First-Time Yacht Charter Guide Overview
How to Charter a Yacht?
Whether you’re a seasoned guest or new to luxury yacht charters, our First-Time Yacht Charter Guide is here to help you navigate every step. It is packed with FAQs, a boat comparison guide, experiences, and infographics; it’s a great way to learn about chartering.
Please get started by viewing our yacht charter booking journey below.
Your Yacht Charter Booking Journey​
Preliminary Planning
- Describe Your Vacation Vision. What does your dream yacht charter vacation look like? Let’s make it happen.
- Where would you like to charter? There are many wonderful destinations, such as:
- When would you like to charter?
- Spring
- Summer
- Winter
- Fall
- Are your dates firm, or are they flexible?
- Are you celebrating a special occasion? Yacht charter vacations are perfect for:
- milestone birthdays
- anniversaries
- honeymoons
- sale of a company
- any special occasion
- Who will be traveling with you?
- Number of guests
- Ages of guests
- Number of children or teens and their ages
- Is it a family or a group of friends?
- Charter cost range? Please include the low and high ends of your budget. Things to consider include the following:
- The yacht type, size, number of guests
- The charter destination.
- Will you be traveling low, high, or peak season?
- Weekly charter rates can range from $20,000 to $200,000+.
- Some yachts are plus all expenses, while others have inclusive rates.
- Gratuities and taxes are additional costs.
- Activities and interests? Include information about what you and your group want to do and see.
- Beaches
- Scuba diving
- Kite Surfing
- Sightseeing
- History and museums
- Shopping
- Dining
- Nightlife
- What is the Group’s charter history? First time or some experience?
- What type of yacht do you prefer? Click on the links below to learn more about each type of yacht.
- Motor-Yacht
- Sailboat
- Sailing Catamaran
- Motor-sailer
- Power Catamaran
What Happens Next in the Booking Process?
- Your broker checks the availability of yachts in the destination you prefer.
- The broker sends you a proposal with a selection of available yachts during your desired travel dates.
- Review the yacht options, then select 2 to 3 yachts you prefer.
- Discuss these options with your broker. The broker is familiar with the yachts and the crews and will direct you to the yacht best suited to you and your group.
- Select the yacht that you like best.
- Broker reserves yacht.
- The broker prepares the yacht charter contract for your review.
- All parties sign the contract.
- Pay the first deposit with signing.
- Complete Guest Manifest. Include the names of all guests and their contact information.
- CKIM sends you a Travel Insurance quote. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Preparing For Your Yacht Charter Vacation
- Complete preference forms. Everyone in the group fills out a preference form that details their likes, dislikes, interests, allergies, or medical information.
- Introductory call with the Captain. You’ll feel at ease speaking to the captain and establishing a relationship. This will also give the captain an idea of your needs and expectations. You can discuss your itinerary and any other concerns.
- Receive the Axus Travel App link. This app lets you have your itinerary at your fingertips throughout your journey.
- Pre-departure call with CKIM 7-10 days before the trip. Discuss any last-minute questions and confirm all plans, including airline and hotel reservations and transfers.
Arrival at the Port of Embarkation
- Meet your yacht’s Captain at the port of embarkation.
- Introduction to your crew and yacht. Your crew will show you to your staterooms, give you a tour of the boat, and make sure you are comfortable.
- Safety briefing. A safety briefing is required. The captain will explain the use of life jackets and other pertinent information.
- Welcome Activities. Enjoy your first lunch on board.
What To Expect Onboard Your Charter Yacht?
- Daily briefings with Captain. Each day you will discuss the sailing area, including the weather, moorings and anchorages, and must-see attractions. The captain and crew have extensive knowledge about your destination and can suggest restaurants and attractions worth visiting.
- Receive check-in from CKIM Group. Please take this opportunity to let us know how your vacation is going. Is everything just the way you imagined, or is there something we can do to make your experience even better?
Post Yacht Charter Trip
- Settlement of APA balance, if applicable. The advance provisioning allowance estimates expenses that may arise during your yacht charter, such as mooring fees. Any unused funds are returned to you at the end of the voyage. If you spent more than your APA, you must cover what is missing.
- Payment of customary tips. Tips are generally 10% to 15% of the charter cost and are presented to the Captain, who will then divide the tip among the crew.
- Farewell to the Captain and crew. Make sure you take photos with the captain and crew!
- Receive and complete your trip survey. Let us know what you liked and did not like.
- A debrief call with CKIM Group is scheduled at your convenience.
- Plan your next yacht charter vacation. You may want to travel on the same yacht again or venture to a different location. One thing is certain. After your vacation, you will wonder why you hadn’t chartered before!
First-Time Yacht Charter Guide Resources | How to Charter a Yacht
- FAQs – Click to discover the answers to the most frequently asked questions about chartering a luxury yacht.
- Destinations. Click to find out the spectacular destinations you can explore.
- Yacht Experiences. Learn about yacht charter experiences and benefits such as wellness, gastronomy, and history.
Why Choose Us? | First Time Yacht Charter Guide
History. All about us.
- Team. Our yacht charter brokers.
- Mission & Values. What we believe.
- Testimonials. Here’s what others have to say.
Click to see a yacht charter list. Take a look and discover the incredible selection of yachts available.
