Why Book a Crewed Yacht?
A crewed yacht charter gives you the freedom to enjoy your vacation in complete and total relaxation.
1st class service is the goal of your yacht crew, allowing you the time to enjoy all that a luxury vacation on a yacht has to offer. You don’t have to take responsibility for the yacht, docking, anchoring, provisions, cooking meals or cleaning.
- Professional Crew
- Culinary
- Water Sports
- Activities
- Relaxing
PROFESSIONAL CREW
Included in your luxury yacht charter is the service of a professional experienced captain and chef. Some yachts also have deckhands and stewardesses at your service. Your crew are experts, they have full responsibility for the vessel as well as your security and safety while onboard. Your chef will prepare your gourmet meals in the yacht’s galley taking into consideration any dietary needs, allergies, likes, and dislikes.
Before your charter begins, the captain will assess your needs and design the perfect itinerary for your vacation while your chef designs a menu for your unforgettable week aboard.
CULINARY
Your personal chef will prepare and serve all your culinary delights on your charter. He/She will also provision the yacht to cater the menu and drinks for your specific needs. Gourmet meals, snacks, wine, and a standard bar are included. If there are any food allergies or dislikes, adjustments are made.
Many of the chefs are culinary school trained and will create a menu specific to your requirements. All chefs have a gift for hosting and meeting all of your needs while on board
WATER SPORTS
Yachts offer a wide variety of water sports equipment. Scuba diving gear, snorkel gear, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and floating water toys for lounging in the water are available. A variety of more fast-paced activities can be enjoyed behind the yacht’s fast tender.
Water skiing, wakeboarding, knee-boarding, sub-wing, scurfing (skiing on a surfboard), and tubing are available on most yachts. Kiteboarding is offered ashore and can be arranged when you arrive. Some yachts have SeaDoos, SeaBobs and eFoils for ultimate underwater fun.
ACTIVITIES
Aside from a myriad of water sports, you’ll find plenty of alternate activities in the beautiful islands of the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and the Mediterranean. If this is your first time in the area you might enjoy an island tour or a guided hike by a crew member.
Just take in a lazy day on the beach tossing a frisbee or building sand castles. Helicopter tours, deep sea and bonefishing tours, spa treatments, and yoga sessions can be arranged. The opportunities are endless.
RELAXING
This is a perfect place to fill up your relaxation cup. Comb the beach for beautiful shells, gently sail between island stops, and hang in the catamaran’s hammock as warm breezes calm your senses.
Wade in the shallow water as you follow the soft sandy beach, sit in the shade, and catch up on a chapter or two of your book. Lay in the sun on the foredeck trampolines and catch some rays. Tap into the local lifestyle, rejuvenate, and revive! You deserve a little fun in the sun.
Your captain takes complete responsibility for:
- Navigation and boat handling
- Safety of vessel and passengers
- Route planning and weather monitoring
- All technical and mechanical issues
- Anchoring and docking procedures
- Local knowledge and recommendations
The captain may request assistance with specific tasks—helping raise sails, handling lines during docking, or pulling anchor. These tasks are fully explained and provide wonderful learning opportunities for those interested in sailing and seamanship.
Unlike fully crewed charters, you manage:
- Grocery shopping and provisioning (before or during charter)
- All meal preparation and cooking
- Interior cleaning and housekeeping
- Dishes and galley cleanup
- Laundry if extended charter
- Caring for the captain (they’re part of your group for meals and provisions)
Since the captain ensures your safe enjoyment, proper care is important:
- Provide three meals daily for the captain
- Include them in grocery provisioning
- When dining ashore, either include captain or leave provisions/funds for their meal
- Some captains cook one or two dinners during the week (discuss in advance)
- Some will help with provisioning runs before you arrive (arrangements vary)
Captain-only charters offer significant savings:
- Lower base charter fee (captain services vs. full crew)
- All expenses separate (fuel, provisions, dockage, etc.)
- You control food and beverage budget completely
- Captain gratuity at week’s end (typically 15% of charter fee)
Total investment is usually 40-60% of comparable fully crewed charter, depending on your provision choices and cruising style.
Many captain-only charterers appreciate the educational aspect. Professional captains often share knowledge about sailing techniques, navigation, local waters, marine life, and seamanship. It’s like a private sailing course incorporated into your vacation—invaluable for those building sailing experience or considering yacht ownership.
Captain-only charters suit:
- Experienced sailors wanting local expertise without full crew
- Budget-conscious groups comfortable with cooking and cleaning
- Families who enjoy working together and shared responsibilities
- Those seeking hands-on sailing experience with professional guidance
- Friends who don’t mind the work and enjoy group meal preparation
This charter model requires realistic expectations:
- Someone in your group must enjoy cooking
- Shopping and cleaning take time from relaxation
- Less polished service than fully crewed experience
- Limited to moderate destinations (captain can’t navigate complex provisioning in foreign languages while you’re diving)
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to find helpful information for your trip. Or contact us directly for help.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON CHARTER
Having a hard time visualizing your crewed yacht vacation? Watch our video for a glimpse of life on your crewed yacht charter.
