TOP SHELF Yacht Charter - Luxury Yacht Charters Worldwide

Book a 50–60 meter yacht with a crew of 12–14 for worldwide charters. This size delivers seamless service, 6–7 cabins for 10–12 guests, and a versatile layout perfect for formal dinners and casual days on deck. In yachting terms, look for a stable hull, a shallow draft for near-shore access, and a 4,000–6,000 nautical mile range to cover transatlantic hops without refueling.

On board, a curated roster of activities keeps guests engaged: water-skiing, wakeboarding, kayak safaris, scuba and snorkel sessions, shore excursions, and bespoke spa rituals. Daily itineraries are crafted by the captain and chief stewardess, with 2–3 land or sea activities per day and flexible weather-friendly switches. The culinary program blends fusion flavors with local ingredients, delivering a timeless tasting arc that combines fermenting twists from regional markets.

From airport transfers to on-board provisioning, we align every moment with your destiny on the water. Transparent terms cover crew, meals, fuel, water toys, and marina dues, ensuring no hidden charges. Our staff manage the rhythm with chronos in mind: dawn swims, late-afternoon sails, and evenings on deck under starlight, keeping you fully present to the moment.

For regions, start with the Mediterranean and Caribbean as flexible, year-round options, then expand to southern routes in the Indian Ocean or Pacific to chase exclusive coves and pristine reefs. If you crave a dramatic backdrop, include stops near volcanic isles featuring sulphur-spangled coastlines and thermal springs. A recommended pattern splits time between anchor days and line-of-sight sailing: two anchor days per week, two to three evening events, and a final gala on the last night.

To maximize return on investment, book with a vetted captain and a chef who can adapt menus to dietary needs and local markets. Ask for a preferences sheet, a tender schedule, and a clear transfers plan, including private car transfers or helicopter options where available. For families, request a dedicated watersports instructor and child-friendly gear; for corporate groups, arrange meeting spaces and high-speed internet with backup systems. A typical weekly charter includes 6–7 days on board, 4–5 coastal stops, and 2 major events–ensuring a balanced rhythm and memorable highlights.

Top Shelf Yacht Charter: Luxury Yacht Charters Worldwide – Price Terms

Lock in a 7-night crewed charter with a fixed weekly price and a clear inclusions list. Travelers might seek adventure while exploring a mix of ports, and this approach minimizes overtime charges and price surprises when creating itineraries across destinations.

Prices for 40–45m crewed yachts, including numarine models, typically range from $130,000 to $260,000 per week in shoulder seasons and from $180,000 to $350,000 in peak months. What you pay depends on vessel size, brand, season, and route; whether you want a short-hop itinerary or a longer circuit can shift the figure.

Inclusions cover a professional captain and crew, meals prepared to your taste across cuisines, and options to dine on the back deck; non-alcoholic beverages, water, and standard watersports equipment. The back deck becomes a cozy, spacious dining space when anchored, and onboard experiences aim to satisfy every guest's palate.

Not included: fuel, port charges, marina dues, destination taxes, provisioning for premium alcohol, special requests, tenders beyond standard equipment, and shore excursions arranged separately. For diets, the chef can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other needs, provided you specify in advance.

Other price terms: fuel surcharges may apply if consumption or distance exceeds the standard allowance; local taxes (VAT/IVA) vary by jurisdiction; crew gratuities typically range 5–15% of the charter fee and are paid at the end. Overtime rates may apply for after-hours tender use or long itineraries, so confirm these with your broker in writing given your plan.

Booking and payment terms: secure with a 20–30% deposit; the balance is due 30–45 days before embarkation. Cancellation and rebooking terms vary by operator and season, so read the contract and ask what happens if your plans shift.

Itineraries and exploring: craft routes between ports such as Barcelona, Capri, Santorini, or Phuket, depending on the season. Travelers might prefer a route that runs between kings' ports and royal markets, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation. If you want a land extension, a heidelberg visit can be arranged after the cruise; scooters ashore provide quick local introductions for travelers who want to maximize time on shore. The goal is to match tastes and pace.

Voltage details and craft: yachts standardize voltages for international equipment; verify onboard power options and ensure adaptors are available. Many vessels use numarine platforms for a balance of spacious interiors and solid performance, aligning with travelers who value comfort and reliability. Given these terms, you can compare offers with confidence and select a craft that suits your group’s size and style.

