FAQ
FAQ for Crewed Yacht Charter
- How is a charter yacht different from a cruise ship or seaside resort?
- How do I book?
- How and when should I pay?
- What is not included in the price?
- What is included in the price?
- Should I have travel insurance?
- Are the yachts insured?
- Are the yachts equipped with safety equipment?
- In which areas can I charter a yacht from?
- What should I bring with me?
- I understand that a tip is expected. Can you give us an idea on how much we should tip and how?
- Will my privacy be respected while on board?
- How do my friends, family and business colleagues reach me during the cruise?
- Does the yacht have laundry facilities?
- Will I experience seasickness?
- Who plans the menus?
- Do I need to carry my passport?
- Can I bring my pet on board?
- Can I map out our own Itinerary?
- Is smoking allowed on yachts?
- Are credit cards accepted on the islands?
- What kind of additional services do you offer?
- How do I get supplies and can I find supplies?
1. How is a charter yacht different from a cruise ship or seaside resort?
Chartering a private yacht offers you the ultimate in comfort, privacy and flexibility. The boat and crew are dedicated only to you and your quests from the moment you board. With a private yacht you can simply anchor at more secluded spots and sail into serene, pine-clad bays, find sandy beaches that are accessible only by boat. However, it is also possible to visit the more popular, mainstream islands. With a private yacht, you can see at least one different island every day.
Choose the area and type of yacht you prefer, along with your dates and contact us.
We will reply to your request within 24 hours after receiving your e-mail/fax, quoting you available yachts and prices.
When you have received our quotation and offer, you can either confirm the booking or request an option.
Options can be held for a maximum of one week. Should it be necessary to extend the option, please contact us and we will try to extend it.
Confirm the charter as requested. We shall reconfirm your booking by E-mail/Fax.
The contracts have to be signed and returned to us with the exception of your copy, together with the requested down payment. Along with the charter agreement you should send to us a complete passagers list with all passport numbers..
You should also send us your arrival details in time.
- The first payment of the total charter amount is paid upon signing the Charter Agreement.
- The restpayment together with the corresponding VAT & the APA amount are paid 30 days prior to embarkation.
- For LATE bookings the total cost of the charter, together with the corresponding VAT and the APA amount has to be deposited in order to secure the charter.
4. What is not included in the price?
- VAT of 6, 5%, or 13% for daily charters, on the charter rates.
- Fuel consumption for the yacht
- Fuel for the tender and the water toys -if any-.
- Food, soft and hard drinks for the guests.
- Communication expenses and canal fees -if any-.
- Private Marina fees, local taxes and agents' expenses outside Greek waters - if any-.
- Whatever expense is not included in the above paragraph.
- The amount of A.P.A. (Advance Provisioning Allowance) which is estimated to be the 25% - 30% of the total charter fee and covers all the above expenses.
- Hire of special equipment at the request of the Charter.
- Gratuity for the crew usually 5% to 15% of the total charter fee, upon discretion and optional, is not obligatory.
5. What is included in the price?
- The Yacht
- Yacht and passengers' insurance (Marine insurance of the yacht as well as Owner's insurance of the crew for third party liabilities.)
- Crew / crew's food and salaries.
- Harbour and marina fees within Greece.
- Ship's laundry.
6. Should I have travel insurance?
As with any vacations, we strongly recommend that your sailing trip be insured against any unforeseen circumstances.
All yachts are insured against damage to the hull, machinery and/or equipment. Third party liability is also covered. Nevertheless, personal accidents while on board are not covered and client has to arrange extra for this kind of coverage.
8. Are the yachts equipped with safety equipment?
All yachts are equipped with safety belts, life jackets, flares etc.
