Everything you need to know about chartering a yacht with Princess
Charter rates are quoted per week and vary based on yacht size, type, season and destination. Two seasons apply: high season (July-August Mediterranean, Christmas-New Year Caribbean, plus major events like the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival) and low season for all other periods. Your charter specialist will provide transparent pricing based on your preferences.
Seven days is generally the minimum charter period. During the low season, shorter charters may be accepted. Charters of 6 days or fewer are calculated based on the weekly rate divided by 6, multiplied by the number of days. Extra days beyond a week are calculated pro-rata of the weekly rate.
Under standard MYBA terms, the base fee covers the yacht in full commission with all equipment in working order, crew wages, uniforms and food, ship’s linen laundry, cleaning materials, consumable stores, marine risk and third party insurance, and crew employer’s liability insurance. All other operating expenses are covered by the APA.
Costs not included in the base fee are covered through the APA. These include fuel for the yacht, tenders and water toys; food and beverages for guests; berthing and harbour fees; port pilots and divers’ fees; customs formalities; water and electricity from shore; national or local taxes; personal laundry; communications costs; and any shore-side agent fees.
The APA is a separate fund — typically 35% of the base charter fee — due one month before the charter. It covers all operating expenses during the charter. The captain manages the APA transparently, and any unused balance is returned to you after the charter. If extraordinary expenses arise (special equipment, shore excursions), these may be requested in addition to the standard APA.
A deposit of 50% of the charter fee is payable by bank transfer once the Charter Agreement is signed. The remaining 50%, plus the APA, taxes (VAT), delivery fees and any additional charges, are payable by bank transfer one month before the charter begins.
Yes. High season features the most popular charter periods and destinations — July and August in the Mediterranean, Christmas and New Year in the Caribbean, plus major events. The low season covers all other periods. Shoulder months such as May, June, September and October can offer excellent conditions with more competitive pricing.
VAT may apply depending on the embarkation country and charter route. Rates vary by region and fluctuate regularly. We will advise the correct VAT amount based on the latest information available when planning your charter.
Delivery or redelivery fees may apply when your itinerary involves embarking or disembarking at a point other than the yacht’s home port. These are fuel-based charges calculated using the yacht’s published consumption. A time charge may also apply during high season. These fees are estimated in advance and included in the Charter Agreement.
Fuel costs are covered through the APA, not the base charter fee. When you embark, the yacht will be fully fuelled. The captain pays for subsequent fuel throughout the charter from your APA funds. Fuel charges apply to the yacht, tenders, jet skis, generators and any other equipment consuming fuel.
Contact our charter team by phone, email or through the Start Planning page. We will discuss your preferences — timing, destination, group size and the type of experience you are looking for — then prepare a curated shortlist of yachts suited to your brief.
For peak season (Mediterranean summer, Caribbean winter), booking 6-12 months ahead is recommended for the best yacht selection. Shoulder season charters offer more flexibility, and we can also assist with shorter lead-time bookings where availability allows.
Once availability is confirmed, we issue a standard MYBA Charter Agreement for you to sign along with a 50% deposit. Any positioning charges and taxes are included in the agreement. This secures your yacht and dates.
Yes. We use the standard MYBA Charter Agreement — a ten-page document endorsed by a leading London maritime lawyer. It is the recognised industry standard. Each agreement features a unique serial number that can be verified as a valid MYBA E-Contract.
Cancellation and rescheduling terms are outlined in the Charter Agreement and vary by yacht. In most cases, deposits are non-refundable. We strongly recommend taking out cancellation and curtailment insurance to protect your investment.
A charter broker’s role is to find the right yacht and crew for your requirements, negotiate on your behalf, and manage the process from start to finish. This service does not increase the price — in many cases, brokers secure improved terms through established relationships. Our brokers inspect yachts, meet crews and maintain detailed knowledge of destinations, regulations and contracts.
MYBA — The Worldwide Yachting Association — is an internationally recognised professional organisation founded in 1984. Its members are involved at all levels of the superyacht industry including brokerage, charter, technical management and construction. MYBA guides members on the highest ethical and technical standards, and both the MYBA Charter Agreement and Memorandum of Agreement are recognised as industry standards worldwide.
Your professional crew provides a personalised service and safety around the clock. The captain suggests and manages the itinerary, adjusting based on your preferences and conditions. The chef designs menus around your dietary requirements and local cuisine. Stewardesses manage cabin service, hospitality and day-to-day comfort. Deckhands handle water toys, tenders and onboard logistics. The crew respects your privacy at all times.
Crew size depends on the yacht. Smaller yachts may have a captain, chef and one or two crew. Larger superyachts can carry 10-20+ crew members including engineers, stewardesses and dedicated water sports instructors.
Yes. Before the charter, you will complete a detailed preference form covering dietary needs, allergies, religious requirements, beverage choices, preferred newspapers, flowers and any special requests. The chef uses this to create personalized menus, and the crew uses it to prepare for your arrival in detail.
In most cases, the captain or chef will be in touch before embarkation to discuss preferences, itinerary ideas and any specific requirements. We encourage you to share as much detail as possible on the preference form to help the crew prepare.
Tipping is discretionary. If you wish to tip, it is customary to pay around 5-15% of the base charter fee in the Mediterranean and 15-20% in the Caribbean and Americas. To ensure fair distribution, it is best to present the gratuity to the captain, who will divide it among the crew.
The gratuity is typically presented to the captain at the end of the charter. It can be given in cash, deducted from remaining APA funds, or arranged through your charter specialist. The captain distributes it among the crew.
Days are flexible and shaped around your preferences. A typical rhythm might include breakfast on deck, a morning cruise to a new anchorage, swimming and water toys, lunch at anchor, an afternoon exploring ashore, and dinner either onboard or at a waterfront restaurant. We recommend cruising no more than 6 hours per day to maximise enjoyment.
