Frequently Asked Questions

Comprehensive Guide: Yacht Charter and Purchase FAQs

Yacht Charter Frequently Asked Questions

Chartering a private luxury yacht offers one of the most exclusive and indulgent vacation experiences in the Mediterranean. At Platinum Yacht International, our dedicated experts ensure that every aspect of your journey is personalized to your exact preferences. From the moment you step aboard, you'll be immersed in a world of elegance, comfort, and top-tier service. Enjoy unparalleled privacy and tranquility as you explore secluded offshore islands aboard your fully crewed yacht. Our attentive crew will cater to your every need, creating a seamless and memorable escape. Experience breathtaking scenery, exceptional service, and unforgettable moments with your guests—all in the refined setting of a private yacht charter. Let us handle every detail while you relax and enjoy the pinnacle of Mediterranean luxury travel.

APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance, which is an additional payment to cover operating expenses during your Yacht Charter. This allowance typically ranges between 30%–40% of the charter fee and covers costs such as:

  • Fuel
  • Food and beverages
  • Local taxes
  • Port and harbor fees
  • Customs charges

The captain manages all expenditures from the APA and keeps detailed records. Any unused balance will be refunded at the end of your charter. Should your expenses exceed the initial APA—due to high fuel usage, specialty provisioning, or premium requests—you’ll be required to settle the difference before disembarkation.

Yes, you can begin your yacht charter in one country and disembark in another. However, please note that additional delivery or redelivery fees may apply for this service.

Our charter specialists at Platinum Yacht International will work with you to find the most suitable yachts based on your preferred embarkation location. If you wish to start or end your journey at a location different from the yacht’s home port, additional delivery/redelivery charges may be incurred.

The charter fee generally includes:

  • Use of the Yacht
  • Professional crew
  • Onboard amenities and water toys (as specified for each yacht)

Gratuity is not mandatory, but it is customary and greatly appreciated if you feel the captain and crew have provided outstanding service. Gratuities are left at the guest’s discretion, with the recommended range being 5%–15% of the charter fee.

Yes, all guests are required to have a valid passport with them at all times during the charter. Please ensure that every member of your group has their passport ready before boarding, as it is a mandatory requirement for embarkation.

VAT (Value Added Tax) is typically not included in the base charter fee. The applicable VAT rate varies depending on the country and cruising area. Your charter expert at Platinum Yacht International will advise you on the specific VAT rate based on your selected itinerary and destination.

To confirm your yacht charter booking, a deposit is required. The deposit amount will vary depending on how far in advance you are booking and the scheduled dates of your charter. Your charter agreement will outline the exact payment schedule and due dates.

Fuel costs depend on several factors, including:

  • The type and size of the yacht
  • Engine consumption
  • Your travel itinerary
  • Sea and weather conditions

Your charter expert can give you an estimate based on your planned route and vessel selection.

The most common method of payment is bank transfer. Before making your initial payment, your charter specialist will provide a detailed invoice indicating the amount due, payment deadlines, and the currency used for the transaction.

Absolutely. Our charter experts are well-versed in the Mediterranean’s best dining experiences. Simply share your preferences—whether you’re looking for fine dining, local cuisine, or a specific atmosphere—and we’ll provide tailored recommendations and assist with reservations. Your onboard crew is also a great resource for real-time suggestions and local favorites throughout your journey.

Yes, you’re welcome to disembark at towns or cities along your route to explore, shop, or dine. If you already have destinations in mind, please inform us in advance so we can plan accordingly. If you decide to stop spontaneously, speak with your captain, who will do their best to accommodate your request.

Yes, your yacht charter experience is fully customizable. You’ll be asked to complete a preference sheet before your trip, where you can specify your food and drink choices, dietary needs, and any special requests. Our provisioning team will source everything according to your preferences, and your onboard chef will be informed and ready to prepare meals tailored to your tastes. You can also communicate directly with the chef during your trip to adjust or request specific dishes.

After selecting your Luxury Yacht and confirming your booking, you’ll receive a preference sheet to complete. This important document helps the crew prepare for your group's specific needs, preferences, and expectations. It covers everything from food and drink choices to dietary restrictions, allergies, medical requirements, and any special habits or requests. Completing the preference sheet is essential to ensure a seamless and personalized experience. It allows the crew to be fully prepared in advance and provide you and your guests with the highest level of care, comfort, and luxury throughout your yacht charter.

The choice depends entirely on your personal preferences and what kind of experience you're seeking. Each type of yacht offers unique advantages:

  • Motor Yachts are ideal for luxury, speed, and comfort.
  • Sailing Yachts provide a more traditional, serene sailing experience.
  • Catamarans offer stability, space, and are great for families or groups.
  • Motor Boats are suitable for shorter, fast-paced coastal trips.