9. In which areas can I charter a yacht from?
You can charter a yacht from the following destinations:
- Greece:
* Saronic Golf / Athens ( Kalamaki, Lavrion)
* Dodecanese (Kos, Rhodes, Samos)
* Ionian Islands (Preveza, Corfu)
* Sporades (Skiathos)
* Cyclades: Mykonos
* Syros
* Paros
- Turkey:
* Bodrum
* Göcek
* Fathiye
* Marmaris
- Croatia:
* Biograd
* Murter
* Pula
* Split
* Zadar
* Dubrovnik
* Kastela
* Sibenik
10. What should I bring with me?
Luggage
It is better to travel with flexible, soft, foldable luggage. Avoid large, boxy suitcases.
Sunglasses
At least two pairs of sunglasses with neck chain to avoid loss.
Skin protection
The sun in Greece is especially strong, and therefore a good sunscreen or blocking lotion or cream is necessary. Avoid oily, greasy applications, which are slippery and pose a danger on board. To continue your protection, bring with you after sun lotions or skin softeners.
Medication
Prescription or other medications should be brought in quantities to last the duration of your vacation. A First Aid Kit is always available on board for use.
Clothing
Casual comfortable clothes are best. Bring at least two bathing suits, T-shirts, shorts and lightweight cotton sweaters, jeans and shirts. In April and May and from mid-September through October, evenings and even days may be cool, so please bring a warm sweater or sweatshirt and a light jacket or windcheater. For entertaining and on-shore dining and dancing, you may wish to have an easy-care dress- up outfit with you.
Head protection
For protection against sunstrokes of prolonged exposure to the sun, a hat, cap or scarf is most important.
Footwear
Soft or rubber white soled footwear or boat shoes are a must. Wear standard shoes for on-shore use only.
11. I understand that a tip is expected. Can you give us an idea on how much we should tip and how?
The crew's gratuity is usually 5% to 15% of the total charter fee, upon discretion and optional, should you feel satisfied with the level of service received on board.
We recommend that any gratuity be handed to the captain to distribute fairly among all members of the crew.
12. Will my privacy be respected while on board?
Professional crews are experienced with entertaining the yacht's owner and guests, celebrities and prominent officials. They are trained to be discreet and give you as much privacy as you desire. They will maintain a low profile.
13. How do my friends, family and business colleagues reach me during the cruise?
Most vessels are equipped with the latest communication equipment including cellular service, global satellite telecommunications, personal computers and fax machines. You might also choose to bring your laptop for personal use of e-mail service.
14. Does the yacht have laundry facilities?
Almost all large yachts have fully-equipped laundry facilities on board for the stewards to handle a large amount of linen and crew uniforms. Few yachts carry the guest's laundry, however, many crews are willing to take your laundry to the professionals ashore.
15. Will I experience seasickness?
This situation is hard to predict. In fact, you may be the best judge based on previous experience. If you are worried about seasickness, check with your local pharmacist for special medication before you leave home. If you are new to yacht chartering, let the crew know: they will make your trip as comfortable as possible by recommending routes in protected waters and keeping tabs on changing weather conditions.
Your personal chef will prepare the menu to meet your requests. Your broker will send you a food preference sheet in order to indicate your favourite food and beverages.
Luxury yachts are home to many of the best-trained culinary artists! Your chef will usually provide a sample menu of the yacht's cuisine. Chefs take great pride in their dishes and try to use the freshest ingredients available. It is critical to know of any allergies or serious aversions in advance.
17. Do I need to carry my passport?
Yes, all quests must carry valid passports even if the charter takes place entirely within the jurisdiction of the country where you embark. Visas, if applicable, are the responsibility of the charter and must be secured in advance of the charter. If you are not certain, your charter broker will direct you to the proper authorities.
18. Can I bring my pet on board?
Yachts do not permit guests to bring pets on board for several reasons. The crew is required to maintain rigid hygiene standards for all their guests and there is a potential of allergic reactions from animals remaining on board. Animals are typically not accustomed to the strict confinement of a ship and an active cruising itinerary can be quite uncomfortable for pets. However, your broker will be at your disposal for any discussion on this.
