GUIDANCE ON GRATUITYThere is a bit of a grey area when it comes to tipping the crew and tips are always made at the charterer’s discretion based on the service they have received. It is customary to tip your crew at the end of your charter so below you’ll find some advice on how much to tip your charter crew.

WHAT IS THE ACCEPTED AMOUNT TO TIP?Gratuities are left solely at the charterer’s discretion. We generally suggest to all charterers that a gratuity calculated between 5% and 15% of the contracted gross charter fee only is appropriate if the crew has given excellent service. However, it is important to understand that a Charterer is under no obligation to leave a gratuity and at no time should a gratuity be solicited, either verbally or in written form when settling the final account.

ARE THERE ANY OFFICIAL GUIDELINES?The Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) issued a tipping policy guidelines that listed 5-15 per cent as the customary range. These guidelines have taken hold as the accepted norm and also provide a charterer with a reference point beforehand. If your charter was signed with the MYBA charter agreement, the crew and charterer know what is expected.

IS THERE A TIPPING ETIQUETTE?It is customary for any tipping to take place at the end of the charter and to be presented to the captain for him/her to divide the amount amongst the crew. Some guests may feel the need to tip individually, particularly if they have been taken with their stewardess, though it is important to resist and remember that deck crew will be more visible and although the engineers are out of sight, they too work hard behind the scenes to ensure the yacht is running smoothly.

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