When chartering a yacht, you can choose whether to sail with a Captain or a full and permanent Crew. In addition to the Captain, the full Crew consists of a Steward/ess and a Chef. But what exactly is life like with a Crew on a yacht charter? What do you need to bear in mind? We answer the most frequently asked questions below.
What Is Crewed Charter?
Imagine waking up to the scent of fresh coffee, stepping onto the deck as the sun rises over a secluded bay, and knowing that every detail of your day, from gourmet meals to thrilling water sports, is taken care of. That’s the magic of a crewed charter.
A crewed charter is a fully staffed yacht, complete with a Captain, Chef, Steward/ess, and often additional crew such as a deckhand or dive instructor, dedicated entirely to your group’s comfort and enjoyment.
Unlike a skipper-only charter, a crewed charter offers an all-inclusive experience that combines fine dining, impeccable service, and personalised excursions. This type of charter is ideal for families, groups of friends, couples celebrating special occasions, or even corporate retreats. Anyone who values luxury, convenience, and a bespoke sailing experience over hands-on sailing.
The Roles of Your Permanent Crew
On a crewed charter, every member of the team plays a vital role in creating an unforgettable journey at sea.
- Your Captain is not just the person at the helm but also your navigator, safety expert, and local guide, combining professional seamanship with insider knowledge to design an itinerary tailored to your wishes.
- The Chef curates every meal to perfection, crafting menus around your tastes and dietary preferences while sourcing fresh, local ingredients that reflect the spirit of each destination.
- The Steward or Stewardess ensures effortless comfort throughout your stay, managing housekeeping, table service, and activity coordination such as arranging a sunset dinner ashore or booking an island tour.
- Supporting them, the Deckhand or Dive Instructor oversees water sports, yacht maintenance, and assists with anchoring, snorkeling, and diving adventures to ensure both safety and enjoyment.
- For guests seeking an even more personalized experience, optional specialists such as a massage therapist, nanny, or event photographer can be added to the crew to transform your charter into a truly bespoke escape at sea.
Why Choose Crewed Charter? The Top Benefits
A crewed charter offers a seamless blend of comfort, exclusivity, and adventure for those who want to enjoy the sea without a single worry.
- Experience stress-free luxury where every detail is handled for you, with no cooking, cleaning, or navigating, only pure relaxation from sunrise to sunset.
- Enjoy exclusive access to hidden anchorages, VIP beach clubs, and secret coves known only to local crews who understand every coastline in depth.
- Every moment is designed around personalised experiences, from romantic dinners under the stars to guided dives at secluded reefs and afternoons filled with thrilling water sports.
- With safety and expertise as a priority, your professional crew manages all aspects of the journey, including weather changes and technical details, so you can simply relax.
- This commitment to excellence also ensures time efficiency, allowing you to maximize your vacation through expertly planned itineraries and seamless logistics.
As one guest shared,
“Our crewed charter in Greece felt like having a 5-star hotel on water, except the scenery changed every day!”
A Day in the Life: What to Expect Onboard
From sunrise to sunset, every moment on a crewed charter is designed to feel effortless and extraordinary.
Morning: Begin your day by waking up to the gentle sound of waves and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy breakfast in bed or on deck as you chat with your captain about the day’s itinerary; perhaps a secluded bay or a charming seaside village awaits.
Afternoon: Dive into turquoise waters for a snorkeling session in a private cove while your chef prepares a delicious lunch using fresh, local ingredients. Meanwhile, your steward or stewardess lays out beach towels, chilled drinks, and everything you need for a relaxing afternoon under the sun.
Evening: As the sky turns gold and pink, sip sunset cocktails on deck before savoring a beautifully presented three-course dinner prepared just for you. When the stars come out, there are no dishes to wash or plans to make, just the calm of the ocean and the luxury of complete relaxation.
How to Choose the Right Crew
Selecting the right yacht and crew can make all the difference in creating a smooth and memorable charter experience. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Crew qualifications and personality: Choose a crew with proven experience and credentials. Consider the onboard atmosphere you prefer. Some guests enjoy formal, discreet service, while others appreciate a relaxed, friendly vibe. Finding the right match enhances comfort and connection throughout your trip.
Yacht size: Match the yacht type to your group’s needs. Catamarans offer generous space, stability, and comfort, ideal for families or groups, while monohulls provide a more traditional sailing experience with enhanced performance and maneuverability.
Special requests: Communicate preferences early so your crew can plan ahead. Whether it’s vegan or gluten-free menus, child-friendly activities, or a celebration dinner, advance notice helps create a personalized experience.
Checklist before departure:
- Verify the crew’s credentials and references.
- Discuss meal plans and dietary requirements in detail.
