How to Charter
Imagine the freedom to follow your heart and voyage to the most incredible destinations around the world. And, while you travel, imagine luxurious accommodations, impeccable services, exhilarating activities and exquisite, delectable dining – all in complete privacy.
Infinite Possibilities
Our available charters cover the full spectrum from sailing yachts, Catamarans to high performance Super yachts and Mega yachts. Together with our yacht broker partner, we will help you navigate the world of yacht charters available and will work with you to create a charter vacation that suits your exact taste and budget. The flexibility and privacy of a luxury yacht is the ultimate extravagance. Chartering allows you the indulgence of only unpacking your bags once yet visiting a different port every day, if desired.
How to Charter A Yacht?
The best way to charter a yacht is to work with a trusted concierge and yacht broker team to receive the ultimate in full service, personalized care and pampering. That is what we do at Papillon Charter Cruises, we provide extraordinary concierge-style service. We will listen to your requirements and then through the assistance of our experienced yacht broker partner, we will find the perfect yacht in your dream destination, and ensure that an incredible itinerary is created to provide you with the leisure journey of a lifetime. All you need to do is follow the simple steps below and we’ll take care of the rest.
The steps to booking your charter, once you have chosen your perfect yacht and confirmed your destinations and dates, are very straightforward. We (Papillon Charter Cruises & our Yacht Charter Broker Partner) will take you through the process every step of the way.
With a professional team, such as Papillon Charter Cruises and our yacht charter broker partner, we make it easier for you to charter a yacht, it can be as simple as 1-2-3!
I. Charter Contract – Drafting & Signing
Step 1
Look at destinations on this website, choose two options where you would like to go. Yachts that sail that destination will be listed there too. Just click on the name of the yacht and it will take you to the specific yacht details for the yacht you are interested in.
Step 2
Look at the yachts on this website, the exterior, interior, number of guest suites, the amenities, including water toys available, and choose which ones best suit your taste, requirements and budget. Should you see a preferred yacht elsewhere, we can still help. We have access to over 2,000 charter yachts worldwide, we can only feature some of our favorites.
Step 3
Determine how many guests will sail (number of adults and number of children, if any).
Step 4
Please complete the form on the “Ready to Charter”page accessed from the home page, then submit.
Step 5
After receipt of your completed “ready to charter” form, we will be in touch to schedule a zoom call with you to discuss and finalize any additional details including availability of the charter preferences you requested and the associated pricing.
Step 6
A draft of your yacht charter contract will be presented and reviewed with you based upon the yacht you decide upon. This is designed to confirm the details of the yacht charter, charter parties and all payments. Any necessary revisions will be made and then the signature of the primary client will be required on the Yacht Charter contract. Once the contract is executed and the deposit received, the booking will be finalized.
Step 7
Then relax while we liaise with the yacht Captain to create an itinerary and desired culinary options for you based on your requirements.
Step 8
We will be back in touch to share your perfect itinerary including your desired culinary menus while onboard your journey.
NOTE: Depending on the area where the yacht operates, we will be using industry standard and approved terms with approved associations MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) or AYCA (American Yacht Charter Association), ensuring your interests are protected throughout.
II. Your Charter Rates & Payments
Your Rates
The charter rate for your yacht is set by the Owner. It includes fixed costs such as the hire and insurance of the yacht, the yacht’s toys, crew food and wages, yacht laundry and basic sundry items.
Depending on where and when you are chartering, local taxes may be applicable, and we will advise as to what the taxes are depending on the yacht selected and itinerary.
Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA)
All other expenses are part of what is called the APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance). These include but are not limited to food, wine, spirits, soft drinks, fuel, dockage, and communication costs. To enable the yacht to provision prior to embarkation, your APA is collected a month prior. This is usually 35%-40%of your charter fee though it can vary depending on your charter program.
At the end of your charter, all expenses are accounted for by the Captain and any unused funds are returned to you. Should you exceed the original amount of APA paid, you will settle the difference upon disembarkation. The Captain will be able to provide you with all invoices and receipts. If extra costs are incurred due to the necessity for delivery/re-delivery of your chosen yacht to your chosen location, we will discuss this with you before you book. These costs are charged separately from the APA.
Your Payments
Payment of your charter is made by bank transfer in full prior to the charter start date and is usually made in 2 or 3 installments.
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- One installment is typically due one week after signing the contract.
- If you choose to pay in 2 installments, your final payment is due 1 month before the beginning of the charter.
- If you choose to pay in 3 installments (possible only for charters booked well in advance), the third payment is due in between the two payments outlined.
For your protection, funds are paid into our yacht charter broker partner’s escrow account, from which they are forwarded to the Stakeholder where funds are held in Escrow until the date of your charter.
III. Crew Gratuities
A crew gratuity is not compulsory but always welcome. In general, guests wishing to thank the crew will leave a gratuity of between 10% and 20% of the charter rate, depending on the yacht and the length of the charter.
IV. Provisioning The Yacht… Just for YOU!
Once your yacht is booked, we will be working to polish off all remaining details for your charter. One of the most rewarding of which is ensuring the yacht is fully stocked with all your preferred provisions for your charter. You share all your wishes for your favorite wines, drinks, menu styles, dietary requirements, and a range of other key requests in one place – your Preference Sheet. Your broker then liaises with the yacht’s captain to ensure the right products are ordered and delivered to the yacht and the interior crew are briefed on all your lifestyle requests whilst onboard.
From the moment you and your guests are welcomed at the passerelle (entrance walkway) of your chosen yacht, you embark on an experience that is 100% tailored around you.