Questions to Ask Your Charter Broker

Whether you’re planning your first luxury vacation aboard a superyacht, or you’ve been chartering for years, your broker will take care of all the little details for you. They’ll help find the perfect boat for your trip; will ask questions on your behalf and even give you tips about the best places to see whilst visiting your chosen destination. Your broker’s expertise and insider knowledge will be invaluable in helping you create the perfect superyacht vacation, so finding just the right broker is definitely the key to a fabulous charter experience. Here are our top questions to ask your charter broker before booking to ensure your next charter is your best yet.

1) What type of boat should I charter?

If you’re unsure whether you’d prefer a luxury charter aboard an elegant sailing yacht or a chic motor yacht, your charter broker is here to help. Just give them all the details about your party including age range, interests and any specific accommodation requests and they will be able to offer a selection of yachts which best suit your requirements.

2) Have you been onboard the yachts you have selected for us?

Ideally, your broker will have been onboard all the yachts they select and will have inspected them firsthand in order to be able to give you as much information about the boats as possible.

3) What details can you give me about my chosen yacht that I won’t find in the brochure?

Your broker will have the very latest information about the yacht, the crew and all the latest features available onboard, so this is a great way to know as much as possible about your charter before stepping aboard.

4) How far ahead should I book my charter?

Your yacht broker can of course help you arrange a charter at a moment’s notice, but if you’re planning to reserve a particular yacht or have specific dates in mind, they will be able to advise you about when best to book to avoid disappointment.

5) How do I reserve a yacht?

The procedure for booking a superyacht is a little complicated, but your broker will be there every step of the way. They will go through the Yacht Charter Contract with you and explain any terms which may be unfamiliar to make sure you’re entirely satisfied with your final reservation.

6) How can I reach you during my charter?

We do our utmost to ensure that your superyacht charter runs smoothly. Your captain and crew will be on-hand both day and night to look after you while you’re on board. But if you have any questions or additional requirements, your broker will be available by both email and telephone for total peace of mind.

7) Have you already visited my chosen destination?

Brokers spend a lot of time researching the top charter destinations both online and in person. So they’re extremely well-placed to tell you all about your chosen location and when is the best time of year to visit. If you have any questions about the best season to cruise the Caribbean or the French Riviera, your broker is your first port of call.

8) Can you suggest a tailor-made itinerary for me?

If you really want to make the most out of your charter, a tailor-made itinerary is definitely the way to go. Thanks to their expert knowledge of your destination, your charter broker will be able to create a bespoke package for you and your party to ensure that you really make the most of your time onboard.

9) Can you recommend places of interest/restaurants/bars to check out in my chosen destination?

Similarly, your broker will also know the local hotspots and must-sees at your chosen location. They will be able to recommend the very best restaurants in town, where to find the most exclusive bars and clubs and can also suggest day trips to explore the hidden gems in and around your charter destination.

10) What exactly is a yacht preference sheet?

Once you choose a superyacht and pick your destination, the next step is for your broker to send you a yacht preference sheet. This detailed questionnaire covers everything from your food and beverage preferences, special events you may wish to celebrate while you’re on board and any medical conditions you or your party may have. Once you send back the completed preference sheet, your broker will ensure that your yacht is perfectly prepared for your stay according to your specific requirements.

11) Do you provide an onboard concierge service?

Once you’re onboard your superyacht, you’ll want to spend your time relaxing with your family and friends. So to make sure that your charter is smooth sailing all the way, we offer an onboard concierge service. We can reserve tables at the hottest restaurants in town, organise excursions, book tickets to all the top events worldwide or arrange a luxurious hotel stay should you wish to follow your charter with an on-shore experience. Just say the word, and we’ll make sure that your wish is our command.

12) Can you tell me more about the crew onboard my chosen superyacht?

The superyacht crew is onboard to anticipate your every requirement during your charter, but many of our crew members also have a specific skill set which may be of interest to you while you’re cruising. Your charter broker can organise for a yoga or diving instructor to be onboard during your trip and can inform you whether your boat has a certified child-minder or a masseuse/esthetician amongst the crew members. Just let them know your requirements and the broker will take care of the rest.

13) How much should I tip them at the end of the charter?

Tipping the superyacht crew after a successful charter is of course at your discretion but it is customary if you are satisfied with your superyacht experience. Your broker will be able to advise you about the established gratuity range and can even distribute the tip to the crew on your behalf if you prefer.