- Clarify expectations for working hours, such as whether the crew is on call around the clock or follows scheduled time off.
A bit of preparation and clear communication go a long way toward ensuring your crewed charter is everything you dreamed of, and more.
Costs and Budgeting: What’s Included?
When planning a crewed charter, knowing what’s included and what’s not helps you budget confidently and avoid surprises.
Inclusions:
The yacht charter price generally includes the crew costs (typically €1,500–€2,500 per week per crew member, depending on destination, season, and expertise), as well as their services such as provisioning, daily housekeeping, and navigation to ensure a seamless, all-inclusive experience. Standard watersports equipment (e.g., snorkeling gear, kayaks, or SUPs) is often included, but premium equipment (e.g., jet skis, scuba gear) may incur additional fees.
Extras:
- You will be asked to provide an APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance), a deposit of 20–30% of the charter fee, to cover variable expenses like food, fuel, dockage, and local activities. The captain will track these expenses and provide a full accounting at the end of the trip, refunding any unused funds or requesting additional payment if costs exceed the allowance.
- VAT (Value Added Tax) is applied as a percentage (usually 10–25%) of the charter fee and extras, depending on the yacht’s flag and cruising area. It is added to your final invoice and paid separately, as tax rules vary by destination (e.g., VAT is often mandatory in EU waters but may not apply in international locations).
Your charter company will clarify all costs upfront, including what’s covered in the base rate, APA usage, and VAT obligations, so you can enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind.
Popular Destinations for Crewed Charter
The beauty of a crewed yacht charter lies in the freedom to explore the world’s most stunning coastlines in total comfort. Whether you dream of turquoise lagoons, ancient harbors, or ultra-luxury resorts, there’s a destination to match every mood and occasion.
Caribbean: Discover turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and a vibrant island culture. From the British Virgin Islands to St. Lucia, the Caribbean offers year-round warmth and endless opportunities for snorkeling, sailing, and barefoot relaxation.
Mediterranean: Sail through history and sophistication. Indulge in gourmet cuisine, explore charming coastal towns, and visit glamorous ports like St. Tropez, Amalfi, or Mykonos, all steeped in culture and style.
South Pacific: Perfect for honeymooners or those seeking tranquility, the South Pacific offers remote islands, coral reefs, and unspoiled natural beauty. Destinations such as Tahiti or Fiji provide a true escape from the ordinary.
Each region offers its own rhythm and charm, ensuring your crewed charter adventure is as unique as you are.
How to Book: Step-by-Step Guide
Booking a crewed yacht charter with GlobeSailor is a straightforward process when you know what to expect. A little preparation helps ensure every detail aligns perfectly with your expectations.
1. Define your group’s needs: Start by identifying the size of your group, your preferred destination, travel dates, and overall budget. This helps narrow down yacht options and ensures the right balance of comfort and value.
2. Review crew profiles: Ask to see the CVs of the crew and take time to understand their experience, certifications, and personalities. A well-matched crew enhances your comfort and ensures a smooth, enjoyable atmosphere onboard.
3. Finalize the contract: Once you’ve selected your yacht and crew, carefully review and sign the charter agreement. Pay close attention to cancellation policies, deposit schedules, and insurance coverage for peace of mind.
4. Complete a pre-charter questionnaire: Before departure, you’ll fill out a short form to share your meal preferences, activity interests, and daily schedule. This allows your crew to tailor every detail—from menus to excursions, to your exact tastes.
Taking these steps ensures your crewed charter is personalized, transparent, and completely stress-free from the very first moment you step aboard.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Here are answers to common questions that first-time charter guests often have:
“Can we request a specific cuisine?”
Absolutely. Your chef will design a menu around your favorites and dietary preferences. Simply share your requests in advance so every meal is tailored to your taste.
“What if we don’t click with the crew?”
Reputable charter brokers understand that chemistry matters. If there’s a mismatch, they can reassign crew members to ensure your experience remains comfortable and enjoyable.
“Is tipping expected?”
Yes. It is customary to tip the crew, typically 10–20% of the charter fee, depending on the quality of service and your satisfaction.
These guidelines help you feel confident and prepared, ensuring your crewed charter runs smoothly from start to finish.
Conclusion: Is Crewed Charter Worth It?
A crewed charter transforms a simple yacht trip into a seamless and luxurious escape. Every detail, from meals and activities to navigation and safety, is handled by a professional crew, allowing you to focus entirely on relaxation, adventure, and making memories. While it represents a higher investment than self-skippered sailing, the value lies in the time saved, the comfort enjoyed, and the unforgettable experiences shared with family or friends. For those who prioritize luxury, convenience, and personalized service, a crewed charter is more than just a vacation; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
