot find the answer to your question?
Please send us a message.

Contact

Which charter area best matches my expectations?

A variety of areas around the world are waiting for your visit. Which area is ideally suited for your next charter holiday depends on your expectations and preferences. The season, travel conditions and the duration of the journey are important aspects to consider. Let our versatile destinations inspire you and contact us for an individual consultation.

Destinations

How to select the ideal route for my charter holiday?

Once you have decided on a destination, route planning follows.

Our wide range of cruise suggestions will inspire you to find the perfect itinerary to suit your taste. Needless to say, we will also be pleased to design an individual route for you. The routes are coordinated in advance with your captain, as he knows the areas best and can take the yacht specific requirements into account. The itinerary may be adjusted during the charter, should weather conditions make changes necessary, for example.

Cruise suggestions

How do I choose the perfect charter yacht for me and my guests?

We will guide you in the selection of the perfect yacht. Thereby we will present you a portfolio of charter yachts, which matches your wishes and requirements. Especially the cruising area, the number of passengers, your budget, the desired service as well as the yacht equipment play a role in selecting the perfect charter yacht.

Selecting the perfect yacht

Do the port of departure and port of arrival of the cruise have to be identical?

For flexible travel, the port of departure and destination may vary. Travel with your luxury yacht from island to island or from country to country and enjoy different impressions. Please note, however, that yacht transfer costs may apply.

How is the booking process designed?

Once you have decided on an arrangement, we will prepare the charter contract for you. At first you will receive the contract for viewing and signing. After the owner and trustee have countersigned, you will receive the contract back for confirmation. Thereupon you shall pay the deposit.

What is stated in the charter contract?

To prepare the contract, we use the templates of the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) and the American Yacht Charter Association (AYCA). This enables us to create a balanced contractual basis for all contracting parties involved. This includes you as a client, us as your agency and the owner and trustee/administrator of the yacht. Our preferred option is the MYBA contract, which has proven its worth for many years. The AYCA contract is used for yachts under American flag. Your charter contract lists the data of the contracting parties and contains yacht and travel details as well as a cost statement.

What are the terms of payment within the charter contract?

At first you will be required to pay a deposit of 50 percent of the net charter fee. This is due with the signing of the charter contract by bank transfer. Our reminder will inform you to pay the remaining 50 percent usually four weeks before the charter starts together with all other contractual costs.

How are the total costs of the charter composed?

The costs are specified in the charter contract. Usually the costs are composed as follows:

  • Charter price plus local value added tax
  • Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) as a service charge upfront flat rate
  • Yacht transfer costs, when applicable
What is included in the charter price and what not?

The charter price usually includes the yacht with the stated equipment, personnel costs for the crew and the insurance necessary for the operation of the yacht. Not included are the transfer costs of the yacht (when applicable) and the operating costs of the yacht. These include fuel, food, harbour dues, and ad-hoc additional expenses incurred during the charter. An APA is used to cover these costs. Depending on the type of yacht, the APA amounts to about 25-35 percent of the charter price. The APA is due at the latest four weeks before the start of the charter.

What is the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) and how is it settled?

The APA, or more precisely Advance Provisioning Allowance, is an upfront service charge. Before and during your yachting holiday, your captain manages the funds to cover food, harbour and operating costs. The operating costs primarily include fuel costs. The APA amounts to approx. 25-35 percent of the charter price and is usually due four weeks before charter commencement. This ensures that you will be welcomed on board with the best service. Throughout your cruise, you have the option of requesting a current summary of the costs at any time. At the end of the charter, you will receive a final invoice with all receipts. Remaining credit will by all means be returned to you. Should the additional costs during the charter exceed the APA, the captain will either approach you directly – or through your agency – to make an additional payment.

What travel documents are required for me and my guests on board?

Every passenger on board a yacht must carry their passport. Make sure that you and your guests have valid identification documents with you before the charter. This makes shipping to the different countries of travel uncomplicated. Depending on the country of origin, visa regulations and other entry requirements or restrictions must also be considered. 

How is the travel to the starting port arranged?

As the travel arrangements are usually very individual with regard to the dates and type of travel, they are usually arranged directly by the guests. However, on request we will gladly organize the transfer from the airport or your hotel to the yacht for you.

Which insurances are necessary and/or recommended?

We advise you to contract a travel cancellation insurance as well as a travel shortening insurance. This way you are on the safe side in case of unforeseen circumstances. We also recommend that all guests on board have personal accident and health insurance. The charterer’s liability insurance can also be useful as well as a theft insurance. We will be pleased to advise you personally in this regard.

Who will be my contact person on site?

As your agency, we are at your side before, during and after the charter. On board we recommend additionally the direct communication with your captain. This way you will receive prompt and direct answers to your questions.

Are pets allowed on board?

A yacht is not a suitable place for animals. Your pet will certainly be well taken care of at home or in a pet hotel while you enjoy your stay on board the charter yacht.

Is yachting holidays suitable for children and is there childcare on board?

On most yachts children are welcomed guests. Please remember, however, that the crew cannot take responsibility for supervising small guests on board. Depending on the age of the children, additional childcare on board is recommended. This way your children are well entertained and the crew can fully concentrate on your well-being.

