Yacht Charter Home
you are my sunshine
Yacht Charter Home
you are my sunshine
YOUR LUXURY YACHT CHARTER AWAITS
Motor. Sail. Modern. Traditional. Toys. Personalised Silver Service. Top Chefs. Exotic Destinations. Lifetime Memories.
Want more? Aquazeal will take you there.
Yacht search and monthly features
Search thousands of yachts on a global scale. Whether you are looking for Motor or Sail your luxury home at sea is waiting for you. Our featured yachts update regularly and outline the top programs in the industry.
destinations
The world is your oyster! Click here for our quick guide on yachting destinations from the most popular to the adventurers looking to cruise off the beaten path. Let us help guide you based on your preferences and cater itineraries specifically to you.
how to charter and faq...we have your back
What. Where. How. When...you know the Why!
We've compiled a educational list to help answer the most frequently asked questions.
Destinations
and i think to myself...what wonderful world
Destinations
and i think to myself...what wonderful world
EXPLORE.
Caribbean / bahamas
Season: Year Round
Features: Crystal blue waters, fishing
new england
Season: May - September
Features: Quaint towns, US history, fishing
west mediterranean
Season: June - September
Features: Culture, Shopping, Party, scenery
se asia and pacific
Season: October - April
Features: Diving, culture, Clear blue waters
east mediterranean
Season: June - September
Features: History, Ruins, Castles, culture
off the beaten path
Season: Varies
Features: Adventurous!
How to charter
not all those who wander are lost
How to charter
not all those who wander are lost
How to Charter
The Luxury Yacht Charter professionals at Aquazeal and HH Luxury Lifestyle have all the resources to help you create the holiday of a lifetime. We'll help you choose the perfect yacht and explore destinations based on all of your ideal preferences. We provide first hand insight as we travel the world to inspect yachts on the charter market, meet the crew and only present yachts that exceed the highest quality and safety standards. It’s our goal to make your luxury experience as seamless as possible.
Luxury yachts can offer experiences beyond the imagination, it is the ultimate escape from the reality of life and allows you, your family and friends to enjoy exotic destinations while still having the comforts of a luxury hotel at hand. The opportunity and variations of charter are plentiful and Aquazeal brokers will be happy to work with you to create an unforgettable experience.
Destinations
The world is your oyster! We will cater our search based on what is most important to you. Do you prefer losing yourself on your own deserted beach, discover culture, explore ruins, party with the elite, or sail away between islands? We can help gauge which exotic location is perfect for you.
There are two main seasons for yachting Summer and Winter. Most popular locations are throughout the Caribbean, West Mediterranean, and East Mediterranean. Every year, we are seeing more and more yachts venture off the beaten paths and exploring new and exciting destinations from Antarctica to SE Asia. Ask us for our advice!
Activities
The possibilities are endless! Every destination has its own distinctive features. Imagine slides, fishing, heli skiing and much more right from the yacht.
Each yacht features TOYS TOYS TOYS! The most popular tend to be waverunners, SLIDES, Fly Boards and more. Be sure to discuss your ideal water sports with our Charter Specialist so we can take into consideration in our search for the perfect yacht. Please consider that some water toys, such as jet skis and fly boards may be restricted in certain cruising areas. Please also note most yachts do not offer SCUBA diving directly from the yacht due to insurance liability, however the Captain will subcontract with a local dive company to take you diving.
NUMBER OF GUESTS
For most charter yacht, the maximum number of charter guests allowed by law is 12, unless the yacht is legally licensed to accomodate over 12 passengers cruising. It is important for us to know if there are couples/singles, staff, and the ages of your party to help determine what cabin layout may be most suitable.
PRICE
Your ideal budget range is one of the most important preferences when we are searching for the perfect yacht. We have access to every yacht on the global market starting from around 20,000 into the millions per week!
Most yachts list their pricing on a weekly "plus expenses" basis. Some yachts will consider less than a week and the rate is adjusted pro rata, dividing by 6 and multiplying for the number of days of the charter. The base rate includes the basic hire of the yacht, together with the crew, and the yacht’s insurance. Please keep in mind that each yacht is privately owned and our ability to negotiate will vary from Owner to Owner. "Plus expenses" may include APA, delivery and VAT.
APA
The Advanced Provisioning Allowance, APA, or “plus expenses” is an estimate to cover your expenses while on board. It is industry standard to include 30% of the charter rate; however this can vary depending on the Charterers’ preferences. The APA will be used to cover yachts fuel, tender and toys fuel, food, alcohol, dockage, marina fees and more. The APA is typically due with your 2nd or 3rd instalment outlined on your contract. It is the Captain's duty to monitor the APA closely and keep a detailed report of the accounts. He can provide as much detail as you request throughout the charter and will present an overview for you to agree and sign before disembarkation. Any outstanding funds will be returned to client, many choose to use towards the tip. If the APA goes over the estimated expenditures, the Charterer will be responsible to cover the outstanding payment prior to departure.
THE CHARTER AGREEMENT
Most yachts cruising within international waters utilise a standardized agreement sponsored by the MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Mediterranean Association (MYBA). An alternate standard agreement for American flagged vessels may include the American Yacht Charter Association (AYCA). These charter agreements are recognised on a global basis and created to represent all parties upholding the highest of ethical and technical standards.
PRIVACY
Discretion and confidentiality is of the upmost importance amongst the charter professionals at Aquazeal and HH Luxury Lifestyle. We work with celebrities and ultra high net worth clients on a global scale and take your privacy seriously. If deemed appropriate, we can also provide confidentiality agreements to the Captain and crew should all parties agree.
