Question 1

How do I book a yacht with KeyStar Yachts?

Accepted Answer

Booking your yacht charter with KeyStar Yachts is simple. Tell us what you are looking for: Contact us with your preferred dates, destination, number of guests and any particular requirements or preferences. We find the right yacht: Our team will recommend yachts that match your requirements, taking into account the yacht, crew, accommodation, itinerary, facilities and overall charter experience. Receive your proposal: We will provide you with a detailed charter proposal setting out the yacht, dates, location, charter rate, what is included and any additional costs such as APA or taxes where applicable. Confirm your yacht: Once you have selected your yacht, we will prepare the appropriate charter agreement for your review and signature. Secure your booking: The required deposit is paid to secure the yacht and your charter dates. Payment schedules vary depending on the yacht and charter agreement. Plan your experience: Once your booking is confirmed, we will work with you and the captain and crew to plan your itinerary, menus, activities, transfers, special occasions and other preferences. Our objective is to make the entire process as seamless as possible, from your first enquiry through to stepping aboard.

Question 2

What is included in a yacht charter?

Accepted Answer

What is included depends on the individual yacht and the terms of the charter. Typically, the charter fee includes: Use of the yacht for the agreed charter period. Professional captain and crew. Accommodation on board. Standard yacht equipment. Water toys and equipment specified by the yacht. Standard onboard services Some yachts are offered on an all-inclusive basis, while others operate on a plus expenses basis, where variable costs are handled through an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). We will always explain exactly what is included in your quotation before you book.

Question 3

What does "all-inclusive" mean?

Accepted Answer

An all-inclusive charter means that many of the normal day-to-day charter expenses are already included in the advertised charter price. Depending on the yacht and destination, this can include: Accommodation. Captain and crew. Meals. Standard beverages. Cruising fuel. Standard water sports. Mooring or marina fees. Other specified operating costs The exact inclusions vary between yachts, so KeyStar Yachts will provide a clear breakdown of what is included before you confirm your booking.

Question 4

Is an all-inclusive charter completely "all-inclusive"?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Certain items may remain outside the all-inclusive price, depending on the yacht and charter agreement. These can include premium alcoholic beverages, special activities, scuba diving, transfers, certain marina or cruising fees, taxes, special provisioning or crew gratuity. We will clearly identify any exclusions before you book so there are no surprises.

Question 5

What is an APA?

Accepted Answer

APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. On a "plus expenses" charter, the APA is an advance fund used to pay for variable expenses incurred during your charter. Think of it as your yacht's onboard expense account. Rather than charging you separately every time the yacht buys fuel, provisions or pays a marina fee, the captain uses the APA to settle these expenses on your behalf. APA commonly covers expenses such as: Fuel for the yacht. Fuel for tenders and water toys. Food and provisions. Beverages. Marina, berthing and mooring fees. Port and harbour charges. Certain local cruising costs. Communications and other agreed expenses. Special requests made during the charter The precise expenses covered by the APA are defined in your charter agreement.

Question 6

Is the APA an additional fee?

Accepted Answer

No. The APA is not a commission or an additional charge retained by KeyStar Yachts. It is an advance payment against the expenses actually incurred during your charter. The captain keeps an account of expenditure throughout the trip, and the final account is reconciled at the end of the charter.

Question 7

How much is the APA?

Accepted Answer

The APA varies depending on the yacht, destination, itinerary and your personal requirements. For many traditional yacht charters, the APA is commonly estimated as a percentage of the charter fee, often around 20–35%, although the actual amount can be higher or lower depending on the circumstances. For example: Charter fee $60,000. Estimated APA $18,000. Initial amount $78,000

Question 8

What happens if I don't use all of my APA?

Accepted Answer

Any unused APA balance is normally returned to you after the final charter accounts have been reconciled, subject to the terms of your charter agreement. For example: APA paid $18,000. Actual expenses $14,500. Balance returned $3,500

Question 9

What happens if I spend more than my APA?

Accepted Answer

If your actual expenses exceed the initial APA, the captain or charter manager will advise you and an additional payment may be required. This can happen if you significantly change your itinerary, travel greater distances, request additional provisioning or choose higher-cost restaurants, marinas, beverages or activities.