19. Can I map out our own Itinerary?
Of course you can map out your preferences. The most important advice is not to plan an itinerary that is too ambitious. What might seem great on paper, may, in fact, restrict your enjoyment. Trying to fit too much into each day, will result in missing many delights en route. Just present your preferences to your captain and he will do his best to make it happen. Winds, weather and mood may affect plans, so plan to be flexible. Your captain will also suggest an itinerary, but you're not locked into a program and are free to get away from the route. In all cases, the captain, as an expert will decide for the best.
20. Is smoking allowed on yachts?
For safety reasons, mainly, the prevention of fire and additionally in order to keep the interior clean, smoking is not allowed at the cabins but only in deck areas, at the dining room & day areas.
21. Are credit cards accepted on the islands?
Most major credit cards are accepted on the islands except in bars and some restaurants. Most of the islands do have ATM machines.
22. What kind of additional services do you offer?
We are able to offer the following services if requested, with an additional cost:
23. How do I get supplies and can I find supplies?
Organize your supplies in advance simply by sending us your requirement supply list two weeks prior to your charter departure. The goods will be delivered directly to your boat.
FAQ for Bareboat Charter
- What qualifications do I need to charter a bareboat sailing/motor yacht?
- How do I book?
- How and when should I pay?
- When do charters begin and end?
- When is your high-middle- and low season?
- What does the charter fee include?
- What is not included in the price?
- What about security deposit?
- In case I want to cancel my sailing boat charter?
- Should I have travel insurance?
- If I need to hire a professional skipper?
- Do I need to leave a security deposit when I hire a skipper?
- What if I wish to embark and disembark from different bases?
- Are the yachts insured?
- Are the yachts equipped with safety equipment?
- What does a crewed charter mean?
- Do Ι have any discounts?
- In which areas can I charter a yacht from?
- What should I bring with me?
- Is smoking allowed on yachts?
- Does my mobile phone work in Greece?
- Are credit cards accepted on the islands?
- Can I bring my pet?
- What kind of additional services do you offer?
- What happens if I have a problem during my charter? /What happens if I run into problems during my trip?
- Do the yachts have air-conditioning?
- Do harbours in the islands have moorings?
- What if we arrive at the embarkation base late?
- How do I provision and can I find provisions?
- What does the standard equipment on all sailing yachts include?
- Other than my food, what other costs can I expect?
1. What qualifications do I need to charter a bareboat sailing/motor yacht?
To charter a sailing yacht in Greece it is necessary for the skipper to have a sailing certificate proving his competence. If no such certificates are issued in your home country, you will be required to present a reference from your yacht club verifying your ability to sail. A second person onboard must also have sailing experience of some short. If he/she does not carry a sailing license, he will be requested to sign a statement of his sailing abilities.
Choose the area and type of yacht you prefer, along with your dates and contact us. We will apply to your request on the same day on which we receive your e-mail/fax, quoting you available yachts and prices.
When you have received our quotation and offer, you can either confirm the booking or request an option.
Options can be held for a maximum of one week. Should it be necessary to extend the option, please contact us and we will try to extend it.
Confirm the charter as requested. We shall reconfirm your booking by E-mail/Fax.
The contracts have to be signed and returned to us with the exception of your copy, together with the requested down payment. Along with the charter agreement you should send to us a complete crew list with all passport numbers, copies of the skipper’s and co-skipper Certificate.
You should send us also your arrival details on time.
50% upon signing the contract.
50% four weeks before the departure date.
If the reservation is done four weeks before the departure date the whole fee has to be paid when the contract is signed. Please make your deposits to our company’s bank account.
4. When do charters begin and end?
All charters begin at 17:00 on the day of departure (normally Saturdays) and typically end at 09:00 on the day of arrival (normally Saturdays). However you will be kindly asked to return to base on the last evening of your charter (normally Friday evening). We require this time between charters to do the necessary cleaning/maintenance/service on the vessels.
