Yacht Charter Glossary
Embarkation
Also known as: Boarding · Boarding Day · Charter Start
Full explanation
Embarkation in luxury chartering has a specific ceremonial structure.
The captain meets you at the gangway, the crew is mustered in service uniform on deck, your luggage is taken to your cabins.
You are given a glass of champagne in the saloon.
The captain provides a 15-minute safety briefing - emergency exits, lifejackets, fire procedures, man-overboard signals - then a quick tour of the yacht.
By 7pm you are settled with a first dinner aboard. Standard MYBA timing: embarkation 5pm Day 1, disembarkation 9am final day.
This gives the crew time to prepare the yacht in the morning of embarkation and time to clean and restock after disembarkation.
Earlier embarkation (e.g. 11am) or later disembarkation (e.g. 5pm) are negotiable additions at the broker level. Embarkation logistics: the port and time are set in the MYBA contract 30+ days before.
Last-minute changes (e.g. moving from Athens to Mykonos a week before embarkation) are possible but trigger delivery fees and require captain consent.
A reputable broker confirms the embarkation port in writing 14 days before. What happens before embarkation: the captain receives the guest preference sheet 14 days out (dietary needs, sleep preferences, music, alcohol, allergies).
The chef provisions accordingly.
The yacht is fuelled, watered, cleaned, and prepared.
By the morning of embarkation the yacht is in the embarkation port and ready.
Why it matters for UHNW charterers
Embarkation is the moment of first impression - yacht, crew, brand. Late embarkation, missed delivery, or a yacht that arrives unprepared signals operator-level incompetence and colours the rest of the week. Charterers should expect - and broker should guarantee - embarkation precision.
Worked examples
Standard embarkation, Mykonos Old Port
5pm: guests arrive at the marina by car. Captain greets at gangway. Crew in service whites on deck. Luggage to cabins by deckhand. Champagne in saloon. Safety briefing 15 min. By 6:30pm dinner reservation on Delos confirmed by stewardess.
Early embarkation request, paid premium
Guest requests 11am embarkation for an in-port lunch aboard before departure. Crew prepares yacht earlier, operator charges €1,500 premium for the extra crew time. Embarkation completed by 10:30am.
Frequently asked
About embarkation
Can I embark earlier than 5pm?
Often yes, on request 7+ days before charter. Operators charge a small premium (€500–€2,000) for the crew time. Same-day-of-charter early embarkation is rarely possible.
What if my flight is late on embarkation day?
The yacht waits. The captain will not depart without all guests aboard. Late arrivals occasionally push first-night dinner from aboard to a restaurant ashore.
Where do I leave my luggage on embarkation day?
Crew receive luggage at the gangway and place in your cabin. Hard-shell suitcases stay in cabin storage. Liquids/valuables you hand-carry.
Can I embark at a different port than the contract specifies?
Yes, with 14+ days notice and likely a delivery fee. Last-minute port changes are difficult - the yacht's pre-charter positioning is planned weeks in advance.
Related terms
Other definitions worth knowing
Delivery Fee
A delivery fee is a charge billed when the yacht must travel from its home base to your chosen embarkation p…
Captain
The captain is the senior officer aboard a yacht - responsible for navigation, safety, crew discipline, an…
MYBA Charter Contract
The MYBA Charter Agreement is the industry-standard contract for luxury yacht charters worldwide, published …
Charter Fee (Base Fee)
The charter fee is the base weekly rate paid for the use of the yacht and its crew. It excludes APA, VAT, de…
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Ready to charter in Greece?
George P. Biniaris and the George Yachts team broker yachts in Greek waters under MYBA-standard contracts. Speak with us directly.