How Much to Tip on a Private Yacht Charter?

You soaked up the sun, drank exotic cocktails, and enjoyed perfectly prepared meals on your yacht charter cruise. But now that your trip of a lifetime is coming to an end, you want to thank the crew for making your experience unforgettable. 

Luxury yacht charter crews work long hours (up to 18 hours a day on private charters) and go the extra mile to make sure you have a wonderful time. It is always good etiquette to tip them - but first-time charterers and guests may have questions. How much should you give, and who do you give it to? 

Here is some guidance on gratuities:

• How much to tip? The amount varies and largely depends on the destination. Caribbean charter crews typically receive 15-20% of the weekly charter fee, while Mediterranean charter crews are tipped between 10-15% of the base charter rate (The Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association tipping guidelines recommend anything from 5-15% as the norm, which excludes running costs and taxes). If in doubt, it's a good idea to ask your charter broker what is usual aboard the private luxury yacht you have chartered.

• Should I tip more for good service? If your crew has been extraordinarily attentive with service clearly above average, it is entirely appropriate to leave a more generous tip than the customary amount. Rewarding your crew when they exceed your expectations will motivate them to keep up the good work! 

• Should I tip in cash? Cash is always accepted and it's easy to hand out. Many crews are happy to accept other payment methods, for example, instant money transfers from apps such as Zelle or Venmo, or bank wire transfers. You can also pre-pay your gratuity on large bookings to avoid the need to carry cash with you. Ask your charter broker what payment methods your crew accepts and be clear about your tipping method ahead of time. 

• Who gets the tips? If giving cash, a good rule of thumb is to place it in a sealed envelope and hand it to the captain, who will decide how to split the amount among the crew. Crews work as a team, so singling out crew members for tips is not recommended. You can always leave a note if you want to mention someone who has been exceptionally helpful, or professional, or has just made your day.

Crew members live to ensure your holiday on the high seas is everything you have dreamed of, so it is a good policy to budget for gratuities when you plan your charter and before you embark on your trip. Discuss tipping etiquette with your broker if you have any concerns – then sit back, relax, and let your crew pamper you! 

Now that you know more about the yacht chartering world, start your yacht search at Ritzycharters.com and find the best option for you!