5. When is your high-middle- and low season?
We have the three following charter periods:
A Period (high season) 21/07 – 25/08
B Period (middle season) 05/05 – 21/07 & 25/08 – 06/10
C Period (low season) before 05/05 & after 06/10
6. What does the charter fee include?
Yacht prices are per yacht, per week, depending on the time of year and regardless of the number of people onboard (subject of course to the maximum number of berths). Charter fees include:
- VAT
- Linen equipment
- Cooking gas
- GPS
- Yacht insurance
7. What is not included in the price?
Fuel, water, provisions, port fees, transfers, travel insurance the end cleaning and the refundable or non refundable security deposit.
Additional Extras:
Skipper € 150/day
Hostess € 130/day
Outboard € 80/week, included on…….
Autopilot € 130/week
Spinnaker/Blister 150€/week + 250€ extra caution
End cleaning:
2 cabins yachts € 60
3 cabins yachts € 80
4 cabins yachts € 100
5 cabins yachts € 120
8. What about security deposit?
A refundable security deposit depending on the size of the yacht, has to be paid to us (cash\credit card) prior to departure, which will be refunded at the end of the cruise as far as no damage/loss has occurred to the yacht and equipment. Personal checks of any kind are not acceptable.
SECURITY DEPOSITS:
30’ – 33’ € 1300
34’ – 38’ € 1500
39’ – 44’ € 1800
45’ – 49’ € 2000
50’ – 61’ € 2500
9. In case I want to cancel my sailing boat charter?
In case you have to cancel your booking, the following terms apply.
- For bookings cancelled between 90 and 60 days prior to embarkation, 30% of the total cost of the charter is charged.
- For bookings cancelled between 60 and 30 days prior to embarkation, 50% of the total cost of the charter is charged.
- For bookings cancelled less than 30 days prior to embarkation, 100% is charged.
- Refunds will be made only in the event that the yacht will be re-chartered for the same period and at the same price.
10. Should I have travel insurance?
As with any vacations, we strongly recommend that your sailing trip be insured against any unforeseen circumstances.
11. If I need to hire a professional skipper?
We can recommend and hire on your behalf a professional skipper for as many days as you wish. Even if you have experienced sailing, you may still require the services of a professional skipper to make your cruise more relaxing and benefit from the skippers’ local knowledge. There is a set daily fee € 150 per day for the professional skipper, regardless of the number of people on board. Please remember that the professional skipper needs to be provided with his own cabin, as he is obliged to sleep on board.
12. Do I need to leave a security deposit when I hire a skipper?
Yes. The charter companies are only suggesting skippers and make no commission on their payment, which you do. Your charter is still a bare boat charter -in distinction with a crewed vessel charter- and therefore you are in full responsible towards the company for the vessel you are hiring.
13. What if I wish to embark and disembark from different bases?
This may be possible, but you will be charged an additional cost. The cost varies according to the distance between the two bases. Please check the following.
Athens – Dodecanese 700 €
Athens – Ionian 750 €
Athens – Cyclades 450 €
Athens – Sporades 700 €
Between Dodecanese and Ionian 350 €
All yachts are insured against damage to the hull, machinery and/or equipment. Third party liability is also covered. Nevertheless, personal accidents while on board are not covered and client has to arrange extra for this kind of coverage.
15. Are the yachts equipped with safety equipment?
All yachts are equipped with safety belts, life jackets, flares etc.
16. What does a crewed charter mean?
A crewed charter is a yacht (sailing, motor or motor sailer) which has crew. You are not required to assist in the operation of the yacht.
We offer the following discounts to our clients.
10% early booking discount till 31.12.2011
5% for repeat clients
5% for two weeks charter
10% for three weeks charter or more
18. In which areas can I charter a yacht from?
You can charter a yacht from the following destinations:
- Greece:
- Saronic Golf / Athens ( Kalamaki, Lavrion)
- Dodecanese (Kos, Rhodes, Samos)
- Ionian Islands (Preveza, Corfu)
- Sporades (Skiathos)
- Cyclades: Mykonos
- Syros
- Paros
- Turkey:
- Bodrum
- Göcek
- Fathiye
- Marmaris
- Croatia:
- Biograd
- Murter
- Pula
- Split
- Zadar
- Dubrovnik
- Kastela
- Sibenik
19. What should I bring with me?
Luggage
It is better to travel with flexible, soft, foldable luggage. Avoid large, boxy suitcases.