We prepare a bespoke itinerary based on your preferences and liaise directly with the captain. Once onboard, you are free to make changes along the way. The captain will suggest anchorages, ports and experiences, but the pace and direction are guided by you. Itineraries are flexible and adapt to weather and conditions.
Yes. The crew can arrange reservations at local restaurants, and the tender is available to take you ashore. Some guests prefer a mix of onboard and ashore dining throughout the week. Shore-side agents can also be used to secure bookings at exclusive restaurants.
Most charter yachts carry a selection of water toys including jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks, snorkelling equipment, seabobs and inflatable toys. Larger yachts may also offer diving equipment, water slides and additional tenders. Specific inventories vary by yacht and are confirmed during planning. If there are particular water toys you really want to have onboard, let us know and we’ll do our best to make it happen!
A Certificate of Competency is required in many countries for jet skis, wave runners and other mechanically propelled watercraft. If members of your party do not hold the required licence, we can arrange for an instructor to come onboard during the charter. Tuition fees are at the charterer’s expense. In some areas, motorised water toys are prohibited entirely.
If the yacht has SCUBA equipment, it may only be used by certified divers holding a PADI licence or equivalent. If the yacht does not offer diving onboard, the crew can arrange rendezvous diving with local operators to suit your itinerary.
Yes. Birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, New Years and other celebrations can be arranged with the crew in advance. From themed dinners to decorations and specific provisioning — let us know during planning and the crew will prepare accordingly.
Small quantities of personal laundry are typically handled by the crew as a standard service. The crew may politely decline excessive quantities or particularly delicate items. Professional laundry ashore can be arranged where time allows, with costs deducted from the APA.
Most modern charter yachts are equipped with satellite Wi-Fi, cellular service and communications equipment. Coverage and speed can vary depending on location and the yacht’s connectivity setup.
Smoking is not permitted inside most yachts. Smoking in cabins and staterooms is prohibited on all vessels for safety reasons. Some yachts may permit smoking in designated exterior areas — this will be confirmed during planning.
Possibilities are extensive and shaped by your preferences. Options range from cultural visits and shopping to water-based excursions, restaurant bookings and attending major events. The captain and crew have strong local knowledge and can arrange activities, transport and reservations. Shore-side agents may be used for specialist requests.
Pack light, casual clothing suited to warm weather — swimwear, shorts, sundresses and light layers for evenings. Soft-soled deck shoes are preferred onboard; shoes worn ashore should not be worn on the yacht. Most yachts provide beach towels, linens and toiletries. We recommend soft-sided luggage as hard cases are difficult to store.
Embarkation is typically at midday (12:00) on your start date, with disembarkation by midday on your final day. Times may be adjusted depending on your travel arrangements — discuss this with your charter specialist during planning.
Valid passports are required for all guests. Visa requirements and charter agreement forms should be confirmed before departure. Requirements depend on your nationality and the countries included in your itinerary. We advise checking during the planning stage.
We strongly recommend cancellation and curtailment insurance to protect your investment. All members of the charter party should also hold personal accident and medical insurance, and personal effects should be insured against theft, loss or damage. Charterer’s liability insurance may also be prudent. Our team can assist with arranging suitable cover.
Most yachts welcome children. Some yachts have a minimum age requirement or require the presence of a nanny, as the crew cannot provide a babysitting service. Please inform your charter specialist early if children will be in your party.
Yes. Itineraries are flexible and can be adapted by the captain based on weather, sea conditions and guest preferences. Some cruising restrictions may apply in certain areas, which would be clarified during planning.
In some cases, yes. Cross-over itineraries are possible depending on the yacht and distance involved. If embarking or disembarking away from the yacht’s home port, delivery or redelivery fees may apply.
The captain monitors conditions continuously and adjusts the route to prioritise safety and comfort. Alternative anchorages and sheltered routes are selected as needed. The charter agreement outlines provisions for exceptional weather circumstances.
Yacht selection depends on destination, group size, cabin layout, onboard amenities and budget. Our charter specialists inspect yachts, meet crews and maintain detailed knowledge — they will recommend options based on your brief and ensure the yacht suits your group’s preferences and planned route.
Motor yachts offer speed, space and stability — ideal for guests who prefer a smooth, resort-style experience. Sailing yachts offer a more traditional cruising feel, powered by wind where conditions allow. Both carry professional crew and offer a high standard of onboard comfort. Motor yachts are generally more expensive per metre.
As a general guide, yachts accommodate 6-12 guests in 3-6 cabins. Larger superyachts can accommodate more. We recommend selecting a yacht with enough cabin space for privacy and enough exterior deck space for the group to enjoy time together comfortably.
No. Our website showcases a curated selection, but we have access to a much wider fleet worldwide. If a charter yacht exists and is available, we can organise it for you. Let us know your requirements and we will source the best options.
Not always. Some yachts are positioned in specific regions, particularly during peak season. If your preferred yacht is not in your chosen destination, repositioning may be possible — with associated delivery fees. Your charter specialist can advise on what is available and practical.
No. All luxury charters through Princess are fully crewed, so no sailing experience or licence is required. The professional crew manages navigation, safety and all onboard operations.
A few small courtesies help protect the yacht and ensure comfort for everyone. Shoes worn ashore should not be worn onboard — soft-soled deck shoes or bare feet are standard. Pack personal items in soft luggage for easier storage. No pets are permitted unless previously agreed with the owner. The crew will guide you on any specific yacht policies.
If the captain needs to use a shore-side agent to fulfil special requests — such as last-minute berth bookings, private excursions, exclusive restaurant reservations or event tickets — an agent fee may apply. These are deducted from the APA and only incurred when necessary to meet specific guest requirements.
