Yacht Charter Vacation FAQs

For most Caribbean charters that are all inclusive: Not included are crew gratuities of 15-20%, optional marina docking/berthing for an overnight stay, excursions, and meals ashore, special requests for top-shelf liquor, wine, or excessive alcohol consumption, and transfers to and from the airport.

For Greece and Croatia charters or APA charters “plus expenses”: APA expenses include fuel for both the yacht and tender, provisions, dockage, moorings, airport transfers, cruising permits and taxes, scuba diving and onshore excursions.

The APA payment is typically 25%-30% of the base charter rate for sailing yachts and 30%-40% for motor yachts. Your captain will purchase provisions, taxes, fuel etc for the charter using the APA and will keep all receipts along with a running log of expenses. This can be viewed at any time during your charter.If you do not use all of the APA this will be returned to you at the end of your charter. If you exceed the APA you will need to settle your account before you disembark.

Greece and Croatia charters do not include crew gratuity which is typically 10%-15% of the charter cost.

For Caribbean and Bahamas charters: 15-20% of the charter cost is the standard crew gratuity.

For Greece and Croatia charters: 10-15% of the charter cost is the standard crew gratuity.

Your crew is on call 24/7, working hard to ensure you have the vacation of your dreams. They begin preparing for your charter from the moment they receive your requests. The crew’s goal is also to provide you with exemplary service. The gratuity is given to the crew at the end of the charter in cash or wire transfer.

Caribbean – Once you decide on the yacht you would like to book, Epic puts on a complimentary reservation. Next, a contract is drawn up, and details to proceed with the booking are solidified. Your deposit is also required at this time. If you are more than 6 months away from your charter dates, a 25% deposit is required. 25% at 6 months out, and the final 50% is due 60 days before the charter. Your monies are held in escrow and the yacht is paid right before your charter.

Bahamas – Same payment terms as Caribbean except the VAT and Charter Tax is added to your final payment along with any APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance). Some yachts in the Bahamas include the APA in their rate.

Greece and Croatia – Once you decide which yacht that you would like to charter you need to be ready to sign your contract and submit your deposit within 48 hours. The deposit is 50% of the charter fee. 2 months before your charter we will invoice you for the other 50%, the VAT and the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)

Crewed yacht charters range from $25,000 per week to $100,000.00 per week for a large catamaran or small motor yacht. Luxury Motor yachts start closer to $70,000.00 per week and may offer plus expenses options.

Caribbean yachts (not large motor yachts) are all-inclusive with a professional captain and private chef. Larger vessels may have additional crew such as deckhands and steward(ess). All meals, snacks, standard ship’s bar (liquor, wine, beer, and soft drinks), fuel for the vessel and tender, insurance for the vessel and crews, all water sports activities, and SCUBA diving on some vessels are part of your package.

Not included are crew gratuities (15%-20%), optional marina docking/berthing for an overnight stay, excursions and meals ashore, port fees in the BVI, special requests for top-shelf liquor, wine, or excessive alcohol consumption, and transfers to and from the airport.

Greece and Croatia yachts include the use of the charter yacht, professional crew, and onboard equipment and water Sports gear and activities.

All other daily expenses will be covered with an Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA). This is typically 25%-40% of the charter fee, which can vary according to the yacht type, itinerary, and possible charter requests and requirements. The APA payment is collected with the final balance

APA expenses include fuel for both the yacht and tender, provisions, marina fees, moorings, airport transfers, cruising permits, canal fees, scuba diving, onshore excursions, electronic communications, and local taxes

Your yacht will be fully fuelled and provisioned, according to your preferences, when you step onboard. The Captain will keep all receipts, along with a running log of expenses, which can be viewed at any time during your charter

Any APA that has not been spent will be returned to you at the end of the charter. If expenses exceed the APA during your charter, additional funds will need to be submitted. Your captain will update and advise you if any further payment is required. This will need to be paid before you disembark

Crew Gratuity is separate and is typically 10%-15% of the charter rate. This should be given to your captain at the end of your charter

In the unlikely event of you canceling your charter, all payments are forfeited. However, if the yacht can re-book a different charter for the same dates, there is a chance of a partial refund. In some cases, a future date can be chosen, and the deposit can be held.

We would always recommend purchasing trip insurance.