Yacht Charter FAQ | Private Yacht Booking, Crew & Pricing

Who is Bestcharter.com?

Bestcharter.com is a boutique luxury yacht charter company founded in 2020. We offer modern, crewed motor yachts in top destinations like the French and Italian Riviera. Unlike traditional brokers, we manage our own signature fleet and handle all bookings directly, with no hidden commissions or third-party confusion. Based in Malta, we focus on personalized service, upscale experiences, and transparent pricing. Our goal is to make yacht chartering feel effortless, personal and tailored to each guest.

What is a crewed yacht charter?

A crewed yacht charter means the yacht comes with a professional crew, typically a captain and a stewardess. They handle navigation, safety, meal service, and cleaning. You don’t need to lift a finger—we take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

What types of yachts do you offer?

We offer modern, fully crewed Prestige motor yachts ranging from 65 to 72 feet. All are well-maintained, equipped with stabilizers, and feature spacious lounges, water toys, and private cabins. We also work with selected partners to offer additional yachts on request, and will be expanding to include larger partner yachts in the near future.

Where can I charter a yacht with you?

You can charter with us in the French Riviera and Italian Riviera. Popular routes include Saint-Tropez, Monaco, Portofino, and Cinque Terre. Custom itineraries are available based on your preferences.

Do I need any boating experience to charter?

No experience is needed. All our charters are fully crewed, and your professional captain takes care of the yacht. You just show up and enjoy the journey.

Are charters family-friendly?

Yes, our charters are ideal for families. The yachts are spacious, safe, and equipped with child-friendly features. We can tailor the experience with activities, meals, and destinations that suit all ages.

Do I need a passport or visa to travel?

Yes, you’ll need a valid passport. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and where you’re cruising. We’ll help guide you through what’s needed based on your itinerary.

How do I book a yacht charter with you?

Once you have chosen your itinerary or destination, you can charter an available yacht of our fleet by filling out the Charter Inquiry form on our website. Here, you can describe your wishes and expectations in detail, allowing us to find the best solution for your plans. Your request will be forwarded to our sales management team, who will contact you promptly to clarify all details. Once you have decided to charter with us and all formalities are completed, your booking will be confirmed, setting the stage for your unforgettable yachting experience.

Can I select a specific yacht for my charter?

Yes, you can choose a specific yacht from our fleet or partner selection based on your preferences. If your first-choice yacht is unavailable, we’ll recommend a similar vessel with the same level of comfort, style, and amenities. Our team will help you find the best possible match for your plans.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 2 to 3 months in advance, especially during peak season (June to September). Last-minute bookings are possible for day charters but depend entirely on yacht availability.

What’s required to confirm a booking?

To confirm your booking, you'll need to sign the charter agreement and pay a deposit, typically 50% of the total charter fee. The remaining balance is due closer to the departure date, as outlined in your contract.

Can I hold a date before committing?

Yes, we can place a short-term hold on a date while you finalize your plans. Holds are non-binding and typically valid for 48 to 72 hours, depending on demand.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you cancel after the booking is confirmed, cancellation fees apply based on how close you are to the charter date. Full terms are outlined in your charter agreement. We recommend travel insurance for added protection.

Can I reschedule my charter if plans change?

Rescheduling is possible but depends on availability and the timing of your request. If you're rescheduling close to your original date, change fees may apply.

Do you require a security deposit?

Yes, a refundable security deposit may be required depending on the yacht and charter conditions. This will be outlined clearly in your booking agreement.

Is travel insurance recommended?

Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance. It protects you in case of unexpected cancellations, delays, or emergencies.

What happens in case of bad weather?

The captain may adjust the route for safety, but charters typically proceed unless conditions are unsafe. Full cancellations due to weather are rare and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Can I extend my charter once it has started?

Yes, if the yacht’s schedule allows. Let the captain or crew know as early as possible, and our team will confirm availability and any additional costs.

Are people with disabilities allowed on board?

Yes, guests with disabilities are warmly welcomed. While there are stairs to access the cabins, deck, and flybridge, our crew is always available to assist with safe and comfortable movement around the yacht. The hydraulic bathing platform also provides an easy and secure way to enter the water without stepping directly into it. However, due to narrow passages and limited space, the yachts are not wheelchair accessible.

What’s included in the charter price?

The charter price includes the yacht, a professional crew, fuel for standard cruising, Wi-Fi, soft drinks, snacks, towels, toiletries, and use of all onboard water toys. Full details are available on each yacht page.