Sunglasses
At least two pair of sunglasses with neck chain to avoid loss.
Skin protection
The sun in Greece is especially strong, and therefore a good sunscreen or blocking lotion or cream is necessary. Avoid oily, greasy applications, which are slippery and pose a danger on board. To continue your protection, bring with you after sun lotions or skin softeners.
Medication
Prescription or other medications should be brought in quantities to last the duration of your vacation.
Clothing
For unfettered ocean cruising, casual comfortable clothes are best. Bring at least two bathing suits, T-shirts, shorts and lightweight cotton slacks, jeans and shirts. In April and May and from mid-September through October, evenings and even days may be cool, so please bring a warm sweater or sweatshirt and a light jacket or windbreaker. For entertaining and on-shore dining and dancing, you may wish to have an easy-care dress- up outfit with you.
Head protection
For protection against the ill effects of prolonged exposure to the sun, a hat, cap or scarf is most important.
Footwear
Soft or rubber white soled footwear or boat shoes are a must. Wear standard shoes for on-shore use only.
Foul weather gear
This is optional and is occasionally required. Light rainwear however is advisable.
Towels
Several beach towels can prove to be quite handy after that delicious dive from the yacht into the cool, clean ocean.
Audio / CDs
Every yacht provides or CD player, so bring your favourite music along.
Sports Gear
Although every yacht provides snorkelling gear, we suggest that lovers of underwater activities bring their own snorkel and mask. A special note on scuba diving: Greece's laws prohibit scuba diving in most of its waters. We strongly recommend not bringing such gear. However, scuba diving is permissible in very limited areas only, and anyone interested can request further information from us regarding the location of these specially designated scuba diving waters.
20. Is smoking allowed on yachts?
For safety reasons mainly, the prevention of fire and additionally to keeping the interior clean, smoking is not allowed at the cabins but only in deck areas, at the dining room & day areas.
21. Does my mobile phone work in Greece?
Greece operates on a GSM system most European mobile phones operate here. North American mobile phones which have GSM do work.
22. Are credit cards accepted on the islands?
Most major credit cards are accepted on the islands except in bars and some restaurants. Most of the islands do have ATM machines.
Yachts do not permit guests to bring pets on board. Animals are typically not accustomed to the strict confinement of a ship and an active cruising itinerary can be quite uncomfortable for pets. There are exceptions to the rule so please ask.
24. What kind of additional services do you offer?
The following services are provided if requested with an additional cost.
Yacht Provisioning
Airport Transfers
Car Rental
Hotel Accommodation
Call us. We will provide you with our mobile numbers prior to your departure make sure when you call us you know your location and try to describe the problem as thoroughly as possible. We have technicians which we cooperate in nearly every port of Greece.
26. Do the yachts have air-conditioning?
Most of the yachts have air-conditioning. If not you will be advised from the beginning. Please note that in some harbours the authorities do not allow the generators to run throughout the night. Therefore, if you are on a air-conditioned yacht you may be unable to run the air-conditioning at all times. In such case you can anchor outside the port, weather permitting.
27. Do harbours in the islands have moorings?
Most islands do not have mooring lines. You need to drop anchor and tie med-style.
28. What if we arrive at the embarkation base late?
For late arrivals at the embarkation base (after 19:00 hours) please contact us to make the appropriate arrangements.
29. How do I provision and can I find provisions?
Organize you’re shopping/provisions in advance simply by sending us your requirement provision list two weeks prior to your charter departure. The goods will be delivered directly to your boat just before embarkation. All the bases have supermarkets close by who deliver your provisioning to the yacht.
30. What does the standard equipment on all sailing yachts include?
Each one of our vessels is fully equipped for charter. For further information please check our Inventory list.
31. Other than my food, what other costs can I expect?
Other costs which you should expect are fuel for the yacht, harbour fees which are around EURO 1-2, and water for the yacht.