Yacht Charter Frequently Asked Questions

You can choose how long to rent a yacht for, depending on the yacht’s availability. Commonly, yachts are booked for one or a few weeks but some offer daily charters or the option to use the yacht for an event. Additionally, annual charters are available for those who want to take a trip around the world.

It is customary to rent a yacht for a full week, but it is not mandatory. You can choose to rent the yacht for a period of less than a week or more.

Yes, you have the option to choose the date your charter will begin, depending always on the yacht’s availability.

Charter rates are quoted per week. Charters, spanning for more than a week are divided by seven and multiplied by the number of charter days. Charters spanning for less than a week are divided by six and multiplied by the number of charter days. Charters commence from noon onwards on the first day and terminate by noon on the last day. Some yachts have high season rates that apply to the most popular charter periods and low season rates that apply to all other periods.

The yacht with crew service, plus all the necessary equipment, is included in the charter rate and is insured for marine risks. Rates do not include VAT, provisioning, fuel, electronic communications, canal fees, harbor dues, local taxes, specific marina fees, delivery/return fees, or any expenses related to embarkation/disembarkation at a different location from the yacht’s home port.

Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) is the amount to cover any running expenses while on board (e.g. transport, fuel, food, berthing dues, harbor charges, agency fees, equipment requested etc.). The final APA % is determined by the vessel and is usually estimated between 25% – 40% of the Charter Fee. APA is handled by the Captain, who is required to keep an itemized report of all expenses incurred and will present to the client before disembarkation. Any remaining funds will be returned to the charterer either in cash or by bank transfer at the end of the charter. 

Crew gratuities are not obligatory, but it’s customary to leave 10% to 20% of the total charter fee, upon discretion and based on satisfaction. The best way to make sure that all crew members are recognized equally is to entrust the distribution of gratuities to the captain or your charter consultant.

The capacity of each yacht is usually determined by its size and the amount of staterooms it has. On most yachts the legal limit for the amount of overnight guests permitted to stay on a yacht is 12. If you require a yacht that can accommodate a larger party, our consultants will make sure to find you a selection of yachts that are appropriately registered with a larger guest capacity. The maximum amount of people who can go on a cruise will depend on the size of the yacht and the safety regulations in place. You can talk to your charter consultant about this.

At Luxe Yacht Empire we believe that each yacht has its own personality; our team of renowned charter consultants will work closely with you to help you find the one that best fits yours. Browse our carefully selected fleet of top echelon yachts from around the world to discover the possibilities available for you and your family to enjoy. You can also contact one of our Charter Yacht Consultants who will help you select the ideal yacht for you. Our team travels the world to inspect the premier luxury yachts on the market; their first hand experience gives them in-depth knowledge and enables them to provide personalized recommendations based on your needs and taste.

Our team of professional charter consultants are available to help you select the right yacht, plan your itinerary and help arrange all logistics before, during and after your trip. Send an inquiry about the yacht that you are interested in through our online form or contact one of our Charter Yacht consultants directly.

All charters are subject to a fully executed contract. Once the availability of your chosen yacht has been verified, you will receive a Charter Agreement, with a request for a deposit to secure the booking. The Charter Agreement defines the terms and conditions, obligations and rights of each party.

A deposit of 50% of the total charter fee is required upon signature of the Charter Agreement in order to confirm your booking. The remaining 50%, plus an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), together with any VAT taxes, delivery/redelivery fees and any additionally agreed charges, is due one month before the charter commences.

As per the MYBA contract, if you decide to cancel your charter the owner may retain your deposit or the entire charter fee; this depends on the timing you will communicate your cancelation. If you cancel after you have submitted your deposit but before the final installment is due, the owner is entitled to retain your deposit. If you have already paid the entire charter fee, the owner is entitled to retain the full amount but will return the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). Should you decide to cancel your charter, make sure to talk to your IYC Consultant as we can help liaise with the owner to find an alternative date for your charter. Also, keep in mind that different contracts have different cancelation policies.

Yes. In accordance to international regulations, it is necessary for the company to perform specific checks for the purpose of satisfying the anti-money laundering rules and compliance with any applicable sanctions. Luxe Yacht Empire is bound by these rules, and must comply with global processes.

Know Your Client (KYC) set of standards is the due diligence process required by the regulatory authorities and financial institutions to verify a Client’s identity. This process must be completed prior to entering any agreement with the company.

Luxe Yacht Empire will request specific documentation to perform all necessary checks. The company strives to complete this process with the minimum possible inconvenience for our clients and will perform all necessary checks in an efficient manner. All reports will be made available to the client. Information and/or documents provided shall be maintained by Luxe Yacht Empire’s Legal Department, in accordance with applicable laws, in strict confidence and with restricted access.

The documentation requested depends on whether the contract is with an individual or legal entity (company).

• • Individuals are required to provide a proof of identity (certified true copy of the original passport or national ID card) and a proof of address (certified true copy of an original utility bill or original bank statement – both dating up to six months).

Where the client/engaging party will be a legal entity the following would be required:

• • Legal existence and good standing – an incumbency certificate duly signed by one of the officers of the corporation.
  • Information regarding the Ultimate Beneficial Owner:

• • • Group structure of the corporation signed by one of its officers, showing the beneficial owners (i.e. individuals) and any documents to evidence ownership.
    • Information concerning the legal entity’s beneficial owners, including a proof of identity (certified true copy of the original passport or national ID card) and a proof of address (certified true copy of an original utility bill or original bank statement – both dating up to six months).

On a case by case basis, the company may be legally required to ask for additional information and/or documentation.

Yes, you are allowed to use all amenities on the yacht and enjoy it as if it was your own.

In most countries a license is necessary in order to use certain water toys (e.g. jet skis, wave runners and other mechanically propelled watercraft) and there may be an age limit. Certain areas prohibit the use of motorized water toys altogether. To use the yacht’s SCUBA diving equipment, if available, a certified PADI license or equivalent is necessary. If you do not have the required certificates, our team can usually arrange for an instructor to come onboard the yacht during your charter.

Every detail counts. Several weeks before your charter begins, your IYC Charter Consultant will reach out to you and ask you to fill out a detailed questionnaire including all preferences and special requirements for members of your party. This sheet will cover dietary preferences, medical requirements, details on any allergies, favorite activities, sporting and entertainment requests. Knowing your preferences will enable us and the crew to make sure that you have everything that you need on board and that you have an unforgettable experience.

Just let your Charter Consultant know and we will work with the Captain and crew to have any arrangements taken care of.

Smoking is prohibited on board most yachts, however as policies tend to vary from yacht to yacht, please check with your Charter Consultant. As per safety regulations, smoking in cabins is prohibited on all yachts.