Luxury Yacht Charter FAQs

We guide you from selection to embarkation. After an initial consultation, once you choose a yacht, we issue a MYBA Charter Agreement. A 50% deposit secures the booking, with the balance (including VAT and APA) due one month before departure. Before embarkation, you complete a preference form so the crew can prepare a fully bespoke experience, then you simply step on board and enjoy.

Booking begins with a tailored proposal of options. We curate a selection of yachts matching your criteria and review them with you in detail, while assessing your preferences (dates, itinerary, number of guests, budget, yacht type). We negotiate the rate and terms on your behalf where possible, before finalising your choice and proceeding to the MYBA Charter Agreement.

APA covers variable operating expenses such as fuel, food and drinks, port fees, and onboard extras. Any unused APA is fully refunded at the end of the charter, while overspending may require a top-up during the trip.

A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking. Upon signing the MYBA Charter Agreement, you transfer the first 50% of the charter fee. The remaining balance, along with the applicable VAT and the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is due one month prior to embarkation to ensure all logistics are finalised before your arrival.Crew Gratuity is generally between 10 and 15% of the charter fee.

The total cost comprises the Charter Fee, VAT, and the APA. While newer yachts typically command a higher base fee, they often have lower fuel consumption, potentially balancing the overall expense. Ultimately, the final price fluctuates based on the season, the embarkation country’s specific tax regulations, and the consumption required for your itinerary.

The APA is reconciled at the end of the charter and may result in either a credit or an additional payment for the charterer, depending on actual expenses.

The fee covers the comprehensive use of the vessel and crew. Specifically, it includes the yacht charter with all equipment in working order, use of the listed water toys (excluding fuel consumption), the crew’s wages and food, alongside the insurance of the vessel and crew.

Additional costs typically include fuel, food and beverages, marina and port fees, local taxes, and any bespoke services or luxury experiences requested.

We recommend booking 6 months in advance. Securing your yacht early guarantees availability of the finest vessels, particularly for high-demand dates in July and August.

We accept Bank transfers as the only standard payment method. For last-minute bookings, instant transfer or credit card payments may be accepted, subject to transaction’s amount.

The Balearics blend vibrant nightlife with serene, hidden coves. Mallorca offers dramatic mountains and cathedral cities, while Ibiza is world-famous for its nightlife and bohemian luxury. For pure relaxation, the turquoise waters of Formentera offer a tranquil escape.

Croatia is a paradise of over 1,000 islands and historic charm. With calm winds and short sailing distances, it is ideal for relaxed cruising. Explore the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik, the lavender fields of Hvar, or the pristine nature of the Kornati National Park.

The Turquoise Coast offers warm hospitality and ancient ruins. Known for its “Blue Cruises,” Turkey blends rich culture with stunning natural bays in Gocek and Bodrum. It is an exceptional destination for those seeking warmer waters late in the season.

Yes, the captain will always adjust the itinerary for comfort, safety, or preference, depending on weather conditions and eventual port availability and/or cruising restrictions.

Greece offers unparalleled variety across thousands of islands. Whether you prefer the whitewashed architecture and nightlife of the Cyclades (Mykonos, Santorini) or the lush, green landscapes of the Ionian islands.

Yes, we create fully bespoke, day-by-day itineraries tailored to your preferences, from secluded bays and scenic cruising to historic towns and family-friendly beaches. Your broker works closely with the Captain in planning the route, which must be approved by the Captain and remains subject to weather and sea conditions to ensure safety and the best onboard experience.

We highly recommend the French Riviera for elegance, or the Italian coast including Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Sicily for glamour and world-class cuisine. For island-hopping, choose the turquoise waters of Sardinia and Spain’s Balearic Islands, or explore the historic, secluded coastlines of Croatia, Greece, and Turkey.

April to October offers the best cruising weather. July and August are peak seasons for vibrancy; May, June and September offer warm seas with more privacy and availability.

The Amalfi Coast defines Italian glamour and dramatic coastal beauty. Beyond the iconic pastel villages of Positano and Sorrento, a charter here allows you to explore the vibrant islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida. For those seeking further seclusion, itineraries can be easily extended to include the breathtaking Pontine Islands of Ponza, Ventotene, and Palmarola.

Sardinia offers the Mediterranean’s most striking turquoise waters. It is a dual experience: the high-end luxury of Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda offers world-class dining and shopping, while the Maddalena Archipelago provides untouched natural beauty and crystal-clear anchorages perfect for water sports.

The Côte d’Azur is the historic heart of luxury yachting. From the glittering casinos of Monaco to the chic beach clubs of St. Tropez and the cinematic history of Cannes, this region offers high-profile events and smooth cruising infrastructure.

Choosing the right yacht comes down to your travel style, the size of your group, and the kind of experience you want on the water.

(i) Motor Yachts
Best for: Travellers seeking speed, stability, and comfort
Key highlights: Larger cabins | Expansive sun decks | Fast cruising for multiple destinations

(ii) Sailing Yachts
Best for: Guests who love authentic, wind-powered sailing
Key highlights: Eco-friendly | Lower fuel costs | Traditional nautical experience

(iii) Catamaran
Best for: Families or groups wanting generous living space
Key highlights: Wide, stable platforms | Great for children | Large deck and lounge areas

(iv) Superyachts
Best for: Those seeking the highest level of luxury
Key highlights: Large professional crews | Beach clubs, cinemas, gyms | Michelin-level dining

Most yachts accommodate up to 12 guests in elegant ensuite cabins, typically including a Master suite, VIP cabin, and double or twin guest cabins, with crew housed separately for privacy.

Yes, we coordinate with the crew to arrange bespoke services upon request. From special celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries), wellness services, to custom cuisine, we tailor the onboard team to your lifestyle and preferences.

