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Charter Planning Centre

Real, practical guidance for planning a crewed yacht charter — costs, what's included, packing, insurance, and everything else that comes up before you book. Can't find what you need? Ask a broker directly.

Start Here: The Planning Journey

A fixed, step-by-step sequence covering everything that comes up before you book a crewed yacht charter — start at Step 1 and work through, or jump straight to what you need. New to chartering? Start with why a charter broker adds value.

  1. 1 Your First Charter
  2. 2 Understanding Charter Costs
  3. 3 All-Inclusive vs. Plus-Expenses Charters
  4. 4 What's Included in the Price
  5. 5 Crew Gratuity
  6. 6 Choosing the Right Yacht
  7. 7 Travel Logistics
  8. 8 Preference Sheet
  9. 9 What to Pack
  10. 10 Before You Travel

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15 Common Yacht Charter Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
First-Time Charter

15 Common Yacht Charter Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

A little planning can make a big difference. The most common yacht charter mistakes first-time guests make — and how to avoid them — from choosing the yacht too early to booking too late.

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Costs

All-Inclusive vs. Plus-Expenses Yacht Charters

One of the biggest surprises for first-time charter guests is that not every yacht charter is priced the same way.

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Travel

Before You Travel

A few simple checks before you leave home help ensure your charter begins smoothly, so you can focus on enjoying the experience from the moment you arrive.

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Catamaran vs Motor Yacht: Which Should You Choose?
Yacht Types

Catamaran vs Motor Yacht: Which Should You Choose?

Two exceptional ways to experience a yacht charter — but very different holidays. A practical, side-by-side comparison of catamarans and motor yachts to help you choose with confidence.

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First-Time Charter

Charter Preference Sheets

Before your charter begins, you complete a Charter Preference Sheet so your crew can tailor the experience specifically to your group.

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Choosing the Right Yacht Charter Type
Yacht Types

Choosing the Right Yacht Charter Type

Private crewed, captain-only, bareboat or cabin charter? Understand the differences between charter models so you can choose the one that best matches your experience, travel style and expectations.

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Choosing the Right Yacht for Your Charter
Yacht Types

Choosing the Right Yacht for Your Charter

The best yacht isn't necessarily the largest, the newest or the most expensive. It's the yacht that best matches the experience you want to have.

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Compare Yacht Types
Yacht Types

Compare Yacht Types

Motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamarans and expedition yachts each offer a very different experience. Compare their strengths and trade-offs to narrow your options before comparing individual yachts.

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Gratuities

Crew Gratuities

Tipping the crew is one of the most frequently asked questions in yacht chartering. Gratuities are generally discretionary.

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First-Time Yacht Charter Guide
First-Time Charter

First-Time Yacht Charter Guide

A practical introduction to choosing, booking and preparing for your first crewed yacht charter—from destination and yacht selection to contracts, APA, crew preferences and embarkation.

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How Much Does a Yacht Charter Really Cost?
Costs

How Much Does a Yacht Charter Really Cost?

The type of yacht, destination, season, charter duration, operating expenses and your personal preferences all influence the final cost of your holiday.

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Last-Minute Yacht Charters
Travel

Last-Minute Yacht Charters

Can you book a luxury yacht charter at the last minute? Yes — but flexibility is essential. A balanced look at the opportunities and trade-offs of booking close to departure.

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Sample Yacht Charter Itineraries
Destinations

Sample Yacht Charter Itineraries

Every great charter begins with a well-planned itinerary — but the best ones stay flexible. See what a typical seven-night charter looks like and how itineraries adapt to guests, weather and local knowledge.

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Travel Documents & Entry Requirements
Travel

Travel Documents & Entry Requirements

Make sure your paperwork is as well prepared as your itinerary. Passport validity, visas, customs and entry rules vary by destination — prepare early and always confirm current requirements with official government sources.

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Travel

Travel Logistics

How to plan the journey from home to yacht with confidence — and where an experienced charter broker coordinates the details so your holiday begins calmly.

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Weather & Seasons for Yacht Charters
Destinations

Weather & Seasons for Yacht Charters

Choosing the right time to charter can be as important as choosing the right yacht. Understand peak, shoulder and off-season trade-offs and how weather shapes the experience across destinations.

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What Is APA? A Guide to Advance Provisioning Allowance
APA

What Is APA? A Guide to Advance Provisioning Allowance

Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is one of the most misunderstood parts of a crewed yacht charter. Learn what APA is, what it typically covers, how it is managed, and why it helps create a smoother charter experience.

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What to Pack for a Crewed Yacht Charter
Packing

What to Pack for a Crewed Yacht Charter

Packing for a yacht charter is different from packing for a hotel holiday. Learn what to bring, what to leave at home, and how to prepare for a comfortable week on the water.

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Costs

What’s Included in the Charter Price?

Understanding what is typically included in the charter fee—and what may be an additional expense—helps you compare yachts more confidently.

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When Should You Book Your Yacht Charter?
Travel

When Should You Book Your Yacht Charter?

The best yachts are often booked well before the season begins. Understand how availability changes through the year so you can plan with confidence — without rigid booking rules.

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Yacht Charter Etiquette
Travel

Yacht Charter Etiquette

A few simple guidelines help everyone enjoy a relaxed, memorable charter. Understand onboard etiquette, crew interaction, flexibility and tipping so first-time guests feel comfortable and confident.

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Yacht Charter Insurance
Insurance

Yacht Charter Insurance

Protect your holiday before you leave home. Understand the types of travel and cancellation cover worth considering for a yacht charter — practical, evergreen guidance, not a sales pitch for any policy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a crewed yacht charter cost?

Crewed charter pricing varies widely by yacht size, age, crew, destination, season, and level of luxury. In the BVI and Caribbean, many quality crewed catamarans fall somewhere between the mid-five figures and six figures per week. We will help you understand the real total cost before you book.

Is the advertised charter fee the total price?

Usually not. The advertised charter fee is generally the starting point rather than the final cost. Depending on the yacht, destination and charter agreement, additional expenses may include APA, fuel, provisions, marina fees, local taxes, permits and crew gratuity. Understanding these variables before booking allows you to compare yachts more accurately and budget with greater confidence.

Do we need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Charter contracts have cancellation terms, and insurance can help protect against certain covered events such as illness, travel disruption, or emergencies.

How far in advance should I book?

For the best yachts and holiday weeks, book 6-12 months ahead. Christmas, New Year's, spring break, and peak winter BVI dates can sell out early. Last-minute charters are sometimes available, but your choices will be more limited.

What should we pack?

Pack light. Soft-sided luggage is best because storage onboard is limited. Bring swimsuits, casual clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, sandals, light layers, medications, and travel documents. Most charters are barefoot and casual.

Are crewed charters good for kids?

Yes, many yachts are excellent for families. We help match families with suitable crew, safe layouts, kid-friendly activities, and appropriate cabin arrangements. Some yachts have minimum age rules, so we verify this before booking.

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