Our charter experts will be happy to guide you through the options and help you choose the perfect vessel based on your vision and needs.

At Platinum Yacht International, we ensure that every crew member aboard your chartered yacht is highly trained, experienced, and committed to delivering the finest level of service. Your captain is responsible for navigation and ensuring a safe and smooth journey. Depending on the size of your yacht, additional crew members may include

  • A chef to prepare personalized meals
  • Stewards/stewardesses to handle service, housekeeping, and guest assistance
  • Deckhands or water sports instructors to manage equipment and lead activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and more

The number and roles of the crew will vary by yacht and will be detailed by your charter specialist during the booking process. Your crew is there to enhance your experience, anticipate your needs, and ensure your time on board is truly unforgettable.

Absolutely! Our charter specialists are happy to recommend thoughtfully curated itineraries based on your preferred cruising area, interests, and travel goals. Once your charter is confirmed and you share your desired destinations, your specialist—working closely with your captain—will design a customized itinerary. Your captain will also provide expert advice on ideal destinations, scenic stops, local attractions, and how weather conditions may influence the journey. The result is a bespoke yachting experience that’s both flexible and unforgettable.

Charter durations are flexible and depend on the yacht’s availability and minimum booking requirements. Most Mega Yachts require a minimum charter of one week, but longer charters are absolutely possible. If you’re planning an extended trip, we recommend booking well in advance to secure your preferred dates and vessel. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a month-long voyage, we’ll work with you to accommodate your ideal timeline.

While we always hope for smooth sailing, unexpected events can sometimes disrupt even the most well-planned holidays. Trip Cancellation Insurance offers peace of mind by protecting your Yacht Charter investment against unforeseen circumstances. With affordable premiums and a straightforward application process, this coverage allows you—as the charterer or guest—to cancel your trip for any reason and potentially receive reimbursement for a portion of your prepaid charter fees. Your Charter Broker will connect you with Platinum Yacht International’s trusted insurance partners, who will craft a policy tailored specifically to your itinerary, travel plans, and needs.

Yacht Sales Frequently Asked Questions

While it’s possible to purchase a yacht without a broker, partnering with an experienced yacht broker greatly enhances the entire process and helps ensure the best outcome for you as the buyer. Think of the broker as your trusted advisor—from your initial inquiry to the final delivery (and often beyond).

  • A professional broker will:
  • Advise you on suitable yachts based on your preferences
  • Curate a tailored shortlist of available options
  • Arrange and accompany you on yacht viewings
  • Handle negotiations on your behalf
  • Coordinate sea trials and technical surveys
  • Manage the legal and logistical steps to close the deal

A good broker takes time to understand your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals to present you with yachts that best match your vision—making the experience transparent, efficient, and enjoyable.

Purchasing a yacht is an exciting process that involves several key steps. Here's a simplified overview:

1) Decide what type of yacht suits your lifestyle—motor yacht, sailing yacht, catamaran, etc. A broker can explain the benefits of each and help you choose what’s right for you.
2) Determine whether you want a brand-new yacht or a pre-owned one. Each option has its advantages, and your broker can help you weigh them.
3) Establish a clear budget and identify key criteria—such as yacht size, charter capability, preferred builder or designer, and any must-have features.
4) Your broker will present a refined selection of yachts that meet your criteria. You’ll then have the opportunity to tour your top choices in person.
5) Once you’ve found the right yacht, your broker will guide you through the offer, negotiation, and contracting process.
6) These essential steps confirm the yacht’s condition and performance before finalizing the purchase.
7) After successful inspections and legal checks, the deal is closed—and you become the proud owner of your yacht.

Before buying a yacht we highly recommend taking expert advice to gain the full picture of all that yacht ownership entails. This includes the purchase process itself, as well as information about the annual expenses and what is needed to operate a yacht each year.

The duration of the Yacht purchase process can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the complexity of the transaction, the level of due diligence required, and the seller’s timeline. While straightforward purchases can be completed relatively quickly, others may take longer due to inspections, legal checks, or negotiations. If you have a specific deadline or urgent timeline in mind, be sure to communicate this clearly to your broker so they can tailor the process accordingly.