What’s Included in the Charter Price

Choose a fully crewed charter; the price includes a dedicated captain, an experienced crew, and a chef, including all meals, beverages, and on-board service for unmatched comfort. The crew handles all navigation, safety briefings, and daily upkeep, so guests can start their days with a clear plan and end them with effortless relaxation.

Accommodations span premium cabins with ensuite facilities, premium linens, and climate control. The price covers all guest berths and daily housekeeping, plus access to expansive decking and sun loungers, a stretch of teak decking perfect for sun worship and viewing the sea. Weather decks invite looking across the waters and savoring an afternoon al fresco.

Dining remains flexible and fresh under the guidance of our on-board chef. Menus reflect regional produce and guest preferences, with options for vegetarian, halal, or gluten-free diets. Beverage service includes premium wines, soft drinks, still and sparkling water, and a paloma crafted to guest taste.

Watersports equipment is ready for use as soon as you dock in a serene cove. The gear includes snorkeling sets, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and fishing equipment. Our crew guides guests to explore sandbank shores and coral gardens, among marine populations, and to spot majestic marine life.

Itinerary and shore time begins with a flexible plan, designed around guest interests. The list of options ranges from coastal hopping to wildlife watching and ashore walks. The captain coordinates routes to explore the coastline, with stops for swims, shelling, or a quiet afternoon on deck beneath shade.

Onboard power supports guest devices with voltages 110V/220V; outlets are positioned in cabins, salons, and on deck. Wi-Fi keeps you connected for maps, photos, and messages, while satellite communications ensure guests can reach home or the office as needed.

Dedicated housekeeping, turn-down arrangements, and discreet service keep guests comfortable without intrusion. The crew maintains daily routines, provisioning, and readiness for last-minute requests, so your time on board feels seamless and private.

To keep things straightforward, the charter price covers essential services and core inclusions for the voyage. For select itineraries, optional add-ons like premium shoreside experiences or bespoke provisioning can be organized at an agreed rate, ensuring you shape each day to your preferences.

Catering Options and Onboard Beverages

Recommendation: deploy a modular catering plan that scales with guest count and voyage duration. This approach keeps the galley efficient during stretches with fewer guests and expands seamlessly for larger groups and celebratory nights anchored in scenic bays.

• Base menu structure: breakfast with fresh fruit and pastries, light lunches, and two dinner options per night (one lighter, one chef’s tasting). Include clear dietary labeling (gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan) and a small, easily adjustable form for allergies. Guests spent time enjoying the view rather than waiting in line when service is streamlined.
• Regional add-ons: integrate destination-inspired plates that reflect culture and seasonality. For example, bequia-inspired seafood nights with Caribbean flavors, and puerto options featuring tapas-style bites or grill stations. These add-ons keep nights entertaining without overstretching the crew, and they pair naturally with a rotating wine list.
• Beverage program: curate a three-tier package–core beverages, regional specialties, and celebratory options. Stock still and sparkling water in 6–8 cases per week, plus 24–36 bottles of assorted sodas and a coffee/tea station. For 8 guests on a 7-night cruise, plan roughly 12–15 bottles of white, 8–12 bottles of red, 2–3 rosés, and 3–5 bottles of sparkling wine, plus 2–4 bottles of Champagne for special nights. Include non-alcoholic shrubs and fermenting beverages for variety.
• Service formats: offer plated dinners for formal nights and grazing boards or small-plate tastings for entertaining evenings. Use a small, elegant form of service that keeps the table lively yet relaxed–ideal for nights when the boat is anchored in sheltered coves.
• Staffing and logistics: appoint a lead steward, two chefs, and a sommelier or beverage lead for charters of eight or more guests. A dedicated provisioning window, coordinated via boatbookings, ensures timely delivery of specialty items from markets to the galley without compromising space or safety.

Destination-driven menus add cultural texture while keeping operations smooth. bequia seafood highlights can feature lobster or local reef fish with citrus sauces, while puerto nights can showcase grilled bites, olive oil-dressed greens, and regional cheeses. For a refined touch, offer a bellota ham tasting with Manchego and crusty bread–that’s a crowd-pleaser for more intimate evenings and can be presented in a cheery, social format that encourages conversation among guests and crew.

