Northern Europe Yacht Charter

We curate charter experiences across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, East Coast USA, South East Asia, Indian Ocean, and more. Each destination offers unique experiences, from pristine beaches to historic sailing grounds.

Charter rates typically include the vessel, professional crew, and basic provisioning. Additional services such as watersports equipment, gourmet catering, and special experiences can be arranged for an additional fee (APA).

Luxury yacht charters are priced per yacht per week, not per person, so the rate depends on length, age, crew numbers and season rather than on how many guests travel. Mediterranean high season runs late June to early September and Caribbean high season from December to March, when rates are at their highest. Every yacht on our charter fleet shows its current weekly rate, and our charter pricing page sets out the weekly rate bands by yacht size.

The Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA, is an advance paid on top of the base charter rate, typically 25 to 35 per cent of it. It covers fuel, food and beverages, berthing and port fees, and any watersports or excursions you request. Your captain accounts for it against receipts during the charter, unused funds are refunded at the end, and any overspend is invoiced.

No. Charter rates are normally quoted excluding VAT, which depends on where you embark and cruise, and excluding the crew gratuity. Gratuity is discretionary and typically five to ten per cent of the base charter fee, given at the end of the charter and shared across the crew.

Most crewed luxury charter yachts carry six to twelve guests in three to six cabins, and larger yachts in the fleet carry more. Commercially coded yachts are limited to twelve guests for charter regardless of cabin count, which is why the guest figure on each listing is the number to plan around.

Peak season (summer in the Mediterranean, winter in the Caribbean) fills quickly, so we recommend booking 6-12 months in advance. However, last-minute availability can often be arranged.

Yes. We arrange walkthroughs or virtual tours for charter clients. Our brokers will explain the yacht's layout, amenities, and crew to ensure it's the right fit for your group.

Cancellation terms are set out in your charter agreement and vary by yacht and timing. We always recommend travel insurance. Our team will work with you to reschedule where possible and minimise any costs involved.

Yes. Charter clients return to us for repeat bookings and new destinations year after year. We're always on hand to help plan your next voyage.

Charter planning assistance at Nicholson Yachting covers the whole charter, not just the booking: brief, destination and dates, yacht shortlist, contract, crew preference sheets, itinerary and daily logistics. Brokers in London, Monaco and Fort Lauderdale have planned crewed charters since 1949, working from roughly 1,700 charter yachts and 85 destination guides. The sequence runs: agree the brief covering guest numbers and ages, dates, cruising area, budget and must-haves; choose area and season, since Mediterranean high season is late June to early September and Caribbean high season runs December to March; shortlist yachts that fit the party, crew ratio and budget; place a hold and sign the MYBA charter agreement with deposit and an Advance Provisioning Allowance of 25-35%; return the crew preference sheet covering dietary needs, allergies, activities and children; confirm the itinerary and berth bookings for busy weeks; then hold a pre-charter briefing before joining. Charter enquiries: mike@nicholsonyachting.com, +44 7815 137 135.