When purchasing a yacht, ensuring its quality is crucial, and this is where working with a reliable yacht broker can make all the difference. By partnering with an experienced broker, you gain access to their industry knowledge and expert advice, helping you make an informed decision. A professional yacht broker will provide honest and transparent feedback on the condition and quality of the yacht you’re interested in, ensuring you are fully aware of its value and potential concerns. Sea trials and yacht surveys are key elements in evaluating a yacht's condition and identifying any issues. These assessments help you confirm the yacht’s performance, structural integrity, and overall reliability before committing to the purchase. By the time you finalize the sale, you should have a complete understanding of the yacht’s condition, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your investment.

Before you can conduct a sea trial or a detailed yacht survey, the purchase agreement must be fully executed, and a deposit of 10% of the agreed price must be paid. These steps are essential to confirm your serious intent to purchase the yacht. Your yacht broker will handle all aspects of arranging the sea trial and survey, ensuring that you are fully prepared for these important assessments. The sea trial allows you to evaluate the yacht’s performance on the water, while the survey will thoroughly inspect its condition, structure, and equipment. Working with an experienced broker ensures that the process runs smoothly and that all necessary evaluations are carried out to help you make an informed decision about your potential purchase.

If you’re interested in buying a specific yacht, arranging an in-person viewing is simple with the help of a Professional Yacht Broker. Your broker will facilitate a personalized yacht tour, allowing you to thoroughly inspect the yacht and assess its features, layout, and condition. They will schedule the viewing at a time that is convenient for you, ensuring that you have the opportunity to evaluate the yacht in person before moving forward with your yacht purchase decision. This viewing is an important step in the yacht buying process, as it gives you a chance to ask questions, make observations, and ensure the yacht meets your expectations.

Once you have made the decision to proceed with the purchase of a yacht, your yacht broker will facilitate the arrangement of all necessary legal and procedural requirements. The process commences with the submission of a formal offer, followed by negotiations with the seller. Upon mutual agreement, the offer will be formally accepted. Subsequently, a detailed contract will be drawn up, encompassing all key terms, timelines, and conditions, including due diligence and survey stipulations. Upon the fulfillment of all contractual requirements, the sale will be concluded, and the final payment will be transferred. With the expertise and guidance of your broker, you can be assured that each stage of the acquisition process is managed with the utmost professionalism and precision.

Yes, as part of international regulations, it is required for the company to carry out certain checks to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering laws and relevant sanctions. Platinum Yacht International is obligated to follow these regulations and must adhere to global compliance processes.

Platinum Yacht International will require specific documentation to conduct the necessary checks. We aim to complete this process with minimal disruption to our clients, ensuring all checks are carried out efficiently. All relevant reports will be shared with the client. Any information or documents provided will be securely stored by Platinum Yacht International's Legal Department, in full compliance with applicable laws, and will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and limited access.

A New Build Yacht is a brand-new vessel with no prior owners, custom-built to the buyer's preferences. In contrast, a brokerage yacht has had previous owners. The primary distinction between the two lies in price—a new build typically comes at a higher cost than a similarly sized pre-owned yacht.

The price of a yacht is influenced by several factors, including its age, construction material, brand, and size. Generally, newer and larger yachts tend to be more expensive than older, smaller models. Additionally, the yacht's location and any associated relocation costs can impact the overall price. There is a wide variety of yachts available for different budgets, and your broker can curate a tailored shortlist based on your desired price range.

There are several types of yachts available, each with distinct features to suit different preferences. Here’s an overview of the most common yacht styles:

Motor Yachts:

Displacement Yacht

  • Extended cruising range
  • Larger volume for enhanced comfort
  • Ideal for smooth and leisurely cruising

Semi-Displacement Yachts

  • A balanced combination of comfort and performance
  • Excellent all-around choice for various needs

Flybridge Yachts

  • Merges high speed with ample deck space
  • Features a helm station located on the fly deck for optimal navigation

Explorer Yachts

  • Perfect for long-distance travel and exploration
  • Longer range with stable cruising performance
  • Designed for excellent performance over extended journeys

Open/Sports Yachts

  • Sleek, open design perfect for socializing and on-water lifestyle
  • High-speed capabilities, ideal for coastal cruising

Sportsfisher Yachts

  • Tailored for fishing trips and expeditions
  • Equipped with specialized fishing gear and technology

Classic Yachts

  • Elegant and timeless design
  • Often older models, rich in history and heritage

Hybrid Yachts

  • Incorporates green technologies, including hybrid propulsion
  • Multi-source power for environmentally friendly cruising

When selecting a yacht, the hull type plays a crucial role in determining its performance and cruising experience. The three primary hull types are displacement, semi-displacement, and planing. Here’s a quick overview:

Displacement Hull

  • Offers exceptional comfort and stability
  • Larger volume and longer cruising range
  • Ideal for leisurely, extended voyages

Semi-Displacement Hull

  • A blend of performance and comfort
  • Offers versatility for various cruising speeds and conditions

Planing Hull

  • Designed for high-speed cruising
  • Best for those who prioritize speed over long-range capability

In addition to hull types, you can choose between monohulls (single-hull yachts) and multihulls such as catamarans and trimarans, which provide more stability and space.