Wine, beer, and spirits should reflect both locale and guest preference. Include a rotating list of Caribbean and international labels, with a small but expressive selection of local rums and agave-based spirits. They can be offered as flight tastings–white, red, and rosé flights–or as skillfully crafted cocktails from a resident mixologist. For a soothing finish, end nights with a non-alcoholic option station featuring herbal iced teas, cold-brew coffee, and house shrubs.

Practical tips to maximize value and experience: anchor the menu to a weekly provisioning plan that sources seasonal produce, seafood, and dairy from trusted local suppliers. Integrate fermentation-driven elements–shrubs, ginger beer, small-batch kombucha–to add depth without complicating logistics. Keep a rotating calendar of cultural nights and activity-based tasting sessions that align with bequia and puerto ports of call, while maintaining a small, cheerful crew-led rhythm that guests perceive as effortless. This approach helps the team deliver memorable experiences without overstretch, and guests can easily book enhanced dining experiences via boatbookings for a trulyluxury, hands-on journey that stays anchored in comfort.

Sample 7-night outline (illustrative):

1. Night 1: Welcome canapé reception with bellota ham, manchego, and a sparkling option; signature cocktails and mocktails.
2. Night 2: bequia seafood night with a light citrus-infused starter, mahi-mahi main, and tropical fruit dessert.
3. Night 3: puerto tapas-inspired board, grilled vegetables, and a regional wine flight.
4. Night 4: Cultural nibble night with small plates from local suppliers, paired with a fermentation station featuring shrubs and kombucha.
5. Night 5: Starry-night tasting menu with a chef’s tasting form, chef’s selections, and a cheese course.
6. Night 6: Cheering cocktails on deck after a quiet day of snorkeling and nature-watching, followed by a light grazing spread.
7. Night 7: Farewell dinner featuring a curated mix of regional flavors, plus a note from the villa team and a final wines-and-desserts flight.

Crew Fees, Gratuities, and Service Levels

Set a transparent crew-fee structure and gratuity policy in writing before booking, and align service levels with the itinerary to avoid surprises.

Crew fees cover the captain, chef, stewards, deckhands, and an engineer or mate. On yachts between 40 and 70 meters, expect a crew of 4–6; larger ships add specialists. In most charters, the crew cost is integrated into the weekly base charter rate, while some operators present a separate line item for relocation or multi-port legs. This clarity helps you forecast the must-haves for a seamless experience and reduces back-and-forth on board logistics.

Gratuities reward consistent, exceptional service. A practical guideline is 10–15% of the base charter price for a standard week; adjust up to 20% for truly outstanding, bespoke touches such as custom menus, coordinated onshore activities, or flawless handling of dietary needs. If you charter for a longer period, consider tipping in two installments to reflect ongoing, friendly attentiveness rather than a single moment of service.

Service levels break down into three practical tiers. Friendly casual emphasizes approachable, anticipatory service, bar setups, and casual dining with barbecue options and deck-side conversations by the sand at anchor. Formal service upgrades dining with plated courses, refined table settings, and wine pairings, while staff maintain a discreet, professional presence. Exceptional (bespoke) service includes tailored menus, private event planning, and extra crew coverage for bigger celebrations or adventurous itineraries, such as a triangular route across three ports or a day trip to a nearby golf course. Each tier includes standard gear and a consistent crew-to-guest ratio that keeps the experience timeless and responsive to your pace.

For first-time charter clients, request a sample service plan and a clear menu/provision list. Ask what gear is included (paddleboards, barbecue equipment, safety gear) and confirm that on-board activities align with your shore days–whether you prefer a relaxed beach day on pristine sand or an active day with hills and coastal exploration. A well-defined plan helps your crew paint a high-precision experience that feels polished from dock to dock and leaves you with memories that won’t fade with time.

Deals often hinge on itinerary length and relocation windows. If you plan to relocate the yacht to a new base or switch coasts, verify who covers fuel, tender transfers, and crew overtime; some operators include relocation in the charter package, while others itemize it separately. For longer, adventurous charters, ask about inclusions such as golf excursions, onshore transportation, and equipment storage–these inclusions can significantly reduce additional costs and elevate the overall experience, making the voyage feel seamless and well-coordinated rather than a series of disconnected days.

