Everything you need to know about booking your first yacht charter with Kensington

Yacht trips are the most luxurious and memorable way to travel, offering exclusivity, privacy, and a lavishly unique experience for every guest onboard. While wonderfully exciting, booking a yacht charter for the very first time can be a daunting experience, and you may be thinking, “Where do I begin?” We’re here to help sort out the answers to all your frequently asked questions about yacht vacations, making chartering your first yacht a breeze. We’ve sat down with Kensington’s VP of Yachts & Villas Edita Sgovio to get the scoop.

I’ve never chartered a yacht before – where do I even begin?

It all begins with a phone call to one of our Yacht Specialists. Your specialist is your personal yacht broker who’ll guide you through every step of the way, including the private yacht rental and beyond. From choosing the perfect vessel based on your preferences, style, and budget, to customizing a fully private-guided itinerary for your entire journey, your Yacht Specialist will take care of it all. Since private yacht cruises are seasonal and various destinations also have a particular style and choice of vessels, your Yacht Specialist will consult with you to find an ideal destination for you based on your desired dates of travel and preferred holiday style. We’ll guide you through each of the yacht contracting stages, bundling all the pieces of the charter together in one easy, all-inclusive package. We provide a full service, all-inclusive yachting package that combines a yacht charter (and all its provisions, crew gratuity, taxes, and fees) with unique land experiences, luxury transfers, hotel and villa stays, and private jet and helicopter transfers. Your all-inclusive package means that no unexpected expenses will be incurred.

What is a yacht charter broker?

A yacht broker represents you in the process of finding the perfect yacht that matches your style and preferences, drafts and negotiates the charter agreement between the charterer and the owner, and works with the captain to put together a unique and customized cruising itinerary based on your wishes. It is important for a first-time charterer to work with a trusted charter broker, as they’ll also guide you through the legal and financial details which can be quite complex. It’s imperative to work with someone who can explain the details, and properly represent your best interests.

Is Kensington Yacht a charter broker?

Yes! Kensington Yacht is a charter brokerage with direct access to yacht owners and their representatives, giving you access to the top vetted yachts on the market. We have exclusive access to the largest global yacht database, and we contract each yacht directly with the owner’s representatives. Our team also attends all global industry shows to personally inspect the yachts we offer, ensuring top quality vessels and crews for the optimal client experience onboard. ## What makes a yachting trip so special? A luxury yacht charter is the crème de la crème of travel experiences. It is a completely personalized, white-glove experience for all guests onboard, from the initial planning process to the trip itself. Clients experience an unparalleled level of service, comfort, and exclusivity. Think Michelin star chefs, a vast array of yacht toys (including jet skis, sea bobs, e-foils, and inflatable toys), an onboard masseuse, yoga instructor, certified scuba instructors, saunas, beach clubs, cinemas, and other onboard amenities. There really isn’t anything more luxurious and exclusive than a yacht vacation. Each charter is unique and completely bespoke, just like each individual client who is leading the charter. Whether it’s a relaxing family vacation, special anniversary celebration, birthday, graduation party, or a couple’s retreat – every detail of the charter is unique, customized, and treated with the utmost care.

What kind of traveler typically books a yacht charter?

Travelers of all shapes and sizes! The yacht charter is always specifically tailored to meet your travel style and personality. For example, we’d pair someone interested in wellness and pampering with a yacht that has a jacuzzi, spa, masseuse, and a yoga instructor. Meanwhile, we’d match someone more active with a yacht that has a well-equipped gym, a basketball court, large selection of water toys, and a young and active crew. The itinerary itself and daily cruising would also be personalized alongside the style of the trip. For the active guests, we’d arrange a private biking tour or a hike, while others might choose to enjoy a day at a luxury spa, or a cooking class with wine tasting. It is also possible to combine an array of travel styles on one charter based on what each guest onboard prefers – like a private shopping experience for the ladies while the gentlemen enjoy a private race in a Ferrari off the coast of Monaco.

How do I know which vessel is right for me?

Yachts come in a variety of different makes, models, and styles – that’s why it’s important for you to work with a Yacht Specialist who can guide you to choose the right vessel that fits both your style of travel and budget. We work with catamarans, sailing yachts, smaller motor yachts, medium to super yachts, and expedition vessels. We ensure to pick the right vessel based on speed and style (ie. modern vs traditional). We also look at things like whether it’s a family-style yacht versus a couples-only yacht, taking into consideration things like cabin configurations, amenities, and crew. Overall, having a Yacht Specialist who knows the ins-and-outs of the vessels will be a big help in finding the right vessel for you.

What is the difference between a motor yacht and a sailing yacht?

Sailing yachts are more geared towards adventure seekers; they are slightly less luxurious (although there are some very luxurious sailing yachts out there), and less expansive in terms of decks and amenities. Sailing yachts will take advantage of the wind to sail across various locations. Whereas, motor yachts are more expansive in terms of size, decks, and amenities, and they provide a stable and comfortable experience on the water (especially if equipped with zero speed stabilizers).