The chef organizes all provisioning based strictly on your personal preferences. Guided by your Preference Sheet, the crew sources your exact choice of cuisine, fine wines, and spirits, matching your preferred types and quantities, ensuring the yacht is fully prepared before you embark.

Yes, most chefs can accommodate the dietary protocols such as vegetarian, Vegan, and Celiac-friendly menus. While these requests are usually manageable, it is important that clients advise us in advance so we can confirm suitability with the specific yacht and chef. ‘Light Kosher’ (Kosher-style) may be possible but strict Kosher requirements involve specialised kitchen logistics and must be approved by the Captain ahead of time.

Most yachts include water toys such as paddleboards, snorkeling gear, seabobs, E-Foils and inflatables, with availability varying by yacht. Additional water toys can often be rented separately, subject to availability and the Captain’s approval. Jet Skis are often available on vessels from 70ft upwards and its use is regulated in the Mediterranean. This requires a valid EU-recognised licence, minimum age compliance, and adherence to local marine and environmental regulations.

Most yachts are equipped with Starlink as it guarantees connectivity, ensuring smooth connectivity throughout your cruise.

Silver Star Yachting is a boutique yacht charter and brokerage company. With over 15 years of experience and offices in Italy and the UK, we specialise in fully crewed charters and sales across the Mediterranean and Caribbean, delivering bespoke guidance and seamless, end-to-end support.

We provide fully crewed motor yacht, sailing yacht, and catamaran charters, bespoke itinerary design, and luxury experiences, supported by multilingual brokers who manage every detail from planning through disembarkation or ownership handover.

Our headquarters are located in Naples, Italy. Clients may contact us via email at info@silverstaryachting.com, live chat, WhatsApp, or dedicated UK and Italian telephone lines. Full contact details and enquiry options can be found here.

Yes, we are accredited members of MYBA, ECPY and AYBI. These memberships guarantee your charter adheres to the highest international standards of ethics, safety, and contractual security.

MYBA is the leading international yachting association that sets the highest professional and ethical standards in the charter industry. As a proud MYBA member, we guarantee that your charter is handled with expertise, reliability, and complete professionalism.

We are members of the European Committee for Professional Yachting (ECPY). It focuses on French charter regulations and created a specific charter contract valid only for charters starting in French waters. Our ECPY membership ensures full compliance with French maritime law, VAT, and customs rules.

The MYBA Charter Agreement protects your funds by placing them with an independent Stakeholder. Payments are transferred upon receipt to a designated Stakeholder account in the contract currency. A portion is released at the start of the charter, with the remaining balance released at the end, provided the charter is completed without issues, fully in accordance with the contract terms.

It is an industry-standard contract for luxury yacht charters. Under this agreement, all charter payments are made to an independent stakeholder, not directly to the yacht owner.

The discretion is paramount and guaranteed at all times. Our crew operates under strict, legally binding confidentiality protocols. We ensure your privacy, movements, and personal details remain absolutely protected.

If you cancel before the charter starts, the owner may retain any instalments already due and payable at the time of cancellation. Instalments not yet due are not payable, and any advance payments for them will be refunded, as per the charter contract.

You may receive a partial refund, but only for amounts that were not yet due under the payment schedule. Instalments that were already due at the time of cancellation are non-refundable. Payments made in advance for future instalments will be refunded.

Your deposit is refundable only if it relates to instalments that were not yet due at the time of cancellation. Any deposit or instalment that had already become due under the agreement can be retained by the owner.

Yes. If the yacht is re-chartered for all or part of your original dates, you are entitled to a pro-rata credit based on the net charter hire earned, after deducting commissions and re-letting costs. The owner is required to make reasonable efforts to re-charter the yacht.

Yes. APA, delivery/re-delivery fees, and the security deposit are refunded upon cancellation, unless expenses have already been incurred or delivery has taken place. In such cases, you are responsible only for the actual costs incurred, unless they can be recovered or offset by a replacement charter.

Any VAT due on the charter fee or incurred expenses remains payable by you. You may request invoices or supporting documentation via your broker, and both the owner and captain are required to mitigate VAT and expense exposure where possible.

Yes. If the owner is declared bankrupt, enters liquidation, or materially breaches the agreement, you have the right to cancel the charter and receive a full refund of all monies paid, with no deductions.

Yes. Even when the owner is entitled to retain payments, they are contractually obligated to mitigate your loss by attempting to re-charter the yacht. The owner cannot unreasonably refuse suitable replacement charters.

Strongly recommended. The cancellation policy prioritises the owner’s fixed costs and schedule, meaning refunds are limited once instalments become due. Charter insurance can protect you against unexpected events that are not covered under the agreement.

A first-time yacht charter is exciting. To make the most of it, pack light, share your preferences in advance, and follow the crew’s safety guidance. Stay flexible with the itinerary as weather may influence routes, and trust your captain and crew’s local knowledge, they often lead you to the most memorable spots.

Yes, the Silver Star Yachting Blog offers destination itineraries, travel advice, and luxury lifestyle tips to help plan an unforgettable charter.

Guests must provide a valid passport, and applicable visas may be required. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

In line with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, additional documentation may be requested, including company details if booking via a corporate entity. Silver Star Yachting carries out a professional KYC (Know Your Customer) process to ensure full legal and regulatory compliance.

While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised. We recommend specific Cancellation and Curtailment insurance to protect your investment against unforeseen medical or travel issues. If needed, we can refer you to a specific insurance broker.

We can get in touch with our partners to arrange that for our clients.

Yes, we vet every vessel and require owners to hold commercial insurance and valid safety/certification documents (and especially MYBA-compliant contracts). We only represent vessels that are fully surveyed and compliant with flag-state regulations and safety certificates.