Fuel Surcharge, Port Fees, Taxes, and Other Levies

Request a transparent pricing addendum itemizing fuel surcharge, port fees, taxes, and other levies, with clear definitions and caps where possible. This enables you to create a reliable budget for dates and to support education onboard, especially for adventurous groups seeking predictable expenditures.

Fuel surcharge is typically calculated as a percentage of the base charter rate or as a fixed daily rate. In caribbeans and near croatian coastlines, expect a typical range of 5-12% under normal fuel markets, rising to 15-25% when prices spike. Ask operators to publish historical averages and to cap spikes for longer charters to reduce surprises on the bill.

Port fees and marina dues vary by port and country. Caribbean ports commonly charge per-stop docking fees plus nightly marina rates, often totaling $60–$180 per stop, with higher figures at premium hubs. In the croatian archipelago and European marinas near popular routes, per-visit charges typically run €40–€150, with occasional environmental or harbour dues adding another €10–€25 per day. Consider secluded harbours where fees may be lower, and confirm whether shore facilities–lounging areas, reading corners, and tailored facilities–are included in the quoted rate.

Taxes and other levies: VAT, GST, and local sales or tourist taxes vary widely. Some jurisdictions levy VAT on the charter itself; others apply taxes only to port calls or provisioning. In the caribbeans, some islands add tourism or docking charges; in croatian waters, harbour dues and VAT can push the all-in price higher than the base rate. Budget for 0–24% extra depending on itinerary and nationality of guests, and verify whether the quote includes these levies or if they appear as a separate line item near the end of the contract.

Steps to forecast and manage costs: Step 1 request a breakdown, Step 2 compare quotes across operators, Step 3 push for a cap on surcharges and a fixed fee for port calls, Step 4 confirm inclusions such as provisioning and on-board facilities. In practice, a Gonzaga alumni group used this approach for a graduation trip and saved thousands by selecting a longer charter with a fixed surcharge cap and included furnishings. They also chose a secluded itinerary that reduced port calls in pricey hubs.

Deal terms and options: choose dates with care, weigh longer charters to lower daily rates, and consider sales promotions in shoulder seasons as options. If you want to refresh interiors, discuss paint and furnishings and what is included. Before finalizing, verify the exact coverage of facilities like lounging areas, reading corners, and other amenities to align with your adventurous expectations on caribbeans routes.

Payment Schedule, Cancellation, and Refund Terms

Pay 50% deposit within 7 days of booking to secure your charter and lock in your preferred dates. The remaining 50% is due 60 days before embarkation. For bookings made within 60 days of departure, the full balance is due at booking. Here’s how it works for the maker and the rent, with post-booking invoices clearly outlining timelines.

We support two primary methods to rent the vessel: bank transfer or major credit cards. Card payments incur a processing fee up to 3% of the amount. The rental cost covers crew, provisioning, and standard amenities; any extras appear on the post-booking invoice as itemized charges. The operations team ensures funds flow smoothly to confirm your spot in harbor and plan west-coast itineraries, including quieter coves and fishing experiences.

Refer to chronos-based timelines to track when refunds or credits become available. Refunds, when approved, appear in the original payment method within 14 days after approval, keeping your finances aligned with your travel experiences and planning. If you’re curious for deeper context, our articles and post-booking notes outline the same terms in practical terms so you can experience confidence before you travel.

Cancellation and refunds are defined to minimize disruption for the maker and guests. If you cancel more than 90 days before embarkation, you receive a full refund of all payments minus a $200 handling fee. Cancellations 30–90 days before embarkation receive a 50% refund of paid amounts. Cancellations fewer than 30 days before embarkation do not qualify for a refund, but you may rebook within 12 months with a 10% rebooking fee. If we cancel due to safety considerations or force majeure, you receive a full refund or an equivalent credit toward a future charter. Refund timelines follow the original method, with the transfer completing within 14 days after approval.

To help you plan, here’s a quick overview of the terms associated with key milestones. The following table distills the main points for easy reference and quick decisions while you explore options for experiences on the planet’s seas, from grilled barbecues to quiet fishing sessions in exposed harbors.