Are there any additional costs I should expect?

Yes. In most cases, VAT and an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) apply. VAT rates vary depending on the cruising region and are clearly stated in your quote (usually 20-22%). The APA (30%) typically covers fuel beyond standard cruising, port fees, food, drinks, and other specific requests. Any unused APA is refunded after the charter. We’ll provide a full cost breakdown upfront so there are no surprises.

Are there additional costs for the water toys?

No, all standard water toys are included in the charter price. This usually includes paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and towable inflatables. If you’d like to add premium toys like Jet Skis or a Seabreacher, we can arrange them for an extra fee.

How is the charter price calculated?

Pricing is based on the duration of your charter, the yacht you select, and the time of year. Day charters and multi-day trips are priced differently. We’ll send you a clear breakdown based on your request.

Do prices vary by season?

Yes, charter rates are higher during peak months (June to September) and during major events like the Monaco Grand Prix. Off-season rates may offer better value.

How do I make a payment?

You can make payments via bank transfer or credit card. Credit card payments may include a small processing fee. We’ll provide all payment details once your booking is confirmed.

Can I get a breakdown of costs before booking?

Yes. We’ll send you a transparent quote that outlines the charter fee, included services, optional extras, and taxes, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Do I need to pay a crew gratuity?

Gratuities are not mandatory but are customary. If you’re happy with the service, a tip of 15% of the charter fee is standard and appreciated by the crew.

How do I get from the hotel or airport to the yacht and back?

We are always pleased to organize shuttle service upon request, whether from the airport or your hotel. Usually, a crew member will personally pick you up to ensure a smooth and welcoming transfer. For private plane shuttles, please see our additional services.

Who is part of the crew onboard?

Our signature fleet is staffed by a dedicated two-person crew. This includes a professional captain who is responsible for navigating the yacht, ensuring safety, and managing all technical aspects of the vessel. Alongside the captain, there is a skilled cook stewardess who takes care of meal preparation, housekeeping, and attending to your comfort throughout the charter.

What languages do the crew speak?

Our crew is mostly bilingual. English is always spoken, with many also fluent in Russian, Ukrainian, French, or Italian, depending on their origin.

Can I meet the crew before the charter?

Yes, you are welcome to meet and visit the crew onboard the yacht at the homeport by prior arrangement. To help you get to know them better, we also provide a detailed crew profile PDF before every charter. This includes their experience, skills, and a bit about their background to give you confidence and peace of mind before your trip.

What level of service can I expect?

You can count on attentive and professional care delivered in a warm, approachable manner that feels like spending time with close friends and family, creating a comfortable and personalized atmosphere throughout your charter.

Can the crew accommodate special diets or food preferences?

Yes, the crew can accommodate special dietary requirements. Before your charter, you’ll receive a preference list to fill out, allowing us to prepare meals that suit your tastes and any restrictions perfectly.

Can the crew organize activities or excursions?

Yes, the crew can arrange a variety of activities and excursions tailored to your interests. They can also assist with booking restaurants, securing reservations, and recommending local experiences to make your trip even more memorable.

Do the crew handle cleaning and maintenance during the charter?

Yes, the crew takes care of all cleaning and maintenance throughout your charter to ensure the yacht remains spotless and well-maintained. They typically perform these tasks when guests are away from the yacht, whether swimming, exploring onshore, or enjoying other outdoor activities, so you can relax without interruption and always return to a pristine environment.

Are pets allowed on board?

We understand pets are family members and welcome small pets on our charters under certain conditions. A refundable pet deposit of $2,500 is required to cover any potential damage or extra cleaning. Our yachts do not have pet-specific amenities, so guests must bring all necessary supplies for their pets.

Is smoking allowed on the yacht?

Smoking is only permitted in outdoor areas of the yacht. Smoking inside the yacht’s interior is strictly prohibited. Any violation may result in cleaning fees and charges for damage caused by burns, which will be billed to the guest responsible.

Can I invite additional guests on board during the charter?

You can bring guests onboard up to the maximum allowed by regulations. This is set by local coastguard rules to ensure safety. If your group is larger than 8 for overnight stays, some guests can stay in a nearby hotel and join the yacht during the day. We’re happy to help arrange accommodations if needed.

Do I need to wear special shoes on board?

We recommend wearing non-marking, soft-soled shoes to protect the yacht’s surfaces. Many guests prefer to go barefoot or wear yacht slippers for comfort and safety. High heels are not allowed on board, as they can damage the flooring and create safety risks.

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