Frequently Asked Questions

Nope! While many charters are priced by the week, we offer flexible options for shorter trips. Just let us know what works best for you, and we’ll tailor the experience to your schedule. Most yachts require a 5 night minimum.

No need to shop around—we offer the same rates as booking directly, with personalized service and expert advice. Plus, we’ll keep you in the loop on any specials being offered by the yacht.

Yes, we work with clients from all over the world! While many of our charters take place in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and British Virgin Islands (BVI), we also book luxury crewed yacht charters in destinations around the globe including the Bahamas, Greece, and abroad. No matter where you’re coming from—or where you want to go—we’re here to help you plan the perfect charter experience.

Most sailing catamarans are all inclusive, especially in the US and British Virgin Islands, while the power yachts are a base charter fee, plus expenses. Not included on any charter is the customary crew gratuity of 15-20% of the charter fee. We’ll provide a clear breakdown upfront—no surprises.

Once you’ve chosen your yacht and finalized the details, we’ll provide a clear payment schedule. If we are more than 6 months out from your charter dates, a deposit of 25% is due at the time of booking to secure your charter. The next 25% is due 6 months before the trip, and the remaining balance of 50% is due 60 days prior to the charter dates. This is outlined on the agreement and we will send you reminders. Payments are made by bank transfer for security and ease, but we’re happy to discuss other options if needed.

The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is used for most power yachts and covers extras like fuel, dockage, and special provisions. It’s essentially a fund for all things running the vessel such as fuel, customs fees, requested dockage, etc. Any unused balance is refunded at the end or can be put towards the crew gratuity.

A tip of 15-20% of the charter cost is standard for excellent service. This is given to the captain at the end of the week and they will split it evenly with the crew.

With over 20 years of living and working in the Caribbean, Lauren brings firsthand knowledge you won’t find elsewhere. She’s not just familiar with the islands—she’s cruised them extensively by sailboat and luxury yacht, getting to know the hidden gems, local favorites, and secret anchorages that most visitors never discover. When you book with CYI Charters, you’re not just getting a trip—you’re tapping into decades of true island expertise.

We anticipate the details you might not think of—whether it’s planning around weather patterns, recommending the best local spots, or ensuring your yacht and crew are the perfect match for your needs. Our goal is to handle the details so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your charter.

Not at all! When you book a crewed yacht charter with CYI Charters, every detail is taken care of by an experienced crew. Your captain, chef, and crew handle everything from navigation to meal preparation—you’re free to relax, explore, and enjoy the journey. Think of it as your own private all-inclusive resort on the water.

A bareboat charter means you sail the yacht yourself (with proper certifications). A crewed charter—our specialty—comes with a full team to take care of everything from navigation to gourmet meals. You relax, we handle the rest.

Travel light: swimsuits, breathable clothing, sunscreen (reef-safe, please!), and soft-sided luggage for easy storage. No shoes required on deck—think barefoot luxury.

Absolutely! We love having little sailors on board. Some yachts will ask that the children be of ‘swimming age’.

Absolutely. Your comfort and enjoyment are our top priorities. Before your trip, we’ll gather details about any dietary restrictions, allergies, or preferences you have—whether it’s gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or specific food allergies. Your personal chef will craft a menu that ensures every meal on board is both delicious and stress-free.

In most areas of the USVI, yes! We’ll let you know if you need a permit based on your destination. Some locations allow catch-and-release only for environmental reasons. Some yachts do not allow fishing from the vessel.

All of our yachts are fully equipped with snorkel gear and water toys. If SCUBA diving is on your wishlist, let us know—we’ll match you with a yacht that offers dive experiences.

We partner exclusively with yachts that meet strict safety and maintenance standards. Each yacht is regularly inspected, so you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.

International maritime law classifies yachts carrying more than 12 passengers as “passenger ships,” which must meet additional safety regulations. If you’re planning for a larger group, we can help you find suitable options.

Not usually! Our yachts, especially catamarans, are built for stability, offering a smooth and comfortable ride. Plus, most charters in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and British Virgin Islands (BVI) sail through protected, calm waters, which naturally reduce the chance of rough seas. If you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend bringing non-drowsy medication just in case—better to have it and not need it.

We strongly recommend it. Travel insurance protects you from unexpected cancellations, delays, or emergencies—better safe than sorry.

That depends on your destination. We’ll help guide you through the best routes and arrival options when you book. If you are coming to the US Virgin Islands, fly into STT. If you are chartering in the British Virgin Islands, you can fly into EIS directly, or fly into STT and take a passenger ferry or private water taxi to meet your yacht. We can assist you with the logistics.

Your boarding location will be confirmed during the booking process, typically at a convenient marina in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) or British Virgin Islands (BVI). We’ll provide all the details at the time of booking, including clear directions and any special instructions. Our goal is to make your arrival as smooth and stress-free as possible.

It depends on your location and service provider. Most plans offer a daily international plan option and many yachts offer Wi-Fi/Starlink for your convenience.

You’ll have access to all necessary emergency contact details, and many of our yachts are equipped with satellite phones and Starlink for peace of mind.