GRATUITY
Tip for the crew is completely at the charterers discretion. Your charter professional can help guide you on what may be appropriate. We may recommend a gratuity between 10 – 20% of the base charter rate only, not including expenses. The tip will dictate your satisfaction with the crew's performance while on board and always appreciated. Many clients use left over funds from the APA towards the tip. We may recommend wiring the tip to escrow in advance to avoid delay and carrying a large amount of cash while you travel. However, it can be presented with cash, left over APA, or bank wire transfer with details provided by your charter professional.
DELIVERY FEE
Depending on your itinerary and yachts availability, a delivery or re-delivery fee may be included in the expenses. This is typically an expense your charter professional works to avoid but occasionally your preferred yacht may need to reposition in order to cruise your chosen destination. This fee will be advised and agreed upon before the signing of any contracts and shown on the contract as a delivery fee.
CANCELLATION and REFUND
Cancellation and refund policies are outlined in detail in the charter contract for both cancellation by owner and by charterer. Your charter professional can help explain in detail and may also recommend an insurance broker. Cancellation insurance is advised should you need to cancel your trip for any reason.
SALE OF A YACHT
Many yachts available for charter may also be on the sales market. In the case that the yacht sells before the charter, it is our responsibility at Aquazeal and HH Luxury Lifestyle to find you a comparable yacht to fulfill your yachting vacation if the new owner does not wish to execute the booked charters. The selling owner is liable to return your funds and in some instances, pay liquidated damages. Ask your charter professional to outline the clause in the contract to cover the sale of the yacht, but know you and your funds are protected.
PROCESS
Once you have agreed on a yacht, price and charter terms, your Charter Specialist will send you charter agreements for your review. Typically the first instalment will include 50% of the base rate and required upon signature on or before a specified due date. The 2nd instalment is typically due 5 weeks prior to departure and will include the remaining 50% of the base fee plus all expenses. Note that the yacht will not be confirmed until the signed contracts and first instalment has been received.
Your Charter Specialist will send you detailed instructions along with Preference Sheets...the fun part! We recommend the preferences are filled in approximately 6 weeks prior to your charter embarkation to ensure the crew can prepare efficiently.
CONCLUSION
These are a few recommended tips for a successful yacht charter. At Aquazeal and HH Luxury Lifestyle, we aim to ensure the process is seamless, professional, and work hard to make your charter dreams come true! What’s most important is for us to understand your preferences so that we can flawlessly tailor your charter for an unforgettable luxury vacation of a lifetime.
FAQ
faq...we have your back
FAQ
faq...we have your back
As charter Professionals, we tend to receive the same questions over and over. We're here to help you!
Here are some of the most common questions:
Q: Can I make changes to the charter after a fully executed contract?
A: Yes. An addendum may be drafted by your broker and when agreed by all parties involved, fully executed. Most common changes are Dates, Times of embarkation/disembarkation, and ports.
Q: What happens if I have to cancel?
A: We would recommend looking into Charter Cancellation Insurance Prior to booking. We are happy to recommend our professional partners. Without insurance, you may be liable to pay all or a portion of the charter fee depending how far in advance you cancel.
Q: Can I wear shoes on the yacht?
A: Simple answer...NO. Shoes can damage the teak and stain the interior. Unless you have specific boat shoes that are brand new, scuff free, and never worn on land, the Captain may allow it. Who wants to wear shoes in paradise anyway?!
Q: How do I tip the crew?
A: Many clients prefer to not bring large sums of cash for obvious reasons. We advise a bank wire transfer to the retail brokers escrow account is safest and most efficient.
Q: Can we dive from the yacht?
A: Depends on the yacht but for most programs, involving a third party dive company is involved, recognized in yachting as "rendezvous diving". You may be able to use the yachts equipment and tender, however, most of the time a member of a licensed dive company must be present. Ask your charter professional for details.
Q: What costs are included on the contract?
A: The main costs outlined in the contract which may or may not apply are the Base Rate, Advanced Provisioning Allowance, VAT or tax, Delivery/Re-delivery, and Security Deposit. Any additional terms are outlined in the special conditions.
Q: What is APA?
A: Advanced Provisioning Allowance. This is an estimate to cover your expenses while on board including fuel, food, beverages, alcohol, dockage fees and more. A standard percentage ranges from 30-35% depending on the vessel.
Q: Can we have more than 12 guests on board?
A: It depends on the classification of the yacht. Most charter yachts are classed to sleep and cruise with 12 passengers max but there are a select few able to take more.
Q: What destinations have toy restrictions (such as wave runners)?
A: Most destinations allow toys on board but there are a few national parks and areas such as the British Virgin Islands which have restrictions. Some destinations also require licenses, it may be important to note if the yacht is RYA certified to help guests obtain the license while on board.
Q: How do I pay?
A: Wire Transfer. We will provide specific bank details and help make it as seamless as possible.
Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Most of the time...NO. However, some owners do make exceptions and may require additional security deposits or terms outlined in the special conditions.
Q: What are stabilizers and zero speed stabilizers?
A: Long story short, they help the yacht be more stable both at anchor and while cruising. Many clients prefer the luxury of zero speed stabilizers especially if sea-sickness is a concern.
Help Us Help You
are you ready?...we are!
Help Us Help You
are you ready?...we are!
HELP US HELP YOU
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