How and when are preferences and special requirements discussed?

Before you start your yachting vacation, you will be provided with a „preference sheet”. Please use this form to fill in all the necessary contact details of you and your guests as well as your individual preferences, so that every detail meets your expectations from the moment you arrive. Please fill in the preference sheet as detailed as possible. With this individual information, the service team on board your luxury yacht will arrange the time out you desire.

Is satellite TV available on board?

Due to worldwide differences in signal strength, it cannot be guaranteed that you will receive satellite TV on board. If satellite TV is important to you during your charter, please contact us in advance so that we can make arrangements.

Is Internet available on board?

Most yachts have standard wireless access. This service may be restricted in certain areas and therefore cannot be guaranteed. If you expect regular use of the internet or need large bandwidth during your charter, please inform us prior to departure.

Is smoking on board allowed?

Each yacht has its own guidelines for smoking on board. For your own safety, smoking is strictly prohibited in the cabins of your charter yacht. Some yachts have separate smoking areas on deck. To be on the safe side, please check before departure whether the regulations harmonise with your requirements.

DURING AND AFTER THE CHARTER

Experience pure luxury

Your journey across the most beautiful seas of the world begins with a luxury yacht to your taste. Needless to say, we will gladly answer all your questions personally. For an all-round successful yacht holiday, we have put together some questions and answers for the time on board and afterwards.

during the luxury charter

You cannot find the answer to your question?
Please send us a message.

Contact

How does the check-in take place?

Your arrival is organized and coordinated in advance and the crew is already waiting for you and your guests on board. Should there be any delays (due to cancellations, flight changes, etc.), please inform us by telephone. This gives us the opportunity to coordinate the crew and, if necessary, the transfer accordingly. On board, we recommend that you exchange contact details with the captain so that you have contact with the yacht at all times, for example when going ashore.

How is the reachability on board?

All yachts are equipped with various means of communication so that you can be reached at any time during your cruise. Please give someone at home our contact information so that we can establish contact in case of an emergency.

Are tips for the crew customary – and within what scope?

On board a yacht, it is customary that top service and an attentive crew are acknowledged with an appropriate tip. Crew tips usually amount to about 5 to 10 percent of the charter fee – but can be adjusted according to your level of satisfaction. We recommend that you leave the distribution of tips to the captain. From engineers to kitchen staff: this way you can ensure that all crew members receive equal recognition. The entire crew will do their best to provide you with a unique charter experience.

Will additional port and mooring fees apply during the cruise?

Yes, depending on the destination, you may have to expect port or mooring fees, payable per night. We will gladly provide an estimate of these costs when the route is planned.

Are overnight stays on the high seas possible?

Depending on the yachting area, weather, sea conditions and official regulations, it is possible to drop anchor at night. This can be a great experience while also saving berth costs. Please let us know your wishes in this regard when planning the route – we will gladly coordinate the arrangements with the captain. In some cases it might be necessary anyway, as not all ports are designed for larger yachts. 

Imagine rounding off a successful day in a quiet bay with a view of the water and a delicious glass of red wine. In the morning enjoy the breathtaking sunrise on the flybridge. You will experience all this on board our luxury yachts.

Will the crew take care of the personal laundry?

Many yachts offer the possibility to have your personal laundry cleaned by the crew. However, please note that the capacities and possibilities on board are limited. Therefore, the crew will not be able to clean excessive quantities or delicate items. Professional cleaning ashore is an option if time permits. Please consult with your captain on this matter. Any costs incurred will be settled via the APA.

What must be taken into account regarding the equipment of the yacht?

The yacht’s designated equipment and furnishings are specified to the best of our knowledge and according to the owner’s specifications. Should any changes occur before your charter, the owner of the yacht will make every effort to replace the equipment in a comparable manner. Personal watercraft (jet skis, waverunners, Seabobs, etc.) may be restricted in certain areas. Guests may also require a corresponding driving licence.  

Please enquire whether there are any regulations or special requirements in the respective yacht areas.

How do I get involved in restaurant recommendations and reservations?

We will gladly consider your wishes during the planning of your trip. Please let us know if you intend to visit specific locations. In addition to restaurants and beach clubs, it may also be necessary to book nightclubs and discos well in advance. Additionally, the crew generally has extensive knowledge and contacts in the respective areas. They will provide you with recommendations and make reservations.

What if I get motion sickness?

Notify the crew in advance if you know you are susceptible to motion sickness. The crew will give you valuable tips to help you avoid feeling seasick. If you wish, the team on board will have appropriate tablets ready for you.

How does the check-out take place?

The check-out is specified in the charter contract with the corresponding day and time. Please coordinate the exact departure time with your captain in advance so that he can organize the check-out and, if necessary, the transfer smoothly. Please plan the check-out generously, so that enough time remains for the settlement of the additional expenses and for saying goodbye to the crew.

Who do I contact after the yacht holiday if I have forgotten something on board?

Should you have forgotten something on board, please contact us. We will arrange for your things to be sent or deposited.

You cannot find the answer to your question?
Please send us a message.

Contact