Those chartering a superyacht for the first time often wonder how much of a tip is appropriate, when it should be given and how it is divided up. Below you’ll find the key guidelines, without any unnecessary complications.
Is tipping compulsory on a superyacht?
No, tipping is, in principle, voluntary. In practice, however, it is customary within the international superyacht charter industry to tip if you are satisfied with the service, hospitality and dedication of the crew.
During your stay, the crew will take care of virtually every detail on board, from service and housekeeping to catering, water sports supervision and the day-to-day organisation of the trip. That is why tipping in this sector is regarded as a customary token of appreciation, not as a hidden compulsory charge. For information on etiquette on board, including when and how to tip, please see yacht charter etiquette for guests.
How much should you tip on a superyacht?
As a general guideline, a tip of around five to twenty per cent of the charter price is often recommended. In many cases, an appropriate tip falls somewhere in the middle of that range, depending on your experience on board.
The final amount usually depends on factors such as:
- The quality of the service
- the level of personal attention and flexibility
- The complexity of your charter programme
- the duration of the charter
- your own satisfaction with the overall standard on board
There is therefore no fixed, universal amount that applies to every charter. A very lavish stay with exceptional service will often be assessed differently from a shorter, simpler charter.
Are tips included in the charter price or the APA?
Not normally. With superyacht charters, the charter price is usually quoted separately, excluding VAT and APA. The APA is intended to cover operational expenses during the trip, such as fuel, food, drinks, harbour fees and other practical costs on board.
Tips for the crew are generally separate from this. It is therefore wise to include this as a separate item in your budget, so that you don’t face any surprises at the end of the charter.
Particularly with high-end charters, where the entire trip is carefully planned, a clear financial overview helps to keep the experience relaxed and transparent, especially if you want to understand how the APA works in advance.
How are tips given?
The tip is usually handed to the captain at the end of the charter. The captain then ensures it is distributed amongst the crew in accordance with the usual internal arrangements on board.
This practice is common because the captain is responsible for the overall management of the yacht and has a clear overview of the crew’s composition during your charter. For guests, this is usually the most discreet and practical way to handle tips. You can find more information about crew remuneration and how it relates to tips under ‘salaries and tips for crew members’.
How do you work out an appropriate tip?
An appropriate tip depends less on any single moment and more on the overall experience. This includes the welcome you receive, the quality of the meals, the condition of the suites, the professionalism of the service and the way the team responds to your wishes.
Questions you might ask yourself include, for example:
- Was your trip handled smoothly and with care?
- Did the crew respond professionally to requests or changes?
- Was the standard of service in line with your expectations of a superyacht charter?
- Did the experience feel personalised, well-organised and relaxed?
Anyone who approaches the charter from this perspective will usually arrive at an amount that feels appropriate.
Include tips in your charter budget in advance
When chartering a superyacht, it is wise not to focus solely on the weekly rate for the yacht. As charters are often quoted exclusive of VAT and APA, it makes sense to factor the tip into your budget in advance.
This does not mean that the tip is fixed, but it does mean that you should allow yourself the flexibility to give an appropriate amount at the end of the trip if the experience warrants it. Particularly for charters of twenty-four meters or more with a professional crew, this consideration is an essential part of realistic preparation.
Global Yacht Charter assists clients in understanding the breakdown of costs, APA, VAT and tips, so that the budget is better aligned with the itinerary, preferences and on-board activities. This helps you to organise the financial aspects of your trip with the same care as the trip itself.
Frequently asked questions about tipping on a superyacht charter
How much should I tip for a charter lasting just a few hours?
Even on shorter charters, tipping is usually voluntary and depends on the quality of service received. As the duration is shorter, the focus is primarily on the quality of the welcome, service and execution during that specific voyage.
Do I give the tip directly to individual crew members?
Usually not. In practice, the tip is generally handed to the skipper, who then distributes it amongst the crew. This ensures a neat and discreet arrangement.
Is a higher tip automatically better?
No. An appropriate tip is a gesture of appreciation that is commensurate with your experience on board. It is less about a fixed maximum and more about what you consider reasonable and appropriate given the standard of the charter.
