FREQUENTLY ASKED

The charter fee covers the yacht itself, her crew, crew salaries, and yacht insurance, plus standard amenities, towels, linens, and regular use of the yacht's equipment as per her brochure.

Not included are VAT, fuel, food and beverages, marina and port fees outside home port, delivery/redelivery fees (if applicable), communication costs, special requests, land transfers, and crew gratuity.

APA is usually 30–40% of the charter fee and is paid in advance to cover operational expenses during the trip: fuel, food, beverages, marina fees, local taxes, taxis, and any extra services. The captain controls this budget, provides receipts, and any unused APA is refunded at the end of the charter.

VAT (Value Added Tax) is applied on top of the charter fee according to the local law of the country where the charter starts. In Greece it is typically 6.5% or 12% depending on the itinerary; in other Mediterranean countries it is usually between 15–22%. Your exact VAT rate is always confirmed before you sign the contract.

In the Mediterranean, no. Most charters operate under MYBA terms, where expenses are transparent and separated into charter fee, VAT, APA, and gratuity. In some parts of the Caribbean, smaller yachts may offer all-inclusive terms, but this is different from the standard Mediterranean model.

They can be, depending on demand, season, yacht popularity, and the length of your charter. Prime weeks in high season are usually fixed, while shoulder-season dates, longer charters, or last-minute bookings can sometimes allow for better terms or added value.

For July and August, we recommend booking 6–10 months in advance to secure the best yachts and dates. For May–June and September–October, 2–4 months in advance is usually sufficient, depending on flexibility.

Smoking is generally allowed only in designated exterior areas. Interior smoking is not permitted on most yachts due to safety, ventilation, and upholstery protection.

Some yachts accept small, well-behaved pets with prior owner approval and possibly an extra cleaning fee, while others have a strict no-pet policy. We will always confirm the pet policy for each yacht before booking.

Yes. To protect the teak decks and keep interiors pristine, guests typically go barefoot or use soft, deck-friendly slippers provided by the crew. Outdoor shoes and heels are not allowed on board.

We ask for shoe sizes to pre-prepare correctly sized equipment such as fins, snorkelling gear, water skis, wakeboards, and other water toys. This allows the crew to have everything adjusted and ready before you arrive.

The number of crew depends on the yacht’s size and category. As a guideline: 20–24m yachts usually have 3–4 crew; 30–35m yachts have around 5–7 crew; 40–50m yachts have 8–10 crew; 50m+ yachts may carry 10–12 or more crew members.

Yes, most charter yachts offer Wi-Fi, often via 4G/5G or satellite systems. Speed and coverage vary by cruising area and local network conditions.

Absolutely. Before your charter, we send you a detailed preference sheet. Your chef will design a fully customized menu around your tastes, dietary needs, allergies, and special requests.

Each yacht comes with her own selection of water toys, which may include jet skis, seabobs, paddleboards, kayaks, wakeboards, inflatables, and snorkelling gear. Some additional toys can be rented on request. We will always provide a toys list for each yacht.

Tipping is not mandatory but is customary when you are happy with the service. In the Mediterranean, a guideline is 10–15% of the base charter fee, at your discretion, to be handed to the captain for fair distribution among the crew.

Small celebrations and events are usually welcome with prior notice. Larger events, extra guests, or professional setups must be agreed in advance with the owner and captain and may require additional approvals, fees, or security arrangements.

Common embarkation points include Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Corfu, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia, as well as other islands and marinas depending on yacht location and season. We propose the most practical embarkation based on your route, flights, and yacht position.

Yes, within reason. The captain may adjust the itinerary based on weather, safety, and port availability. You can discuss daily plans with the captain to combine your preferences with his local knowledge.

Yes. George Yachts can arrange VIP airport transfers, private drivers, helicopter or private jet connections, as well as hotel and luxury villa bookings before or after your charter.

