Tipping Crew on Luxury Yacht Charters in the BVI Etiquette

How Do I Decide the Amount To Give?

Specifically, tipping a luxury yacht charter is an important part of the chartering process, and can vary greatly based on the location.

• Local custom – the expected tip changes from the Mediterranean (we recommend 10-15%, but it’s not as hardline as elsewhere, similar to European tipping culture on land) to the Caribbean (a US model that expects 15-20% as a baseline)
• Your satisfaction – Were you happy with the charter?
• Contractual outlines – We see that many charters will stipulate the tip amount in the contract itself, or in the conditions.

But Why?

This can be difficult to understand, if the charge is optional, but included in the contract itself. Essentially, tipping always comes down to the guest, but it is a significant way of thanking the crew for their hard work and dedication. The crew you have are working tirelessly, day and night, to make sure your trip is seamless and enjoyable. This takes 24 hour attention to detail, and a seasoned crew knows this.

Examples of Crew Exceeding Expectations

What The Tip Is ‘Paying’ For

You might expect that these workers are paid a salary, and this is true. But you can picture that as the base remuneration, with the tip defining the quality of work put into your charter. This includes:

• Expert provisioning that starts long before you board
• Route planning, tailored directly to your needs.
• Incredible service, at your request throughout the journey
• Fun and engaging people that ‘make’ the charter

Once on board, they are the ones who make your charter go from routine to outstanding. These professionals are not just your GPS, they are your private service team, with every single element considered. Even the most luxurious vessel can be ruined by lacklustre service.

What If Something Goes Wrong on My Luxury Charter?

Tip anything less than 15% in the BVI, and you are signalling that something has gone wrong, or you are unsatisfied with the charter. It’s important that the crew make you comfortable and adhere to the contractual agreements, but beyond that, if there is a level you were expecting and didn’t get, always discuss this with the senior staff during the charter.

“If you aren’t enjoying the service during the charter, you should first speak to the Captain or reach out to your broker. We can’t fix things if we don’t know they are happening. It’s very difficult to get a refund if you wait until the end of the week to complain. If you are unhappy, vote with your tip—lower the amount.”

How To Deliver Your Tip

In practical terms, the tip is most often paid as a lump sum at the end of the trip.

• Cash is king. Louis elaborates: “The crews typically prefer cash as their main method. The tip is paid directly to the crew at the end of the charter.” They can then divide it then and there.
• Venmo and PayPal can also be used, but it is recommended to ask whether this is a possibility before boarding.
• You may also be able to use any remaining APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) to supplement the tip.

Everyone cuts in: You are certainly able to tip individuals specifically, but the most common practice involves a lump sum given to the captain and divided evenly amongst the crew.

What the Tip Means To The Crew

Tipping is an important aspect of Caribbean and BVI yacht charter, and provides strong motivation for the crew in making the charter as excellent as it can be, as Louis explains. “It is a massive part of their income. In the Caribbean, the gratuity is what makes crews push very hard for that extra level of service. They probably double their wages, or more, with tips. It’s a huge incentive.”

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