Question 10

Can I control how my APA is spent?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Before your charter, you will complete a preference sheet detailing your food, beverages, dietary requirements, preferred wines and spirits, activities and other requirements. You can also discuss your itinerary and spending preferences with the captain. The purpose of the APA is to allow the yacht to provide exactly the experience you want, rather than charging you a fixed amount based on somebody else's assumptions.

Question 11

Does APA include the crew gratuity?

Accepted Answer

Crew gratuity is normally separate from the APA and is at the charterer's discretion, subject to the applicable charter agreement and local convention. Your KeyStar Yachts charter manager will explain the customary arrangements for your chosen yacht and destination.

Question 12

Can I choose my own itinerary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your itinerary can normally be tailored around your interests, subject to the yacht's cruising area, weather, local regulations and the captain's assessment of safe navigation. You might want to spend your days exploring secluded bays, visiting beach clubs and restaurants, enjoying water sports or simply relaxing on board. The captain will work with you to create an itinerary that maximises your time on the water.

Question 13

Can I change my itinerary during the charter?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. One of the great advantages of a private yacht charter is flexibility. You can discuss changes with your captain during the charter, subject to weather, safety, cruising restrictions, availability and additional costs. Any additional expenses will normally be charged against your APA where applicable.

Question 14

Can I request specific food and drinks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Before your charter, we will ask you to complete a preference sheet covering your favourite foods, dietary requirements, children's requirements, drinks and other provisioning preferences. Your chef and crew can then prepare the yacht according to your requirements before you arrive.

Question 15

Can I celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Tell us what you are celebrating and we can help arrange everything from a special dinner and birthday cake to flowers, decorations, champagne, entertainment or a private restaurant reservation.

Question 16

Can children come on a yacht charter?

Accepted Answer

Many yachts are ideal for families, although suitability varies between yachts. We can recommend yachts based on the ages of your children, cabin arrangements, safety requirements and the activities you would like to enjoy.

Question 17

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

Pet policies vary from yacht to yacht. Please tell us about your pet when making your enquiry and we will identify suitable yachts and confirm the applicable conditions.

Question 18

What information do you need from me before the charter?

Accepted Answer

Once your booking is confirmed, we will normally require: Guest names and passport details. Arrival and departure information. Dietary requirements. Food and beverage preferences. Preferred itinerary. Special occasions. Water sports and activities. Transfers and transportation requirements. Any medical or mobility considerations relevant to the yacht The information is used to allow the crew to prepare the yacht and your experience before you arrive.

Question 19

When should I book my yacht?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for peak-season dates and popular destinations. However, last-minute charters are sometimes available and KeyStar Yachts can check current availability for you.

Question 20

Can KeyStar arrange flights and transfers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Where requested, we can assist with arranging airport transfers, private cars, helicopters, hotels and other elements of your journey, subject to availability.

Question 21

How do I pay for my charter?

Accepted Answer

Payment arrangements depend on the yacht and charter agreement. Typically, an initial deposit is required to secure the booking, with the remaining charter fee payable before the start of the charter. The exact payment schedule will be stated in your charter agreement.

Question 22

What happens if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation terms vary depending on the yacht, destination and charter contract. Your charter agreement will clearly set out the applicable cancellation provisions and any amounts that may be retained or refunded. We recommend taking appropriate travel and charter cancellation insurance.

Question 23

Why should I book through KeyStar Yachts?

Accepted Answer

KeyStar Yachts provides a personalised yacht charter service designed around you. Rather than simply presenting a list of yachts, we help you select the right yacht, crew and destination for your particular requirements. We can assist with: Yacht selection. Charter dates and availability. Itinerary planning. Onboard provisioning. Special occasions. Restaurants and beach clubs. Water sports and activities. Airport transfers. Hotels and travel arrangements. Pre-charter planning. Support throughout your charter Our goal is simple: You enjoy the yacht. We take care of the details.

Question 24

How do I start?

Accepted Answer

Simply contact KeyStar Yachts with your preferred: Dates | Destination | Number of guests | Budget | Requirements We will take it from there and present you with the best available options for your charter.

Charter Frequently Asked Questions

Booking Your Yacht Charter