Your yacht charter guide

Once you have made the decision to charter a yacht, the most important part is, to find your ideal charter broker. As with everything in life, it is all about the personal relationships. You will find that your charter broker is one of the key players in making or breaking your yacht charter holidays.

It is important you find a charter broker you enjoy talking to and can communicate in a friendly and open way. The better your charter broker gets to know you, the more specific and detailed your holidays will be prepared.

Long standing relationships between charter brokers and their clients mean perfectly prepared stays on board and the crew knowing about your wishes, likes and dislikes, before you even come on board.

Your charter broker will take care of all the negotiations and preparations – including but not limited to the contracts, payments, restaurant reservations, transfers, on land excursions and so on.

At SNS Yacht Charter our highest priority is to take care of your yacht charter holidays – many years of experience allow us to prepare everything into detail and make sure that all of your requirements are covered.

Generally, 50% of the charter fee is due when signing the contract, with the remaining 50%, along with VAT and APA, payable one month before embarkation. The contract, typically drafted by your charter broker, outlines key details like the charter dates, yacht specifications, rates, and embarkation/disembarkation ports. Most companies ( like SNS ) follow the MYBA charter agreement, ensuring clarity and legal protection.

The availability of laundry services depends very much on the yacht's size, onboard facilities, and the number of crew members. Small amounts of laundry services are sometimes offered as a courtesy, but more delicate or extensive items may incur additional costs due to the need to outsource the service. These costs will be charged to the APA. 

The number of guests allowed onboard varies depending on the yacht's size and registration. Most yachts accommodate up to 12 guests for day trips, but it's important to confirm the specific limits on day and overnight guests before booking.

Tipping the crew is customary and usually based on your satisfaction and location. In Europe, tips are generally around 10 - 15 % of the charter rate (excluding VAT), while in the Caribbean and U.S., tips typically range from 15 - 25%. However, this is entirely at your discretion. 

In some cases, the yacht's home berth may be included in the rate. However, berthing at additional ports is usually charged separately through the APA. If you plan to use the home berth during your charter, let us know so we can verify whether it's included.

Most yachts offer a selection of water toys, though the variety may differ. Additional toys can often be arranged upon request, but some, such as jet skis, may require proper licensing and adequate storage space. Be sure to inquire about the specific toys available onboard before booking.

Once the contract is signed, your charter broker will provide you with a preference sheet where you can indicate your likes, allergies, and any relevant medical information. This document is essential for the crew and the chef to tailor your onboard experience to your needs. The more detailed the information you provide, the better the crew can accommodate your preferences.

It’s important to note that the level of personalization depends greatly on the yacht, its size, and the number of crew members onboard. Nevertheless, the crew will do everything possible, within their capabilities, to meet your preferences and ensure you have an unforgettable stay.

While the yacht’s chef typically handles all meals based on your preferences, you are welcome to bring any special items you’d like. If you have any particular wine or spirits you enjoy, these can be sourced in advance or brought aboard. Please inform your broker beforehand to ensure proper storage and preparation.

Due to the limited space on board of most yachts, we recommend packing your belongings into soft luggage, which is easier to store away for the crew while you are on board.

Most yachts nowerdays are equipped with Wi-Fi, but the speed and availability can vary depending on the location. Some areas with limited network coverage may experience slower connections. If high-speed or continuous access is crucial, check the yacht’s capabilities before the charter.