Yes, you can certainly have your yacht shipped to any destination. There are reliable and experienced yacht shipping companies that operate globally, connecting major ports around the world. Your broker can recommend a trusted specialist shipping service to ensure your yacht is safely transported to your desired location.

How Does Yacht Shipping Work?

Once you’ve chosen your route, your broker will coordinate with a reputable shipping company to arrange transportation for your yacht. The yacht will be carefully loaded onto a specialized vessel and undergo inspection both before departure and upon arrival to ensure it reaches its destination in perfect condition. Additionally, your broker can guide you through all the necessary requirements, including insurance.

How Long Does Yacht Shipping Take?

The shipping duration depends on the distance and route. Shipping can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the yacht’s destination. Regardless of the distance, you can trust that your yacht will be in expert hands throughout the shipping process

No, tenders and toys are not automatically included with every yacht purchase. For new yachts, you have the flexibility to choose the tenders and toys that best complement your vessel and fit your needs. For brokerage yachts, a comprehensive inventory of included items will be provided, which may or may not include tenders or toys. If needed, your broker can assist you in sourcing and procuring any additional tenders or toys to enhance your yacht experience.

Choosing a port of registry for your yacht is essentially assigning it a nationality. While there are no fixed rules for selecting a port, each option offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Your decision may be influenced by how and where you plan to operate your yacht. The port of registry is determined by the flag you select for your vessel. For superyachts, the most common registry ports are the Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Malta, and the Isle of Man. To ensure you make the most informed decision, an expert advisor can guide you in choosing the best port of registry that aligns with your yacht’s requirements and intended use.

A yacht's flag signifies the country under whose laws it operates, as well as the authorities responsible for inspecting and regulating it. Selecting the appropriate flag for your yacht is a crucial decision that should be made with expert legal counsel. The flag you choose can affect various factors, including its operational scope, tax obligations, and the regions it can access. Additional considerations include whether you intend to use the yacht for private or commercial purposes. Moreover, the flag you select also impacts crew regulations, social security, wages, and tax rates. Your broker can connect you with a specialized advisor who will help you navigate the available flag options and choose the one that best suits your yacht’s needs.

Under European regulations for pleasure yachts, an individual with the appropriate boat license can operate a yacht up to 24 meters in length without a crew. However, for yachts around 24 meters, it is strongly recommended to have at least two crew members to ensure safe operation and proper maintenance of the vessel.

Yes, yacht insurance is mandatory. It's essential to safeguard your vessel against unforeseen events, ensuring you're fully covered in the event of any damage or incident.

Yes, in most cases, it's advisable to pre-book a marina berth, which is why planning your travel itinerary well in advance is often necessary. However, depending on the season and location, there may be availability without a prior reservation. Anchoring is also an alternative, particularly in smaller ports that may not accommodate larger vessels. Many yacht owners also choose to purchase or lease a berth in their preferred marina.

Owning a yacht has the potential to be financially rewarding, but achieving profitability typically requires consistent charter bookings that surpass the yacht's annual operating costs. By obtaining the necessary commercial license, a yacht can be utilized as a charter vessel, enabling it to generate revenue and contribute toward covering its maintenance and operating expenses. However, profitability is not guaranteed, as various factors—such as demand, location, and competition—can affect the number of charter opportunities a yacht secures.

Not all yachts are suitable for conversion into charter vessels. To ensure the safety and comfort of guests, a yacht must adhere to specific regulatory standards in order to obtain a valid charter license. Should a yacht not have been initially designed to meet these charter requirements, certain modifications or upgrades may be necessary to achieve compliance. Furthermore, it is important to note that a yacht which complies with charter regulations can offer significant advantages in terms of resale value.

A yacht refit refers to a comprehensive process in which a yacht undergoes substantial maintenance, cosmetic enhancements, or structural modifications. Depending on the specific requirements of the work, refits can take place while the vessel remains afloat, on dry dock, or within a designated refit yard. The scope of a refit can vary significantly, from minor improvements to extensive, multi-year undertakings. Yacht owners frequently engage with specialized refit yards or the original yacht builder to ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality. Typical refit activities include repainting, engine upgrades, full interior renovations, reconfiguration of deck layouts, and modifications to the hull or superstructure to improve performance or aesthetic appeal.