How many people can a yacht or catamaran accommodate?

This is very much dependent on the size of the vessel, but typically speaking a catamaran can range from 6-10 passengers, and yachts can take up to 12 passengers. That said, we do work with some unique vessels that can accommodate between 18-22 passengers.

What is the typical length of a yacht charter?

A typical yacht charter is weeklong, however in the off season a shorter yacht charter is possible. The busiest time for a yacht charter is New Years in the Caribbean, and most yachts will require a minimum of 10 nights during the festive season.

What is the price range I can expect when chartering a yacht?

The typical entry point for a catamaran is approximately $40,000 USD; this is for up to 8 passengers onboard, for a one-week all-inclusive package.

An entry level motor yacht is about $75,000 USD; this is for up to 8-10 passengers onboard, for a one-week all-inclusive yacht package with one night pre- or post-charter at a hotel.

A typical mid-range yacht is often between $130,000-$200,000 USD for up to 12 passengers (though we do have some vessels that can accommodate up to 22 people). This would be an all-inclusive package with a one-week yacht charter, and one night at a luxury hotel before or after the charter.

Expedition style trips tend to be longer in duration and higher in price, averaging around $500,000 for an all-inclusive package for up to 12 passengers.

Can you tell me a bit about the onboard crew?

The crew is one of the most important aspects of the charter, as they are the ones who run the charter and ensure that you’ll have a great experience onboard. Each yacht owner employs a full crew for their yachts, and the number of staff depends on the size of the vessel. The larger the yacht, the more crew it takes to run it. The crew lives onboard the yacht in their own crew quarters, and the team is typically made up of a captain, chief officer, engineer, chef, chief stewardess, deckhand, and stewardess. That list can go on to include an interior manager, spa manager, masseuse, helicopter pilot, dive instructor, and more.

We pay special attention to the crew’s history, checking references from their past charters. We also ensure to work with yachts that have top-tier chefs, as the culinary experience onboard is an especially important aspect of the trip. Your yacht and crew are at your disposal throughout your journey, and all meals, activities, and cruising are customized uniquely based on your preferences.

What does Kensington Yacht offer that other brokers don’t?

Unlike so many other yacht charters, Kensington Yacht goes beyond the vessel to create and curate an entire experience for every guest – both onboard and ashore. We arrange the full package from start to finish, including a private jet and/or air travel arrangements.

We combine the charter rate with all associated fees, including advanced provisioning allowance, VAT, taxes and fees, delivery fees, security deposits, crew gratuity, and a complete itinerary on land. We’ll design a fully personalized itinerary featuring unique and immersive experiences, from privately guided tours with expert local guides, to dining experiences at Michelin star restaurants, behind-the-scenes access, VIP private shopping experiences, supercar racing, and more.

We also offer a 24/7 concierge service available to you throughout the full process, from booking until you return home, so you’ll have support throughout the entire process should you ever need it.

Which destination do you recommend for a first-time yacht charter?

Our best-selling region for yachts, especially in the summer, is the Mediterranean. A Mediterranean yacht charter will deliver you to the summer playground of the rich and famous, all onboard their yachts. The season starts off in May with the Formula 1 race in Monaco, and goes well beyond September, with July and August being the busiest peak months. It is arguably the best place to charter given the vast routing opportunities that suit every style and pace. Specifically, yachtsmen flock to Greece, Italy, France, Monaco, and Croatia, as these destinations truly offer the best combination of land and sea. Here you’ll indulge in cultural experiences, exquisite shopping, high-end restaurants, and a vibrant night life. This is then paired with a trendy yacht scene, specifically notable in the south of France, Monte Carlo, and Amalfi, complete with stunning beaches and coastal landscapes, and top-tier local culinary experiences onboard.

In the winter, Caribbean destinations such as St. Martin, St. Barths, and the Bahamas are at the top of the list, popular for their immaculate beaches, marine life, and of course a fashionable yacht scene. The Caribbean is the perfect getaway for those looking to relax and enjoy remote islands and beaches, some only accessible by a yacht. It is more of a laid-back and relaxing type of a charter that focuses more on the water toys, beach time, and island hopping across some of the most pristine islands of the Caribbean.

If you’re looking to charter close to home, one of our most requested places in the US is New England, notable for its history, charming coastal towns, great seafood restaurants, and natural beauty. Miami and Florida Keys are also great yachting destinations.

For seasoned charterers or someone who is looking for a unique experience, I’d recommend an exotic choice such as the Maldives, French Polynesia, Galapagos, Australia, or Thailand. And for expedition and explorer-style trips, I recommend Alaska, Papua New Guinea, or Antarctica.

Our all-inclusive, fully managed approach creates a seamless and stress-free experience that is completely flexible and customizable. With Kensington Yacht, the ocean is your oyster. Speak to a Yacht Expert today to learn more.