On a typical charter, yachts cruise around 2–4 hours per day to balance island-hopping with time at anchor for swimming and relaxation. Longer cruising hours are possible but will increase fuel consumption and APA usage.

Yes, if the distances and weather conditions allow it. In areas like the Saronic Gulf or Cyclades, several islands can be combined in one itinerary. Your captain will advise what is realistic and comfortable.

We use the MYBA Charter Agreement or an equivalent recognized contract, which is the international standard for professional yacht charters and protects both the owner and the charterer.

Typically, 50% of the charter fee is due upon signing the contract, and the remaining 50% plus VAT and APA is due 30 days before embarkation. For last-minute bookings, the full amount is usually due at confirmation.

Bank transfers are the standard and preferred method for charter payments. In some cases, management companies may accept credit cards for part of the amount or onboard expenses. We will confirm payment options for each yacht.

Cancellation terms are defined in the MYBA contract. Generally, the closer to the embarkation date you cancel, the higher the cancellation fee. We will always support you in exploring options such as rebooking or replacing the charter week, where possible.

Yes. All professional charter yachts carry hull and machinery insurance as well as third-party liability insurance, in line with flag and classification requirements.

Yes. Crew members hold professional maritime certificates and are trained in safety procedures, fire-fighting, first aid, and emergency response according to international regulations.

Every yacht is equipped with life jackets, life rafts, and safety equipment as required by law. During the safety briefing at embarkation, the crew will show you where everything is and what to do in case of emergency.

Safety always comes first. The captain may modify the itinerary, delay departures, or choose more protected anchorages or ports. Alternative plans will be discussed with you to keep the experience comfortable and enjoyable.

Yes, you may bring special items with prior notice. The chef and crew will store and serve them appropriately. However, most guests prefer to let the yacht provision everything according to their preference sheet.

Absolutely. Many yachts are very family-friendly and can provide custom kids’ menus, safety nets, and suitable water toys. Parents remain responsible for supervising children at all times.

In many cases, yes, but this must be discussed in advance. Accommodation, credentials, insurance, and any additional approvals will need to be confirmed with the owner and captain.

Yes. We can arrange professional photo and video services, drone operators where permitted, beach setups, birthday decorations, proposals, anniversaries, musicians, and DJs, tailored to your celebration.

Yes. Through our trusted partners, we can coordinate private jets and helicopters to connect your flights with your yacht and villa schedule in Greece and across the Mediterranean.

It depends on your group and style. Motor yachts offer speed and comfort, catamarans offer space and stability, sailing yachts offer a classic and romantic feel, and mega yachts offer the highest level of luxury and service. We help you choose the right type based on your preferences.

Most charter yachts accommodate 8–12 guests in 4–6 cabins. Larger yachts with special licences can host 12–36 guests. We will suggest yachts that match your group size and cabin needs.

Yes. Once the cabin layout is shared, you can allocate cabins according to your group’s needs. The crew can also assist with practical suggestions based on couples, children, or accessibility.

Yes. In hubs like Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu, there are many yachts available for single-day or multi-day charters without overnight stays.

Many modern yachts are equipped with stabilizers that reduce motion both underway and at anchor, significantly improving comfort. We can prioritise stabilized yachts if you are concerned about motion.

In Greece, a valid personal watercraft licence is required to operate jet skis. Seabobs and many other toys do not require a licence, but must always be used under crew supervision.

Yes. We can arrange luxury villas, boutique hotels, and private estates that complement your yacht itinerary, either before or after your charter, or as part of a combined land-and-sea experience.

Yes. We provide chauffeured sedans, SUVs, and sprinters for airport transfers, dinner reservations, shopping trips, and inter-island travel where possible.

We can connect you with vetted local partners for property purchase, investment opportunities, and long-term stays, always in a discreet and curated way.

Of course. From archaeological sites and wine tastings to beach clubs and fine dining, we handle reservations and custom itineraries so you can simply enjoy the experience.